Piraeus: Tours and Guided Visits

Piraeus is considered the chief port of Greece, where all boats convene between Athens and the other Greek islands. The inlet is ranked as the fifth largest passenger port in Europe and sees over 4 million commuters a year.

As the center of the country’s maritime trade, Piraeus tours will allow you to experience a thriving coastal shopping district. The little city contains smaller individual harbors as well as beautiful hilly overlooks.

Where is Piraeus located?

Piraeus is located on the east coast of the Saronic Gulf and is a little over 10 kilometers south of the capital city. One of the best sightseeing tours in Athens, Piraeus, along its neighboring suburbs, makes up the regional port area.

You’ll find transportation to Piraeus to be a simple undertaking, as it's only a 15-minute car ride from Athens. Public transportation by bus or train is also an option, but will take between 30 minutes to an hour of your time.

Upon arriving in Piraeus, there is much to do, so sightseeing with a professional guide is the best way to take in all the area has to offer. Along with the charm of the marina, a trip to Piraeus promises one-of-a-kind sunsets atop picturesque hills.

What are the best things to do in Piraeus?

Piraeus has been considered the main seaport of Greece since antiquity. The harbor contains three natural ports where ships of all sizes come and go. Aside from its maritime use, Piraeus is filled with shops, restaurants and scenic overlooks.

Mikrolimano

A bright and colorful oval-shaped inlet makes up the Mikrolimano little port of Piraeus, dedicated to the goddess Artemis. Vibrant homes overlook a harbor filled with yachts where wealthy travelers stop by to enjoy the scenery.

Mikrolimano is known for its seafood, where old shipping sheds have been converted into dozens of restaurants.

Marina Zeas

A smaller natural marina of Piraeus, Marina Zeas, also known as Pasalimani, was once the biggest military port in Athens. The area is filled with exciting restaurants, bars, cafes and shops to explore.

Marina Zeas also features ample opportunities to sightsee, so don’t forget to check out the Hellenic Maritime Museum, the Archeological Museum of Piraeus and the Clock Tower of Zea on your trip.

Peiraiki

Nothing is more Greek than basking in a sunset overlooking the water and a walk down the coastline of Peiraiki will provide just that. Grab a glass of wine and a Greek salad, while you watch the ships head to the port of Piraeus.

Kastella Hill

While on a tour in Piraeus, you won’t be able to miss the patchwork of colorful homes that scatter Kastella Hill. The apartments offer stunning views of the crystal blue inlet, where tourists and locals enjoy delicious seafood.

Journey to the top of the hill where you’ll find the church of Profitis Ilias and the Veakio amphitheater, home to a summer concert series.

What are the best tours to visit Piraeus?

There are many tours to choose from when planning a trip to Piraeus. Some excursions offer hop-on hop-off bus tours in Athens, whereas others include a deep dive into the coastal waterways.

​​Hop-on hop-off bus tours in Piraeus

Many of the Athens bus tours include stops in Piraeus, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore the port with the ease of reliable transportation. Most hop-on hop-off Piraeus bus tours will include a visit to the yacht marina at Pasalimani and the ancient harbor of Mikrolimano.

Bus tours allow you to explore at your own leisure, and many offer four different bus lines to choose from.

Private tour in Piraeus

A private tour in Piraeus presents a more intimate opportunity to learn about the port city of Athens. With a personal guide and customizable itinerary, there are endless opportunities to investigate the coastal town.

Most private tours will include a traditional Greek meal, as well as exclusive transportation on your sightseeing adventure. Others will offer entry to all the major landmarks in Piraeus.

Walking tour in Piraeus

If choosing your own adventure sounds like a dream vacation, then a self-guided walking tour in Athens is the way to go for you see Piraeus. On this excursion, you’ll be provided with an audio guide as you journey to seven of the city’s top sights.

Although the tour can be completed in an hour, you’ll have all the time in the world to explore at your leisure.

Shore excursions from Piraeus

Are you arriving in Piraeus by boat? Take a day-long shore excursion to Athens and tick off all the highlights of the city. See the ancient Acropolis and experience the traditional neighborhood of Plaka and the famous Monastiraki market.

Choose between group and private sightseeing tours to make the most of your stopover in Athens.

Scuba diving tours from Piraeus

While in Piraeus, take a trip on the wild side and opt for a scuba diving tour in Athens. These excursions provide diving certifications while you simultaneously examine the ancient Grecian waters. After receiving your certification, you’ll be able to embark on four separate dives at a maximum depth of 18 meters.

There is no better way to immerse yourself in Mediterranean culture than by taking a plunge into the Piraeus port.

How much do Piraeus tours cost?

Hop-on hop-off bus tours of Piraeus are very reasonably priced, offering one-day excursions for around €10 per person. Two-day tours start at around €20 per person, whereas three-day tours will cap at €40 per person.

A private tour of Piraeus begins at about €70 per person for a half-day excursion on an air-conditioned vehicle with stops at the major landmarks. Other tours could reach upwards of €200 per person, but will allow for skip-the-line access to key monuments.

If you’re looking to save some money, a walking tour of Piraeus is the most economical option. Most will cost less than €10 per person and will provide map instructions and an audio guide for the jaunt to Piraeus.

For a diving tour of the Piraeus port, you’ll pay around €500 per person, but you’ll leave with an official open-water diver certification.

How much does a transfer from/to Piraeus cost?

Transfers between Piraeus and Athens cost around €60 for up to three passengers and €90 for up to six passengers.

Where does it start?

Bus tours of Piraeus generally start in Athens and will often meet in the center of the city near the Acropolis. Private tours will offer pickup at your hotel or any other desired location, and will also provide drop-off at the end of the day.

Walking tours will typically begin at Piraeus Port Authority, whereas for diving tours, you’ll need to meet your professional guide at the tip of the peninsula in Piraeus.

When is the best time to visit Piraeus?

The best time to visit Piraeus and Athens is late spring, early summer and early fall. Although you can technically vacation at any point in the warm months, by August, temperatures will rise and most locals will have gone on holiday.

Despite the cheaper prices and smaller crowds, visiting Piraeus in the winter is not advised, as temperatures can sometimes reach lows of -20 degrees Celsius.

What are the other sightseeing tours in Athens?

• Hop on Hop off Bus Tours in Athens
• Walking tours in Athens
• City Tours in Athens
• Plaka Tours
• Street Art Tours in Athens
• Segway Tours in Athens

Travel tips

• Piraeus is known for its stunning harbor views, so make sure to bring a camera along to snap photos of your adventures!
• Greece in the summer months is a sunny paradise, but with rising temperatures, sunscreen is a must.
• Some tours include entry fees to monuments and museums, but others do not. Check the tour description thoroughly before booking.
• In Greece, it is customary to tip between 10% and 15% when service is appreciated.