Virgin Voyages' guide to Athens (Piraeus), Greece

Shrouded in myth and legend, it's hard to take a step in Athens without stepping directly into history. Temples, shrines and statues pepper the ancient city, each dedicated to various iconic Greek luminaries – such as the original protectress of the ancient citadel, warrior goddess Athena – or Poseidon – the God of the sea. Look up towards the world famous Acropolis from the shop-and-cafe-lined boulevard and feel a sense of speechlessness that will continuously pop up throughout the day. 

A sensational hub of culture and wonder, Athens will simply enliven your soul. Take in the architectural masterpieces and timeless works of art that have stood through fallen kingdoms, various leadership and natural disasters beyond our imagination. Wander the ground of the Erectheon, Proplyea and the iconic Parthenon while absorbing the pulse of the bustling city. Make your way down the energy-charged pedestrian walkways and peruse the countless markets, shops, tavernas and cafes that call Athens home. 

Whether you’re looking for the historical sightseeing adventure of a lifetime, to tour a vineyard that doesn’t only produce exquisite wine, but balsamic vinegar, or to simply relax with a perfected traditional Greek recipe, a condensating glass of wine and a stunning view from the comfort of one of the city’s many al fresco cafes – in Athens, there’s something for everyone.

The only thing you have to do to have an adventure in Piraeus, is to simply get off at the port. On the one hand it houses some of the top beaches, both public and exclusive, in the entire world, implementing a dreamlike, chic-seafaring vibe – and on the other, sits Athens. An urban mecca with a raw history of struggle and perseverance juxtaposed with its timeless cultural contributions of art, athletics, literature – pretty much any -ology, -ory and -ism you’ve studied – only here it’s not just pictures in a textbook.  

Here, every variety of government has presided, from democracy to fascism, autocracy to communism; echoes of an anarchist past collide with current bohemian-thinking creatives, presenting themselves in the physical on the streets of the locals-only Exarchia neighborhood. Sailors looking to reconnect with Mother Nature can venture a short 25mi/40km outside the city center where culture is defined by the natural world. A world that can be celebrated while hiking through dense verdant forests, crystal water springs and even crossing over the Corinth Canal. 

Whether you’re venturing to Athens to reconnect with the Earth, history or with yourself, whatever you seek out is waiting for you just beyond the port of Piraeus.