Athens protests

[ETinCA]

We are visiting Athens in July and are a little concerned about the recent protests. It was quite a bit yesterday. Being that we are also there on a Sunday, will there be potential issues getting around the city? Just curious on thoughts.

Thanks

[John Bull]

We ported there a couple of years back when there was a strike.

We were told (correctly) that there'd be no metro or bus services and very few taxis, so we booked ship's over-priced transfer - not knowing that the cheaper ho-ho buses (privately-run) were operating as usual.

The transfer bus dropped us at Syntagma Square, near Parliament (all was quiet) with instructions to meet there for the return later in the day.

 

Someone hadn't done their research :rolleyes:

When we got back to the meet point it was slap in the middle of a big protest.:eek:

The guide gathered us all (I think it was all ;)) together and led us to the bus, which was parked a quarter-mile away.

Pretty dreadful planning by the ship's local agents, for which I trust they got a serious roasting. But perfectly safe, the protest was peaceful and such displeasure as there may have been amongst the protesters was directed at the Govt, not tourists.

 

I hate to promote ships' over-priced excursions, but if there's a protest or strike planned on your day it might be best to book a ship's shuttle. Make sure they don't drop you by the Parliament ;)

Once in Athens if you don't have walking difficulties it's easy to get around on foot.

(a reminder to visit the Acropolis first, before the crowds and the heat. It often closes on hot afternoons.)

On our visit, touristy shops cafes bars and tourist sights - including the govt-run Acropolis and museums - were open as usual, though of course there's no guarantee that the same will apply.

 

Sometimes in some places in the world American member worry that as Americans they may be unwelcome.

No such worries in Athens.

Just make sure they don't think you're Germans :D

 

edited to add: a very fluid situation. If there's tension your ship may divert, they won't put you in harm's way. Or quite possibly all sorted by the time you go - or a resolution, and any consequent demos or strikes, postponed for months. Athens is of course the centre of attention, other Greek ports & islands are much less likely to be affected.

 

JB :)

Edited June 23, 2015 by John Bull

[ETinCA]

Thanks JB