Astronomy Cafe

  An interesting and educational attraction to while away a couple of hours during a warm sunset overlooking the ocean. We arrived at about 7pm with a very friendly welcome and... read more two very comfortable chairs overlooking the astronomy garden. The garden has a number of displays including a huge sundial, planet information and interesting background details.

Whilst sat overlooking a great view we enjoyed designer cocktails which are well priced and you have the opportunity to eat while there.

At 8pm we enjoyed a visit to the telescope with a chance to see Jupiter, Saturn and some far-flung nebula the name of which I can’t remember with a very knowledgeable guide who obviously is well into astronomy. It is worth this rour to see the laser on the telescope which is stunning. There a is small and very reasonable charge for this tour and well worth it.

An enjoyable way to pass away a couple of evening hours and well recommended.

  Informative and good value presentation up in the observatory. Cocktails were lovely, we went for the specials and would recommend!

  29/9/21

We three middle aged guys had seen enough of the sights of evening nighttime Faliraki and had noticed that we lived close to the number one attraction that... read more us thus place.

I wanted to visit at 8pm after a day at the local Mantomata bay so phoned up to book our slot. On our returning quite late I phoned again to change the slot to 8:30. By the time we actually returned and had a quick snack we definitely were cutting it close given we had to walk the 700m, mostly up a steep hill, to get there. I walked fast ahead to get to buy the tickets at the desk at 8:15. Just about made it! My friends trailed behind but arrived in time to catch their breathe and have five minutes.

The only signposting to the cafe was at the high junction with the road from the Mandomata Beach, it would be good to have one at a junction lower down. Not everyone have smart phones.

I was warmly welcomed by the boss and Christina at the entrance. Simone (?) behind the bar who was taking the bookings was relaxed and happy to wait for my friends to arrive as I phoned to confirm they were making it up the hill. I decided not to buy any cocktails till after, another guest did though as he had been recently and recommended them to me.

The garden at night looked amazing with interpretation Displays and sundials everywhere amongst the aromatic herbs. At 8:30 the bell rang and we were summoned to the observatory along with about six other people all wearing masks.

Christine closed the door, gave us instructions not to touch the walls or the lenses and the show began. Suddenly it went dark red light and the walls moved... very odd and disorienting! The three telescope array moved around and lined up with the hatch, Christina pressed some buttons on a remote and a strong blue laser shot into the heavens...... a computer screen behind showed images from the Hubble telescope and others combined and enhanced of the area we were viewing. Christina started her presentation, a bit of time was required to adjust to her accent and she had a lot to say. Each of us took turns to view down the eyepiece at each view after rotating the telescope. I expected big close ups but saw small images of Saturn with its rings and Jupiter with its moons, all good though. Do not expect colourful images, especially nebullae as the stock images you see in media are computer generated enhancements. Mars though would be red, although it was below the horizon on our visit.

Christina took questions happily, as people took turns to view, and answered them all competently as she is a serious astronomer and is up with the latest findings and research. A video display outside in the garden showed the Perseverance Rover on Mars (we actually know the 'driver' and I have put them in touch with each other!).

Stergos is a great believer in spreading the astronomical world to the public and even hosts school classes in the winter, organising three hour long sessions with follow up work. He wants to inspire the next generation of star gazers.

There was no detailed horoscopy as this was science and not fiction experience (sorry I'm a scientist!).

After the talk we looked around the fabulous garden and had two rounds of his famous cocktails, the best we have had in Rhodes at good prices too! The two specials and planetary ones were unique and very well presented. They get through a lot of cinnamon sticks! We left at 10:38 to selfie pose by Apollo 11 astronauts and wend our way back down, appreciating the night view over Faliraki as we descended! A great and special evening out!

  Fantastic! Very beautiful scenery and amazing hospitality. Heard about this place all the way from London and it did not disappoint.
A must go place to visit if you... read more are in Rhodes!

  I really enjoyed the 50 minute talk within the dome looking at the stars using their machinery,

The cafe also had very nice milkshakes and we had a good... read more club sandwich. They also offered us popcorn which was nice.

Lovely staff too.

  Wow !

Just wow !! I would recommend that experience to anyone !! I don’t know anything about stars or solar system but it was so nice to... read more see a Saturn !! That kind of things you see on a internet, but it’s better to see in real !! The cocktails were nice as well, we’ve asked to change something and it was no problem to the bartender ! I would highly recommend that to anyone !

  An interesting and educational attraction to while away a couple of hours during a warm sunset overlooking the ocean. We arrived at about 7pm with a very friendly welcome and... read more two very comfortable chairs overlooking the astronomy garden. The garden has a number of displays including a huge sundial, planet information and interesting background details.

Whilst sat overlooking a great view we enjoyed designer cocktails which are well priced and you have the opportunity to eat while there.

At 8pm we enjoyed a visit to the telescope with a chance to see Jupiter, Saturn and some far-flung nebula the name of which I can’t remember with a very knowledgeable guide who obviously is well into astronomy. It is worth this rour to see the laser on the telescope which is stunning. There a is small and very reasonable charge for this tour and well worth it.

An enjoyable way to pass away a couple of evening hours and well recommended.

  Really unique and interesting astronomy viewing experience at this relaxing cafe / bar with beautiful scenic views. Serves food and great drinks all at very reasonably priced by great hosts.... read more Absolutely recommended!

  The observatory is located at the edge of Faliraki, with some spectacular views over the famous Anthony Quinn bay and the sea. The cafe has a relaxing atmosphere, most of... read more the cocktails and cakes have astronomical-related name. The snacks we had were simpe but otherwise ok. The waiter was very kind.

I do have, however, mixed feelings about the visit to the observatory. We entered the dome in a group of 10 people, which was comfortable. Our assistant, a young lady, pointed the telescope to the Moon first, and this is where my problem appeared.

She adjusted image sharpness to her eyes, but didn't allow me to use the telescope's focuser to adjust focus to MY eyes as image was blury (out of focus). She claimed that if focus is good for her eyes, it must be good for my eyes, too. No, it is perfectly normal to have different eye sharpness, especially as both of us wear eyeglasses. After a short argument, she called the owner, who kindly allowed me to use the focuser and get as sharp image as current weather conditions (seeing) allowed.

We spent approx 35-40 minutes in the dome and had a glimpse of Moon, Jupiter and Saturn with one magnification (67x) only. I felt the need for larger magnifications especially on the Moon.

Entrance to the observatory cost 5 eur per person which is otherwise reasonable.

  We went here for a date night on holiday and it did not disappoint amazing experience, lovely cocktails, beautiful view and very informative! My partner proposed at this location because... read more it was so beautiful so will always hold a special place in our hearts! Also when the staff found out we got engaged they were so lovely and gave us a little goody bag and put a heart watermelon in our cocktails the little added touch made the evening that’s more special!