Rhodes & Heraklion

Over to Greece we sailed from Turkey, landing first on the island of Rhodes – and more specifically, in the UNESCO heritage site town of Rhodes. This old town is simply marvellous to get lost in, with umpteen winding cobblestone streets lined with countless quaint looking bars, restaurants and local shops with residences above.

Further afield lies the acropolis of Lindos, overlooking a whitewashed town and beautiful lagoon ideal for anchoring one’s boat in. Much of the island is filled with picturesque hamlets, lush vineyards and scenic olive groves – and the weather that day, although rather breezy, was perfectly sunny for exploring.

Culturally enriched (or otherwise) everyone made it back to the ship in time for 18:00 – pre-dinner drinks – before we sailed to our next Greek stop: Heraklion. Berthed by 08:00 under clear blue skies, with Greece’s highest prominent and snow-capped mountain peak of Mount Ida (circa 8000ft) easily in view not far off.

There are all sorts of wonderful and old sounding spots to visit on this, Greece’s largest and most populous island. Knossos (the legendary birthplace of that half bull, half man Minotaur), Arkadi (a lovely old monastery), Rethymnon and Plaka (both described as a ‘friendly old towns’) are all worth a visit.

Some of Europe’s oldest recorded civilisations can be found down in places called Gortyn and Phaestos, in the form of the ancient Minoans of course. Needless to say, we offered tours to all such highlights here, so that everyone could brush up on their history prior to returning to the ship for a jolly good supper and evening of entertainment.

Next was a much-needed day of rest whilst we steamed westward, bound for some Italian islands…

Kind Regards
Captain Kim Tanner