A port in the centre of the city
The Zea Marina in Athens is one of the most prestigious in the Mediterranean. Entirely renovated in 2004 for the Olympic Games, it is located in the Piraeus port district itself known for its ferries that connect the many islands to each other and to the mainland.
It must be admitted that after enjoying the calm of the Greek islands, you will surely be surprised by this port. Indeed, the marina of Zea is in the heart of the city, during the day, at night, it is alive, it is lively and sometimes noisy compared to the solitary anchorages. Athens is a university city, young people go out and the atmosphere is festive.
The Zea marina has 670 berths with modern facilities and services. In addition to the technical stopover, Zea also offers the opportunity for a cultural stopover to discover the countless wonders of Athens. Of course, there is the Acropolis and its museum, but you can also get lost in the alleys of the Plaka district or Monastiraki and its traditional taverns.
As you approach the marina, you will not be able to avoid the proximity of the many cargo ships, either on the way or waiting at anchor. Athens, as well as the proximity of the Corinth Canal, attracts a significant amount of freight traffic. In the event of a night arrival, you will make sure to prepare your landing carefully, as it is difficult to identify the lights of the port which merge with those of the city.
A large marina
When you enter this port, you are struck by the size of the large yachts it houses. The port consists of two basins. The outer harbour (Freatida) is intended for yachts up to 150 m in length, with a maximum draught of 9 m (!). The inland port (Passalimani) is partly intended for boats with a year-round berth as well as for the many rental boats. Some berths are available to visitors passing through.
You can book a pitch by email or phone, it is even recommended in high season. As you approach the channel, the harbour master's office is contacted on channel 9, and a sailor on board a semi-rigid will come to greet you and assign you a place. The captain's office also provides a night watch.
The available places are equipped with pendulums, in the event of strong side winds, the sailors of the captain's office will be able to use their semi-rigid to facilitate your task (the attachment).
Reasons for a good urban stopover
The port of Zea is a very good technical stopover, there are shipchandlers, engine manufacturers and sailmakers nearby. Thanks to the city that surrounds the port, there is also everything you need to stock up on supplies, markets, mini-markets, and of course traditional Greek pastries to stock up on baklava and lukum (the lukumia in Greece).
Along the quays that surround the basin there are many trendy loung bars and rather chic restaurants. Slightly set back from the pontoons, we recommend Corks & Forks restaurant, which offers contemporary local cuisine and above all a very good selection of Greek wines to discover.
Good to know
- We advise you to check the weather at Zea Marina before you arrive, the wind can drop violently from the heights of Athens.
- There is no technical service to get the boat out of the water.
- It is important to note the cleanliness of the sanitary facilities where you will also find enough to do laundry.
- Wifi is free but the average speed is
- Fuel station
- Price of 50 ? for a 12m boat (out of season)
This urban stopover will probably be the most expensive of your trip, because as far as we are concerned it is the only port that has invoiced the Greek night. Indeed, in most marinas on the islands moorings are free (at least out of season) and only water and electricity are sometimes charged.
