Piraeus Port 2025 Guide

Is Piraeus Worth Seeing?

Key Takeaways:

Piraeus Map:

Athens Airport to Piraeus Port

Can Foreigners Rent in Greece?

How Much are Rents in Greece?

Piraeus Rent Studio

Port

Conclusion

Located just 10 kilometers southwest of Athens city centre, this bustling port serves millions of travellers each year as the main gateway to the Greek islands. Piraeus Port is the largest seaport in Greece and one of the most important transportation hubs in the Mediterranean. In 2024 Elstat the (Greek Statistical Authority) reported that tourist arrivals in September-24 amounted to 5,024,857 million. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about navigating Piraeus, from transportation options to nearby attractions and practical tips for a stress-free experience.

This historic port city offers authentic Greek experiences that many tourists miss. The charming Mikrolimano and Pasalimani marinas showcase traditional fishing boats alongside modern yachts and excellent seafood restaurants serving fresh catches.

The Archaeological Museum of Piraeus houses impressive ancient Greek sculptures, including the famous bronze statues found in the harbour. For spectacular views, visit Profitis Ilias Hill or stroll along the coastal promenade of Piraiki.

With its vibrant local markets, neoclassical architecture, and fewer crowds than central Athens, Piraeus rewards visitors with a genuine slice of Greek daily life that can be explored in just a few hours before catching your ferry.

The central district surrounds Korai Square, where you'll find the impressive Municipal Theater and main shopping streets. To the east lies Pasalimani (Zea Marina), an upscale area filled with cafés and restaurants along its yacht-filled harbor.

Key landmarks to mark on your map include the Archaeological Museum on Charilaou Trikoupi Street, and the pedestrianised shopping area of Sotiros Dios Street. The coastline of Piraiki peninsula to the south provides beautiful walking routes with sea views.

The Port complex consists of three main terminals (A, B, and C) spread across a large area. Terminal A (Gate E1) primarily serves the Saronic Gulf islands, Terminal B (Gates E2, E3) connects to the Cyclades and Dodecanese, while Terminal C (Gates E6-E9) serves Crete and the northeastern Aegean islands. The central passenger terminal contains ticket offices, shops, restaurants, and tourist information.

The most convenient method is the direct X96 express bus, which operates 24/7, takes approximately 60-90 minutes depending on traffic, and costs €6 per person in 2025. For faster travel, the metro provides connections with one transfer - take Line 3 (Blue Line) from the airport to Monastiraki station, then change to Line 1 (Green Line) to Piraeus.

This journey takes about 75 minutes and costs €10. Taxis offer the most comfortable option, with fixed rates around €55-65 during daytime and slightly higher at night.

Foreigners can absolutely rent property in Greece, requiring only a valid passport and tax registration number (AFM), which you can obtain at any tax office with your passport and a local address. Non-EU citizens may need to show proof of legal stay in Greece, such as a residence permit or visa. Most landlords request a security deposit (typically 1-2 months' rent) and prefer 12-month lease agreements, though shorter terms are available in tourist areas. Digital nomads and remote workers benefit from Greece's special visa programs that make long-term renting even easier.

Rental prices in Greece vary significantly based on location, property size, and amenities. In Athens, the capital city, for rent expect to pay €350-500 monthly for a studio apartment, €450-700 for a one-bedroom, and €650-1,000 for a two-bedroom apartment in 2025. Island destinations have two distinct pricing seasons - winter rates drop by 40-60% compared to summer prices. Utilities generally aren't included in rental prices, adding approximately €80-150 monthly depending on the season. Long-term leases often come with better rates, and negotiating directly with owners rather than agencies can save you 5-10% on listed prices.

In 2025, studio apartments in Piraeus typically cost €300-450 per month for long-term rentals, depending on the neighborhood and condition. Areas near the port tend to be more affordable, while the upscale districts of Kastella and Pasalimani command premium prices. Most studios range from 25-40 square meters and come partially furnished with basic kitchen amenities. Utilities usually cost an additional €50-80 monthly. Popular platforms for finding studio rentals include Spitogatos and XE.

The Port of Piraeus stands as Greece's largest harbour and the Mediterranean's busiest passenger transit point, serving as the primary gateway to over 100 Greek islands. In 2025, the port handles approximately 20 million passengers annually across its three main terminals. Each terminal offers essential amenities including ticket offices, waiting areas, cafés, luggage storage, and tourist information points. The port is well-connected to Athens city center via metro Line 1 (Green Line), with trains departing every 10 minutes during peak hours. For island-hoppers, purchasing ferry tickets 1-2 days in advance is recommended during summer, while winter travelers can often buy tickets on departure day.

Piraeus offers travelers much more than just a transit point for island hopping in 2025. This vibrant city combines authentic Greek experiences with practical conveniences for visitors. Whether you're enjoying fresh seafood at Mikrolimano, exploring the local neighborhoods, or simply passing through on your way to the islands, the area provides excellent accessibility with multiple transportation options from Athens Airport. For those considering a longer stay, the rental market welcomes foreigners with straightforward procedures and competitive prices compared to the capital. From budget-friendly studio apartments to strategic location advantages, the port balances affordability with convenience. As both the country's maritime heart and a destination in its own right, this coastal hub deserves consideration in your travel plans, whether for a few hours of exploration or as a base for your Aegean adventures.

• Piraeus Port is Greece's main island gateway with three terminals and multiple transportation options from Athens Airport.

• The area offers attractions beyond transit, including Mikrolimano marina, the Archaeological Museum, and local markets.

• Foreigners need only a passport and tax number to rent in Greece, with Piraeus studios averaging €300-450 monthly.

Sources:

• Hellenic Statistical Authority. (n.d.). [Title of the document, if available]. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.statistics.gr/documents/20181/82e0b685-b32f-d15f-d154-ead4e5e8d25a

• Athens Airport Bus. (n.d.). Athens airport bus service. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.athensairportbus.com/

• Spitogatos. (n.d.). Homes for rent in Athens center. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.spitogatos.gr/en/to_rent-homes/athens-center

• XE.gr. (n.d.). Properties for rent in Piraeus. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.xe.gr/en/property/r/property-to-rent/ChIJRzGst-u7oRQR9_0w_5XaINg_pireas

• Piraeus Port Authority (PPA). (2024, February 19). PPA S.A. – Port of Piraeus honored as ferry shipping port of the year 2024. Retrieved March 11, 2025, from https://www.olp.gr/en/news/press-releases/item/14347-ppa-s-a-port-of-piraeus-honored-as-ferry-shipping-port-of-the-year-2024

Source: ELSTAT