More than 600 cruise ships in Rhodes this season

Rhodes will welcome this season more than 600 cruise ship arrivals, marking a 10% rise compared to last season.  The ships, many of them belonging to the major cruise companies of the World, will carry a total of 700.000 guests.  

Uprisings in North Africa contributed to the selection of Rhodes as an alternative destination in Eastern Mediterranean, making its port one of the busiest in the area. Local authorities and businessmen who depend heavily on cruise tourism have already expressed their satisfaction about this outcome.

Source: “Rodiaki”

Greece, inspiration for internationally renowned artists

Museum of Cycladic Art

ΤHE LAST GRAND TOUR
EXHIBITION DURATION: 15 April – 10 October 2011

The exhibition will bring together for the first time work by many of the internationally renowned artists who have lived and worked in Greece during the twentieth century. Looking at Greece as a site of inspiration over the past sixty years, works to be included reflect the various ways in which the country, its long cultural history and geographic characteristics have continued to be a source for artistic innovation. Concentrating only on those artists who have invested a lengthy stay in Greece or in some cases established second homes there, the exhibition will bring to light both well-known visitors as well as those who have quietly been present over the last decades.   

Participating artists: Etel Adnan | Lynda Benglis | Leonard Cohen | John Craxton | Barbara Hepworth | Martin Kippenberger | Jannis Kounellis | Markus Lüpertz | Brice Marden | Helmut Middendorf | Ben Nicholson | Manfred Pernice | Lucas Samaras | Daniel Spoerri | Juergen Teller | Cy Twombly | Iannis Xenakis Curator: Jessica Morgan The exhibition is curated by Jessica Morgan, Tate Modern. Morgan has curated numerous exhibitions for Tate including the retrospectives of Gabriel Orozco (2011), John Baldessari (2009) and Martin Kippenberger (2006) as well as group exhibitions such as Common Wealth (2003), Time Zones (2004) and The World as a Stage (2007). Address   Main Building 4, Neophytou Douka str.      Opening hours Monday - Wednesday - Friday - Saturday:  10:00-17:00  Thursday:  10:00-20:00  Sunday:  11:00-17:00  Tuesday:  closed Opening hours EASTER PERIOD 2011 Friday 22 April 2011, 12:00-17:00 Saturday 23 April 2011, 10:00-15:00 Sunday 24 April 2011, closed Monday 25 April 2011, closed Tuesday 26 April 2011, 10:00-17:00 Sunday 1 May 2011, 11:00-17:00 (current exhibition closing day) Public Holidays (museum is closed): 1 January, Easter, Easter Monday, Spirit Monday, 1 May, 25 December, 26 December,Shrove Monday, 25 March, 15 August.

Panoramic view of Rhodes from Monte Smith Hill

The tourist train tour (source: Google maps)

Fans of panoramic views won’t have the chance to get on a manmade tower building in order to see Rhodes Town from above. However, nature has blessed this island with a polymorphic terrain; thus the ultimate panoramic spot is situated on top of Monte Smith hill (see “B” on map), along with some invaluable antiquities. This spot gives you the chance to see both coastal sides of the island: on the west you will see the bays of Ixia, Ialyssos and Kameiros as well as the airport, while on the east you will see the Old Town and Rhodes city. That’s also the perfect spot to take a panoramic photo of your cruise ship!

View of Ixia from Monte Smith Hill

At Monte Smith hill you can find the Acropolis of the ancient city of Rhodes. Moreover, there are ruins of the temple of Zeus and Athena Polias, the Apollos’ temple, the theater, the ancient stadium, the Nymphaea cave sanctuaries, the Hellenistic house and a Palatial building.

There are mainly two ways to get there if you don’t have the convenience of a car. You can get a taxi either from the cruise port or from Mandraki harbor. It takes no more than 10 minutes and costs 5-7 euros each way. However, keep in mind that you need to prearrange your return with a radio taxi (http://www.rhodes-taxi.gr) or ask the taxi driver to wait for you on the hill (with an extra prearranged charge).

The tourist train that goes up the hill

Another way of doing the Monte Smith tour is by getting on the little tourist train that departs from the café-restaurant “Aktaion” at the Mandraki harbor (see “A” on map). It’s not a hop on- hop off tour, but it goes smoothly and slowly in order to let passengers enjoy the ride. The kids will love it while you will be focusing on sightseeing and views from above. 

Before you go up the hill, you will do the circuit of the Old Town walls and after descending Monte Smith you will see the Psaropoula area. The tour (see blue route on map) lasts a little less than an hour and costs 7 euros p.p. for a round trip. Buy your tickets at the central bus station tickets office. From April to May the train departs every hour from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  From May and during summer months more afternoon departures will be added.

A “Splendour” trip to the Aegean’s top attractions

"Splendour of the Seas"

On April 12^th Royal Caribbean’s “Splendour of the Seas” is pulling up its anchor in Venice to sail the Aegean. The ship of 2000 guests will undertake April’s most thorough research on the Greek islands.

Its itinerary of 12 days includes Greece’s classic attractions, such as Rhodes, Corfu, Santorini and Athens, as well as other top ports like Mykonos, Katakolon and Chania. Destinations respond to every taste, from sightseeing freaks and adventurous wanderers to beach lovers and relaxing buddies. It is, for sure, one of the highlights of the month.

Corfu Town

Rhodes and Corfu offer a mixture of irresistible natural beauty and cultural heritage. The shore excursions offered by RC are lots, but you should avoid those aiming to show you a general picture of the islands in a hurry. For those who love wandering around small historical towns, the option of going ashore on your own, mixing with the locals and sparing your time as you like is always advisable.

Chania is a similar kind of destination. You can walk around the Old Town either on your own by taking a taxi or by booking an excursion via the ship.

Athens and Ancient Olympia are maybe the most important sites of the Classical Era. In the Greek capital, you may combine a visit to the Parthenon with a walk around the rock of Acropolis or an excursion to Sounion.

Mykonos is the ultimate swimming destination. Although the waters will not be warm enough yet, courageous swimmers should target one, two -or three if you are serious beach hoppers- of the island’s deep blue beaches. Either you go swimming or not, you can always enjoy the view of the famous white Myconian houses that are typical of Cyclades’s architecture.


See also: "Pacifica" on its way to the Aegean

The volcanic miracle of Santorini

While your cruise ship will be approaching Fira and it's port, Athinios, you may think that ''finally, a dream came true!'' The white houses of the island look like they are sculptured into the impressive rock that stands in front of your eyes, and the Aegean Sea creates a magnificent contrast of blue and white. Santorini is indeed perhaps one of the most beautiful places on planet. Besides, it has been voted several times as such by travel websites and magazines. 

''The port of Fira''

The cruise ship will leave you at the bottom of Santorini's rock. From there you can either use the traditional option of jumping on a donkey that will carry you up to the top. There are also more modern means of transportation: taking the teleferic, the local bus or a taxi to the town of Fira.

Shore excursions: Most cruise ship excursions include Oia and Fira. They will both give you a good taste of that unique island. Visits to local wineries, where one can learn some of the secrets of the vinsanto* variety,  are also offered. An excursion to Oia -the must be place for the romantic ones to enjoy one of the most famous sunsets- is highly recommended by ''Cruisinggreece''. Apart from the panoramic views to Thirassia and Nea Kameni, the two nearby islands, Oia offers a variety of ''artistic'' promenades that pass by jewelry, craft and painting shops of high quality (as well as high prices). Your cruise itinerary will not allow you to enjoy Oia's sunset, since you will need to be back on board by afternoon. Don't worry though, since  this might become a good reason for you to visit  Santorini again in the future!

Some cruise companies suggest  tours to Akrotiri, a Bronze Age archaelogical site situated 15 km on the south of Fira. On your way, you will pass by Caldera from where you can enjoy a magnificent view. The excursion to Akrotiri is another fine choice, especially for those who love antiquities.

What someone coming with a cruise ship should avoid, if a first-timer in Santorini, is a beach excursion. No one needs to spend time on a beach when there are so many things to see in one day. Besides, beaches are not the strong point of the island. in terms of swimming. Their uniqueness makes them worthy rather as sights than places to swim. Aghios Georgios is a beach with volcanic black pebbles while the Red Beach has black and red volcanic pebbles and hot water. 

Shore alone:  Independent boat tours that will take you to Nea Kameni, Palea Kameni  and Thirassia also depart from the port of Athinios. At the port you will also find a few cafes and shops for some last minute shopping. 

''Sunset at Oia''

Every part of Santorini reveals treasures of natural beauty, architecture, traditional and modern art and craft, ancient remains and volcanic beaches. Actually, the whole island was the result of a volcanic eruption in 1613 B.C. If you have been to Santorini before and have already visited its main villages, Fira and Oia, then you might choose to visit Emerovigli, another picturesque village of Santorini. Similar to Fira and Oia, in terms of architecture and colors, it offers a much more relaxing atmosphere since it's not as packed with tourists.

A highly recommended alternative is also the boat trip to the volcanic island of Nea Kameni (the still active volcanic centre of the area), just opposite Santorini. Local boats that depart from Fira offer organized guided tours that give you the opportunity to walk on the volcanic rock, smell some real lava and maybe carry a piece of volcanic rock back home! There is also a stop for a swim in the warm volcanic waters. The sea iron will leave its marks on your towel when you hop on back to the boat -a proof of the water's thereupetic power!

''View of Nea Kameni from Santorini''

The local bus company has itineraries from Fira to most parts of the island. However, be sure to check the timetable in order to be back on time. Taxis (+30-228602555) can take you anywhere on the island and private companies arrange tours for small groups of people.

* See Glossary in alphabetical order

Charge your batteries tasting traditional desserts at Syntagma

In case you are exhausted by all the sightseeing around Acropolis and the Greek Parliament, you may take a rest at Syntagma Square. There, you will find two of Greece’s most popular pastry shops originating in Salonika, with recipes mostly brought from Constantinople. 

''Kazan Dibi''

A. Kazan Dibi at "Chatzis" (Xατζής)

At the beginning of Mitropoleos Street on the left corner of the Syntagma Square as you look from the Parliament down to Ermou Street, “Chatzis” serves his specialty, Kazan Dibi (Kαζάν Ντιπί), a caramelized cream with rice flour and vanilla. Kazan in Turkish is the large iron (or it can be many other metals, such as copper) pan and dibi means "the bottom of." 

''Tsoureki with chocolate''

B. Tsoureki with chocolate at ''Terkenlis" (Τερκενλής)

Just outside the main metro exit, on Syntagma Square, on your right hand, there is a pastry shop/café named ''Terkenlis''. There, you may sit and taste the famous tsoureki with chocolate. Tsoureki is essentially a Greek brioche style of sweet bread, usually consumed during the Easter Period. However, ''Terkenlis'' has turned it to an all-season dessert by staffing and decorating it with chocolate of all kinds (black, white etc.) The recipe quickly conquered Salonika and lately successfully passed to Athens.

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