Blog

Welcome to our new Blog! As we are local experts, we feel duty-bound to pass on our knowledge to you, our customers, and also give you more details about the amazing place that you are visiting. We don’t just offer transfers, we also offer day trips to interesting local sights.

One of our most popular trips is to the Monasteries of Meteora, close to the town of Kalambaka.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this really is one to tick off the bucket list. Breathtaking, mystical and a testament to human spirit, strength and Christian faith.

Built between the 14^th and 16^th centuries, these magnificent monasteries and convents are actually a piece of living history, as well as a historical site. To this day, there are still small numbers of monks and nuns living and working at the site which makes a visit there all the more special.

Arriving through the narrow winding roads, the first glimpse of the Great Monastery, as it’s known is utterly awe-inspiring. The majesty and size of it, up on top of the huge sandstone column is unfathomable. And this is just the first of 6 monasteries here. At the peak of the site in the 16^th century, there were actually 24 active monasteries, but over the centuries that number dwindled to the 6 you see before you today.

Your trip inevitably starts with a hike, which is why it’s best to go in the morning so that the hiking conditions are cooler, and so that you can see as much of the site as possible. As you climb up the hills towards the first monastery, you can only marvel at how on earth the monks managed to build this incredible place. Building materials could only be brought up by a system of ropes, baskets and pulleys and the same went for getting provisions in and out of the community. But there was method in their madness; as the only access was by rope ladder, if the residents felt threatened, they could simply draw up the ladder and they were perfectly safe in their elevated eyrie!

It wasn’t until the 1920’s that the shallow stone steps you walk on today were painstakingly cut into the rock. And in 1921, Queen Marie of Romania was the first woman ever allowed to step foot inside The Great Monastery.

Of course, each building has its own character and charm. Holy Trinity is the most difficult to reach, and the most isolated. For this reason many of our customers choose to tackle it first. The hike and the 140 steps are worth it though. You are rewarded by phenomenal, panoramic views, and it’s not difficult to see why Holy Trinity was given a starring role in the James Bond film, ‘For Your Eyes Only’.

St Stephen’s is probably the most accessible, being situated on the plain rather than perched on a vertiginous clifftop, and you can join the friendly cats who love to bask on the sun-drenched walls outside this little monastery.

Every time we visit the site, we notice and appreciate different details. The way that the sun hits the stone and casts long shadows, the carved door furniture, the little monk’s cell at St Nicholas which he keeps open so that visitors can have a glimpse into his monastic life.

On the way out of the Grand Meteoran Monastery (the largest of the 6), don’t forget to slip a little note into the crack in the rocks. This has become a time honoured tradition over the years, and what will your note say? ‘Oh, please let me come back to this place!’ It’s a common refrain from our guests who leave the trip feeling spiritually refreshed, if not a little tired!

Whilst there is a huge choice of accommodation locally, to suit every taste and budget, we thought we’d shine the spotlight on one particular resort which is popular with many of our customers.

The Sani Resort is situated on the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki and is home to some of the prettiest beaches anywhere. These beaches are also very child-friendly, no steep drop-off for example, meaning that young children can paddle safely (under supervision of course!) And the resort itself manages the gargantuan task of catering for everyone! And we do mean everyone! Set on a privately owned 1000 acre nature reserve, Sani has 5 different properties nestled into a diverse landscape which includes pristine forest, wetlands and beaches.

For foodies there is the Sani Gourmet Festival each May hosting a veritable feast of Michelin starred chefs from around the world. For families the Sani Beach resort is the best option with the Ofsted accredited Peppa Pig creche, kids’ club, teenagers’ club, the amazing adventure park complete with zip wires, and even an Academy to learn new skills- anyone for windsurfing?

The different properties are of a high standard and each offer something slightly different, from all suite accommodation at Porto Sani, to the high-end luxury of Sani Dunes. Each property has a different feel to reflect the diverse international clientele who come here. And with 18 different restaurants, bars and cafes to choose from, Sani Beach Resort is popular with residents and non-residents alike.

We see a lot of customers from the Sani Resort and it has done a lot for this part of Greece, providing employment, attracting international tourists and they don’t forget the environment either! All of their exquisite beaches have a Blue Flag for cleanliness, and the resort has won many eco-awards for their commitment to sustainability.

Although it can be difficult to tear yourself away from a large resort like Sani, where there are infinite activities to enjoy, we find that many guests want to see the real Greece, and of course that is where we can help too. We are based close by in Thessaloniki, which is the capital of Macedonia and the 2^nd city of Greece. We are often lauded for our relaxed way of life and happy citizens.

Transfer Thessaloniki is the best choice for transfers to and from the airport as well as for sightseeing trips. See our other blog post about the amazing Unesco World Heritage site of The Monasteries of Meteora for ideas, but there is also the rugged Halkidiki coastline to explore, as well as the clifftop village of Aftyos with its magnificent, panoramic views across the region. Whatever trip you feel like embarking on, get in touch and we’d be only too happy to offer advice and a quote. You’d be happy too if you got to live in this beautiful part of the world overlooking Mount Olympus and on the Aegean Sea. And with places like the Sani Beach Resort, you too can experience this way of life, if only for a week or two!

Located in northern Greece, Halkidiki is a region known for its stunning beaches, crystal-clear waters, and rich history. Comprised of three peninsulas – Kassandra,
Sithonia, and Mount Athos – Halkidiki offers something for every type of traveler, from families and couples to solo adventurers.

If you’re planning a trip to Greece, chances are you’re already familiar with the popular destinations like Athens and Santorini. But if you’re looking for a hidden gem that’s off the beaten path, look no further than Halkidiki.