Relaxing by the sea at Marina Zeas

''Marina Zeas (Passalimani)''

It’s true, the port of Piraeus does not seem to meet your expectations concerning Athens. It’s full of ships, the traffic in the streets is heavy and noise comes from everywhere. However, in short distance from the dock you may discover a totally different picture.

In case you have already seen the whole picture of Athens in a previous trip, or want to return early to your ship in order to catch the delicious lunch served on-board, you may choose a relaxing visit to Marina Zeas (Passalimani). Time there runs slowly and people just seat by the sea watching the yachts and drinking their frappe*. Endless restaurants, tavernas, cafes and shops are situated upon the seafront, creating the perfect setting of relaxation.

There are two ways to go there from the cruise dock. If you feel like having a promenade, you can always walk to Marina Zeas (1,5 km / 1 mile). Otherwise, you can take a taxi for only 3,20 euros (ask for the price in advance) and get there easier. There is no convenient bus line towards this direction. Nevertheless, sharing a taxi between 3 or more people will be cheaper than taking the bus and it will save you effort from searching for bus tickets.

Marina Zeas is also reachable by the Hop On - Hop Off buses which start their journey near the cruise port. If you get on the HoHo, you can also make a stop at Mikrolimano, a few hundred meters after Marina Zeas. You can get off the bus there and walk down to the little port to have a fish or meat meal in one of the seaside tavernas. 

Meat lovers should not miss the opportunity to eat at "Vosporos", a seaside tavern serving traditional dishes originating from Istanbul (Constantinople). Make this stop preferably on your way back from Athens by the Hop On - Hop Off Bus, as this route connects the port of Piraeus to the center of Athens.

Another option could be Profitis Elias on top of the Kastella Hill, where you will get an amazing panoramic view of Faliron Bay and the city of Athens from the open-air cafeteria.There you can drink your Greek coffee* or taste Greek pastries. You might need to call a taxi (tel.no.18188) though to get you back to the dock.

* See Glossary in alphabetical order

Chania to welcome “Mariner of the Seas”

Local entrepreneurs and shop-owners will give a warm welcome to passengers of  “Mariner of the Seas” (“Royal Carribean”), which will arrive at Souda port, near Chania, on April 2^nd. The City Council has been preparing to offer visitors local products and gifts, along with a printed guide of the area.

It is the first cruise ship arrival to Crete for this season. Many cruise companies have redirected their itineraries to Chania and Herakleion due to the violent uprises in North Africa.

Source: "Chaniotika Nea"

''Pacifica'' on its way to the Aegean

“Costa” has chosen to send its huge, newly built “Pacifica” to the Aegean Sea during springtime. Carrying more than 3500 passengers in luxury, that ship is one of the highlights of the season.

''Costa Pacifica''

Its itinerary is wisely made offering the most popular destinations with lots of sightseeing. Given that beaches during this period are not yet ready to welcome their visitors it is an excellent move indeed to focus on monuments of the Classical Era.

April is ideal for sightseeing freaks due to its moderate temperatures; no hat is needed, only your sunglasses. Besides, this is the main purpose of shore excursions to Athens, Katakolon and Limassol. Rhodes is also full of antiquities, but its diverse cultural heritage gives you more options. In case you have already been to these places you can always consult our suggested alternative promenades.  

''Herodion theater and Parthenon, Athens''

''Pacifica’s'' itinerary allows you plenty of time on board to relax in Italian style and to charge your batteries before you get ashore. ''Cruisinggreece'' recommends excursions to Sounion, Lindos and Paphos from Piraeus, Rhodes and Limassol ports respectively.  There is no need to give you a tip regarding Katakolon. Ancient Olympia is the one and only option. We suggest you make an early booking for these tours.

See also April's report

Katakolon: Discovering the treasures of Ancient Olympia

In cruise terms, Katakolon has one single purpose: Ancient Olympia. The place where the original ancient Olympic Games were born and held, the place where some well-preserved remnants of the classical era still exist. That's the reason why so many cruise ships stop here. They get you people on the coaches and drive you right to the heart of that province in western Peloponnese.

''Ancient Olympia''

Does it worth? No doubt, yes. Even after the devastating fire of 2007, the setting of Ancient Olympia is still idyllic with the remaining forest hiding one of the most precious treasures of ancient history. The temple of Zeus, the gymnasium, the stadium and the museum all offer a unique insight to the place that gave birth to the Olympic Games and set the frame of what we nowadays call Athletics.
 

Well balanced shore excursions will get you there quickly and will guide you around the site. Some tours also offer a stop to the modern city of Olympia -which is ok. In case you are bored of too much classicism and can't get enough sunbathing, most of the cruise companies give you a good alternative, offering you a coach drive to some of the beautiful beaches along the coastline of western Peloponnese.

''The village of Katakolon''

For those who want to just have a relaxing promenade ashore, the picturesque village of Katakolon offers a vast array of services. There are many tavernas* and cafeterias where you can sit and taste Greek specialties or drinks while admiring the blue sea. Plenty of souvenir and gift shops will also attract your attention. Seaside cafes and taverns are considered to be the ideal places for tasting ouzo*. 

*See Glossary in alphabetical order.

Wandering around Psaropoula*

If you want to keep your visit to Rhodes simple and relaxing, you may think of the possibility to just walk around the city. Apart from the Old Town, which is definitely the must-see, you can take a long seaside walk starting from Mandraki and continuing all the way round to Psaropoula Bay.

On your way you will see the Casino –and maybe try your chances there- and the Aquarium. Just after you turn left towards Psaropoula you will realize that this is the area where all the tourist construction development of the city took place. A series of luxury –or not that luxury- hotels stand beside the main road, all of them overlooking the blue sea and the Asian coast, when skies are clear enough.

Soon you will understand that nothing in this area is as picturesque as the houses and pedestrianized streets of the Old Town. However, there is no better place to be if you are a true sea lover. You can have a coffee or meal at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants enjoying the blue horizon and the ferries that go in and out of the island. And, if you are lucky enough, the summer breeze and waves will make the sea look like an exotic destination! The turquoise colors of the water make Psaropoula a total pleasure for the eyes in the summer. 

You can return to Mandraki through the streets of Psaropoula and then the city centre. Just after you turn left from the seaside road you will pass the one of the ‘nightlife streets’ of the area, where you will see lots of tourist bars and restaurants as well as souvenir shops and markets. You can then continue on the pedestrianised street that connects Psaropoula with the city centre.

If you need to have a coffee or snack break, ‘Koukos’ is a beloved place for eating and drinking by locals and keeps some of the island’s traditional character. This street will finally take you to the city, where you can follow any of the shopping streets to return back to Mandraki.

Art lovers might alternatively choose to visit the 'Nestorideion Melathron', the Modern Greek Art Museum of Rhodes. It can be found only a a hundred meters far from Psaropoula's main seaside road, at Symi Square -or 'Ekato Vagies* Square' as called by locals to its numerous palm trees. The visitors will have the opportunity to admire painting, engraving and sculpture collections that reflect Greek art of the 20th century.

*See Glossary in alphabetical order.

From the Port of Piraeus to the legendary Acropolis

At last you are reaching one of the busiest ports of the Mediterranean, Piraeus. You are about to disembark at the Athens Metropolitan area, only a few kilometers away from Acropolis. 

Athens is a lively city with numerous things to do. Still, you will be there for only a few hours, so you will need good navigation tips in order to get the best out of your day. Shore excursions are offered plenty by all cruise lines, thus you need to focus on what you really want to see and do in a city of nearly 4,5 million inhabitants. Otherwise, you can always skip the organized tours and trust your adventurous instincts, spending your time ashore solely following your will.

''The Parthenon''

Shore excursions: Well, if you are a first timer, you have no other choice than going for the legendary Acropolis. The Parthenon is standing on top of a hill in the centre of Athens for 2.500 years awaiting for the myriads of visitors to flock. However, since 2009, the symbol of classicism has a strong partner, the Acropolis Museum, located a few hundred meters away from the famous rock of Parthenon in a beautiful pedestrian area. Most of the packages combine these two, making life easier.

Of course, you won’t leave central Athens before stopping at Plaka, next to the Acropolis area. This is where the old city of Athens lies full of taverns and souvenir shops. There, you may be given the chance to buy some memorabilia and perhaps grab a souvlaki* before you are asked back to your coach.

''Plaka''

In case you have been to Athens before and have wandered around Acropolis and Plaka, you are given a good alternative. You may choose the Cape Sounion tour and enjoy the scenic view of the Saronic Gulf before you reach the temple of Poseidon, built in the 5^th century BC. However, keep in mind that this tour involves a three-hour aller-retour bus drive. In case of heavy traffic, which is not an unusual phenomenon in Athens, you will be left little time to walk on the steps where ancient Greeks used to pay their tribute to their God of the Seas.

''Cape Sounion''

Shore excursions undeniably cover your basic needs regarding your visit to Athens. Acropolis, its Museum, Plaka and Cape Sounion are included in the packages on offer and your guides will make their best to show you around. However, you should keep in mind that getting stuck with your coach in traffic is always a possibility that will cost you some of your valuable time ashore.

"Getting from the cruise port to the metro station of Piraeus"

Ashore alone: At a first glance, Piraeus seems like a chaotic place. That’s true, it’s a messy situation, but luckily there is nothing worth seeing in that port. You need a taxi ride to the nearest Metro station near the main port. Have in mind that taxis in the cruise dock sometimes aim at taking you directly to Acropolis, not to the nearest metro station. Clarify your destination before getting in. 
Otherwise, you can wait for bus no. 853 just outside the port -after you have grabbed a ticket at the nearest kiosk- that will leave just outside the Metro station.
By grabbing Metro Line 1* you will be driven to Thiseio or Monastiraki station. Getting off at Thiseio you can reach the entrance of Parthenon in 15-20 minutes having walked around the rock of Acropolis in a beautiful pedestrian area.
However, If you are in a hurry to catch all the glimpse of classicism in a day, you 'd better follow one of the first two options.

"From Thiseion station to the Acropolis and the Museum"

There is now also an alternative way to reach the center of Athens. The Hop on - Hop off buses (the yellow line costs 15 euros p.p. -8 euros for children- while the red one costs 22 euros p.p.-9 euros for children) stop just outside the cruise port giving you the chance to reach Athens passing through the seaside zone of Piraeus (aka Marina Zeas and Mikrolimano). The ride is beautiful but if you are in a hurry to catch up all the action around Akropolis and Plaka you should know that HOHO buses in Athens are not traffic free. Bear also in mind that major sights in the center of Athens are situated in a pedestrianized area, so buses cannot provide you any help to move around there.
However, if you have already been in Athens, the yellow or red open air buses give you the chance to see the city from a different perspective.
In case you want to skip Acropolis and go straight to the action, you may stop at Monastiraki station and then wander around the small streets of Plaka, the old town. Endless souvenir shops, taverns and crowded cafeterias are situated up the hillside of Acropolis. There, you can enjoy a coffee –you can order a frappe* or a Greek coffee*-, eat a souvlaki*, or stay longer to have a moussaka* along with tzatziki* and other Greek specialties.

''Moussaka''

It’ s no secret that going ashore by yourself, leaving the option of organized tours behind, as in many port destinations, saves you money and gives you freedom of choice. Safety conditions in the city are very good, but you should keep in mind that pickpockets tend to get some extras in metro stations and other queues. Most Greeks, especially those of young age, speak English so you can count on them in case you get disorientated or want some further info.

You may also discover that the streets are full of those yellow colored cars that we call taxis. They stop everywhere if they carry no passengers. All you have to do is ‘wave your hand’. They will be your saviors that will get you right to your cruise ship if you happen to realize you are late and have to get onboard timely before she sails. However, before getting in, ask for the final price. Some taxi drivers in Athens have a bad habit of overcharging tourists.Metro is by far the best way to move to and from the centre of the city. Getting a bus should be your last resort, when there is no other option to get to your destination.

*See glossary in alphabetical order.

Frequently Asked Questions

- Ιs tourism in Greece affected by the sovereign debt crisis?

Τhe debt crisis of Greece has already affected the lives of Greeks. Severe wage and pensions cuts, more and higher taxes, rise of job losses. The labor cost in the private sector has already dropped about 6% since March 2010, but that doesn’t necessarily mean lower prices of services. However, if you have been to Greece in the past few years, you may now notice a tiny drop in the prices of fast food meals and drinks.

Despite some social unrest concerning the government measures, security conditions in Athens remain very good, except for some scheduled protests in the centre of the city that usually don’t affect public transport and tourism. 

- Why do cruise companies not choose Piraeus as their home port for cruises in the Eastern Mediterranean?

The Greek government needs to make some legal adjustments and improve Piraeus port infrastructure in order to make it a cruise hub. Efforts are concentrated on making Piraeus an attractive home port for major cruise companies by 2012.

- Have the revolts in North Africa affected the wider region in terms of cruise visitors?

Not at all. All cruise companies have rescheduled their itineraries, replacing destinations of Egypt with others of Greece (Chania, Heraklion, Rhodes), Turkey and Cyprus (Limassol).

- Which is the best season for taking a cruise trip in Greece?

If you can never get enough of sunbathing and exotic beaches, you should get on-board in the summer (June – September). However, spring and autumn cruises may be cheaper and let you enjoy the islands being less crowded. Weather is usually your ally during these periods as it rarely rains and temperatures are ideal for walks and tours.

Τhe April report

Greece has already received several visits in March. Athens, Rhodes and Katakolon, the all-time classics of spring time, were the major players for this month. However, they may expect a stiff competition in April. 

Corfu is offered on the itineraries of most companies visiting Greece due to its famous Easter celebrations. The myriads will flock there, especially around the Orthodox Holy Week and afterwards (15^th – 30^th  April).

In addition, Crete has made a new entrance in the April calendar due to the crisis in North African countries. Chania and Heraklion replaced major Egyptian destinations, which, in our opinion, is not a setback at all. The cultural heritage and the natural beauties of Crete offer you plenty of choices ashore.

Temperatures in April will probably not permit you to go for a swim in these tempting beaches of the Aegean. However, the weather is ideal for walks and tours without the need of wearing a hat. Sightseeing freaks may enjoy the best conditions for taking pictures in less crowded settings. April, along with October, are voted  as “the best months to visit Athens” by “Cruisinggreece” as long as you don’t forget your sunglasses at home.

Once again, “Costa” will take the leading role for April. Six of its ships are scheduled to dock at Greek ports. 

"Costa Pacifica"

The newly built (2009) acquatic jewel,  “Pacifica”, with 3780 passengers capacity and 1100 personnel,  will make a fresh start from Savona, passing through Katakolon, Rhodes, Limassol and Piraeus. “Fortuna, “Atlantica” and “Victoria” will also bring several thousands of visitors ashore, if they are determined to leave comforts and luxury onboard, while the smaller, “Allegra” and “Romantica” will make their usual tour in the Ionian and Aegean Sea.

Their Italian competitors, “MSC”, are also scheduled to visit several Greek destinations. Their main targets are Katakolon and Corfu in the Ionian Sea. Among the very much awaited arrivals is the newly built “Splendida” with 3200 passengers in the beginning of April. “Magnifica”, “Musica”, “Armonia” and “Melody” will add more music and several thousand of visitors to the Aegean.

“Royal Carribean” will bring its “Mariner of the Seas” with 3800 passenger capacity, while “Splendour of the Seas” will mostly focus on the Greek beauties by the end of April visiting Corfu, Piraeus, Mykonos, Santorini and Katakolon.

"Seabourn Odyssey"

“Louis”, the Cypriot company, will add  a few thousands to all major Greek cruise destinations departing from various locations, while “Seabourn” will make a rigorous research in alternative Aegean beauties (Lesvos, Mykonos, Patmos, Rhodes, Milos) with “Odyssey”. 

“Azamara”, “Oceanic” and “Norvegian” have also sheduled some stops in Greece on their way to other destinations.

Rhodes: An overdose of beautiness

Rhodes has only impressive images to offer you.  From the morning time, when you watch your ship approaching to the shore, to the afternoon, around 6:00 p.m., when the anchor is pulled, you can only get a day of full satisfaction. However, it’s not only the beauty of this island that makes it ideal for cruise visitors. In practical terms, the diversity of its cultural history and the arrangement of its sights on its coastal line may give you an overdose of fine pictures in too little time. 

''Mandraki''

Shore excursions

Rhodes is probably one of the most suitable destinations for organized tours.  By choosing an 8-hour package that includes the Old Town and Lindos, you will cover the must-see attractions of the island, travelling from the middle age to the classical era and back to the traces of St. John’s knights. Nevertheless, there are much more things to do in this picturesque Aegean setting.  Some of the most famous beaches of the world, such as Tsambika, Faliraki and Afandou are situated in the western coastal line of the island from the city of Rhodes to Lindos. Most cruise companies are wise enough to offer you a relaxing coach ride to at least one of them.

''Lindos''

Families with children may also opt for the mini-train ride –it is offered as an organized excursion by most companies- that covers the most important parts of Rhodes City. In this way, kids will have fun leaving the grownups time to admire some extraordinary sights. Don’t forget to buy them a delicious gelato before returning onboard. Shoppers and souvenir freaks going for shore excursions must make sure that their itinerary is giving them enough time to look around the numerous Old Town shops with plenty of memorabilia, jewelry and every kind of gift.

Ashore alone

It will be an easy task to navigate in the city of Rhodes by yourself.  The Old Town and the little port of Mandraki are within walking distance from the main dock. However, depending on the port’s traffic, your ship may anchor in another dock, far from the Old Town entrance. In that case, you will need a coach ride to the city.

''The platonis of Mandraki''

Mandraki is a picturesque little port where you can enjoy a coffee break in case you didn’t get enough of the deep blue sea. The symbols of the island, the two platonis*, are clearly visible from every part of that port. Mandraki serves as the main sea entrance to the city and it’s the oldest among the several docks of the island. 

Nowadays it is mainly used by yachts and small ferries that transfer visitors from Rhodes city to other parts of the island or to the nearby island of Symi. Mandraki is also the departure point from where tourists can take a ferry that takes them on an organized tour to the most famous beaches. Different companies operate and offer hop-on hop-off to the sea excursions for reasonable prices. You might consider a sea-tour as an alternative to travelling around the island by coach.

If you have enough time or if you just have been to Rhodes before don’t miss to visit Filerimos, which is only about 10km far.  You can get there by catching a taxi from Mandraki or by calling a taxi with an extra charge at +302241069800. The impressive cross that is situated on top of Filerimos hill was built by the Italian during Rhode’s occupation by Mussolini’s Italy. Ascending to its top you will get a panoramic view of Rhodes. Another attraction of Filerimos is the numerous peacocks that live there in the wild often breaking the religious silence of the setting. 

   

Shopping and eating

The area of ‘Ekato Magazia’ (transl. ‘one hundred shops’) is the gastronomic heart of the city. You can choose between a typical Greek meal –like souvlaki*, gyros* and Greek salad*- or some ‘pizza al metro’*, an Italian type of fast food pizza. All come in both delicious and economic packages, which make them a much loved place to eat out for locals. You can spoil yourself with some special desserts offered by the two famous patisseries of the island, Mike and Stani. Go for a refreshing gelato* or a galaktomboureko*, one of the Greek’s favorites. 

If you feel like you are in shopping mood, Rhodes has everything! Apart from the variety of international brands, women can enjoy shopping from the several local accessories shops that are situated around the city. The cliché souvenir of Rhodes is umbrellas. You can buy an Armani or Christian Dior or go for a really compact easy-to- carry one for only a few euros. To do so, though, you will have to leave the Old Town for a while and look for the ‘umbrella shops’ streets situated in the very beginning of the city centre and quite close to the ‘Ekato Magazia’ area. 

Shall you swim?

Rhodes is the ideal place to be if you love sunbathing or swimming –or both! You need though to choose the ‘appropriate’ beach according to your personal needs. The beaches around Mandraki (Elli Bay) and Psaropoula are not bad if you want something quick, or if you prefer sunbathing to swimming. Psaropoula, however, should be avoided if it gets too windy, since it is quite deep and can become scary for the non experienced swimmers.  

Faliraki, popular for its summer nightlife, is the closest to the city coastline and the easiest to reach by public bus. Buses depart from the main station near Mandraki and take you right in front of the beach. Faliraki has everything from a long organized beach with sun beds and umbrellas to sea sports and beach bars that can become too loud at certain times of the day. The sea is not deep, which makes it ideal for small children, but you should definitely avoid this beach if you are looking for something quiet and not very crowded.

Still some time left to kill?

If you are a cat lover you should seize the opportunity to have a relaxing walk towards the three windmills just opposite the Old Town's Gate. You will soon notice that the area is mostly inhabited by all sort of cats. Food is provided several times per day by people who take care of them. They also receive medical care by animal societies when needed. Living freely on the wild and enjoying the love and care of people, there is no more left to do than enjoying their sleep with a sea view!

*See Glossary in alphabetical order.

Wandering around Psaropoula

If you want to keep your visit to Rhodes simple and relaxing, you may think of the possibility to just walk around the city. Apart from the Old Town, which is definitely the must-see, you can take a long seaside walk starting from Mandraki and continuing all the way round to Psaropoula Bay. On your way you will see the Casino –and maybe try your chances there- and the Aquarium. Just after you turn left towards Psaropoula you will realize that this is the area where all the tourist construction development of the city took place. A series of luxury –or not that luxury- hotels stand beside the main road, all of them overlooking the blue sea and the Asian coast, when skies are clear enough.

Soon you will understand that nothing in this area is as picturesque as the houses and pedestrianized streets of the Old Town. However, there is no better place to be if you are a true sea lover. You can have a coffee or meal at one of the numerous cafes and restaurants enjoying the blue horizon and the ferries that go in and out of the island. And, if you are lucky enough, the summer breeze and waves will make the sea look like an exotic destination! The turquoise colors of the water make Psaropoula a total pleasure for the eyes in the summer. 

You can return to Mandraki through the streets of Psaropoula and then the city centre. Just after you turn left from the seaside road you will pass the one of the ‘nightlife streets’ of the area, where you will see lots of tourist bars and restaurants as well as souvenir shops and markets. You can then continue on the pedestrianised street that connects Psaropoula with the city centre.

If you need to have a coffee or snack break, ‘Koukos’ is a beloved place for eating and drinking by locals and keeps some of the island’s traditional character. This street will finally take you to the city, where you can follow any of the shopping streets to return back to Mandraki. Art lovers might alternatively choose to visit the 'Nestorideion Malathron', the Modern Greek Art Museum of Rhodes. It can be found only a a hundred meters far from Psaropoula's main seaside road, at Symi Square, or 'Ekato Vagies* Square'  -as called by locals due to its numerous palm trees. The visitors will have the opportunity to admire painting, engraving and sculpture collections that reflect Greek art of the 20th century.

Athens to reach 1.000 cruise arrivals this season

Cruise ship arrivals to Piraeus/Athens will reach the benchmark of 1.000 this season.

According to official data, the port of Piraeus will receive 1.000 cruise ships from April to October 2011. Compared to last year’s data, that means a significant 20% rise.

Security conditions in North Africa and warfare in Libya gave an extra 8% boost to the official predictions based on the cruise companies schedule.

Contact us

This travel blog contains information and advice on how to better spend your days in Greek ports of call. Our scope is to provide customised travel tips  for cruise visitors.
The content of this blog is frequently enriched and updated. New cruise destinations of Greece will be added soon.
For further questions and travel info on Greek ports of call, feel free to contact us at: cruisinggrc@gmail.com

The culture and shopping promenade

Let’s say you are tired of souvenir shops, fancying an alternative perspective of Athens. You are in a shopping mood while being curious to see how real life is in the capital of sovereign debt crisis. Follow our “Culture and shopping promenade” route and you  ‘ll have a totally different story to tell your dinner mates back on the ship.

At Monastiraki station change from metro line 3 to metro line 1, direction Agios Antonios. Get off at the next station, Syntagma, the very heart of the Greek capital facing the country’s House of Parliament. 

 Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias 

1.Head north on Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias toward Georgiou Protou  86 m

2.Continue onto Leoforos Eleftheriou Venizelou/Panepistimiou

Before you turn at Voukourestiou and cross the traffic light, you may opt for the Attica Department Store. Inside, you will find some of the most famous brands of clothing. 130 m 

3.Turn right at Voukourestiou

Having crossed Panepistimiou, you will reach the pedestrian zone of Voukourestiou, the Bond    Street or else La Via dei Condotti of Athens. Prada, Bulgari and other luxurious shops are situated in both sides of this street. In the first crossing of this pedestrian zone, you will see Valaoritou Street full of cafeterias. This is the meeting point of the political, artistic and business elite. Not exactly a cheap place to enjoy your coffee, but full of style and arrogance.   400 m

4. Turn right at Tsakalof

The shopping district of Kolonaki. Clothing, antiques and gift shops. 260 m

5. Turn right at Plateia Filikis Etaireias

The central square of Kolonaki. Lazy rich people spending their time in cafes.10 m

6. Slight right to stay on Plateia Filikis Etaireias 68 m

7. Turn left to stay on Plateia Filikis Etaireias  58 m

8. Continue onto Koumpari

On your right hand lies the building of Benaki Museum, the largest cultural   institution of Greece. Check   the exhibition schedule of Koumpari building in case you have an appetite for modern or classical art. http://www.benaki.gr      110 m    

9. Continue onto Irodou Attikou

 This is one of the most expensive streets of Greece. Guess why! Here lye both the residence of the  President of Democracy and the Prime minister. Several official meetings take place often, so you will notice they are heavily guarded.    650 m         

10. Turn right at Ardittou

This white marbled stadium is the Kallimarmaron where the first modern Olympic Games held in 1896. Nowadays it serves as the finishing point of the Classical Marathon of Athens.  110 m

''Kallimarmaron ancient stadium''

11. Slight right at Pros Leoforo Vasilissis Olgas

At your right hand, you will see the Zappeion and the National Gardens. You can step inside to enjoy a coffee break in “Aigli cafe”, near the neoclassical building.  85 m

12. Continue onto Leoforos Vasilissis Olgas    450 m

13. Turn right at Leoforos Vasilissis Amalias  150 m

14. Turn left at Filellinon 350 m

15. Continue onto Plateia Syntagmatos  74 m

16. Turn left at Ermou

Glossary

Athens Metro:  The Athens Metro consists of three lines. In many stations you can admire remains from the classical and roman era found during the digging for its constructions. Metro line 1 initiates at Piraeus and is over ground in most of its part but becomes underground after Monastiraki station. The other two lines are fully underground.

coffee Greek: hot roasted coffee served in a small cup (about the size of espresso) with no milk added. It comes in three kinds: sketos (no sugar added), metrios (medium) or glykos (sweet).

fava: puree of yellow split peas mixed with olive oil and a pinch of lemon. It is served as a starter, usually combined with  fish. Fava is a traditional dish of the island of Santorini.

frappe coffee: iced instant coffee with added milk on request. It comes in three kinds: sketos (no sugar added), metrios (medium) or glykos (sweet). A favorite Greek coffee specialty for the hot summer months!

galaktoboureko: Greek dessert of custard (sometimes flavored with lemon or orange) in phyllo. It may be made in a pan, with phyllo layered on top and underneath, or rolled into individual servings (often approximately 10 cm long). It is served or coated with a clear, sweet syrup. 

gelato: Italian style ice cream mostly offered by 'gelaterias' in the Old Town of Rhodes.

gyros: slightly spicy chopped pork meat grilled to be eaten as a dish or wrapped mixed with tzatziki, fried potatoes, tomato, onion and spices.

Ekato Vagies: In Greek 'ekato' means one hundred and 'vagies' is the Ancient Greek name for palm trees. Many different places in the city of Rhodes have been named after the number of palm trees in the area. 'Ekato Vagies' is a central square in the Psaropoula area. Not far from the city center you can also find 'Pente Vagies' (five palm trees).  

moussaka: oven baked Greek specialty, where layers of minced meat, eggplant, zucchini  and potato are mixed with chopped tomatoes and topped with béchamel sauce.

 

ouzo: an anise-flavored aperitif which is usually served  with appetizers such as octopus, salad, sardines, squad, fried zucchini, and clams. It is usually mixed with water or ice. Have in mind that it's concentration in alcohol is very high.

pastitsada: beef cooked in a rich tomato sauce and served with spaghetti 

pita bread: traditional flat round bread used to wrap souvlaki or gyros. 

pizza al metro:  Italian style pizza measured by centimeters. You are charged according to the length of the pizza you eat.

platonis:  The two deers, symbols of Rhodes, on the top of the columns standing at the entrance of the old harbor (Mandraki). The one with corns is male while the other one is female. Some say the platonis came to the island along with the western crusaders. Real platonis are to be found on the mountains of Rhodes.

psaropoula: The Greek name for the traditional fisherman's boat. A tourist area of Rhodes was named after it (Psaropoula and Psaropoula Bay).  

salad Greek: Salad made of sliced tomatoes, cucumber, green bell peppers, red onion, sliced or cubed feta cheese, and Kalamata black olives, typically seasoned with salt, pepper and dried oregano, and dressed with virgin olive oil.

sofrito: veal or beef escalopes sauted in a skillet and served with an accompanying sauce

 

souvlaki kalamaki: cubes of pork or chicken grilled on a skewer to be eaten on the go or as a served dish usually combined with fried potatoes, tzatziki and salad.

souvlaki pita: cubes of pork or chicken grilled and wrapped in traditional Greek pita bread, mixed with tzatziki (or other sauce on demand), fried potatoes, tomato, onion and spices.

tzatziki: popular appetizer made of Greek strained yoghurt, mixed with cucumber, and garlic.

vinsanto wine: Traditional sweet wine made of extensively ripened grapes, sun-dried for fifteen days and then controlled fermentated. Vinsanto is a special variety of the island of Santorini.

*Glossary frequently updated

Welcome ashore!

Greek ports are ready to welcome you in a very busy cruise season.
In this blog you may find exceptional insider info on the area around your port. Many posts will be up to date with ship arrivals in Greek ports -especially Piraeus and Rhodes.
Whether you are going out solo or following organized excursions, you shouldn't miss our proposals on how to get the best out of your one-day visit to a greek destination.
Hidden secrets will be revealed, crazy questions will be answered. Do your homework, prepare yourself, before setting your foot on Piraeus, Rhodes, Santorini, Katakolo and everywhere in Greece.
Get your sunlotion, wear your hat, leave your cabin comfort behind and join the hordes going ashore!