Xenios Port Marina Hotel

Peace and quiet are the main appeal of the Port Marina Hotel in Pefkohori, on the Kassandra Peninsula in Chalkidiki. The grounds are distinctive, with a large olive grove and five small buildings among the trees. Mature palms also help block the highway noise, which you can barely hear. There are plenty of sun loungers and umbrellas by the pool, a bar there, and another indoors. Guests can use exercise machines, play board games, or take children to a separate play area near the dining room. The beach is about a 10-minute walk away, with a beautiful sea view. The pebble beach is free if you’re happy without buying drinks or renting a sun lounger and umbrella. The hotel’s free minibus takes guests to the beach or Pefkohori center in about five minutes. A shuttle bus also stops by the hotel on request. The fare to Pefkohori is 2 euros and to Thessaloniki is 112 euros. The rooms are modest but clean, with basic, older furniture. The kitchenette is by the entrance and there’s a roomy fridge, though no kitchenware is provided. The beds and mattresses are comfortable, and the pillows are cosy. The food is what you’d expect from a four-star hotel. Breakfast has vegetables, the usual sausages and cheese, muesli, milk, cookies and paste, plus fruit, tasty pastries, omelets, fried eggs, and drinks. At dinner there are several meats, side dishes, soup, and meat and fish salads. Seafood changes daily, such as shrimp salad or squid rings. We had mussels one night, and small fried fish every other day. There’s a big selection of ice cream at lunch and dinner. Pefkohori has several supermarkets with reasonable prices, along with restaurants, bistros, and bakeries for different tastes and budgets. Salads at Greek taverns start at 5 euro, while meat and fish start at 11 euro. Portions are large, and at the end of a meal you’re given a nice surprise, like ice cream or a baking. This is a tradition in all the cafes and restaurants. Greeks are sociable and friendly, and almost everyone speaks English. I can only praise the Port Marina Hotel staff. The maids and waiters are charming and tactful, and the reception and bar teams are professional. Special thanks to the chefs, who cook with passion and delight guests with the range of dishes. Everything is incredibly delicious. I wish the whole hotel team good health, prosperity, and many more guests.