Athens Zea Cruising Itinerary

The Zea Marina is much more than just a place to dock your boat. This 4.7-square-mile facility is the epicenter of everything from coffee shops to bars, cafes, markets and more. Stroll along the waterfront and watch as the sun shimmers off the glistening Bay of Zea. If you’ve got some time, there are also plenty of things to do surrounding city of Piraeus. Get a fascinating glimpse of Grecian history at the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus or the Nautical Museum of Greece; marvel at the massive Church of Saint Nicholas and its beautifully intricate interior; or pull up a chair at a harbor side café and watch as the boats move in and out of the bay.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do around Zea Marina, but if you’re looking to explore the most famous city in all of Greece, it’s definitely recommended that you take the 10-minute drive into Athens. The birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is now a vibrant and modern city that still preserves much of its important past.

Visiting The Acropolis is an absolute must. Take the short walk up to the ancient high city and explore famous historical structures like the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion and the nearby New Acropolis Museum.

If you’re looking to learn more, head over to Museum Mile, a long strip of museums that starts at Syntagma Square and includes the National Archaeological Museum, home world’s finest collection of art and sculpture from Ancient Greece.

Few places showcase the natural beauty and rich history of Greece quite like Cape Sounion. Perched on the towering cliffs of the Attica Peninsula, the area’s biggest attraction is the legendary Temple of Poseidon. Composed of worn white marble, these restored ruins date all the way back to 440 B.C. when the original temple was built to honor the legendary god of the sea. Look close and you might find the mark of George Lord Byron, a famed romantic poet and frequent visitor to Cape Sounion. Nearby are the ruins of the Temple of Athena, goddess of wisdom.

Overlooking the beautiful Saronic Gulf, the views from the Cape are absolutely stunning. Stay and watch the sunset for a photo-worthy finish to your day.

Located at the mouth of the Argolic Gulf, Spetses is a small island touting a colorful collage of tree-dotted peaks, whitewashed villas and bright blue water as far as the eye can see. Here, you can relax and play on Ayia Paraskevi Beach, which is just as picturesque as it is peaceful. About a half-mile south sits Bekiri Cave, an open-air cavern just off the shore. You can easily swim right into the cave and even stand up on the small beach area inside. For a fascinating glimpse into the island’s history, visit Bouboulina’s Museum and learn the story of Laskarina Bouboulina, a female naval commander who led the fight in Greece’s War for independence back in 1821. The beautiful structure the museum sits inside was actually Bouboulina’s home for much of her life.

There are plenty of things to do and see in the old town of Nafplio. Walk to the town square and marvel at Vouleftikon, the immense domed building where the first parliament of the Greek nation met in the early 19th century. Across the square, there’s an Archeological Museum housed in another beautiful Venetian building. Here, you can get an up-close glimpse of ancient Greece through a number of ancient artifacts.

There are plenty of attractions outside the city you won’t want to miss either. Follow the signs and head up the hill to the Palamidi Fortress. Built by the Venetians in the early 18th century, this complex structure was designed so well, it was said to be unconquerable—that is, until the Greeks finally succeeded in 1822. If you’re looking to swim and sunbathe, head to the beach of Karathona located just south of the Palamidi Fortress.

Approaching the town, you’ll sail through a narrow, picturesque channel that separates the island of Poros from the Peloponnese peninsula. Pine, olive and lemon trees blanket the hillsides and reach the sandy beaches. You’ll see a mountainous green landscape overlooking the red-topped roofs that line the streets of Poros Town. A host of cafes, bars and souvenir shops line the docks of Poros Town, but the best are located around the town square near the museum and town hall.

Majestic vistas await from the top of the island’s pine-forested interior. Consider hiring a scooter to further explore this area. At the top of the island’s highest hill, you’ll find the historic clock of Poros, a trademark of the island that is visible from everywhere. For a more historical adventure, visit Moni Zoodochou Pigis, an 18th century monastery built around the island’s only spring.

If you’re up for a good party, the most famous nightclub on the island is Poseidon, which is located on a hillside overlooking the town. The party starts at 1 p.m. and continues until the wee morning hours.

Located in the heart of the Peloponnesian Peninsula, Epidaurus is one of the most significant archaeological sites in all of Greece. Perhaps its most famous attraction, the Epidaurus Theater (or Sanctuary of Asciepius) was built in the 4th century BC with a special feature that still marvels many today. Thanks to its rounded limestone architecture, the theatre boasts some of the most incredible acoustics you’ll ever encounter. Stand in the center of the stage, speak as softly as you can, and listen as even the gentlest whisper echoes off the stands.

There’s also a small museum located near the entrance of the site where you can learn why the ancient Greeks considered this place so miraculous. Another site worth visiting is the Sanctuary of Asklepios, was a sacred center devoted to the god of healing. After touring the sites, you can enjoy lunch at any of numerous cafes throughout the nearby town. Spend an afternoon walking the city streets or relaxing on the adjacent beach before cruising back to Zea for the last voyage of your trip.

The Zea Marina is much more than just a place to dock your boat. This 4.7-square-mile facility is the epicenter of everything from coffee shops to bars, cafes, markets and more. Stroll along the waterfront and watch as the sun shimmers off the glistening Bay of Zea. If you’ve got some time, there are also plenty of things to do surrounding city of Piraeus. Get a fascinating glimpse of Grecian history at the Archaeological Museum of Piraeus or the Nautical Museum of Greece; marvel at the massive Church of Saint Nicholas and its beautifully intricate interior; or pull up a chair at a harbor side café and watch as the boats move in and out of the bay.

As you can see, there are plenty of things to do around Zea Marina, but if you’re looking to explore the most famous city in all of Greece, it’s definitely recommended that you take the 10-minute drive into Athens. The birthplace of Western civilization, Athens is now a vibrant and modern city that still preserves much of its important past.

Visiting The Acropolis is an absolute must. Take the short walk up to the ancient high city and explore famous historical structures like the Parthenon, the Temple of Athena Nike, the Erectheion and the nearby New Acropolis Museum.

If you’re looking to learn more, head over to Museum Mile, a long strip of museums that starts at Syntagma Square and includes the National Archaeological Museum, home world’s finest collection of art and sculpture from Ancient Greece.