Northern Greece by Kathrin Sion.
Yassou! A big wow for a wonderful getaway: Sani Resort in Greece
Shortly after landing in Thessaloniki Germany is forgotten.
The city has always been known between Greeks for its vibrant city culture, including having the most cafe‘s and bars per-capita than any other city in Europe; and as having some of the best nightlife and entertainment in the country, thanks to its large student population and multicultural feel.
Thessaloniki has several central city gardens and for us it was easy to fall in love with. Located in the region of Macedonia, it was founded in the early years of the Hellenistic period, during Alexander the Great’s ecumenical empire. It was also dominated by the Romans and later experienced the glories of the Byzantine era as the »co-reigning city« before succumbing to the ottoman empire.
Our hideaway is a real dream destination. And not far away (only two up to 2,5 hours flight).
The one-hour taxi ride to the hotel conveys Greece-feeling. Wide open fields of olive trees, huge fruit plantations, nature as far as the eye can see. The taxi driver told me that he worked for 21 years for the Sani Resort and it makes him happy. He meets guests from England, from Germany but also the Nordic countries. In Porto Sani Village I get a lovely room. So nice and big, with views over the fields from the balcony. Whoever is planning a short trip to the sun in the many long weekends, this resort should take a closer look. The Sani Beach Hotel opened the season with a new wing, which especially welcomes families. The very spacious, comfortable rooms have one or two bedrooms and offer the floor to ceiling windows and large terraces a fantastic view of the Aegean Sea and the Sani Bay.
We spent most of the time in the resort eating amazing Greek food and enjoyed the private beaches of the resort.
The resort is situated on Halkidiki, a large peninsula in the northwestern Aegean Sea that is around 1 hour away from Thessaloniki airport.
The resort is huge and quite isolated so it is perfect if you want to spend a relaxing beach holiday. Indeed, with it’s supermarket, beaches, nature reserves, many activities, animations and restaurants there is no need to go out of the resort.
I really enjoyed the infinity pool and the 9 km long and sandy Bousoulas Beach, that is perfect to take a walk by the sea.
All hotels have their restaurants but it is possible to eat everywhere. There is something for every taste. In the resort there are italian, japanese and of course greek restaurants. You can try them all thanks to the Dine Around package that allows you to try the other hotels eateries around the resort.
I won’t hide that I enjoyed most the greek restaurant, my favourite was “Ouzerie” that is doing traditionnal greek food, you seat in a all-white decor and eat while overviewing the beach.
Perfect for a romantic dinner at sunset.
On opposite to many other resorts, Sani resort also has a huge nature reserve with pine forests and wetlands. It is possible to bike or walk around and do bird watching. There is also a lot of activities proposed by the resort : paddle yoga, diving courses, boat tours, tennis, spa offers, shopping trips and sightseeing of the neighborhood!
The rooms are nice, but even better is to discover the plant. Pure nature. You can walk on the beach, gorgeous, the paths through the parks of the plant. Everywhere a local insert invites a stop and taste Greek, Italian or Mediterranean cuisine. This is the part of the concept of the Sani Resorts. Who likes to hike should take the most beautiful trail from Chakidiki. He follows the coastline and winds its way through the woods above the cliffs by the Sani Resort to the resort of Siviri. On the way you have repeatedly magnificent views of the sea. Rabbits, turtles, lizards and various species of butterflies inhabit – depending on the season – the cliffs and forests. Ornithologists should take the way at Bousoulas beach-along, the path leads to several acres of nature reserve and bird sanctuary. It is home to over 180 bird species and was declared by BirdLife for protection zone. You hike on marked trails through the reserve while the birds are observed. Among them are mute swans, stilt walkers and little egrets. However, many other excursions are offered, also by boat. There are to visit archaeological sites, Thessaloniki is a wonderful day trip and the peninsula of Sithonia and should not be missing in the program.
After a wonderful day spend the evening at the bar – or if you like it private – in the room balcony with a glass of Greek wine. The Assyrtiko was delicious.
We will come back.
A beautiful experience.
