Porto Carras - Sithonia

The Sithonia is one hotel of several in the Porto Carras family, all situated on an enormous property spread over 4,000 acres and full of forests, over five miles (eight kilometers) of sandy coastline, and a marina. A train serves as a shuttle bringing guest to the wealth of entertainment options on the property, from an 18-hole golf course and horse stables, to a tennis club, extensive conference facilities, and three helipads. The Sithonia is a bit north of the marina, between the golf course and the beach. It is surrounded by open grassy lawns dotted with palms and pine trees. It is a pretty place, but the surrounding area here is more developed than at other hotels on the property and loses some of the natural beauty. Interiors are somewhat dated, and some furniture looks a bit cheap, but overall, they're well-maintained. The pools, water slides, beach, and kids’ club attract families, so there are often children in public spaces, but all types of leisure travelers come here. 

Porto Carras is on the coast of Halkidiki’s central peninsula -- Sithonia -- in northern Greece. It is a destination all its own, with ample to do and see on-site, but for those wishing to explore Greece, a car is helpful. The immediate vicinity around the hotel is lacking much of interest, and a free shuttle boat makes trips from the property to the nearby town of Neo Marmaras -- a 10-minute drive by car, or a 15-minute walk along the beach. Neo Marmaras is a small village with a tourist-friendly vibe, offering restaurants and shops along the marina. The rest of the peninsula is mountainous, peppered with beaches and small villages, but little in the way of tourist attractions. Thessaloniki is the nearest major city -- close to a two-hour drive away -- and offers a major port and the Thessaloniki Makedonia Airport. 

A wide variety of room options are available here, from doubles for two or three guests to four-bedroom suites accommodating as many as 12 guests. In between, there are suites offering sitting areas, one or two bedrooms, or kitchenettes. Standard rooms are comfortable, but generic and evoking a chain feel. Patterned carpets, plain ivory walls, and worn wood furniture are bland. Other rooms have a nicer look with textured wallpaper and more contemporary furniture, but all could use a refresh. Each room has a flat-screen TV, mini-fridge, and free safe. Robes and slippers are provided in suites, but must be requested in other rooms. Furnished balconies are small; many have a nice sea view, while others look over the golf course. Bathrooms have walk-in showers or shower/tub combos, and some upgraded rooms have separate showers and tubs and bidets. Hairdryers are provided, and free toiletries include soap, shampoo, and shower gel. 

Porto Carras - Sithonia has a laundry list of extras so guests have plenty to do within walking distance of rooms. All-inclusive meals are served in the main buffet restaurant, plus there’s an al fresco snack bar available. The two a la cartes include a romantic adults' only restaurant and a dinner restaurant in the casino. Food is generally good, but guests find after a long stay the buffet spread feels repetitive. The menu is international, so those looking for authentic Mediterranean cuisine won’t find it here. 

There are also several pools at Sithonia. The main pool is a lovely spot nestled between the hotel and the beach. It has a shallow entry on one end and a swim-up bar on the other. Three waterslides make it a popular spot for kids. A smaller, quieter pool sits on a sunny terrace nearby. The two are close enough that guests at either pool have access to the bar, but the area becomes quite busy. Both pools are surrounded by blue padded sunbeds under linen umbrellas, spread around the space with enough elbow room in between. Past the pools, the property’s long golden beach stretches along the coast. Blue sunbeds under straw umbrellas are free, but can fill early. 

The on-site spa offers a wide range of massage and beauty treatments and it houses a sauna, steam bath, and an indoor pool. There’s a fitness room with cardio and weight-training equipment, but it’s small for the size of the hotel and there is a fee to use it. The casino is full of slots and gaming tables, and there's an entry fee. Kids have access to the mini-club with a fun playground, large wading pool, and colorful indoor play space. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the property.