Athos Halkidiki: 10 must-sees around Ouranoupoli

The 2,033-metre-high Holy Mount Athos exerts a great attraction not only on Orthodox Greeks. For over 1,000 years, the monastic republic has been a unique example of living religious tradition. Even though access to the spiritual paradise is only allowed to men, there is a lot to discover outside Athos.

»The eastern finger of Halkidiki combines religiosity, nature and modernity in one and is a magical place on land and water!«

The Athos Peninsula fascinated us with its untouched landscape, lush green forests and azure bays. In one week we saw eagles circling in the sky, heard jackals in the forests and dolphins accompanied us in the sea. For us as nature lovers and photographers a fascinating spot in Greece!

Despite its proximity to the mainland, the small island of Ammouliani in the Gulf of Athos undoubtedly has an island feel. If you want, you can even try water sports such as jet skiing or windsurfing in the gulf or explore the enchanting beaches by kayak. And if you’ve had enough of the sea, visit the picturesque mountain villages in the hinterland.

In the Eastern Halkidiki loneliness and hustle and bustle alternate constantly. Especially in Ouranoupoli, the gateway to Mount Athos, modernity and tradition meet, as if two worlds inevitably mixed. Day after day, tourists in swimming trunks and monks in their long black robes meet here.

The belief persists that there is nothing to discover on the eastern finger except the monastic republic of Athos – far from it! In this post, we’ll show you the Sights of Eastern Halkidiki, that you absolutely have to see:

#1 Athos: Monastic Republic of Greece

“Woman has been cast out of this paradise, so that the man may not lose that paradise.”

This is the strict prohibition for women to enter Mount Athos. Since the founding of the first monasteries and the proclamation of the Monastic Republic of Greece over 1,000 years ago, only adult men were allowed to enter the holy mountain. The monks make an exception for chickens because of the eggs, and cats are now also turned a blind eye.

On Athos the monks have long since ceased to be isolated, strolling with their smartphones in their hands or sitting in front of their laptops in a café, and can be seen every day in the village of Ouranoupoli (see point #2), whose port is the gateway to the pilgrimage site.

The 20 large monasteries on Mount Athos, which the Greeks name Agion Oros or Athon, guard traditions and historical ideas that have proven themselves over centuries in an almost mystical way. Since 1988, the impressive monasteries of the monastic republic have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In the past, large parts of the entire Halkidiki belonged to the monks, today it is only the 43-kilometer-long eastern finger of the peninsula. A fence separates the still largely traditional world of the monks from our modern world, even the access gates are guarded.

Even though women are not allowed to enter the monastic area, the majestic monastery complexes can be visited from the sea. This is the main reason for the many tourists who travel to the east of Halkidiki. Admittedly, we had not expected such a rush of pilgrims at the end of September.

Athos Boat Tours

Boat trips to Athos are the main attraction of eastern Halkidiki. From April to October, the mini-cruises depart several times a day from the port dock of Ouranoupoli along the west coast of the right finger.

In this way, women and children can also experience the spiritual power of the holy Mount Athos and its impressive monasteries. With a bit of luck, the trip will even be accompanied by dolphins, which live in the Singite Gulf. A highlight for young and old!

An Athos Cruise takes between three and five hours, depending on the provider and ship (ferry, yacht or sailing ship) and costs from €25. After leaving Ouranoupoli behind, you will see the Dochiariou Monastery, the first of eight monasteries that will be passed during the cruise. At Mount Athos, the ship returns.

Mind you, it is driven with a certain distance to the land. So we found the excursion worth seeing, even if a bit abstract. Impressive buildings such as the Moni Simonos Petras, which, like the Meteora Monasteries floats on a rock, look like a painting. If you have, you should take your binoculars with you, photo enthusiasts should take a good telephoto lens (200 mm).

A small highlight during the trip was the boarding of three monks from an Athos monastery. After only five minutes on board, they transformed the hold into a huge sales bazaar and many women willing to buy gathered around the pious men. An amusing sight, but when do you ever get close to saints?

In addition to religious objects such as candles, icons and crosses, there were many homemade products such as olive oil, honey, herbal mixtures and even Wine from Mount Athos. After the purchase, the religious customers received the blessing of the monks, then the friars drove back to the monastery in their motorboat.

→ Athos Tours are available directly in Ouranoupoli at Athos Sea Cruises or online via GetYourGuide*:

➲ To the cruise along the Athos coast*

#2 Sky City Ouranoupoli

Ouranoupoli is located two hours from Thessaloniki and practically represents the end of the profane world. Translated, the place means sky city (ouranos = sky, poli = city) and significantly, Ouranoupoli is the gateway to the Athos monasteries. From here, excursions and pilgrimages to the monastic republic start.

From Tripiti (see #9 Ammouliani) an 8 km long coastal road leads past hotel complexes with picturesque bays and the Campsite Ouranoupoli into the village. Shortly before the entrance to the village, opposite the Tavern Acropoli (Hint!) Enjoy the best view of Ouranoupoli, which looks charming from a distance with its Byzantine tower.

Arriving in the town of 800 souls, you immediately realize that the strong (pilgrim) tourism in Ouranoupoli has led to uncontrolled growth. Predominantly modern, partly multi-storey concrete architecture adorns the village, the few historic buildings are sparse. The church of Agion Konstantinou & Elenis in the center was almost swallowed up by the maze of houses.

Until the 1960s, Ouranoupoli could only be reached by boat or mule track. When the road was built, the first backpackers arrived and more and more artists settled in the sleepy, spiritually influenced settlement, which at the time consisted of only a few dozen houses and the medieval watchtower.

Not much is left of the heavenly peace, because business with the Holy Mountain is booming. Every day, busloads of tourists from all over the world are unloaded on the village square. Many cafés, bars and restaurants (tip: Ammos Bar) vie for the favor of the visitors. It is best to park your rental car at the end of town at the paid parking lot “Kivotos Ouranoupolis”.

Along the main street there are countless souvenir shops and shops (tip: Mademoiselle). It is hardly possible to keep track of knick-knacks and originals. Nevertheless, Ouranoupoli has a certain charm: Nowhere else in Hellas do you see so many monks roaming the area, the man in black has always been part of everyday life for young and old.

A personal recommendation: At the village square by the Byzantine Tower you should definitely take a look at the shop Drosinos, the oldest Icon Shop of Ouranoupoli. Since 1974, the store has been offering high-quality icons and religious souvenirs made on Mount Athos.

Some of the icons are produced using printing technology and are correspondingly inexpensive, expensive icons are hand-painted by monks, sometimes with gold. We stocked up on icons of St. Thomas and St. Elizabeth from the friendly owner Stelios, which today decorate our living room as a special souvenir.

Tower of Prosphorion

Since the 11th century, the region has been ruled by the Athos monks, who built monasteries, enclaves and guard posts everywhere. The 22-meter-high Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupoli, located directly on the sea, is the best preserved of its kind in Halkidiki and is considered the symbol of the place.

Always surrounded by pitch-black jackdaws, the Prosphorion Tower shows the magic of the Athos monasteries, which are unfortunately inaccessible to many people. West of the fortified tower is the new pier for the Athos ships. The best way to photograph the historic building is from the old concrete pier.

Around the tower stretches the Ouranoupoli Beach with its light sand, which could use a little more care, but still invites you to take a walk on the beach. In the lower part of the tower, history buffs can take a look at the small museum with exhibits from past centuries, which opened in 2005.

• Opening hours Tower of Ouranoupoli: 1 April to 31 October daily 8:30 am – 3:30 pm, admission 2 €

Zygos Monastery at Athos Border Fence

Just two kilometers east of Ouranoupoli is the border with Athos. Believe it or not, the monastic republic seals itself off from the outside world with a partially guarded barbed wire fence. Conspicuous prohibition signs indicate that entering without permission and, of course, generally prohibited for women.

Only 40 meters from the border is the Zygos Monastery (Moni Zygou), which is described in travel brochures as the only Athos monastery accessible to women. The fact is: The complex from the 10th century is considered one of the oldest Athos monasteries, but has not been inhabited for a long time.

In the Middle Ages, the fortified monastery, also known as Frangokastro (Frankenburg), was destroyed. It was not until 1984 that archaeologists uncovered the remains again. To the chagrin of the Athos monks, who ceded the site to the Greek state in 1922 in the wake of the Asia Minor catastrophe. People don’t like to dig in the traces of the past on the holy mountain.

The mighty outer walls and remains of the former 11 defensive towers as well as some house foundations and the walls of the Katholikon are well preserved. In the cross-domed church, burial chambers with impressive wall reliefs and richly decorated floor mosaics can be admired. The road from Ouranoupoli to Moni Zygou is not paved.

• Opening hours Zygos Monastery (Frangokastro): 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m., closed on Tuesdays, admission: 4 €

If you want to explore the area a little on foot, make a detour to the sea. Always along the border fence, you can reach the Athos Border Beach. Directly on the shore on the Athos side are abandoned monastery complexes in the Byzantine style. Snow-white beach and turquoise blue sea – a bizarre backdrop, paradise protected behind barbed wire fence.

Byzantine Aqueduct

On the way back to Ouranoupoli you will come across a sign after 800 m, following to the Post Byzantine Aqueduct. A five-minute walk north is the 16th-century watercourse that ensured the supply of Ouranoupoli. Severely damaged by heavy rainfall in 1945, the aqueduct has been restored in recent years.

#3 Ierissos and surroundings

About 15 km from Ouranoupoli is the modern seaside resort of Ierissos. Together with the neighboring town of Nea Roda, Ierissos forms an important holiday center in the east of Halkidiki. Nea Roda was only a place of passage for us – the place of 1,000 souls seemed too modern, too unimaginative and sometimes too unkempt.

The only bright spots are the church of Agioi Theodoroi at the fishing port and the café Myky Coffee right by the sea, which serves cool drinks and delicious snacks in a friendly atmosphere. If you want, you can walk from Nea Roda along the kilometre-long, largely lonely Koumitsa Beach (see #10) on the border to Athos.

Ierissos is not exactly a place full of charm today, but at least there is something to experience in and around the small town. A difficult fate befell Ierissos in 1932, when an earthquake of magnitude 7.0 (see article: Greece Earthquake) destroyed the settlement on the Akanthos Hill, which had been founded only ten years earlier by Greek refugees from Asia Minor.

This is one reason why there is little historical building fabric left today and concrete buildings characterise the townscape. However, the waterfront is not as densely built up as in Nea Roda and invites you to stroll. Even camping is possible in the city of 3,500 inhabitants directly by the sea Camping Ierissos possible.

The Ierissos Beach could be a bit more well-groomed by our standards, but is fine for a short break by the sea. The selection of restaurants and cafes surprised us and in the shop Dafnelia oil and olives we found a suitable souvenir.

Friends of hop juice can visit the Seven Seals Brewery at the northern exit of the village. Since 2021, various types of beer such as pale ale, lager, stout and wheat beer have been brewed in Ierissos. The name of the Ierissos Brewery is an allusion to the “Book of Seven Seals” from the Revelation of John, which the owner Dimitris is fascinated by.

• Café tips for Ierissos: O Fournos tou Mixali Bakery, Poco Loco Beach Bar, Public Cafe
• Restaurant tips for Ierissos: Armyra, Kafeneion IeriSOS

Ierissos Shipyards (Karnaya Ierissou)

On the southern outskirts of the village you can experience a piece of historical craftsmanship at the Shipyards of Ierissos. In addition to the restoration of small and medium-sized boats, wooden ships are still made in the traditional way in some workshops. During our stay in Eastern Halkidiki, we often drove past it and saw how a painted ship’s skeleton was created from loose wooden slats.

The production of wooden ships, including Kaiki, dates back to ancient times in Ierissos, making it one of the oldest in Greece. On the site of today’s Ierissos there was once the city of Akanthos (see below), which was probably built by settlers of the seafarers’ island Andros .

The Acanthus ships were in demand, and even Athens needed them during the Persian Wars of the fifth century BC. From here, they began their journey into the Mediterranean via the Strymonic Gulf. At the beginning of the 20th century, about 100 people worked here, but today there are only a few families.

Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at the work of the shipbuilders (including Nikolaos Giannakis) on Karnagio Beach. The wooden boats are in demand, and the 5 to 15 m long boats owe their exceptional seaworthiness to the striking hull shape and the precise length-width ratio. They are used for fishing, the transport of goods, but also for tourist excursions throughout Greece.

Far-reaching view from Akanthos Hill

Just above the Karnagio shipyard are the remains of the Ancient Akanthos. You can park your vehicle at an information board not far from the primary school of Ierissos. Then follow the paved path uphill and reach the covered excavation site in two minutes.

In addition to remains of walls and temple columns, amphorae can also be seen, unfortunately there are no information boards here. Akanthos was probably founded in the 6th or 7th century BC, minted its own coins and existed until after the fall of the Roman Empire.

In the city center of Ierissos, archaeologists even discovered a Necropolis of Ancient Akanthos. Some of the many thousands of tombs can also be visited free of charge, such as the Akanthos Hill.

To the north there is a picnic area with a viewpoint from which there is a magnificent panorama. At the top of the hill there is still a modern chapel, a little below the ruins of an early Byzantine church. Unfortunately, everything has been left to nature here. Founded in 1922, Ierissos was originally located around this hill.

Kloster Kakavo (Metochi of The Holy Monastery Hilandar)

If you want to get an impression of life in the Athos monasteries, you can visit the Kakavo Monastery, a branch of the Hilander Monastery of the Holy Mountain. It is located halfway between Ierissos and Stratoni and is a popular destination, especially for Serbian tourists.

After leaving the parking lot behind you, you will pass an olive grove with donkeys and cross a bridge over a duck pond. The Katholikon rises clearly visible above the complex, a great photo opportunity! The monastery is a place of silence and there is Greek coffee, tsipouro and loukoumi as a welcome.

On the grounds of the monastery, originally founded in the 16th century, there are still monastery cells (not accessible), a garden pavilion and a shop selling icons and religious souvenirs, as well as olive oil and wine from the main Serbian Orthodox monastery. The facility can be visited free of charge.

#4 Olympiada and Ancient Stageira

A beautiful coastal road winds its way above the hamlet of Stratoni through dense coniferous forest up into the hilly countryside. At a viewpoint you can enjoy the typical landscape of Halkidiki, with Mount Athos rising on the horizon. 15 minutes by car you will reach the coastal town Olympiada (also Olimbiada), which is popular with individualists and Greek people in summer time.

Olympiada boasts as the Birthplace of Aristotle, the famous poet and thinker of antiquity. In fact, he was born in the town of Stageira, whose ruins on the southern outskirts are worth a visit not only for history buffs (see below).

Only 650 people live in the cozy village, whose life is mainly based around Olympiada Beach. You can park your rental car in the free parking lots at the Plateia Olympiadas. It is worth staying in the Café Plateia to buy a piece of the delicious bougatsa (Greek pudding pocket) and enjoy it in the village square by the fountain.

Past a statue and a house-sized graffiti of Aristotle, you then continue to the beach. The beach promenade, which is about one kilometre long, is traffic-calmed, invites you to stroll and offers a solid selection of restaurants and cafés. If it gets too crowded for you on the village beach, you can visit the dreamlike Sikia Beach.

Visit to Ancient Stageira

Within walking distance of Olympiada, you can walk in the footsteps of Aristotle. That Ancient Stageira (also Stagira) was founded in the middle of the 7th century BC. In 349 BC, the city was destroyed by the Macedonian King Philip II, but rebuilt. However, a devastating earthquake in the 1st century AD finally destroyed the city.

Over the centuries, nature has shaped the complex, which is located on the small Liotopi Peninsula. It was not until 1990 that it was rediscovered by archaeologists. The hike through the ruins requires a good level of fitness. The path leads up and down several hills, past fortress walls, ruined houses and temple fragments.

The magnificent views of the turquoise-blue sea and the lush green coast of Halkidiki compensate for the somewhat sweaty tour through the excavation site. The architectural highlight of the complex is the Tomb of Aristotle, a well-known rotunda in the northern part, where the philosopher is said to be buried.

Stageira can be reached from Olympiada either on foot via the fishing port at the Agios Nikolaos chapel (south entrance) or by car via the main road Olympiada-Stratoni. If you want to relax after visiting the excavation site, you can do so at Kephalas Beach, Proti Ammoudia Beach or Vina Beach south of Stageira.

• Opening hours Ancient Stageira: daily 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays), free admission

Visit to Aristotle’s Park

Aristotle’s charisma has a great influence on the region. Today, you can find traces of his traces all over Halkidiki, from small statues to house-sized graffiti and museums. In his honour, the municipality of East Halkidiki is now named Aristotelis. From antiquity to the Middle Ages to modern times, his teachings, hypotheses and insights have shaped humanity.

He was born in Stageira in 384 BC and even taught Alexander the Great, the son of the Macedonian King Philip II, who had destroyed Aristotle’s hometown years earlier. Looking at his life, Aristotle must undoubtedly be described as a multi-talent or genius.

What many people don’t know is that he was not only a philosopher, but also an ambitious scientist. The Aristotle Park in the 500 m high mountain village of Stagira gives a good insight into the scientific achievements of the universal genius.

Interesting experiments attributed to Aristotle are shown at several stations. The best thing about it: as a visitor, you can lend a hand yourself. Whether it’s a whirlpool machine, pendulum game or sundial, young and old alike will be amazed when trying it out.

A walk is entertaining, but surrounded by lush greenery, park benches invite you to linger. On the site there are still the remains of the Byzantine tower of Madem Aga, as well as the Marble statue of Aristotle from 1956, a nice photo motif! At the end of the small park, a viewpoint offers a magnificent view of the east coast.

Opposite the Aristotle Park is the Ottoman bathhouse “Sidirokausia Hamam”, which unfortunately has not been accessible since 2000. Ambitious hikers can explore the so-called Aristotle routes, also called Aristotle’s Paths, a network of centuries-old hiking trails in the region. Information on: Aristotles Paths

The theme park in honour of the Ancient Genius is accessible via the national road 14 from Stratoni (restaurant tip: La massa e bella) via Stratoniki into the mountains. On the way you pass the “Mavres Petres mine” – beware of oncoming trucks!

• Opening hours Aristotle Park: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission 4 €

#5 Varvara Waterfalls

From Olympiada you can reach another highlight of the Athos region after 12 km. The Varvara Waterfalls are nestled in a fairytale deciduous forest and are ideal for a short walk. A dilapidated gravel road leads to a parking lot with an information board. From here, you can walk to the two waterfalls in less than 10 minutes.

About 300 m to the north is the lower Kato Katarraktis Waterfall. You can reach it from above, so that you can watch the falling water. Caution is advised here, as the area is not secured and it goes steeply downhill. Adults with climbing skills can also descend to the foot of the waterfall via a narrow trail and rickety ladders.

In a southerly direction (approx. 250 m) is the upper Pano Katarraktis Waterfall, which we personally found most impressive. Here, the water plunges from a height of five meters over several cascades into a natural basin. You are surrounded by large river stones and unspoilt trees, a wonderful natural landscape!

After visiting the waterfalls, Arnea or Neochori (tip: The Dreamers Hub) for a leisurely lunch break away from the hustle and bustle. An alternative for a leisurely meal is the mountain village Varvara, just 30 minutes away, but a bit out of the way. Hardly any foreign tourists get lost here, so the atmosphere is all the more original.

The white houses with the red roofs are densely packed at an altitude of 550 m. While the sun is burning on the coast, we needed a cardigan up here in September. In the Tavern Mygdos with a magnificent panoramic terrace, we enjoyed excellent local cuisine. The wild mushrooms, the Mygdos salad and the rooster with noodles were a poem. Important: Only open on weekends!

#6 On a journey through time in the mountain village of Arnea

In the hinterland of the Athos region lies one of the most beautiful villages of Halkidiki. Arnea (also Arnaia) immediately impresses with its traditional stone houses with wooden balconies and bay windows and is one of the few places that has been able to preserve its original Macedonian architecture.

The picturesque mountain village has a little more than 2,000 inhabitants, which is surrounded by lush coniferous forests at an altitude of a good 600 m at the foothills of the Holomontas Mountains. A stroll through the narrow streets of Arnea is like a journey through time and is a must on a Halkidiki holiday.

A trip to Arnea is worthwhile at any time of the day, only the long journey from the coast should be taken into account. Arnea can be reached by rental car from Ouranoupoli in about an hour. You can park on the street in the eastern center of the village near the school.

Walk through the village to the Agios Stefanos village church with its striking bell tower. Here it is worth taking a look inside the church. Glass floors set into the church reveal ancient treasures found after a fire and subsequent restoration.

Behind the church, on the October 28 Square, stands the old school of Arnea from 1872, which now houses the town hall and is a popular photo motif. Opposite are two inns where you can stay in a traditional atmosphere, including the Archontiko Chorostasi (View on Booking*).

The Aristotelous Street leads you on to the central village square, where there is a large plane tree from which water gushes as if by magic. The cozy Aristotelous Cafe by landlady Paraskevi (speaks some German) right next to it invites you to linger with a cool Freddo.

A few meters further on, Georgakas Honey the liquid gold of the region. We found the pine and forest honey from Athos particularly delicious. From the central village square of Arnea, a cobbled alley leads to the upper village, where there are two museums worth seeing on the so-called Museum Square (combined ticket approx. 3 €).

The Folklore Museum of Arnea shows typical furnishings from the 19th and 20th centuries and the Weaving Museum gives an insight into carpet production, for which Arnea has always been known. Both museums are only open sporadically, but it is worth taking a short detour to the two mansions, which reflect the typical architecture of the place.

Folk Festivals in Arnea

In order to preserve the original character of the village with its traditions, the municipality organises several folk festivals a year. The largest event is the Orthodox Easter in Arnea (changing dates), in which young and old participate with commitment. The highlight of Easter is the night of Easter Sunday, when the large village square is lit up by hundreds of candles.

We were lucky enough to attend the annual folklore event during our visit in September, where a traditional wedding is celebrated as it used to be. Residents had dressed in traditional costumes and paraded through the alleys with the “Chosen Couple”, accompanied by violin and bouzouki. On the village square there was a celebration with dance, music and delicious food.

#7 Visiting Megali Panagia

About 10 km southeast of Arnea lies the village Megali Panagia, which means in Greek “great Virgin Mary”. Until 1928, Megali Panagia was still called Revenikia. Like other mountain villages in the region, it belonged to the so-called “Mademochoria”, the mining villages of Halkidiki, as the main source of income for the inhabitants was mining.

Unfortunately, large parts of the historic settlement were destroyed by the earthquake of 1932 near Ierissos. The reconstruction progressed only slowly, but a few traditional houses have been preserved. The town of 2,500 souls has not dressed up for tourists and has remained authentic. Except in August (big festival on August 15), it is quiet, according to the locals.

A handful of cafes and taverns invite individual guests to take a little rest. In recent years, around Megali Panagia some wineries (see below), as the microclimate at an altitude of 450 m in combination with the nutrient-rich clay soil is excellently suited for viticulture.

Worth seeing in Megali Panagia are the modern church of Agios Vasilios in the center, the historic arched bridge at the southern entrance to the village and the Panagouda Church on the northern hill. It is only accessible on foot and was built in 1863 on the foundations of a church dating back to 1007. From the forecourt of the church you have a magnificent view over the village to Sithonia.

• Café tips in Megali Panagia: Mantis Bar, Social Cafe
• Restaurant tip in Megali Panagia: Mamasikas

Wine of Halkidiki

On the outskirts of Megali Panagia there are two very good wineries, Akrathos Newland Winery and Ktima Tarazas, which are worth a visit for lovers of fine wines. The region mainly grows red grape varieties such as Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Grenache Rouge, as well as Xinomavro and Agiorgitiko, but also white wines such as Malagouzia or Assyrtiko.

During our stay, we visited the Akrathos winery and were welcomed by the lovely Emilia. She introduced us the Wines of Halkidiki in the best possible way. The winery, founded in 2016, currently presses five wines, all of which are dry-aged. Our favorite was the Rosé wine Orator. Bottle prices start at 12 €, a tasting of all wines including the Versperplatte costs 20 € p.p.

#8 Detour to Pyrgadikia

Without the tip of a Greek friend, we would probably have left the 300-soul town between Athos and Sithonia on the left. Lucky again, because the coastal village Pyrgadikia, which was founded in the 1920s by refugees from Asia Minor, is a must-visit.

On a promontory in front of it, summer residences, holiday homes and apartments stretch pretty up the hill. In the port of Pirgadikia colorful fishing boats sail peacefully. During our visit in September, the town center was tranquil, in August it is said to be quite crowded here, especially Greeks appreciate the original atmosphere.

Our highlight was definitely the Tavern Kouros at the central intersection of Pyrgadikia. Here you can get delicious meze in a rustic atmosphere, especially the zucchini balls and the fava were very tasty! A few meters up the street is the souvenir shop Mucho Más, where you can buy Greek mountain tea and honey from the region, among other things.

For a short cooling off after visiting Pirgadikia, the wide Ladhario Beach at. It consists mostly of gravel and was deserted in October except for one camper. From the small rock chapel “Panagia tou Vrachou” above the village you can enjoy a beautiful view of Athos and the island of Ammouliani.

Hike to Athanasios Waterfall

About 25 minutes by car northwest of Pirgadikia, not far from the village of Miliada, are the waterfalls of Agios Athanasios. A gravel road leads to the white Athanasios Chapel. From here, you will continue on foot to the waterfalls, which are located in a picturesque gorge. A spirit of discovery is required for the path, because there is no signage at all.

#9 Ammouliani Island

Less than two kilometers away from Halkidiki is Amouliani Island (also Ammouliani) in the Gulf of Athos. The 12 km² small island is considered a popular destination in eastern Halkidiki and can be reached daily by ferry from Tripiti or by excursion boat from Ouranoupoli. Despite the short crossing, we had an island-hopping atmosphere. 🙂

→ Current boat schedules to Amouliani can be viewed on the website: Ammouliani Lines

And indeed, the clocks tick a little differently here. There is only one real place on the island, whose alleys are nested and traffic-calmed and invite you to stroll. Fishing boats bob around the harbour, cats sneak through the alleys and there are also typical island photo motifs.

In the village you will find a number of traditional taverns, joined by modern cafes on the waterfront. We preferred the Bongo Restaurant & Beach Bar on the outskirts of the village, where owner Michalis serves cool drinks as well as delicious Greek and Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.

Discover the rest of Ammouliani on a short island tour. Then the island of 500 inhabitants reveals its treasures: the truly heavenly beaches, because Mount Athos is always in sight. One day is not enough to jump into the crystal clear sea everywhere.

We recommend to spend one or two nights on Amouliani. When the day tourists have disappeared, peace finally returns and you can feel the original soul of the island. Unfortunately, we only stayed one night in the Archontiko Hotel (Watch on Booking.com*). We could have stayed with the lovely owner Christina for a week.

Whether it is just as tranquil on the island of Amouliani as in our Greece Insider Tips, we will reveal soon in a separate article. Here is an overview of the most beautiful beaches of Amouliani:

Alykes Beach: Long, dune-like sandy beach in the west of the island. Always well attended, in September only the peripheral areas were quiet. The bathing spot has been voted one of the most beautiful beaches in Halkidiki several times, many visitors come to Amouliani especially for this reason!

Agios Georgios Beach: Fine sandy beach with two bays separated by a rocky reef, the sea shimmers turquoise blue. Two bars (tip: Gripos Beach Bar) and a beach tavern provide for the physical well-being.

Karagatsia Beach: Dream beach in the north with ochre sand and jungle atmosphere, the vegetation reaches close to the sea. Always well visited and unfortunately equipped with few parking spaces. Especially on weekends, many locals come here to Karagatsia Beach Bar is a great place for a break.

Megali Ammos Beach: The easternmost accessible beach on the island. In the low season at the end of September, a quiet and paradisiacal place that we always like to remember, especially the Punto Loco Bar was a hit! At the eastern end, on a hill, there is a prayer chapel, a popular photo motif. From here you can see the donkey islands (Drenia) well.

Water sports in Halkidiki

The Athos region is not only known as a religious pilgrimage destination, but also an Eldorado for outdoor activities. In addition to hiking through the unspoiled nature, numerous water sports such as windsurfing, water skiing, stand-up paddling and kayaking are offered.

Most providers are located on the coast from Tripiti to Ouranoupoli and usually offer courses or tours in addition to the pure rental of water sports equipment. Prices vary slightly depending on the provider, a prior comparison is recommended.

Popular are trips to the Drenia Islands east of Ammouliani, which can be reached by motorboat in 30 minutes from Tripiti. The uninhabited mini archipelago, also known as donkey islands, offers dreamlike bays and beaches. No driving licence is required for a small motorboat, a daily flat rate excluding petrol costs is paid.

→ The following providers for water sports on the Athos Peninsula are recommended:

• Water Sport Center Nea Roda
• Explore The Outside
• Ouranoupoli Rent a Boat Poseidon

#10 Beautiful beaches of Athos

As is typical for Halkidiki, the east of the peninsula also offers a wide variety of beautiful beaches. Most bathing spots consist of coarse sand or fine gravel. The crystal clear water really surprised us, many fish cavort on the rocky edges, a paradise for snorkelers.

Unfortunately, there was a lot of garbage in the bushes on some beaches and on the shore at the beach bars it was not uncommon for straws and plastic packaging to float in the sea. What a pity! Below we present our favourite bathing bays and the most beautiful beaches of Eastern Halkidiki:

Babylon Beach: 5 km south of Olympiada, a popular stretch of beach with light, fine sand and crystal clear waters. In summer, a beach hut offers parasols, otherwise it remains natural. There are some parking lots by the sea, which are quickly occupied in high season, then you park along the main road.

Suntan Beach: 5 km north of Olympiada lies this dream beach with beige sand and lush vegetation that reaches the sea. The Suntan Beach Bar rents sun loungers and offers drinks at fair prices. In the upper area there is a sandstone rock in the sea, which is reminiscent of a Thai scene.

Kakoudia Beach: Long, largely natural coastline with bizarre rock formations near the shore, just five minutes from Ierissos. Again, the water is very clear and shimmers in great colors – Seychelles feeling! However, the beach is hardly sheltered from the wind and unfortunately flotsam and garbage wash up in northeast winds.

Koumitsa Beach (also Komitsas): Our personal favorite beach in eastern Halkidiki, even if the approach by gravel road with potholes is a bit adventurous. The kilometre-long pebble beach stretches from the Komitsas hotel settlement (tip: Avaton Luxury Beach Resort*) to the Athos border fence. Unfortunately, there is also garbage on the beach in places.

Xiropotamos Beach: The hamlet of the same name is a refuge for individualists and consists of only a dozen holiday homes and a few private summer villas. The sandy beach slopes gently into the water and is therefore also suitable for children. Several beach bars (tip: Harry’s canteen) take care of the physical well-being of the hungry bathers.

Develiki Beach – If you are looking for peace and relaxation, this is the place for you. The beach captivates with its wild beauty and if you have enough time, you can relax in the hippiesque Dionysos Restaurant indulge in culinary delights. Although only 6 km as the crow flies from Ierissos, you have to drive 20 minutes and take the path inland via the village of Gomati.

More Athos tips for your holiday

Athos Excursions and Tours

The two most popular excursions in the region are the boat tours along the Athos coast, as well as the crossing to Ammouliani and a tour to the neighboring Drenia Islands. The excursions can be booked directly through our partner GetYourGuide* The following can be booked:

➲ To the boat tour Mount Athos Peninsula*

➲ To the boat tour to Athos, Drenia and Ammouliani*

Hotel tips for the Athos region

Most hotels on the Eastern Finger of Halkidiki are concentrated on the one hand around Ierissos in the north and on the other hand along the south coast between Tripiti via Skala to Ouranoupoli. Here you will also find large hotel complexes with package deals. For those seeking peace and quiet, there are plenty of holiday homes, apartments and studios available.

→ Here is our personal selection of beautiful places to stay in the Athos region. Click on the links from Booking.com* to learn more about the accommodations:

• Anima Residence* Nea Roda
• Aristotelous Alexandrou Historic Inn* Arnea
• Ayia Marina Suites* Ouranoupoli
• Eagles Villas* Scale
• Maison Elea* Ierissos
• Villa Almira Luxury Apartments* Ouranoupoli

Camping Ouranoupoli

On our trip to the Athos region, we also visited Camping Ouranoupoli. The campsite is located about 2 km from the village. The owner family around owner Grigoris is very warm and makes you feel welcome immediately. The modern and clean sanitary facilities contribute to well-being.

A highlight is the tavern by the sea, which is still open in September. Here, the grandmother of the family cooks delicious Greek home cooking. The food and the accompanying sunsets remain in our best memories!

The directly adjacent beach is beautiful and invites you to relax. The pitches are neat, although not very large. For campers who stay longer, we recommend the plots behind the beach bungalows, as it is quieter there. As a bonus, you can stock up on organic olive oil from our own production.

Car rental for Ouranoupoli and surroundings

If you want to explore the eastern finger and the hinterland of Halkidiki extensively, you can’t avoid a rental car, the distances between the individual highlights are too great. From Ouranoupoli to Olympiada or Arnea, for example, it takes an hour each.

A cheap car rental for the Athos region you can book in advance, for example with our partner Discover Cars*:

➲ To cheap rental cars*

A public bus network connects almost all major towns in the Athos region. In summer, the buses are often very full. Current timetables can be found at: KTEL Halkidikis

→ More articles and numerous Halkidiki travel tips can be found at:

• Halkidiki Blog – The region at a glance

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