I think you will have trouble finding info on these apartments as they are new. I know they are new to the First Choice brochure this year.

We have been visiting Halkidiki for the last three years and always stay in Hanioti. There are snorkelling sets in all the shops as the sea is turquoise and clear, however there are sea urchins in some parts. You can go on excursions to do this and also scuba diving lessons if thats your thing. There are plenty of nice beaches in Halkidiki. Its a lovely place and in my view is not commercial at all. The restaurants are Greek taverna's and italian (with the odd english place) and no american fast food type places.Also its a lot cheaper than other places in greece. Mainly couples and families visit halkidiki and a lot of the Greeks Holiday in Halkidiki too.

Thank you Bunny,

having just read your above post, this is exactly what I wanted to hear. Not TOO commercialised, Greek tavernas as opposed to English all night bars/McDonalds/Burger Kings and crystal clear, turquoise seas. Just need to watch out for the urchins I guess?

I will endeavour to report back on these apartments on my return in a fortnight!

Make sure you visit hanioti too! have at least one night out there.

There is much more of an atmosphere in hanioti. I think Polichrono and pefkohori are slightly smaller towns, and are a bit quieter, not that hanioit is noisy or anything, just busier.

Bunny, could you tell me, are the apartments far from the centre of the town? I love walking so that wouldn't be a problem, just thinking about the heat out there at the moment and if our walks should be early morning?

Thanks.

I think these apartments are quite central, according to a leaflet I got in halkidiki in May they are set back on a street just off the main road which serves all the kassandra pennisula.

You are quite near a big supermarket on the main road too which is handy. Are you travelling with young kids? if so you are very close to the fairytopia outdoor playland.

As for the walks they are more or less a straight line, you can also hire bicycles in the town for getting about, we couldnt as we have young kids, but if you dont have I would recommend it as the walk to polichrono is quite long.Pefkohori in the other direction is a bit shorter.The sun sometimes comes out quite late in the morning in halkidiki and then stays out late until 7/8 ish when it can still be hot?

I wouldn't worry about getting lost there is two roads really, a main road for cars, buses etc and a back road for whatever.You will be given a leaflet or two for restaurants or bars which will have maps on too. Also there are atm's in hanioti for getting money out, one is in the main square.You can find info about halkidiki on halkidiki.com.

hello everyone my names lois and im the first choice rep for niriides studios. week after week i have people telling me that there are no reviews on niriides anywhere on the internet. so if you have visited this summer then i would be highly greatful if you would write what you think about it. until thenill give you all a quick insight into the lovely niriides studios.

Niriides is a family owned hotel and is new to first choice this year, its official rating is only a 2 star but this could easily be higher. after this year then firstchoice will be able to give it their sun rating which is decided by the guests of the season on their flight home to the uk, this way the hotel is judged by the people who have actually had the experience of staying in it.

Its a lovely little unit with a lovely family who run it, they make you feel very welcome from the moment you step into the place. there is a brilliant layout and little personal touches to the place which really make a difference. the hotel has only been open for 2 years so as you can imagine the place is spotless. the pool is a good size with a separate bit for the kids and also a very relaxing hydro spa massage bit in the corner for the bigger kids...(i.e the adults)

the rooms are very spacious with gorgeous leather beds and balconies which face the sun during the day but are shaded at night, perfect for a bit of relaxation before you head down to the pool bar for happy hour from 8pm-10pm and then into town for a bite to eat.

Hanioti main square is litrally a stones throw away but dont be put off by this because its not at all noisy, once again there are gorgeous restaurants in town and some very snazy bars and beach bars.

Niriides studios caters for all ages and all around town there is loads for the kids to do. just round the corner there is an outdoor adventure kingdom type place with bouncy castles and all sorts!

so all in all i think niriides is a lovely place and iv been the representative there for the whole summer and im still to have any complaints which is always nice.

so if your thinking of booking your summer holidays for niriides or already have dont worry that you cant find any reviews on the place because it really is a nice place. you wont be disappointed.

hopefully see you soon,

Lois x

Hi Lois, We met you back in may/June when we stayed at the Lesse studios for the third time.How are you?

Hope you are well and that you still like your job.

Hope its not too hot for you now!

I miss Halkidiki every day and count down until we can go again.

Hi, me and my friend have just come back from a week at the Hiriides in Hanioti and had a fantastic time. The apartments are gorgeous, really new and clean and even have proper shower cubicles and not just a hole in the floor!!! The rooms also have microwave, kettle, toaster and fridge.

The pool is lovely and the pool bar is really good value for money - even providing waiter service if you can't be bothered getting up off your lounger! Talking of loungers, the only bug bear that we experienced was people getting up at about 7 in the morning to reserve sunbeds. Very annoying but usually there was enough to go round.

Hanioti is a lovely little resort with some gorgeous restaurants and upmarket bars. All in all we had an excellent time and would definately recommend the apartments to anyone. Hope this helps?!

Further to the above posts, I would also like to add our thoughts on this excellent little jewel in the heart of Hanioti.

We struggled to find any infomation regarding these new apartments prior to our departure... but on arrival in resort, we discovered that we were not to be disappointed. Lois, the First Choice rep has described the apartments well, as has the 'The Teachers'. The staff are very friendly, the rooms are kept immaculate by the cleaners and nothing is too much trouble for them. (Within minutes of losing a backgammon counter down a gap in the decking, George was out with his Black & Decker and lifting the planks in order to retrieve it)! The rooms are quite spacious and tastefully decorated with hydro massage showers to the bathrooms. Electrics and Air-con are free and controlled by a key by the door. No key, no Air-con but fantastic in an evening after a sweltering day by the pool. Kitchen area fully equipped for 4 people and the microwave is a bonus! Safety deposit boxes are only 2 euros a day.

The pool while not oversized, can accomodate everyone comfortably and has a separate section for the little ones. It also has a jacuzzi area, which is lovely to sit in around 4pm ish, when the sun is still quite warm but you're in need of a cool down.

Beware that if you put your shutters down on the first night of arrival, you will not awake until at least 10am the next day. They do cut out an awful lot of light!

Entertainment in an evening is rather low key with a quiz night on Fridays with Lois and an outside Karaoke team on a Tuesday evenings. (It has to be said that the music was a little loud, so if you're not in to being a singing/dancing queen, eat out a little later on Tuesday evenings and don't return until after midnight).

For any further information required regarding the Nereides follow the link... http://www.hotelnereides.gr

With regards to Hanioti itself, it is a lovely little place with not too many 'Brit-Bars' around. Lots of lovely little Greek Tavernas with a varied menu. Prices are a little dearer than on the smaller greek islands but at what price are you willing to pay for GOOD food & wine? Fantastic fish restaurant just below the Kassandra and try out The Garden if you like the Greek Meze. There is also a little grill place just down from The Garden which serves a tasty plate of meat for 4 for approx 24 euros. Country sausage, pork souvlaki, soutzoukakia and belly pork... delicious and the freshest meat that we tasted in 2 weeks! Add some crusty bread, a greek salad and a plateful of Tzatziki/Aubergine dip and you'll be more than happy! (Or maybe that was just the wine/beer consumed while we ate)?

The beaches are a little crowded directly below the main square but a short walk either way and you will soon discover less populated beaches that are shingle free and that have crystal clear waters. Lots of water activities for the teenagers, jet-skis, para-scending, scuba diving, banana boats/ rings and of course the pedalos complete with shade canopies and slides.

Car-hire is reasonable if you look around and there are some lovely beaches/snorkelling areas to be found if you're willing to have a scenic drive. Quads are a lot of FUN!

I think this may well have covered most areas that I was enquiring about prior to our departure, so hopefully this will be of some benefit to others who are still looking for answers?

Thank you to Bunny for your help and advice and to Lois for your assistance with regards to the local GP. (Foot healed nicely thanks).

Yammas!