Athens, Greece

Known as the living museum, Athens is a cultural powerhouse and a modern metropolis, attracting millions of travelers with its ancient ruins and contemporary charm. Famously called the cradle of Western civilization and birthplace of democracy, philosophy, and political science, Athens offers its visitors a mix of ancient history, cultural depth, and modern vibrancy. Athens is situated in the southern part of Greece within the region of Attica. It sits between the Aegean Sea to the east, surrounded by mountains, approximately 5 miles away from the main port, Piraeus. The capital of Greece, a world-famous cruising destination, has one of the largest and busiest ports in Europe. From the historic landmarks like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Plaka district, Mikrolimano Marina, a charming waterfront with seafood restaurants, an ancient artifact museum called the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus, to scenic and neoclassical architecture at Kastella Hill, Athens tops the list of top cruising destinations in the world. Let's explore a few attractions and activities the city is known for.

Athens's Top Attractions and Activities

Acropolis of Athens

An ancient citadel situated on a rocky hill 156 meters above sea level. Built back in the 5th century BCE, this stunning architecture was the spiritual and cultural center of ancient Athens, dedicated to Athena, the patron goddess. The Acropolis of Athens is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and travelers visit this monument to witness the precision and grandeur of ancient Greek architecture, cultural & historical immersions, and panoramic views of Athens. Here, explore the massive Doric temple and its sculptural details of the Parthenon, admire the caryatids, and learn about ancient religious rituals at Erechtheion, or go for a guided tour offering deep historical insights.

Herodeon

A living monument built in 161 AD by a Roman aristocrat, Herodes Atticus, the present-day Herodeon is a stunning open-air stone theater located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis. Considered one of the best-preserved ancient theaters in the world, travelers visiting here can experience live performances featuring ballets, operas, concerts, and ancient Greek dramas, and explore and learn about the cultural & historical aspects of the monument. Evening performances are the best time to be present, offering breathtaking ambiance and a stunning backdrop.

Temple of Olympian Zeus

Witness the marvelous, awe-inspiring ruins; walk among colossal marble columns of the largest temples in this ancient world; enjoy the panoramic views of the Acropolis and Hadrian’s Arch; and feel the peaceful ambiance of this historic landmark. The Temple of Olympian Zeus was built in the 2nd century CE by Roman Emperor Hadrian. Here, go for guided tours of the temple and the nearby attractions, capture some of the dramatic shots and photographs, and relax and enjoy, or go for a picnic in the surrounding green spaces.

National Archaeological Museum

Visiting this museum offers a journey through time, taking travelers through Greek history from 7000 BCE to 500 CE. The National Archaeological Museum is the largest and most important museum in Greece, dedicated to ancient Greek civilization, and houses over 11,000 artifacts. At this museum, witness masterpieces of antiquity like the Mask of Agamemnon, the Antikythera Mechanism, the Bronze statue of Poseidon or Zeus, and the Jockey of Artemision. The museum also hosts interactive exhibits and has a collection of artifacts of Egyptian & Cypriot origin, which include statues, jewelry, and funerary items.

Ancient Agora of Athens

Considered one of the most historically rich and immersive sites in Greece, the Ancient Agora of Athens used to serve as the heart of political, commercial, social, and religious life for over 2,000 years. Here, walk through ruins dating back to the 6th century BCE that include temples, stoas, and civic buildings; explore the best-preserved ancient Greek temple called the Temple of Hephaestus; visit a beautifully preserved church known as the Byzantine Church of the Holy Apostles; and walk on the ancient road, Panathenaic, that once connected Agora to the Acropolis.

The Best Time to Cruise to Athens

The peak season in Athens is during the summer months (June to August), offering a hot and dry climate with minimal rainfall and temperatures ranging from 79°F to 95°F. At this time of year, the city bustles with crowds and has a lively, sun-drenched atmosphere. To witness Athens at its bloom, spring (March to May) is the best time to visit, offering a mild and sunny climate with low rainfall. This time of the year is considered the best time to visit Athens, as the weather is perfect, allowing visitors to explore the city conveniently. The autumn season in the city is from September to November, with a warm and pleasant climate and light rain in November, offering a relaxed vibe with golden sunsets and warm seas. The winters in the city are from December to February, having a mild but wetter climate with occasional frost and snow, perfect for budget travelers and history buffs.