Ammoudara, the beach boogie and beach hotel strip adjoining Heraklion in Crete, has yet another multi-screen cinema complex.
This time it is in a shopping centre “Talos Plaza” which also offers the first Starbucks coffee shop to open in Crete.
Many other shops to explore and underground parking is offered.
The current plan is for the Archaeological museum in Heraklion to open in August with a temporary (partial) selection of exhibits.
This date is much delayed from the originally intended April opening, but it is still by no means certain.
Will “resignations be forthcoming” because of this delay? Only if the Greek populace start demanding more from their politicians and bureaucrats (just like anywhere else)…which they show little sign of doing. However we believe in better futures and pleasant surprises. Come on guys and gals!
It might be a timely reminder – politicians and bureaucrats are paid out of the money derived from individuals’ taxes (yes yours too ! )…believe it or not they are there to serve the people and serve them well! :icon_redface:
The long walk – that popular gorge – the Samaria gorge in Crete (said to the the longest in Europe) will present its dramatic slot in the world, its rare plants and wildlife for enjoyment – opening estimated by 20th of April 2007. Note: Opening times are subject to change if harsh weather causes rockfalls or excess water run-off before that day.
A new gourmet restaurant – with lush tech modern design – has opened in Heraklion, Crete on Epimenidou Street http://www.brillantrestaurant.gr/ – looks like it may well be worth staying at the hotel which houses it, just to try the restaurant in a relaxed manner – if this is a tempting idea, have a look http://www.crete-hotels-rooms.com/Reservations/Lato_Hotel.htm
New hitech walkman-sized units will gradually be introduced for rental at major Archaeological sites and museums in Greece. They will be programmed with information, touch technology and generally provide a guided and enhanced visitor appreciation. We will be on the lookout for specifics and updates on this great step forward.
The all-new Crete Aquarium is open. Making use of part of the old US military base at Gouves (on the north coast ) near Heraklion – the new Aquarium is currently open daily – every day – from 10:30 until 1730 hours.
Admission is a lucky seven Euros.
The Aquarium is an integral part of Thalassokosmos (Thalassocosmos) which justly claims a well-aimed spotlight on science, education and enlightening you and me about the marine world.
There are more than 30 tanks, fifty viewing points, and visitor operable cameras to delve into the more concealed areas of the habitat.
Go now before membership availability runs out…..just kidding !
There is no membership fee of course.
If you wish to phone before visiting the number is 2810 337 788 – (+30) prefix from outside Greece.
Opening hours will be longer from April onwards as we spring past winter and head for summer.
Technopolis or Teknopolis has just opened. A cinema multiplex which also offers a cafe, branch of the essential Goody’s food chain, fountains and an outdoor amphitheatre.
The cineastes at CreteTravel.com and SuperbGreece have not yet inspected this new entertainment venue….but it will be of absolutely essential and compelling interest to you to know that we, well, we look forward to it…
At last – much awaited (perhaps) and most inspired (we hope) the new guide to Rethymno appears on CreteTravel.com .
Just added – the guide to Rethymno for those visiting or choosing to stay in the town while in Crete http://cretetravel.com/Rethymno/Rethymno.htm – includes many photographs, great map, how to enjoy the town, hotel suggestions and more…
Something else, another view, impression and suggestions about Athens:
http://www.spectator.co.uk/article_archive.php?id=5566
And the evergreen guide to Athens if you are going there (and surely you are ?) >
http://www.cretetravel.com/Athens
ThalassoKosmos (sea world) will open at Gouves on Crete’s north coast, a few kilometres east of Heraklion, in March 2005.
Claimed to be the largest and most up to date attraction and educational spectator exhibit in the Mediterranean, this puts an abandoned air base to good use.
Features include:
-32 tanks
-4000 sea organisms and creature
-300 square metres of glass walls
-50 observation points
-Over one and a half million litres of recycled sea water
There will also be – this is essential – Cafes, Restaurants and other expected facilities.
At a guess, over 175,000 people will visit the attraction each year
The project is supported by the Hellenic Centre of Marine Research and the Institutes of Marine Biology and of Fish Farming (how’s that for marine muscle!).
I\m excited to see this new attraction and how aesthetically pleasing the installation may be…
Calypso will soon commense construction. This is to become the largest Sea Park in all Greece.
It will be situated on the north coast of Crete on a large piece of seaside (of course!) land in Souda.
No completion date is yet announced – but if not 2005, then 2006!
Well this is it. The first opportunity to wish you all a Merry Xmas, all over the world.
To those living, visiting, missing or fond of – Iceland…have a splendid St. Thorlakur Day (23 December 2004)
If you find the modern day spread of Greek culture, and in this case business as well, of interest – and sponges are things you are given by affectionate friends with a tender thought in mind, try this article about the sponges of Tarpon Springs in the USA”s Gulf of Mexico:
http://www.travelwirenews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000025/002598.htm
And may we offer you a gift for next year….start your calendars and get ready for the best things in Greece…from early February 2005 take a peak at http://www.SuperbGreece.com and enjoy it. But there is nothing there yet….I remind you, from February 2005.
Have a Healthy, prosperous and wondrous new year.