The heat of the summer is in full swing come July in Sani, part of south-eastern Europe. The resort town is one of several on the peninsula of Halkidiki. This is the hottest month out of the year, with an average daily temperature of 27°C (about 81°F). Visitors flock to this part of Greece from all over the world to soak in the sun and enjoy hot days down by the beach.
During the heat of the day, the temperatures peak at just above 32°C (around 90°F), making for some steamy daytime temperatures. Escape the heat by heading down to the coastline where you can splash around in the water and feel the winds blowing across the Aegean Sea. These winds help keep the heat and the humidity at more comfortable levels. You'll definitely want to have your sunglasses and a hat handy, as there is a 71% chance of a sunny day.
At night, the lows drop down to 21°C (about 70°F), a welcome reprieve from the steamy heat of the day. You definitely won't need a jacket if you plan on being out and about at night. Compared to June, the area sees one extra hour of sunshine each day, up to 12 hours on average. This month has the longest days out of the year, giving visitors plenty of time to see the sights and enjoy themselves.
The average rainfall is only 25mm, coming over 5 days in the month. The chance of rain on any given day is 16% and the chance of a cloudy day is 2%. You're almost guaranteed a beautiful day with no rain, but check the local forecast each day to be sure. You'll want to take advantage of the warm water temperatures, which hit 24°C (around 75°F). Spend the day soaking in the warm sun or splash around in the waves, swimming and boogie boarding.
Where to Stay
The Sani Club is one of four main hotels that make up the Sani Resort and offers 204 guest rooms. Room choices range from the standard double room to the two-bedroom family suite with private garden. When it comes time to eat, choose from one of the three restaurants located on-site and relax at one of the three bars. Other amenities include swimming pool and a private beach with babysitting services and lounge beds to soak up the July sun.
Sitting right on the beach, the Halkidiki Royal Hotel is also close to the local bus station and near the town centre. The water of the beach is shallow and great for kids to swim and splash around. Hotel amenities include swimming pool, beach bar, pool bar, free parking, and complimentary Wi-Fi. The rooms are spacious and options include family apartments, doubles, and triple rooms. All the rooms have amazing views of the sea.
The Royal Hotel is a three-star hotel made up of five different buildings. The beach is only three minutes away and the town centre is a quick two-minute walk away. Sit around the large pool on one of the many sun loungers with umbrellas or cosy up to the outdoor bar serving drinks and snacks all day. Room choices include studio rooms and apartments for larger families and groups needing extra space.
Things to Do
If scuba isn't your thing, try a snorkelling trip with Bubble Adventures Halkidiki. The company is owned by PADI-certified diver Karla Brooker, who takes visitors on an underwater adventure in the waters of the Aegean Sea. She offers tours for beginner to advanced snorkelers. During your excursion, you'll see amazing coral formations, interesting fish, and exciting sea creatures and get to enjoy the July sun.
Open to all ages and activity levels, kayak tours with Halkidiki Kayak Safari are a fun way to spend the day in Sani. You can choose from several different lengths of tours, including two-hour, half-day, and full-day tours. The company also offers fishing excursions, kayak tours, and sunset trips. As part of your tour, you'll get to see the beautiful coastlines and rock formations, do a little snorkelling, and explore desolate and private beaches.
Hit the Beach
Found on the eastern shore of the Kassandara Peninsula, Polychrono Beach is a quiet beach with soft sand. With a July water temperature of 24°C (around 75°F), you'll definitely want to spend some time in the shallow waters. The beach overlooks the Bay of Toroneo and if you hike up to the hills above the sand, you get amazing views of the water. Nearby, you'll find several restaurants, bars, and café to grab a drink or bite to eat.
Located on the southern tip of the Kassandra Peninsula, Fourkas Beach welcomes visitors from all over the area to enjoy its white sand beaches and warm, shallow water. The beach is part of the town of Fourkas, with several restaurants, bars, and shops. Amenities include sunbeds and umbrellas for rent and a tavern for food, as well as a port for fishing boats.
Eating and Drinking Out
Conveniently located in the Sani Marina district, Macaroni Italian Trattoria has a casual atmosphere perfect for families. The menu is full of Italian favourites and provides a change of pace from the Greek cuisine found at nearly every other restaurant in the area. You must try the wood-fired pizzas; they're perfect for sharing and topped with traditional and unusual ingredients. Complement your meal with an Italian wine from the large list.
If you get a hankering for something to eat and you want to stay near the Sani beaches, check out the Grill by the Pool at the Sani Beach resort. The causal setting is perfect for grabbing a quick snack or sitting down for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. You can get everything from steak to burgers to fresh seafood, so you're sure to find something to satisfy your belly. Don't miss the live music throughout the week to entertain you as you dine.
Though the menu is limited, the taste is huge at Sousourada, a local joint in Afitos. If you can't decide what to have, the chef himself can recommend a dish based on your likes and dislikes, and even suggest a wine to complement it. The menu is mainly Greek dishes, with some French cuisine mixed in for a fusion feel. The large outdoor deck is the perfect place to enjoy your meal in the warm July night air.