Star Clippers Blog » Port of the Week

Port of the Week: Dikili, Turkey

Nicole — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 01:42:29 +0000

The ancient Greek city of Pergamon.

Situated on Turkey’s north Aegean coast, Dikili is a small fishing town known for its dark sand beaches, picturesque shoreline and warm thermal springs.

With a history dating back to the 2nd century B.C., guests will find that there is a lot to discover and explore while at port in this resort town.

From Dikili, guests can take an optional tour to the stunning historical site of Pergamon, an ancient Greek city that thrived during the Hellenistic period and was the capital of the Kingdom of Pergamon. Other notable attractions include the temple of Dionysus, the Acropolis, the town of Bergama and a 10,000-seat theater clinging to the incredibly steep hillside.

Be sure to visit the restored marble-columned Roman Temple of Trajan and the Asclepion, an ancient healing sanctuary named after the god of medicine.

Star Flyer’s “Greek Isles & Turkey” cruise calls at Dikili, Turkey, during the 2011-12 Mediterranean sailing season.

Port of the Week: Hammamet, Tunisia

Nicole — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 19:41:24 +0000

Hammamet, Tunisia.

“Tunisia’s Saint Tropez” is a fitting description for Hammamet, a former fishing village known for its exotic history, white sand coastlines, ancient buildings and breathtaking villas. Located between the Mediterranean and the Sahara desert, Hammamet’s history is displayed through its bronze statues, pottery and Arabic inspired mosaics exhibited in the town’s museums and archaeological sites.

Guests visiting Hammamet can enjoy a camel ride on the beach at sunset or explore the ruins at the Roman site of Pupput. Other attractions include the Medina, a place of narrow roads filled with historical fountains, mosques and interesting architecture, traditional Arab baths (Hammams) and local pottery artisans.

Star Flyer’s new seven-night itineraries between Malta and Athens, Greece, calls at Hammamet, Tunisia, during the 2011-12 Mediterranean sailing season.

Port of the Week: Skiathos, Greece

Nicole — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 01:22:58 +0000

Skiathos, Greece.

Skiathos is one of the Greek Sporades Islands located in the Aegean Sea and the birthplace of Alexandros Papadiamantis, one of the most prominent writers of modern Greek literature. The island is famous for its golden sand beaches, thick pine forest, picturesque monasteries and hill-top tavernas.

Although Skiathos is a relatively small island, this emerald oasis attracts thousands of visitors each year who come here to enjoy the beautiful beaches and stunning scenery. Popular beaches on the island include Kanapitsa, Koukounaries and Lalaria, a tiny beach with pearl-white pebbles, crystal clear water and a spectacular natural rock archway.

The island became internationally known after it appeared in the hit movie Mamma Mia, which was partially filmed on Skiathos and nearby island Skopelos.

Guest visiting the island will want to explore the capital, Skiathos Town, known for its traditional architecture, waterfront cafés and lively nightlife, and the ruins of Kastro overlooking the northern Aegean Sea. This impressive fortress was built in 1538 and was used to protect the town from pirates and the Ottomans. Another great attraction for history buffs is the Monastery of Evangelistria. This is the place where Greek soldiers took their oath of allegiance under the first independent Greek flag in the early 1800s.

Star Flyer’s new “Yachtsman’s Paradise” itinerary calls at Skiathos, Greece, during the 2011-12 Mediterranean sailing season.

Port of the Week: Canakkale, Turkey

Nicole — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 22:58:31 +0000

Canakkale is the second largest province in Turkey and is situated on the Asian part of the Dardanelles strait, a stretch of water that separates Europe from Asia and links the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara.

The province has witnessed two important battles in history. One of them being the mythological war of Troy, which Homer immortalized in “Iliad.” The other is the Battle of Canakkale during World War I. During the battle, Turkish troops victoriously defended this region against enemy forces. To honor the 500,000 soldiers who gave their lives or were wounded at Gallipoli, this peninsula is now a national park of remembrance.

From Canakkale guests can take an optional tour to the ancient city of Troy. The ruins of this Bronze Age metropolis were rediscovered in 1822 and plundered by treasure hunters over the next century. The city of Troy also features a wooden Trojan Horse, built in recent years to amuse tourists who climb inside to have their picture taken.

Star Flyer makes its inaugural call at Canakkale during the 2011-12 Mediterranean sailing season.

Port of the Week: Chios, Greece

Julie — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:44:38 +0000

Even though this sweet-scented island — known as the fragrant flower of the Aegean — owes its fame to mastic, it gains visitors with its natural beauty and ancient architecture. Chios, also named Hios or Khios, is an island with a long history that dates back to ancient times. The different influences of the island rulers such as the Turks, The Genoese, the Romans and Alexander the Great left ancient monuments and abandoned churches and monasteries. The 11th-century monastery of “Nea Moni,” a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is located on the island.

The south of the island is noted for the Mastichochoria (Mastic Villages), the six villages of Mesta, Pyrgi, Olυmpi, Kalamoti, Vessa, and Elata, which together have controlled the production of mastic gum in the area since the Roman period. The villages, built between the 14th and 16th centuries, have a carefully designed layout with fortified gates and narrow streets to protect against the frequent raids by marauding pirates. Between Chios Town and the Mastichochoria lie a large number of historic villages including Armolia, Myrmighi and Kalimassia.

Some historians believe that the famous Greek poet Homer was born on Chios

Star Flyer begins cruises to Chios in summer 2011.

Port of the Week: Kemer, Turkey

Julie — Tue, 04 May 2010 19:36:40 +0000

Kemer is a made-to-order resort carved from Turkey’s pristine pine-shaded Mediterranean coast. Though not as large or elaborate as Mexico’s Cancún, the principle at Kemer is the same: pick a favorable seaside location with little habitation and build a modern resort town.

The majority of people come to Kemer for sun and sea. The beaches are mostly large pebbles and stones, although the ones near the yacht marina and Yörük Parki (an anthropological park with a Turkish nomad theme) are of sand. Kemer can be a base for exploring nearby sites like Olimpos, Phaselis, Termessos, Perge and Aspendos.

Star Flyer calls at Kemer during its seven-night “Secret Turkey” cruises.

Port of the Week: Kastellorizon, Greece

Julie — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 19:14:56 +0000

Kastellorizon is a collector’s item: it is some 80 miles east of Rhodes, normally considered the most easterly point of Greece, but only just over a mile from the south coast of Turkey. The harbor is small and pretty, with some good quay-side restaurants … and there are good views from the top of the hill behind the town. It looks like a film set, and has been several times.

It also has a “Blue Grotto” to rival the famous one on Capri, but this has far fewer visitors.

Star Flyer calls at Kastellorizon on its seven-night “Secret Turkey” itinerary round-trip from Rhodes.

Port of the Week: Quepos, Costa Rica

Janet — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:47:19 +0000

Quepos, Costa Rica.

Quepos, Costa Rica is a tropical inlet surrounded by lush rain forests just 100 miles from the capital of San Jose. Guests will want to explore the village center with its delightful six-block square of restaurants, bars, art galleries and gift shops, all fronted by the main beach. Fishermen on board will want to try their hand as Quepos is well-known for its bill fishing or for a a more adventures day the nearby Rio Naranjo is sure to entice river rafters. Quepos also is the gateway to Manuel Antonio National Park, the most popular National Park beach in Costa Rica, and an excellent way to spend the day enjoying the regions spectacular flora and fauna among its secluded beaches.

Star Flyer will call at Quepos during its seven-night Panama to Costa Rica cruise, November 14, 2010.

Port of the Week: Simi, Greece

Janet — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 20:15:43 +0000

Simi, Greece.

Simi, Greece, has evolved from a seaside sponge village to a popular tourist seaside spot. Guests aboard Star Clippers will arrive at this peaceful island north-northwest of Rhodes to discover its rocky cliffs and isolated coves. The main town consists of the lower town around the harbor, typically referred to as Yialos, and the upper town called Horio.

While at port guests may want to explore Panormitis the island’s monastery which pays homage to St. Michael of Panormitis and features stunning views of the bay. The monastery is still inhabited by monks and was built in the early 18th century. After a visit to monastery or lunch in town sun worshipers will want to find one of many secluded beaches to enjoy the view and soak up the sun.

Star Flyer will call at Simi on its Turkey’s Turquoise Coast cruise July 24 and August 7, 2010.

Port of the Week: Islas Tortugas (Curu National Reserve), Costa Rica

Julie — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:36:01 +0000

Curu contains Costa Rica’s first private national wildlife refuge. Located on the southern Nicoya Peninsula, the area offers easy access to see some of the most sought-after species such as howler and spider monkeys, scarlet macaws, collared peccary, coyotes, iguanas and hundreds of species of tropical and migratory birds. An almost-extinct species of oyster (Ocypode occidentalis) can be found here, as well as lobsters, chitons and mouthless crabs. All five of Costa Rica’s mangrove species are represented in Curu. The refuge is one of the few places in Central America where agriculture, scientific research and tourism exist in harmony.

Star Flyer will call at Curu on the seven-night round-trip Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica, cruises beginning November 2010.