Astronomy Cafe

  This was great fun, lovely garden with lots of information displayed in a really lovely way. Little lights twinkling away as the sun went down, worth the short stroll up... read more to the conservatory from Falariki, if you have walking difficulties, get a taxi. We loved it

  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 eve

  We had an amazing experience at the Astronomy cafe: a must visit! The location is incredible, at the top of a hill with an amazing view. It’s a nice walk... read more from Faliraki center, or you can take a taxi and you will be there in 5 mins.

We booked the ‘night observation’ for just 8 euro’s per person at 21.30. Because of Covid the groups are small, which is very nice because it feels very personal and you will have a lot of time to look through the telescope. We saw amazing things, stars millions of light years away! During this observation Christina explained everything very well and enthousiastic.

After the observation we told them that we really wanted to see a/some planet(s). We had to wait until 23.00/00.00 before Saturn and maybe Jupiter would be visible. In the meantime we had a cocktail en enjoyed the nice terrace. At 23.00 the owner took us to the second telescope for a private observation. The highlight of the evening: we saw Jupiter and Saturn! So cool!

Really recommend going here when you visit Rhodos! Very cool experience, really friendly people and a beautiful

  After going up here last year I thought what a lovely end to finish our holiday !! How terribly wrong I was most of our children were 9 and over... read more the owner doesn’t welcome disabled anybody over 12 stone or over 60 he started screaming in our faces to move off his wicker seating after we’d been there for over an hour sitting on them saying we’d break them there was six family groups with us who on average had already spent over 45 euros on drinks and crepes which were hard and disgusting when asked why he wanted us to move preceded to start screaming like a lunatic .my daughter shouted back at him he then tried to lock us all in and started screaming at his staff to phone the police one of the waitresses started scream we d hit her even though nobody was with in 10 feet of her the children were absolutely terrified he told them we were all going to jail for twenty four hours it was the most terrifying experience I’ve ever had and I’m 61 in our party we had police men with us who tried to carm the situation down the other staff were oppoligetic behind his back proberly afraid they would lose their jobs he is the most obnoxious rude arrogant man I’ve ever have met in my life ITHINK the Greek authorities should investigate into how one man can terrify adults and children in this way I wouldn’t recommend this place to my worst enemy STAY AWAY

  I love to learn and see new things. This evening was very interesting. Had fun time in the cafe with a friend and also got to learn and experience night... read more sky through a telescope! The owner was very knowledgeable. Definitely worth the visit!

  This is a lovely and magical location in the very top of the hill overlooking the sea. The views are magical and the drive up to the place is very... read more special. He staff are all nice and friendly and we had a lovely cappuccino.

Unfortunately it was last day of the season and it was cloudy so the observatory was closed. We walked around the garden and read all the information on the solar system and stars.

I will come back next time. I reccomend this place!

  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.

  Absolutely loved it here!
Booked for myself and my daughter at 10pm. Arrived at 9.30pm to a warm and friendly welcome. Got booked in, got a drink (regret not getting... read more a space themed cocktail now) and then sat down in comfortable chairs and enjoyed the beautiful garden. Every table was lit by candle light and there were twinkly lights and LEDs around the displays in the garden.

We then went into the observatory and the gentleman explained everything really clearly and patiently let everyone in turn look through the telescope at different constellations, galaxies and planets (we saw Saturn when we were there). His enthusiasm and knowledge were both fantastic. You get 30 minutes in the observatory which is amazing but I would have loved to have longer.

We then enjoyed the informative displays and fussing the astronomy cat! The lovely lady who greeted us then called us a taxi. Next time I visit Rhodes I will definitely come here again and try to visit during the day as well as the night time. (I will stay all day if I get the chance!)

This was a really special and tranquil place in a beautiful location above Anthony Quinn Bay, the atmosphere was literally 'out of this world.'

  Visted the cafe with a large group and was made to feel unwelcome from when we arrived. Ordered food and drinks (pancakes not the best) waiters (male) very rude and... read more asking the children to sit down when with adults looking at the exhibits. we were asked to sit altogether in one area but not enough room so had to use some other tables and chairs and you could tell they didn’t like this. Asked several times if we could buy tickets and was rudely told to wait until they were ready (no explanation on how or when to purchase tickets for the done). The male waiter continually hovering over us and making the whole group feel uncomfortable and on edge.

The owner then had the audacity to ask a member of the party to move off the chair as they was too big in front of the whole table of people ( bearing in mind this individual had sat there for an over an hour with nothing said) when I spoke to the owner and said how rude he was he got very aggressive went and spoke to another group of people in German about us. Another member of our party approached him and he screamed and pointed and shouted in her face causing a big scene. This Cause huge distress to 13 children as he was threatening them that their parents were going to prison whilst running around threatening to ring the police as he wouldn’t allow us to pay our bill and leave.

whilst he was shouting at other member of our group his staff 2 young ladies were very apologetic for our experience and their bosses behaviour and were embarrassed.

I Definitely avoid and wouldn’t recommend this establishment unless you are awilling for a torrent of abuse by a gruntled owner.

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