Best Guesthouse in Northern Greece
SartiVista, Affordable Accommodations Overlooking the Aegean Sea
Sep 10, 2008
When most travelers think of Greece they think of Athens and Santorini, the Acropolis and the Parthenon—all must-sees, especially for first time visitors. But there is another side to this Eastern European country, what the Greeks experience when they go on holiday. The seaside village of Sarti, where vacationers can relax, swim, and enjoy the slower pace of Greek village life, offers a good selection of hotel options. But there is one guesthouse, sitting half-way up the hillside, that offers an experience the Greeks themselves favor.
A Classic Greek Guesthouse With Western Amenities
SartiVista was built and is operated by Greek-American hosts Isidore and Chichi Melekos. Constructed on the site of an ancient olive grove planted by monks hundreds of years ago, the three-story white stucco house with blue trim was designed with the classic Greek style in mind, but with western amenities.
Each of the six studio apartments available to guests has its own entryway and a balcony or patio overlooking the sea. Chichi has covered all of the queen-size beds with quilts she made herself. A trundle bed in each unit opens into two singles to accommodate families. A kitchenette with refrigerator and stove, satellite TV, private bath with shower, and air conditioning allow guests to feel at home while on holiday.
The Melekoses live in the top-most apartment, where they prepare the gourmet breakfasts they enjoy serving to their guests. They often bring their international visitors together for cookouts served on the grape vine-draped pergola.
Off the Beaten Path in Northern Greece
Located in the northern prefecture of Halkidiki (sometimes spelled Chalkidiki; part of the Macedonia region of Greece), the village of Sarti sits on the eastern coast of Sithonia—the middle of three finger-like peninsulas that project into the Aegean Sea. The peninsula called Cassandra, known for its more expensive resorts, sits to the west. Mount Athos, with its multitude of ancient monasteries, sits across the sea to the east.
Visitors from abroad will fly into the Macedonia International Airport in Thessaloniki. Car rentals are available at the airport; or for those who prefer not to drive in a foreign country, the Melekoses will help arrange transportation to and from the airport. The scenic drive to Sarti takes about two hours.
Vacationers will enjoy the out-of-the-way beaches, harbors, shops, and tavernas in Sarti and other nearby villages. The Melekoses offer snorkeling equipment and sea kayaking tours for the more adventurous. Food, music, and dancing are the keystones of Greek nightlife, and Sarti is no exception with its cafes, bars, and nightclubs.
The Best Time To Book a Vacation at SartiVista
Chichi Melekos recommends that new visitors try to avoid August. That’s their busiest time, when SartiVista is typically pre-booked with Greek regulars. In fact, SartiVista tends to be busy throughout the summer months with guests from a variety of central and eastern European countries.
Off-season rates are generally less expensive throughout Greece. May, September, and October are particularly lovely, with flowers and trees either in bloom or bearing ripe fruit. The weather, while maybe a bit cool for swimming, tends to still be mild enough to relax on the beach, hike, or kayak. For a unique experience, Chichi and Isidore would love to have guests join them for either the grape or olive harvest in late fall.
Regardless of what time of year travelers choose, relaxing on the balcony at SartiVista while watching the moon rise over Mount Athos and listening to the village music wafting up the hillside is about as soothing and tranquil as it gets. Well, maybe not—maybe it’s lounging in the outdoor hot tub, surrounded by olive groves and vineyards. Oh yes, SartiVista has that, too!
 |
 |
 |
