Villa Galini, Sithonia, Chalkidiki, Greece
Initially a monastic property in its majority, the land of 1,763 hectares on which Porto Carras resort is built came into the possession of Giannis Carras at the end of the 1960s.
It all started with a cruise to Mt. Athos, for the celebration of the 1000 years since the creation of the monastic community of Athos. Known Athenians, along with ship owner Giannis Carras are aboard the yacht of the Greek tycoon. They cruise offshore Sithonia, enter the Toroneos Gulf and… the fairytale begins! Giannis Carras falls in love with the virgin site…
The constructions began in 1973 with Villa Galini; on the rocky and infertile Galani hill, named after a thief who was killed there, the famous villa was built extending on a surface of two thousand square meters. A sample of unique architecture and beauty, furnished with exceptional monastic furniture and unique art works, featured in the ‘70s magazines as one of the most beautiful buildings of the country.
Within 3 years the area radically changed thanks to the marsh drainage scheme; huge numbers of trees were planted, an olive grove of 45,000 olive trees and a vineyard covering 475 hectares were created.
In 1976 Village Inn opens its doors bringing a true revolution in Greece’s tourist and cultural image, while Porto Carras Meliton opens in 1979 and Porto Carras Sithonia in 1980.
Few places in Greece were and still are so frequently visited by such a great number of famous and important people: Queen Juliana of Holland, Salvador Dali, the son of Aga Han, Stavros Niarhos, Rudolf Nureyev, Francois Mitterrand, Konstantinos Karamanlis, Margot Fonteyn, Joan Baez, Fiona Von Thyssen, the Rockfellers, Prince Albert of Monaco, President Puttin, Valery Giscard d’Estaing are only some of them.
In 1999 Technical Olympic Group submitted the highest bid during the relevant tender of the National Bank for the sale of Porto Carras. Ever since the Chairman and Managing Director, Konstantinos Stengos, made purpose of his life to bring Porto Carras Grand Resort to the foremost rank of the international tourist market.
Passionately restored, splendidly fitted with lovely antiques, rare artifacts, and exposed beam ceilings, the 11 graciously appointed guestrooms and 13 suites offer a real experience of the grandeur and affluence of the past.
Unique details, such as the bathroom designed by frequent guest Salvador Dali, mosaic tiles by Yves St Laurent, the piano of – the almost resident – Gina Bachauer evoke the splendor of past eras, while sumptuous contemporary amenities and comforts guarantee the idyllic relaxation.
The elegant facilities of Villa Galini is an ideal place for private parties: the secluded garden terrace and the magnificent surroundings of the pool overlooking the Aegean sea is dazzling. Whether you desire a gala dinner, a reception or a cocktail party, we will handle it with grace, elegance, high quality service and a full range of modern amenities.
Imagine to exchange vows with background the dazzling view of the Villa Galini. With its luxurious facilities and amenities for the guests at the complex of Porto Carras, Villa Galini is a totally different and unique alternative for a wedding ceremony. In the area around the outdoor swimming pool of Villa Galini and with capacity of 250 people you can organize with elegance special a gala dinner of the wedding, the baptism or the special occasion that you want to celebrate. In the interior of the Villa Galini and in the new renovated courtyard, you can enjoy a unique cocktail party while enjoying panoramic views of Toronaios Gulf. In the private chapel of St. John, a breath from the second helipad of Villa Galini you can conduct your civil wedding and exchange greetings for eternal love. The idyllic landscape of deep blue and tradition that combines the chapel of Villa Galini will amaze you at first sight. Choose one of the private beaches of Villa Galini to organize a beach party during all day or even a prive romantic dinner by the sea.
13 Suites
11 graciously appointed Guestroom
3 Staff Quarters
Lounge Living Area
Dining Room
Fully Equipped Kitchen
Garden Veranda
Outdoor Pool & Jacuzzi
Sauna &Turkish Bath
Gym
Private Parking
Two helipads
Wireless Internet Access
Laptop Available*
Fax & Printer*
Photocopy Machine*
Secretarial/ Translation Services*
Concierge & Butler Services*
Multi- Lingual Staff
Express Laundry / Dry Cleaning Services
Baby Sitting Services*
Yacht available for private excursions*
Private chapel
*Upon request
ACTIVITIES
Resort Activities
18 hole Golf Course
Horse Riding
Diving Center
Sailing
Boat Rental
Water Sports
Cycling & Mountain Bike
Jogging
Walking Trails
Hiking Trails
Football
5X5
Volley
Beach Volley
Basketball
Tennis
Table Tennis
Fitness & Aerobics
Shuttle Boat to Neos Marmaras village (every hour)
Custom Designed Yacht/ Boat trips & Cruises
Custom Designed Excursions
Shuttle train around the resort
Shows & Musicals
Wine Tasting
Dining
DINING
Wake up to the chirping of birds and enjoy your breakfast savoring the big blue of the Toroneos Gulf. Watch the sun go down with a gourmet dinner at your Byzantine era dining room.
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