Fancy a break in mainland Greece? This region is as dreamy as any island
- 1/10
10) Afitis Boutique Hotel
At beachfront Afitis Boutique Hotel in the confusingly named/spelled Afytos, white parasols line the sand and there’s a backdrop of lush greenery. The hotel overlooks the Gulf of Toroneos, with Aegean-facing terraces and balconies in some of the rooms. It’s a great Halkidiki hotel for diving in the area’s clear waters. Above ground, enjoy an Apivita treatment or a dip in an outdoor hot tub at the spa.
Kitchen gardens supply many of the vegetables to the chefs. It also has an impressive wine list.
Afitis Boutique Hotel/Booking.com - 2/10
1) Avaton
On the shores of the Athos Peninsula in Halkidiki, Avaton is a beach retreat with 36 villas, suites and rooms, most of which have a private pool. Start your holiday the only acceptable way, with a trip to the champagne bar, which is perfectly positioned for admiring the Aegean. Things will only get better at the spa, whether you’ve requested a Sothys facial or a massage in the cabana on the beach.
For when you can bear to leave your sunlounger, a cruise in a yacht to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Athos awaits.
Courtesy of the hotel - 3/10
2) Sani Beach
Part of the holiday playground that is Sani Resort, which features various luxury hotels, Sani Beach is on Halkidiki’s Kassandra peninsula, 80 kilometres away from Thessaloniki's airport. The thousand-acre reserve spans pine forests and beautiful beaches, not to mention facilities such as the Rafa Nadal tennis centre, a Chelsea FC foundation, a ‘survival academy’ courtesy of Bear Grylls and a private marina. There are two festivals held annually, when things get even more lively.
Sani Beach is the resort’s biggest hotel, set on the beach overlooking Cape Sani, with seven kilometres of pristine shoreline on its doorstep. There’s lots for families and little guests stay for free.Courtesy of the hotel - 4/10
3) Ikos Olivia
For a slightly more elegant take on the all-inclusive holiday, the Ikos brand and its ‘Infinite Lifestyle’ concept is the Greek getaway for you this summer. Its Halkidiki edition Ikos Olivia is set along a curving coastline, with low-lying buildings blending into the landscape. The resort spans 22 acres of ancient olive and fir trees, as well as, of course, white-sand beaches along the Gulf of Toroneos.
Everything is included in your rate and this extends to dinners out in local tavernas, as part of the genius Dine Out scheme, perfect for anyone at risk of cabin fever.Courtesy of the hotel - 5/10
4) Porto Sani
Porto Sani reopened in time for last season, following a several-million-euro refurbishment, which added a spa among other things. It’s an excellent family-friendly hotel in Greece, with some serious child-entertaining credentials, from babysitting provided by Carol Mae Consulting to kids’ menus created by Annabel Karmel.
The resort has plenty of restaurants and bars to work through, such as Lima, a Peruvian eatery that has a veranda with views; and Elia, where you can dine on classic Greek dishes alfresco.Courtesy of the hotel - 6/10
5) Ikos Oceania
Another of the Ikos group’s all-inclusive resorts in Halkidiki is Ikos Oceania, surrounded by forests and fishing villages. The plot features landscaped gardens descending to the shore lined by fir trees. You’ll be able to admire Mount Olympus as you dine.
The ‘Unconditional Luxury’ on offer here might feature a local excursion in a free-to-borrow Tesla, meals designed by a Michelin-starred chef, and free-flowing cocktails and fine wines. And if you feel the need to stay active rather than prone on a sun lounger while on holiday, you’ll be pleased to hear it also extends to endless sports, including mountain-biking, Pilates, beach volleyball or tennis.Courtesy of the hotel - 7/10
6) Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort
As the name suggests, wellness is at the heart of Miraggio Thermal Spa Resort, which has a two-storey super spa where guests can book in for a mani-pedi or blow-dry, improve their circulation in the cold plunge pools or stay warm in the Finnish sauna. It also has a hydrotherapy area with three thermal pools and a bar overlooking the Aegean and Mouth Athos.
There are lots of pools at this water world, including one with floating palm trees just behind the beach. It’s also home to a sushi bar for when Greek salad or gyros won’t do.Courtesy of the hotel - 8/10
7) Eagles Palace
There are lots of stellar resorts in Halkidiki and Eagles Palace is one of them, with bungalows on the beach and two-bedroom family-friendly suites. It’s in the ancient village of Ouranoupolis, which translates as ‘town of the sky’ and is the gateway to Mount Athos.
Restaurants at the resort include Kamares, with a balcony that’s the perfect spot for sunset – you’ll be able to spy the island of Ammouliani with your aperitif. Armyra, a taverna on the beach, serves Greek small plates by day; it scrubs up in time for supper, when it becomes an elegant seafood restaurant, complete with candlelight.
Booking.com - 9/10
8) Ekies All Senses Resort
Ekies All Senses Resort is located on the Bay of Vourvourou on Halkidiki’s central peninsula, Sithonia. The area has lots of secret coves that you may well have all to yourselves – hire a boat from the hotel’s beach to go in search of them.
The design seamlessly blends modern pieces from brands such as Vitra with antiques, plus monastic details in homage to nearby Mount Athos. It may sound like a temple of serenity, but it’s actually very family-friendly, too, with a playground and smaller pool for children.
Booking.com - 10/10
9) Eagles Villas
Over the road from Eagles Palace in Ouranoupolis, Eagles Villas is yet another Halkidiki mega-resort, with six restaurants, including a fine-dining option where the menu was crafted by a twice-Michelin-starred chef and a taverna on the beach. Accommodation includes sea-facing villas with a private pool.
Taking to the water is practically mandatory – the staff will furnish you with a suitable vessel and a skipper, and you’ll be able to cruise the Aegean in style, seeing the monasteries of Mount Athos from the water or dropping anchor near the islands of Ammouliani.
Booking.com
