🗺️ The Route at a Glance
Ioulianou 50 → Marina Kallitheas — ~45–55 minutes total
⚠️ Important: Do NOT Go to Piraeus
You are travelling on Metro Line 1 in the direction of Piraeus — but do not ride all the way to Piraeus Port. The cruise departs from Marina Kallitheas, which is a completely different location south of the city. You must exit at Neo Faliro (the 8th stop from Victoria toward Piraeus) and change to Tram T7. If you accidentally go to Piraeus, you will be a long way from the marina.
🗺️ Complete Route Map — Ioulianou 50 to Both Cruise Marinas
Metro Line 1 (green) from Victoria → Neo Faliro, then Tram T7 (orange) to Delta Falirou, walk to the marinas. Click any pin for details.
Step-by-Step Transport Guide
Walk to Victoria Metro Station (~5 min)
From Ioulianou 50, turn left and walk toward Victoria Square. The metro station entrance is about 400 metres away — a pleasant 4–5 minute walk through a lively neighbourhood. Victoria is on Metro Line 1, the Green line. You'll see the green "M" signs.
Buy Your Ticket at the Station
Ticket machines are inside the station with a full English language option. One 90-minute ticket (€1.40) covers the entire journey — Metro + Tram — on a single ticket valid for 90 minutes from validation. Validate your ticket at the yellow gate machine before entering the platform. If you're making the return trip later the same day, consider a 24-hour ticket (€4.50) per person.
Board Metro Line 1 — Direction Piraeus
At Victoria station, take the platform for trains heading toward Piraeus (south direction). The stops on this segment are: Attiki, Omonia, Monastiraki, Thissio, Petralona, Moschato, Faliro, and then your stop — Neo Faliro. The journey takes about 20 minutes. Count 8 stops from Victoria or watch the station name displays inside the train.
⚠️ Your Stop: Neo Faliro — Not Piraeus
Exit at Neo Faliro — the last stop before the split toward Piraeus. Do not ride to the end of the line. Piraeus port is where passenger ferries depart, but it is not where the day cruises depart from. The cruise marinas are in Kallithea/Faliro, and you reach them by tram from Neo Faliro.
Change to Tram T7 at Neo Faliro / SEF
Exit the metro at Neo Faliro and follow signs toward the SEF tram stop (Στάδιο Ειρήνης και Φιλίας — the Peace and Friendship Stadium stop). The walk is about 3–4 minutes. Once at the tram stop, board Tram T7 heading toward Asklipiio Voulas (south direction). Your ticket is still valid if you're within the 90-minute window.
Exit at Delta Falirou Tram Stop
The tram journey from SEF to Delta Falirou takes approximately 8–10 minutes. Delta Falirou is the stop closest to both cruise marinas. Exit here and walk 3–5 minutes (250–300 metres) toward the waterfront. Marina Kallitheas (Athens Day Cruise departure) is slightly to your right. The Private Marina Delta Kallithea (Athens Swimming Cruise) is just across from the same area.
Visual Route Diagram
Departure Timelines — Minute by Minute
🕖 For the Athens Day Cruise (Departure 07:45)
This is the early one. The cruise departs at 07:45 and check-in closes at 07:15, so you need to be at the marina no later than 07:10–07:15. Here's what your morning looks like:
💡 For Families with Children
If you're travelling with young children, strollers, or a lot of luggage, leave by 05:45 to give yourself extra time. Getting everyone together and through the metro with bags takes longer than you expect at 6am. For solo travellers or couples, departing at 06:15–06:30 is fine.
🕘 For the Athens Swimming Cruise (Departure 09:30)
Much more relaxed — you have time for breakfast before leaving. The swimming cruise departs at 09:30 from the Private Marina Delta Kallithea, just next to Marina Kallitheas.
🎫 Transport Tickets (OASA)
Athens public transport (metro, tram, bus) uses a unified ticketing system operated by OASA. One ticket covers multiple modes of transport within the validity window.
Ticket Types & Prices
| 90-minute ticket | €1.40 — covers Metro + Tram with one ticket for 90 min. Perfect for a one-way trip. |
| 24-hour ticket | €4.50 — unlimited journeys for 24h. Best value if using transport in the evening too. |
| 5-trip card | €6.00 — €1.20 per trip. Good for a group or a multi-day stay. |
| Reduced fare | ~50% discount for students with valid ID, seniors aged 65+. |
| Children under 6 | Free — no ticket required. |
| Children 6–18 | Discounted fare — check current rate at the machine. |
ℹ️ Practical Ticket Tips
- Ticket machines are at all metro stations and accept cards and cash. English language option available on every machine.
- Validate your ticket before entering the platform using the yellow validation machines. Inspectors do check.
- Contactless bank card payment is not universally available at tram stops — buy tickets at the metro station before boarding.
- For the outbound trip (one way), a single 90-minute ticket per person is enough as long as the journey takes less than 90 minutes.
- For return too: buy two 90-minute tickets or one 24-hour ticket per person.
🚢 Athens Day Cruise — Hydra, Poros & Aegina
The Athens Day Cruise is one of the most popular day trips from Athens, and for good reason: three Saronic islands in one day, aboard one of the largest day cruise ships in Greece, with a included lunch buffet and live music on the return. It's a full day out — departing before 8am and returning in the evening — but the experience is genuinely memorable.
📋 Practical Info — Athens Day Cruise
| Website | athensdaycruise.gr |
| Departure point | Marina Kallitheas (37.937024, 23.685823) |
| Departure time | 07:45 AM |
| Latest check-in | 07:15 AM (30 min before departure) |
| Return time | ~19:45 |
| Duration | ~11 hours 50 minutes |
| Islands visited | Hydra, Poros, Aegina |
| Adult / 11+ price | €99 |
| Child 5–11 | €63 |
| Under 5 | Free |
| Included | Lunch buffet, port taxes, live music show, WiFi, all decks & bars |
| Not included | Drinks, optional excursions, sunbeds (extra), hotel transfer (can add) |
| VIP option | VIP lounge, non-alcoholic drinks, ouzo & meze, hotel transfers, priority check-in |
| Ships | Cosmos and Platytera Ton Ouranon — largest day cruise ships in Greece |
| Cancellation | 100% refund if cancelled 24h before departure |
| Infants | Under 6 months not allowed for safety reasons |
| Pets | No pets (certified assistant dogs on request) |
| Wheelchair | Welcome, limited availability — contact in advance |
The Islands: What to Expect at Each Stop
🏛️ Hydra — The Most Iconic Stop
Hydra is unique among Greek islands: no cars, no motorbikes, no bicycles. The only transport is on foot, by donkey, or by water taxi. The result is a harbour that looks and feels completely different from anywhere else in the Aegean — quiet, atmospheric, and genuinely beautiful, even in high summer.
The harbour is lined with neoclassical stone mansions, galleries, jewellery shops, and café-bars. You won't see the typical blue-and-white Cycladic look here — Hydra has its own distinct Saronic character. The famous Hydronetta bar, carved into the rocks at sea level, is great for a coffee or a drink with a view. There are swimming spots with steps down to the sea, though they are rocky rather than sandy.
With approximately 2–2.5 hours on Hydra, you can walk the harbour, visit a shop, have a coffee, and see the Clock Tower and the exterior of the Lazaros Koundouriotis Mansion.
🌿 Poros — The Green Saronic Island
Poros is separated from the Peloponnese mainland by a narrow strait — so narrow that you feel you could almost reach out and touch the other side. The island is green with pine trees, and the waterfront is lined with colourful neoclassical buildings. The Clock Tower at the top of the hill gives a panoramic view over the strait and is a short but rewarding climb.
You'll have roughly 1.5–2 hours here — enough for a walk along the promenade, a coffee or souvlaki at a waterfront café, and a leisurely look around the market area.
🌰 Aegina — Pistachios, Temples & the Largest Stop
Aegina is the most accessible of the Saronic islands from Athens and the one where you'll have the most time. The island is famous throughout Greece for its pistachios — you'll find them everywhere from street stalls to dedicated shops. Buy a bag at the harbour; they're fresher and cheaper than anything you'll find in the city.
Aegina Town is lovely for walking — horse-drawn carriages still operate near the harbour, the fish tavernas along the waterfront are excellent, and the neoclassical buildings give it a genteel, lived-in character. Optional excursions include the Temple of Aphaia (one of the best-preserved ancient temples in Greece, inland by taxi) and the Saint Nektarios Monastery (a major Greek Orthodox pilgrimage site). Note that optional excursions take most of your free time on the island.
🏊 Athens Swimming Cruise — Agistri, Metopi & Aegina
If the Day Cruise is about island-hopping and culture, the Athens Swimming Cruise is about being in the water. Smaller, more relaxed, and with a strong emphasis on swimming stops, this is the choice for people who want to spend the day at sea rather than on land — with a live DJ, included drinks, and sunbeds as part of the package.
📋 Practical Info — Athens Swimming Cruise
| Website | athensswimmingcruise.gr |
| Departure point | Private Marina Delta Kallithea (~37.9355, 23.6840) |
| Departure time | 09:30 |
| Return time | ~18:30 |
| Duration | ~9 hours |
| Stops | Agistri, Metopi (uninhabited), Aegina |
| Adult / 11+ price | €89 |
| Child 5–11 | €55 |
| Under 5 | Free |
| Included | Mediterranean buffet by chef, drinks, live DJ, sunbeds, swimming stops, Aegina guided walking tour |
| Hotel pickup | Available (extra fee) |
| Cancellation | Free cancellation up to 24h before |
| Rating | 4.8/5 based on 10,000+ verified reviews |
The Stops: Where You'll Be Swimming
🌊 Agistri — Pine-Covered Beach Island
Agistri is a small island just off Aegina, covered in pine trees that come right down to the shoreline. The water is clear and relatively calm, and the main beach near the port has a lovely mix of sand and pebble. It's an excellent swimming stop — less touristic than many Saronic islands and genuinely beautiful.
🏝️ Metopi — Uninhabited Island Swim Stop
Metopi is an uninhabited islet with crystal-clear water — the kind of swimming spot that feels almost impossibly good when you're in it. The boat anchors offshore and passengers swim directly from the vessel. This is one of the highlights of the day.
🌰 Aegina — Guided Walking Tour Included
The Swimming Cruise also stops at Aegina, and unlike the Day Cruise, includes a guided walking tour of Aegina Town as part of the package. You'll hear about the island's history, see the main sights, and have time to pick up some pistachios before heading back to the boat.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | 🏛️ Hydra–Poros–Aegina Cruise | 🏊 Athens Swimming Cruise |
|---|---|---|
| Departure marina | Marina Kallitheas | Private Marina Delta Kallithea |
| Departure time | 07:45 | 09:30 |
| Return time | ~19:45 | ~18:30 |
| Duration | ~11h 50min | ~9 hours |
| Adult price | €99 | €89 |
| Child 5–11 | €63 | €55 |
| Under 5 | Free | Free |
| Islands | Hydra, Poros, Aegina | Agistri, Metopi, Aegina |
| Main focus | Sightseeing + island culture | Swimming + music + relaxation |
| Lunch | Buffet included | Chef buffet included |
| Drinks | Extra | Included |
| DJ / Music | Live music show on return | Live DJ throughout the day |
| Sunbeds | Available (extra cost) | Included |
| Best for families | Yes | Yes |
| Best scenery | Hydra harbour | Crystal-clear swimming bays |
| Best swimming | Rocky spots at Hydra | Dedicated swimming stops |
| Hotel transfer | Available (VIP or extra) | Available (extra fee) |
| Early morning start | Yes (07:45) | No (09:30) |
🤔 Which Should You Choose?
- Choose the Athens Day Cruise if you want to walk around three real Greek islands, see Hydra (unique and unmissable), and you don't mind an early start. The buffet lunch on a large ship with music is an event in itself.
- Choose the Athens Swimming Cruise if your priority is swimming in crystal-clear water, you want a more party/relaxed atmosphere with a DJ, and you'd rather sleep a little longer in the morning. Drinks and sunbeds being included also makes the day more predictable in cost.
- Traveling with toddlers? The Swimming Cruise's 09:30 start makes mornings much less stressful. Both cruises welcome young children, and both have food included.
- First time in Athens? The Day Cruise to Hydra, Poros, and Aegina gives you a broader sense of the Saronic — three distinct islands with different characters. Hydra alone is worth the whole trip.
👨👩👧👦 Travelling with Children
Both cruises are genuinely family-friendly, not just technically allowed. Here's what you need to know:
- Children under 5 travel free on both cruises — a significant saving for families with toddlers.
- Children 5–11 pay reduced rates: €63 (Day Cruise) or €55 (Swimming Cruise).
- The buffet lunch is child-friendly on both boats.
- Infants under 6 months are not permitted on the Athens Day Cruise for safety reasons. Check the Swimming Cruise website for their policy.
- The islands have uneven cobblestone streets — not ideal for strollers in some areas, particularly on Hydra.
- Hydra has no motor vehicles, which is actually perfect for families — no traffic hazards, no noise.
- For very young children, the 07:45 departure means a 05:55 departure from the apartment. Consider the taxi option if this seems daunting with a small child.
- Both cruises have facilities on board: restrooms, seating areas, food and drink. The boat itself is safe and well-organised.
🎒 What to Bring
- Sunscreen (high SPF — you're on the water all day)
- Sunglasses & a hat or cap
- Swimsuit & towel (swimming cruise has swimming stops; Day Cruise has rocky spots)
- Light cover-up for the boat in early morning
- Comfortable walking shoes (cobblestones on islands)
- Cash for drinks, optional excursions & island shopping
- Valid travel tickets (buy at Victoria station)
- Seasickness tablets if you're sensitive (just in case)
- Phone charger / power bank
- Any personal prescription medicines
- Reusable water bottle (you can refill on board)
- Camera / good phone for photos (the harbour shots are stunning)
💡 Dress Code
Both cruises are casual. No swimwear in dining areas — cover up with a sarong or t-shirt when eating. Sports shoes or light trainers are recommended for island excursions (especially on Hydra's cobblestones). There's no formal dress requirement.
💶 Total Cost Examples
Transport cost from Ioulianou 50: €1.40 per person one-way (90-minute ticket) or €4.50 per person for a 24-hour ticket covering the return journey too.
👫 Couple (2 Adults)
👨👩👧👦 Family — 2 Adults + 2 Children (5–11)
👨👩👦👶 Family — 2 Adults + 1 Child (5–11) + 1 Infant (Under 5, FREE)
🚕 Taxi Alternative
🚕 When to Consider a Taxi Instead
A taxi from Ioulianou 50 to Marina Kallitheas costs approximately €15–25 depending on traffic and time of day, and takes 30–40 minutes in early morning. This is genuinely worth considering if:
- You're travelling with young children, a pram/stroller, or heavy luggage
- It's an early 07:45 departure and managing the metro at 6am feels stressful
- You want door-to-door service with no navigation
- You're a group of 3–4 people — the taxi cost per person is similar to metro + tram
Apps that work in Athens: FREENOW and Taxiplon are both reliable. Book in advance the night before for early morning trips.
Groups of 5+: Standard taxis take 4 passengers maximum. Book two taxis or arrange a larger vehicle in advance.
🔄 Return Journey — Marina Back to Ioulianou 50
The return journey follows the exact same route in reverse. Both cruises return before midnight, so there are no last-train concerns.
Marina Kallitheas / Delta Kallithea → Ioulianou 50
✅ Return Transport Hours
The Athens Day Cruise returns at approximately 19:45 and the Swimming Cruise at 18:30 — both well within normal service hours. Metro Line 1 runs until approximately 00:30 on weekdays, and Tram T7 runs until approximately 01:00. You'll be home for dinner with time to spare. Remember to validate a new ticket at the Delta Falirou tram stop or Neo Faliro metro for the return journey if your 90-minute ticket has expired.
🕐 Public Transport Operating Hours
OASA Service Hours (approximate)
| Metro Line 1 | Weekdays: ~05:30 – 00:30 | Weekends: similar hours, check OASA app for exact times. First train through Victoria toward Piraeus at approximately 05:30–05:45. |
| Tram T7 | Approx 05:30 – 01:00. First trams from Neo Faliro/SEF start around 05:30–06:00. |
| Return after cruise | Both cruises return by 20:00 at the latest — no issues with last trains. Metro and tram are fully operational. |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How far is Ioulianou 50 from the cruise marina?
By public transport, the journey takes 45–55 minutes total: 5 min walk to Victoria metro, ~20 min on Metro Line 1 to Neo Faliro, 3–4 min walk to tram, ~8–10 min on Tram T7, then 3–5 min walk to the marina. By taxi, it's approximately 30–40 minutes and costs €15–25.
⚠️ Can I take the metro all the way to the marina? Do I need to go to Piraeus?
No — do not go to Piraeus. Piraeus is where passenger ferries (to the islands, Crete, etc.) depart from, not where the day cruises depart from. The Athens Day Cruise and Swimming Cruise both depart from Marina Kallitheas / Delta Kallithea in the Faliro area. You exit the metro at Neo Faliro (before Piraeus) and change to Tram T7. This is a critical point — getting it wrong means being a long distance from the marina at the wrong time.
Which ticket do I need for the metro and tram?
A single 90-minute ticket (€1.40) covers both the metro and the tram on one journey, provided you complete the trip within 90 minutes of validation. Buy at the metro ticket machine at Victoria, validate at the yellow gate machine, and you're set. Buy a second 90-minute ticket or a 24-hour ticket (€4.50) for the return.
What time does the first metro leave Victoria toward Piraeus?
Metro Line 1 starts from approximately 05:30 on weekdays (from the terminal stations; Victoria is a few stops in, so first trains through Victoria are around 05:40–05:45). For the 07:45 cruise, departing from the apartment at 05:55 is comfortably early — no need to rush.
Is there a direct bus or tram from the city centre to the marina?
The Metro + Tram combination described in this guide is the best public transport option. There is no single direct connection from the Victoria area. The Metro → Tram change at Neo Faliro is simple and well-signed, and the total journey is under an hour.
How much is the taxi from Ioulianou 50 to the marina?
Approximately €15–25 depending on traffic and time of day. Early morning (before 07:00) traffic is minimal and the journey takes about 30 minutes. Use FREENOW or Taxiplon apps to book. For families with children or lots of luggage, a taxi is often worth it.
What's the difference between the two marinas? Are they at the same place?
They are very close — both in the Delta Falirou / Kallithea coastal area, within a few hundred metres of each other. Marina Kallitheas is the departure point for the Athens Day Cruise; Private Marina Delta Kallithea is where the Athens Swimming Cruise departs. From the Delta Falirou tram stop, both are within a 3–5 minute walk. If in doubt, confirm the exact departure point on your cruise booking confirmation.
What time should I arrive at the marina for the 07:45 cruise?
The Athens Day Cruise requires check-in at least 30 minutes before departure — so no later than 07:15. We recommend arriving by 07:00–07:10 to be comfortable. Leave Ioulianou 50 by 05:55 to reach the marina by 06:50, giving you a solid buffer.
Are children allowed on the cruises?
Yes — both cruises are family-friendly and welcome children. Children under 5 travel free on both. Children aged 5–11 pay reduced rates (€63 on the Day Cruise, €55 on the Swimming Cruise). Note: infants under 6 months are not permitted on the Athens Day Cruise for safety reasons.
Is lunch included in the cruise price?
Yes, a buffet lunch is included in the base price of both cruises. The Athens Day Cruise includes a full buffet; drinks at the bar are extra. The Athens Swimming Cruise includes both a Mediterranean buffet by a chef and drinks in the price.
What if I get seasick?
The Saronic Gulf is generally calm, especially in summer. The large ships used for day cruises are more stable than smaller ferries. If you're prone to seasickness, take a tablet the night before or 30–60 minutes before departure. Sitting on deck in the fresh air, looking at the horizon, helps significantly. Neither the marina nor the pharmacy will sell you prescription medicine — bring your own if needed.
Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Both cruises offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure. In the unlikely event of cancellation by the operator due to weather, you'll be offered a full refund or a reschedule. Greek summer weather is very reliable — cancellations are rare between June and September.
Is there a VIP option for the Day Cruise?
Yes — the Athens Day Cruise has a VIP package that includes access to the VIP lounge, non-alcoholic drinks, ouzo and meze, hotel transfers to and from the marina, and priority check-in. It's worth it if you want a stress-free morning without worrying about transport.
How long do I spend on each island?
On the Day Cruise: approximately 2–2.5 hours on Hydra, 1.5–2 hours on Poros, and 2–3 hours on Aegina. On the Swimming Cruise: less time on land as the focus is on swimming stops — time on Aegina is included but structured around the guided tour.
Is there WiFi on the cruise ship?
The Athens Day Cruise has WiFi available on board, though signal may be intermittent in open water between islands. The Swimming Cruise website does not specifically advertise WiFi — assume limited connectivity and use the day to disconnect.
What can I buy on Aegina?
Aegina's most famous product is its pistachios — buy them fresh at the harbour stalls. You'll also find local honey, ceramics, and the usual Greek island souvenirs. Prices are reasonable compared to the tourist areas of Athens.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes — both cruises sell out, especially in July and August. Book online at least a few days in advance, and ideally a week or more if you're travelling in peak summer. Last-minute spots may be available but don't count on it.
Can I bring a wheelchair on the cruise?
The Athens Day Cruise welcomes guests with mobility requirements, but accessibility is limited. Contact them in advance to discuss your specific needs. Note that the islands themselves — particularly Hydra — have cobblestone streets and uneven terrain that make wheelchair navigation challenging.
What's the return tram/metro journey like in the evening?
Smooth and easy. After 19:00–20:00, the metro and tram are quieter than during rush hours. Walk to Delta Falirou tram stop, board Tram T7 toward Neo Faliro, exit, walk to the metro, take Line 1 toward Kifisia (direction away from Piraeus this time), and exit at Victoria. Total: 45–55 minutes, same as the outbound journey.
Are there restaurants or cafes near the marina if I arrive early?
For the 07:45 cruise, arriving early means it's around 07:00 — most marina cafes open around 07:00–07:30 in summer. There may be a café at the marina itself; confirm when you arrive. For the Swimming Cruise (09:30), there are more options as you arrive later and the area is more active.
