Hanioti holidays

You won’t be short of dining and drinking options when you venture to Hanioti. From rooftop tavernas to beach bars specialising in fresh seafood and snack spots serving warm gyros – the country’s favourite afternoon pick-me-up – it’s a foodie’s heaven. Like the rest of Greece, the island is adored for its juicy olives, homemade bread and high-quality honey. If you’re looking for Greek food at affordable prices, Pallini should be top of your list with its 4.5 out of 5 rating on Tripadvisor. Dine up on the roof and order menu classics such as the melt-in-your-mouth stifado and shrimp saganaki, while the fresh bread and tzatziki starter will warm up your appetite. But you may be surprised to discover that the resort’s number one restaurant according to Tripadvisor is a pizzeria. Made from hand-stretched dough and cooked in a wood-fired oven, you won’t be disappointed.

The beach is made up of white sand and pebbles, but its most distinct feature is its backing of greenery with a park to its rear. The shore is long with plenty of room to stretch out and sufficient sunloungers lining the sand. Watersport enthusiasts are also in luck with windsurfing and parasailing attracting the most adventurous holidaymakers. Those keen to dive will be happy to learn the shore also comes with a diving school, where beginners can gain PADI certificates. Not only is this a great way to see the marine life, but it also gives you the freedom to explore the underwater world in your own time.

This purpose-built resort has everything you could possibly require for a relaxing break in Greece. A line-up of bars, restaurants and shops ensure all needs are catered for, while the Blue Flag accredited beach promises lazy days along the coast. The village is also surrounded by the island’s natural beauty with palm trees providing plenty of shade alongside vast green spaces, where locals and tourists go to while away their days.

Soak up the evening atmosphere from Hanioti square: When the sun goes down, tourists tend to flock to Hanioti square, where buzzing bars and authentic restaurants line the pavement. Most people tend to spend hours socialising over good food while taking in the tranquil ambiance, while others take advantage of its late closing bars. The shops are even open after dark, so if you don’t fancy browsing the many stalls during the midday heat, you can always pick up a bargain or two in the evening. This public space has a laid-back feel with a fountain as its focal point and floral touches adding a burst of colour to the grey cobbles.

Get lost in the port city of Thessaloniki: This colossal city can be reached from Hanioti in just 90 minutes – and trust us it’s worth the journey. Rich in historical attractions, some with a UNESCO status, make sure you visit its most famed landmarks from Roman Agora, the Rotonda and the Church of St. Demetrios. Its dining scene will give you something to brag about too, considering the city was named ‘Gastronomic Capital of Greece’. And you can’t miss the White Tower, one of its most recognised features. Right on the waterfront this Ottoman fortification only lets 70 visitors in at one time.