For holiday-seekers tired of the crowds in many of Greece’s traditional tourist haunts and islands, Pelion, with its mountainous peninsula and miles of gorgeous coastline might just be the ideal destination. Here you can combine a beach holiday with outdoor adventures and . . . outstanding food!
A few years back I and my husband stumbled upon the stylish Six Keys seaside guesthouse on the Kaliftery beach in Afissos . . . and ever since it’s been one of our favorite R&R hideaway escape destination.
We love their setting . . . overlooking the clear blue placid waters of the Pagasitic Gulf; its horizon ringed by rugged blueish colored mountains and last but not least . . . the place’s truly innovative Greek cuisine that seems to get even better every time we visit!
This year the hotel’s beach area had new ultra-comfy sun beds & chairs and a Thai masseuse offering delightful foot massage next to the sea.
These addictive changes resulted in my spending more time on the beach during our last week’s visit than on previous trips. However, the beautiful veranda with sea view . . . is also perfect for relaxation and the sumptuous breakfast . . . every morning with Norma (our German Sheppard puppy) . . . following a refreshing swim in the cool clear blue waters, alongside various types of small fish!
Some of you may be wondering why I’m writing about this place for the second time . . . within a year!!! The truth be told . . . this time I want to share and highlight some of the lovely food produced by Chef Giannis Koutsonis . . . the soul of this hideaway’s cuisine!
I was thrilled to unearth this talented young Chef who, together with his small kitchen team, produced some astonishing classic dishes with innovative twists . . . and very importantly . . . allowing the food’s authentic ingredients & flavors to shine!
Breakfast, chosen the previous evening from a menu card of pastries, homemade jams, pancakes with cheese and honey, cold cuts, choice of eggs and omelets with/without bacon, local yoghurt and seasonal fruit is served from 09.00 – 11.30.
This time around I really liked my coffee, served steaming hot in a thermos - courtesy of the owners who took note of my only complaint about the coffee on earlier visits (see photo above).
The homemade breads and jams were deliciously tempting . . . as were some of the pastries . . . like the pasta flora and the light & fluffy doughnuts dusted with confectionary sugar.
Lunch is available, however, after a truly satisfying breakfast, I for sure didn’t need any! My hubby, who has a much bigger appetite than I, tried a few items on the snack menu that are served in your room or veranda or on the beach from 13.00 – 19.00.
The homemade wrap of gyros, grilled tomatoes and yoghurt dip (seen in photo) was a real hit and, served on the beach after a mid-day swim.
Dinner is served in the rustic-chic dining room, on the beach, or on the sea-facing veranda tables where the prime sunset view takes center stage alongside delicious, well-prepared & well-presented food that makes my mouth drool just thinking about it!
Every mouthful was a delight and to tickle your taste buds here are some highlights from our meals during last week’s stay . . . .
Amuse bouche: Wrapped Metsovone Cheese wrapped with Salami Lefkados and served with Mandarine/Whiskey Chutney and Pork Popcorn.
Salad Aromatic Green Salad with Fresh Cheese, Carob Bred Stick and Tomato Vinaigrette.
Pita Homemade Pita with Mountain Greens & crushed Feta Cheese.
First/Main Course: Grilled Octopus Salad with Eggplant Terrine topped with a Green Herb Vinaigrette
Dessert: Frozen Lemon Mousse with Spearmint Syrup, Almond Crumble and Lemon Sorbet.
For a real foodie . . . . . life doesn't get much better !!!
FYI
The Six Keys is open from mid-April to late October. My favorite months are June and September when there are no crowds and truly pleasant temperatures (typically 22-30 Celsius).
If interested, you'll need to book early as this beachside hideaway has a faithful following among the cognoscenti of Athens and Thessaloniki . . . and thus it’s sometimes hard to get a suite at the time you want it.
This is one of the dog friendliest hotels in Greece.
Parking is available for guests . . . but it’s really tight and perhaps the only thing I would like to see changed . . . sometime in the future!
Six Keys Seaside Guesthouse
Address: Afissos, 370 10
Tel: +30 2423 033720