STAY : Gardens Gallery Hotel – A Stylish Seaside Retreat in Xylokastro, Greece
Nestled in the seaside town of Xylokastro, just a stone’s throw from the Aegean Sea, Gardens Gallery Hotel offers a stylish, modern retreat for travellers seeking comfort, convenience, and Mediterranean charm. With its sleek interiors, lush garden views, and effortless access to the beach, this boutique hotel is the perfect base for exploring Xylokastro’s coastal beauty. Whether you’re here for sun-soaked relaxation, Greek wine and seafood, or simply a peaceful escape, Gardens Gallery Hotel delivers an experience that blends elegance with authenticity.
When folk think of Greece, the mind instantly drifts to those picture-perfect blue domes, whitewashed walls, and the kind of sea-to-sky gradient that makes you question reality. Or maybe it’s Crete, Santorini, Mykonos, one of the Greek islands that promise lazy sun-soaked days and seafood feasts by the water. And if it’s a city break you’re after, Athens inevitably takes centre stage—the mighty Acropolis standing tall, keeping watch over the bustling streets below, where myths and legends blend seamlessly with café culture.
But here’s the thing—Greece is so much more than the postcard moments. Beyond the islands and Athens, gorgeous, genuinely quaint towns and villages dot the coastline, each offering its own slice of heaven. Last year, I made my way to Kiato, where I devoured some of the best seafood I’ve ever eaten (read my blog HERE on that adventure!). And this time? Well, I ventured 1.5 hours outside of Athens to the stunning seaside town of Xylokastro—and let me tell you, this was where I found bliss.
Think golden sands kissed by the Aegean, fragrant pine forests brushing up against the sea, and a sense of peace that felt like it had been plucked straight from the hands of the gods themselves. If Poseidon were looking for a quiet retreat away from the drama of Olympus, I reckon Xylokastro would be right up his alley.
A Hidden Gem on Greece’s Coastline
The draw to Xylokastro wasn’t just its breathtaking coastal beauty—I was here to dive deep into the world of Greek olive oil and raisins with Precious Europe (you can read my full blog post on it HERE!). And let me tell you, Greek olive oil? Liquid gold, worthy of the gods.
But when we weren’t learning about the meticulous craft behind these Greek staples, we had plenty of glorious downtime—which, of course, meant plenty of glorious food. Long, lazy lunches overflowing with fresh seafood, rich olive oil-drenched dishes, and sun-ripened fruit so sweet it felt like nature’s own dessert. Afternoons spent basking under the Mediterranean sun, sipping Greek wine, and indulging in the kind of conversation that flows as effortlessly as the Aegean tide.
It was the kind of experience that lingers—where every meal feels like a feast, every moment stretches in that sun-soaked, slow-motion way that only Greece can offer.
Where Comfort Meets Mediterranean Charm
Our home base for this Greek escape was the Gardens Gallery Hotel, a comfortable, stylish 3-star gem just a stone’s throw from the beachfront in Xylokastro. Across the road sits its sister hotel, the Riveria, offering up the same easygoing charm. The place has more of an apartment feel rather than a traditional hotel setup—reception isn’t manned 24/7, but thanks to the trusty key card system, you can come and go as you please, accessing the front door, lifts, and your room with ease.
Inside, it’s all modern elegance, with sleek interiors and cool white marble flooring that seems to whisper “relax” as soon as you step inside. The rooms and suites mostly overlook lush gardens, bursting into a chorus of birdsong as the day warms up. And when the afternoon heat kicks in, that same greenery offers a perfectly timed cool breeze, ideal for a lazy pause on the balcony before heading out for a sunset stroll along the waterfront.
Rooms & Suites – A Relaxing Escape
As for my room—spotlessly clean, spacious, and wonderfully comfortable. Crisp white linens, plush pillows, and a duvet that felt like a soft cloud. And let’s be honest, air conditioning? A lifesaver in the Greek heat. The bathroom was beautifully appointed, complete with a large shower, vanity sink, and all the essentials to freshen up before heading out. Tucked inside the wardrobe, a mini fridge stocked with complimentary water, plus a safe for peace of mind. No kettle, though—so if you need your morning coffee fix, best to nip downstairs or out into town.
All in all, a perfect base for soaking up Xylokastro’s seaside charm, balancing comfort with convenience in a place that feels effortlessly welcoming. What more could you ask for?
There’s something undeniably magical about an outdoor dining spot that lets you chase the sunshine or retreat to the shade, depending on your mood (or how much sun your Scottish skin can handle!). Beneath the branches of towering trees, dappled golden light filters through, creating the perfect setting for lazy, unhurried meals—the kind that stretch on simply because they’re too good to rush.
Mornings were slow and indulgent, kicking off with thick, creamy Greek yoghurt, drizzled with local honey so rich and floral it could have been bottled straight from the gods. A glass of freshly squeezed orange juice—sunshine in liquid form—paired with meats and cheeses that set the tone for a day of feasting and leisure. Honestly, breakfast outside in the warm Greek air just hits differently—it’s peak holiday mode, the kind of morning where you genuinely pause and think, “Aye, this is living.”
But as the day eased on, the true highlight arrived—cold, crisp white wine flowing freely, paired with local olives and crisps, the kind of snack-and-sip ritual that makes everything feel just a little brighter, a little smoother, a little more perfectly unhurried. It became my absolute favourite part of the day—letting time slip by unnoticed, soaking up the chatter, the clinking of glasses, the contented sighs of good food and good company.
I couldn’t be more chuffed to have been shown this coastal treasure that is Xylokastro. Life here moves at its own unhurried, effortless pace—the kind where the biggest decision of the day is whether to sip your wine before or after dipping your toes in the sea.
Exploring Xylokastro – Beaches, Wine & Sunset Strolls
With the pebble beach just 40 metres from the hotel, it takes all of five minutes to swap sandals for saltwater. The waters? Cool, refreshing, and undeniably inviting, the perfect antidote to the Greek sunshine. And then there’s the esplanade at sunset—the kind of scene that belongs on a postcard, where the sky blazes orange and gold, reflecting off the Aegean as locals and visitors alike take their evening strolls, pausing for a coffee or a cheeky ouzo.
As for Gardens Gallery Hotel, it ticks all the boxes. Affordable, stylish, and well-equipped, it offers everything you need for a week (or longer) soaking up the Mediterranean dream. At roughly £65 per night, it’s a steal—leaving more spare cash for Greek feasts, cold wine, and all the leisurely indulgences that make this kind of getaway so special.
THINGS TO NOTE ABOUT GARDENS GALLERY HOTEL
Free parking
Free wifi
1.5 hours from Athens
Free breakfast
Airconditioning, safe and mini fridge in your rooms
The Riveria Hotel has a lovely patio overlooking the sea which you are free to use
Prices vary but cost around £65 per room
The Gardens Gallery Hotel, 1 Agiou Makariou, Xylokastro, Greece, 204 00 www.gardensgalleryhotel.com
TartanSpoon is an Award-winning blog that brings you reviews and recommendations on the very best places to eat, drink and stay in Edinburgh, Scotland and beyond.
Adele is a writer, reviewer and judge living in Edinburgh. She sits on the Committee for the Guild of Food Writers (Scottish Events), is a Great Taste Judge for the Guild of Fine Food, Scottish Bakers, Scotland Food & Drink Excellence Awards and a Judge for the Gin Co-operative awards. Should you wish to work with, invite or collaborate with TartanSpoon, please email tartanspoon@yahoo.co.uk
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