ELBA, L' Isola d' Elba, Tuscany, Italy

ELBA (ISLAND), Tuscany, Italy

Where is  situated

Elba is a Mediterranean Island in Tuscany, Italy, 20 Km from the town of Piombino, the largest island of the Tuscan Archipelago and the third largest island in Italy after Sicily and Sardinia. It is located in the Tyrrhenian Sea about 50 km east of rhe French island of Corsica.

General aspects

The Island is well known from ancient times for its iron resources. Originally was inhabited by the Ligures Ilvati who gave the ancient name Ilva after that was inhabited by the Etruscans and later by the Romans.

French emperor Napoleon I was exiled to Elba after his forced abdication in 1814 and arrived at  Portoferraio on May 30,1814.

In 1860 it became part of the new unified Kingdom of Italy.

More recently, the island has become famed for its wine and today it is a noted tourist resort. Elba is famous for its clear and blue sea and beautiful beaches. Also a tourist can practice diving and snorkeling in Elba, spending some time on free climbing and mountain biking, enjoying a round of golf  or sea kayaking.

Island of Elba is undoubtedly a unique experience in life. It’s a green oasis within the Tuscany Archipelago, crystal clear water lapped by golden beaches, granite rocks, its winds its perfumes and flavors, its hillside villages are waiting for you.

Climate

The climate of the island is predominantly Mediterranean

Month	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEPT
Record high °C (°F)	29,6 (85,3)	32,0 (89,6)	34,3 (93,7)	36,1 (97,0)	32,0 (89,6)
Average high °C (°F)	18,8 (65,8)	22,7 (72,9)	26,5 (79,7)	26,7 (80,1)	22,6 (72,7)
Average low °C (°F)	12,3 (54,1)	15,8 (60,4)	19,0 (66,2)	19,5 (67,1)	16,4 (61,5)
Precipitation mm (inches)	31,6 (1,24)	26,8 (1,05)	13,8 (0,54)	41,5 (1,63)	75,0 (2,95)
Rainy Days	5	3	1	3	5
Sea Temp °C	18,0	21,0	23,0	25,0	24,0

Reaching Elba

   The port of departure for the Island of Elba is Piombino, while the ports of arrival are Portoferraio, Cavo and Rio Marina.

   Maritime connections with the island of Elba are provided by four companies:

Corsica Ferries - http://www.corsica-ferries.co.uk/  

Moby Lines       - http://www.mobylines.com/ 

Toremar             - http://www.toremar.it/en/

Blunavy             - http://www.blunavytraghetti.com/webing/homeing.htm,

 on the Piombino Marittima-Portoferraio (Elba) route. During high season, there is a ferry crossing every half-hour. We advise you book your crossing in advance, especially if coming by car.

   Marina di Campo Airport on the Island of Elba (www.elbaisland-airport.it - tel. 0565.97.60.11) is about two kilometres from Marina di Campo, in a place called La Pila; the airport is within easy reach of all parts of the island.

What to visit

The biggest town-places to visit are: Portoferraio, Porto Azzurro, Capoliveri, Marina di Campo, Rio Marina, Marciana, Cavo.

There is more than 130 beautiful beaches on the Island like: Sansone Beach (Portoferraio), Pomonte Beach (Pomonte), Cavoli Beach (Seccheto), Capo Bianco Beach (Portoferraio), Barabarca Beach (Capoliveri), Biodola Beach (Portoferraio).

The most interesting places to visit are:

 Villa dei Mulini di Napoleone – This was the emperor’s public residence and certainly the most important Napoleonic site in Elba.

Villa di San Martino – The emperor’s more private residence is in the greener area outside of Portoferraio and near San Martino.

Roman Ruins: There are two important ruins on Elba: Villa Romana alle Grotte and Villa Romana di Capo Castello.

Mineral Park and Museum - The Mineral museum and park might appeal to anyone passionate about rocks. 

What to eat/drink

Aleatico DOCG red wine, for example, has been made on the island for centuries. Moreover Elba’s cuisine is the result of the migration and influences of different people that arrived here from other lands to share the same hard works: in mines, vineyards and at the sea. Known since antiquity as “Liviatico” or “Liatico”, this grape varietal of probable greek origins arrives in Elba thanks to the Romans. Centuries later, during the Renaissance, Aleatico wine became popular thanks to Lorenzo de’ Medici.

 Elba wines are first class and many bear the DOC label, such as the excellent: Elba White, Elba Red, Rosato, Ansonica, Moscato and Aleatico (DOCG).

The Elba’s diet is largely based on fish and seafood dishes that are flavoured with local spices. Here are some of the most famous dishes: Palamita, Stockfish with potato , Sburrita. Gurguglione is another Rio speciality made from vegetables, cacciucco or fish soup and other specialities.

Events

A number of important cultural, folk, sport and food events usually take place on the Elba Island in Autumn and in Spring. Here are some of the most popular ones which will surely make your holiday more interesting.

 Walking Festival that takes place in Spring

Grape Festival in Autumn

Chestnut Festival in Autumn it’s a gastronomic feast that take place in small, hillside towns.

Rent a car

If you would like to visit the isle of Elba and not miss any of the wonderful things rent a car for the freedom to move when and where you wish.

http://www.rentautoelba.com/

http://www.elbabycar.com/elba-rent-car.php

Useful info

118 - Medical Assistance

112 - Police Emergency

113 - Police Public Assistance

115 - Fire Brigade

117 ­­- Revenue Guard Corps - Emergency

1515 - Forest Rangers

1530 - Harbour Office – Sea Rescue

Sites to visit for more info :

http://www.infoelba.com/

http://www.elba.org/

http://www.discovertuscany.com/elba/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elba

RHODES (RODI, RODOS)

1. Where is situated

Rhodes is the largest of the Dodecanese islands in Greece and one of the largest in the Aegean sea. It is situated approximately 17,7 km from the coasts of Turkey. The population is about 130.000 persons , of which approximately 60-70.000 reside in the city of Rhodes.

2. General aspect

Rhodes called from its local people the Rose of the Aegean and deserves its name because is one of the most beautiful Greek islands. Rhodes has the oldest tourist history from all the islands of Greece and is famous all over the world, this wonderful Greek island together with the islands of Kos, Crete, Mykonos, Santorini and Corfu attracts the most tourism in Greece. Many Hollywood films have been filmed here ,that helped more the global advertisement of Rhodes and its beauties. 

Rhodes town is divided to the new town and the old town from the big medieval wall. The beauty of Rhodes town is the old town with the medieval castles ,houses and streets. At the port the visitor will find Mandraki with its circular Market and the Cafes at the seafront ,further on are the Art Deco buildings of the Metropolis from the times of the Italian occupation. At the entrance of the port are the famous two columns with the two Deers at the place where supposed to be the colossus of Rhodes .The ancient city of Lindos is another of the main attractions of the island.

Historically, Rhodes was famous worldwide for the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. The Medieval Old Town of the City of Rhodes has been declared a World Heritage Site. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe.

 3. Climate

  Rhodes has a hot-summer Mediterranean climate. The island enjoys a mild climate with adequate rainfall. In reality there are only two seasons: spring and summer. May sees the beginning of summer, when the earth gradually takes on a golden colour, until November, when the cycle starts again. On average, Rodos has 300 days of sunshine a year.

	APRIL	MAY	JUNE	JULY	AUGUST	SEPTEMBER	OCTOBER
Day temperature (°c)	21	26	30	34	33	31	27
Night temperature (°C)	11	15	19	22	22	20	15
Sea water temperature (°C)	17	18	20	24	25	24	21
Rain-days in month	4	3	1	1	0	2	6
Sunny hours per day	9	11	13	13	12	11	9

4. Reaching Rodos

International airport “Diagoras”- www.rhodes-airport.org  is located approximately 30 minutes from Rodos city. For your transfer from the airport to the city and vice versa, you can use either the local bus or a taxi.

 There are daily flight connections with Athens and Thessaloniki via Aegean Airlines – www.aegeanair.com  and Olympic Air – www.olympicairlines.com scheduled flights. During the summer, there are charter flights connecting Rodos with multiple foreign destinations.

The port of Rodos offers efficient arrival/ departure clearance without idle time of berth, sufficient length and draft for large cruise vessels, shipside access to shore excursion coaches & vehicles. The new cruise passenger terminal offers a 580m2 facility fully equipped to meet the demands of modern cruise vessels and their guests.

The visitor can book a ferry from companies like:

Blue Star Ferries, 
tel: +30 22410 22461 
website: www.bluestarferries.com  

GA Ferries (Rodos Office) 
tel: +30 22410 30406 
website: www.gaferries.com

ANESSea Lines (Rodos Office) 
tel: +30 22410 77760 
website: www.anes.gr

Dodekanisos Naftiliaki 
tel: +30 22410 70590 
website: www.12ne.gr

Visa and entry requirements - Greece is a Member-State of the European Union and has ratified the Schengen Agreement. Citizens traveling inside the E.U. just need to display their police I.D. Card without the need of a passport. However, a passport is necessary for a number of other transactions, such as currency exchange, purchases, etc. 

Citizens of the majority of the countries that are not Member-States of the Schengen Agreement require a visa to enter Greece and the E.U. Visitors from these countries can obtain further information from the Hellenic Embassies or Consulates in their countries, or even from their travel agencies. 

Visas are not required by holders of valid passports from the following non-E.U. countries if they want to visit Greece and remain in the country for up to 3 months (90 days) within a chronological period of 6 months:  Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile,  Costa Rica, Croatia,  El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Israel, Japan,  Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand,  Vatican, Nicaragua, Panama,Paraguay,  Saint Marino, Singapore, South Korea, USA, Uruguay, Venezuela.

5.Top things to do in Rhodes

·         Medieval City - Lots of shops, restaurants, cafes and friendly people. A great place to wonder around, the fortress walls are amazing all intact including the round towers. Old city is a photographers paradise, the views and architecture are amazing.

·         Monastery Tsambika (Kolimbia)- A small church on the top of mountain.

·         The church of the Panagia (Lindos) - A wonderful church to visit in the middle of town on your way up to the Acropolis.

·         Village of LIndos - a lovely fortress on the hilltop, narrow streets, lots of steps and a nice beach.

·         Archaeological Museum of Rhodes

·         Acropolis of Lindos

·         Monolithos Castle

·         Place of Grand Master of knights (Rhodes Town)

·         Ancient Kamiros

·         The Water Park (Faliraki)

·         Socratous garden

·         Beaches like: St. Paul Bay (Lindos), Tsambika Beach, Agathi Beach (Haraki), Plakia Beach (Pefkos), Traganou Beach, Lindos Beach, Pefkos Beach (Pefkos), Traounou Beach (Faliraki) etc.

6. What to eat

The island of Rhodes can satisfy anyone because it produces various products of excellent quality.            The appetizers or starters are called “mezethes” (singular “mezes”). Some examples are: Giaprakia (Stuffed vines Leaves or Cabbage with rice and meat), Meliasti (Feta Cheese wrapped in Phyllo and topped with honey and sesame), Melitzana Psiti (roasted eggplant sometimes with garlic, yoghurt and nuts etc.

   Main dishes in Rhodes are meat, poultry or fish: Rouzetia me Skorthalia (fried red small fishes with garlic sauce), Psarosoupa (fish soup, potatoes, lemon and egg base), Kouneli stifatho (Rabbit stew), Kampas (goat baked with beans and chickpease), Paithakia (lamb chops usually grilled)   Some of traditional desserts are: Yoghurt with honey and nuts, Baklava Ice-cream, Katalfi etc.

If someone wants a detailed Greek cuisine take a look at this page: http://www.rhodesprivatetours.com/food_greece_menus_meals_cuisine.htm

7. Festival & Events

The Medieval Rose Festival this is an annual event which  take place during the months of May or June. The Rose Festival gives our visitors the chance to transport themselves back into the medieval times in Rhodes and participate in the Witches and Fairies Dance, with Fire Eaters, Jugglers and Jesters, all dressed perfectly in medieval costumes.

The Flower Festival. Around mid- May the Rhodes Cultural Organization organizes the annual Flower Festival (Anthestiria). The parade takes place on the Mandraki harbour.

Film Festivals. In June the Municipality of Rhodes and the Image & Environment Society organize the Ecofilms, Rodos International Films and Visual Arts Festivals.

The Cultural Events organized by the municipality and the cultural society of Rhodes during summer (from July to September) consist of various concerts (classical/modern music by famous Greek and International artists) and frequent theatrical performances. There are also several art exhibitions taking place throughout the summer.

8. Rent a car

A list of some rent companies:

http://www.budgetrentacar.gr

http://www.rodoscars.gr/ 

http://www.avis.gr/

http://www.colossosrentacar.com

9. Useful Info

   Currency and banks - All the main Greek banks have branches and ATM machines on the island. Banks are generally open from Monday to Friday between the hours of 8am and 2pm. Visitors going to the Bank to exchange money into Euros or to cash travellers cheques must remember to have their international passport with them. Since January 1st 2000, Greece has adopted the Euro as its national currency.

   Pets - Pets travelling to Greece from other EU countries need a microchip for identification, an EU Pet Passport, and stamp to prove they have been vaccinated against rabies (within between four weeks and one year of date of entry into Greece). Pets arriving from outside the EU need a health certificate completed by a vet in either Greek or English.

   Emergency Numbers

• Police 100
• Fire Brigade 199
• Ambulance Services 166
• Forestry Fire Service 191

Dial from any Public Phone without charge 

Other Numbers 

• Hellenic Tourism Organisation (EOT) (+30) 22410 44335 / 44336
• Lindos Tourist Information (+30) 22440 31900 / 31227
• Tourist Police (+30) 22410 27423 / 23329
• Traffic Police (+30) 22410 22346 / 26480
•  Diagoras Airport (+30) 22410 88700
• Port (+30) 22410 27695 / 27690

Central Station (Mandraki) (+30) 22410 27666
Radio Taxi (+30) 22410 64712 / 64734 / 62179

Rhodos General Hospital Tel: (+30) 22410 80100 
Euromedica Private Hospital Tel: (+30) 22410 45000

11. More sites to visit

http://www.rodosisland.gr/en/Useful-Information--.asp 

http://www.travel-rhodes.com/

http://www.rhodestravels.com/

http://www.visitrhodes.gr/

http://www.rhodesprivatetours.com/i