Ports, Athens

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There are three ports that you can you for ferries/boats to the islands, Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio

For Piraeus which is the bigger port get subway (green line) to Piraeus and most of the boats will be there in front of you! In case some of them are further in other piers just ask a local agent. There is a free local bus that goes further to other piers (for exable to the boats that go to Lesvos island etc)
Most cruise ships and ferries use the main central port of Piraeus except easyCruiseOne that use the yacht marina Marina Zeas.

For Rafina you have to take a bus from the beginning of Alexandras avenue (1 hour ride), 5' away from Victoria metro station.The bus ride takes about 60’

For Lavrio you have to take a bus from the beginning of Alexandras avenue (1 hour ride), 5' away from Victoria metro station but the ride takes about 2 hours.

All the ports have many travel agents around selling tickets for all destinations but (especially during high season) its better to book in advance. There many online sites like www.greekferries.gr, from what I've noticed most of them have the same prices

Due to the sale of a couple of ships by Hellenic Seaways, hydrofoil and ferry schedules in the Saronic Gulf (Saronikos) area are changing. This means that previously-printed or posted timetables may not be correct, so check directly.

The affected islands include Aegina, Agistri, Poros, Spetses and Hydra, almost all of them popular stops for tourists. Remaining vessels are expected to add additional times to help cover the routes.

If you're already ticketed, you should be fine though double-checking departure times is never a bad idea, but if you're island-hopping on the fly, there may be different options available that are not listed in existing sources.

http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite2_1_19/07/2012_452940

Taken from a brochure from 'Consolas Travel':

Santorini - One of the most unique islands in the world, since the entire centre of the island is missing and a huge 'caldera' is in its place! Thira is about 8 hours from Pirea. The island has attracted visitors from abroad for centuries, attracted to its exotic natural beauty.

Most significant of these wonders include:
*The crater in the middle of the caldera, where you can have a hot mud bath
*The black and red sand beaches
*The famous sunset view in the village of Ia
*The many picturesque churches

2 days 149 euros

3 days 179 euros

INCLUDED:

* Transfer free to port
* Fast Ferry
* Acc 2-3 bedded rooms with private bath and toilet
* Breakfast/Taxes
* Meet and Transfer on the island

Daily

PIREA - SANTORINI
Dep. 07:25 Arr. 15:10
Dep. 19:00 Arr. 00:10
Tue, Thurs, Sat, Sun

SANTORINI - PIREA
Dep. 15:30 Arr. 23:25
Dep. 00:40 Arr. 05:40
Wed/Thurs, Fri/Sat, Sun/Mon

There is a metro station at Piraeus. Depending on your port location and how much luggage you're carrying, it should be walking distance. If you take a taxi, there will be a port surcharge and surcharge for each piece of luggage, and sometimes the drivers add their own "extras" that you should watch out for. If you don't feel you were ripped off and would still like to tip, then rounding up to the nearest Euro or two is plenty.

There is a metro station at Piraeus. Depending on your port location and how much luggage you're carrying, it should be walking distance. If you take a taxi, there will be a port surcharge and surcharge for each piece of luggage, and sometimes the drivers add their own "extras" that you should watch out for. If you don't feel you were ripped off and would still like to tip, then rounding up to the nearest Euro or two is plenty.

If you are planning to visit the islands of Greece you may have an encounter with the massive Pireaus port. It can be very confusing and entail a good amount of walking. However a metro station is within a few hundred yards of the port (near a walkway bridge) and will take you to any part of Athens you need to go

It is the biggest port of Greece, one of the most important in the Mediterranean Sea. Piraeus has been the port of Athens for more than 2.500 years. You can go from there to most of the islands of the Aegean Sea - also the ports of Rafina, NW of Athens, and Lavrio (see my page about it) function. There are international services to Cyprus and Israel too.
The port is divided in 5 gates (zones), according to the areas of the islands. You can buy your ticket even at the last minute at the numerous travel agents there, but during the summer (especially for the crowded islands) it would be wise to book it earlier...

When we get to Athens we wasnt sure about our plans in Greece. We were sure that we want to go to islands, but again we didnt had any pre-booking for the ferries.
It was quiet easy to get ferry tickets just after our arrive in AThens and already on next day we were on our way to Naxos.
Just make sure that ticket services in Athens work till some 6pm. Dont be late!

Laurio and Rafina port are smaller ports than Piraeus that connect Athens with the Cyclades.About 60 km from the centre of Athens

Piraeus port has been a port for Athens for more than 2000 years(modern port was rebuilt in 1834) connecting with almost every Greek island is one of the busiest shipping centres in Europe