At the start of the year in Sani, you'll find cold temperatures and moderate rainfall amounts. The average daily temperature for January sits at 6°C (about 43°F), cold but still warmer than most parts of the UK during this time of the year. During the coldest parts of the day, generally at night and in the early morning hours, the lows drop down to 2°C (around 36°F). Bring along sweaters, long-sleeved shirts, and trousers to layer and stay warm.
The highs reach up 10°C (about 50°F), so if you are bundled up in a coat or jacket, you can enjoy some time outdoors. Unfortunately, you'll only have three hours of daylight on average each day to get outside. Plan accordingly and do the outdoor activities during the few daytime hours and spend the dark hours cozying up in a quaint café or restaurant. The chance of a sunny day on any given day is 22 percent and the chance of a cloudy day is 38 percent.
Even though this month is the coldest out of the year, it rarely gets cold enough to snow. The chance of having snow is only 4 percent. Most of the precipitation that falls this month, which averages 34 mm over the course of the month, comes in the form of rain. You can expect an average of eight days of rain and a 29 percent chance of rain on any given day, so it's a good idea to have the umbrella handy.
With sea temperatures only reaching 12°C (around 54°F) in this part of Greece, you probably won't be doing much swimming or taking part in water sports. You might not even want to spend much time near the coast; with the strong winds that blow across the Aegean Sea, it can get pretty chilly close to the water this time of the year.
Where to Stay
Conveniently located in the village of Afitos, the Stratos Hotel combines the amenities of a hotel with the friendliness of a hostel. You'll enjoy a concierge desk with helpful employees, a multilingual staff, outdoor pool, kids' pool, garden, and snack bar. The tastefully-decorated rooms, including standard rooms and suites, have bright pops of colour and all come with air-conditioning, refrigerator, and televisions.
The Rigas Boutique Hotel gives guests a contemporary and modern place to call home during their January holiday in the Sani area. The hotel sits near the village of Afitos and has suites, executive rooms, and apartments for guests to choose from. All of the rooms have air conditioning, televisions, and lots of space to spread out. Some of the rooms also come with Jacuzzi tubs and balconies overlooking the sea. If you get hungry, there is a gourmet on-site restaurant.
Only 150 meters from the beach and 200 meters from the center of Nea Fokea, the Alexandros Hotel has 23 rooms and seven suites. The hotel's convenient location makes it easy to access all the sights in the area. Every morning, guests get breakfast in the lobby lounge or out on the large veranda overlooking the bay and the marina. The comfortable rooms have clean white décor, refrigerators, private bathrooms, and balconies.
Things to Do
The Folklore Museum of Afitos, found in the village of Afitos, has been inviting guests to check out its collection since the 1980s. The museum includes an eclectic mix of artifacts, ranging from household items to agricultural tools used by the people of the peninsula. You'll also see pottery, artwork, and other pieces of art depicting the Greek culture. Throughout the year, the museum hosts special exhibits and events.
During a cool January day, drive to the coast and the village of Possidi to see the lighthouse that has stood there for hundreds of years. It's surrounded by lush pine trees, which combined with the whitewashed finish of the lighthouse, makes for an amazing holiday photo backdrop.
Eating and Drinking Out
The perfect spot for a pre-dinner drink or ending the evening with a nightcap, Imeros Café in Afitos has a large selection of cocktails. If liquor isn't your thing, the restaurant also has several different wines and beers. As you sip on your favorite drink, you can munch on light snacks like olives, nuts, and cheeses. On the weekends, live music entertains the crowds and daily happy hours keep them coming back.
In the small town of Kriopigi, you'll find the Classic Bar serving up cold drinks and fun times. If you're missing your favourite rugby or football team, you can cozy up to the bar and watch the latest game on Sky TV. The bartenders can also whip up your favourite cocktail to sip on as you people watch from the open-air deck.
Wine-lovers will appreciate EAT7, a wine bar in Afitos with an extensive selection of local, regional, and international wines. The cool, hip restaurant has a chic vibe perfect for sipping on your favourite red, white, or rose wine. To complement the wines, snack on small plates and appetisers. The menu also has a nice selection of desserts, like profiteroles and crème brulee, to satisfy your sweet tooth.
