{"id":51209,"date":"2025-09-11T11:21:20","date_gmt":"2025-09-11T09:21:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/?p=51209"},"modified":"2026-04-01T13:00:56","modified_gmt":"2026-04-01T11:00:56","slug":"athos-halkidiki","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/athos-halkidiki\/","title":{"rendered":"Athos Halkidiki: 10 must-sees around Ouranoupoli"},"content":{"rendered":"<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The 2,033-metre-high <strong>Holy Mount Athos<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><span style=\"color: #00aad9;\"><em>\u00bbThe eastern finger of Halkidiki combines religiosity, nature and modernity in one and is a magical place on land and water!\u00ab<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38467\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38467\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38467\" title=\"Athos Chalkidiki Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten Ouranoupoli Urlaub Tipps\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Chalkidiki-Sehenswuerdigkeiten-Ouranoupoli-Urlaub-Tipps.jpg\" alt=\"Athos Chalkidiki Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten Ouranoupoli Urlaub Tipps\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38467\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Welcome to the Athos Peninsula<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The <strong>Athos Peninsula<\/strong> 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!<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Despite its proximity to the mainland, the small island of <strong>Ammouliani in the Gulf of Athos<\/strong> 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&#8217;ve had enough of the sea, visit the picturesque mountain villages in the hinterland.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arnea-Chalkidiki-Ausflug-beste-Besuchzeit.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Arnea Chalkidiki Ausflug beste Besuchzeit\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Chalkidiki-Straende-Insel-Ammouliani.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Athos Chalkidiki Str\u00e4nde Insel Ammouliani\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the <strong>Eastern Halkidiki<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The belief persists that there is nothing to discover on the eastern finger except the monastic republic of Athos &#8211; far from it! In this post, we&#8217;ll show you the <strong>Sights of Eastern Halkidiki<\/strong>, that you absolutely have to see:<\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #00aad9; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 12px 16px; margin: 20px 0; font-family: sans-serif;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; color: #333;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/produkt\/chalkidiki-map\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-37696\" title=\"Chalkidiki Karte Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten Str\u00e4nde Insel\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/Chalkidiki-Karte-Sehenswuerdigkeiten-Straende-Insel.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Karte Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten Str\u00e4nde Insel\" width=\"800\" height=\"553\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><strong>Halkidiki Map<\/strong>: This card includes all <span style=\"color: #00aad9;\">Halkidiki Highlights<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #993300;\">109 Places to Visit &amp; Insider Tips<\/span>, <span style=\"color: #ff9900;\">38 beaches &amp; bays<\/span>, as well as personal recommendations for <span style=\"color: #339966;\">69 restaurants &amp; cafes<\/span>. Ideal for holiday planning and local navigation. Can be used for smartphone, tablet and PC\/Mac. Click here and start using it right away: <a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/produkt\/chalkidiki-map\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">To the Halkidiki map<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>#1 Athos: Monastic Republic of Greece<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><em>&#8220;Woman has been cast out of this paradise, so that the man may not lose that paradise.&#8221;<\/em><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">This is the strict prohibition for women to enter Mount Athos. Since the founding of the first monasteries and the proclamation of the <strong>Monastic Republic of Greece<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38595\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38595\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38595\" title=\"Berg Athos Halbinsel Chalkidiki Griechenland\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Berg-Athos-Halbinsel-Chalkidiki-Griechenland.jpg\" alt=\"Berg Athos Halbinsel Chalkidiki Griechenland\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38595\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">View of the Athos Peninsula<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On <strong>Athos <\/strong>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 caf\u00e9, and can be seen every day in the village of Ouranoupoli (see point #2), whose port is the gateway to the pilgrimage site.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38605\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38605\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-38605 size-full\" title=\"Ouranoupoli Chalkidiki Tor zur M\u00f6nchsrepublik Athos\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Ouranoupoli-Tor-zur-Moenchsrepublik-Athos.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Ouranoupoli Tor zur M\u00f6nchsrepublik Athos\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38605\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ouranoupoli: Gateway to the monastic republic of Athos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The 20 large monasteries on Mount Athos, which the Greeks name <strong>Agion Oros<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38596\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38596\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38596\" title=\"Athos Kloster Xenofontos Chalkidiki Griechenland\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Kloster-Xenofontos-Chalkidiki-Griechenland.jpg\" alt=\"Athos Kloster Xenofontos Chalkidiki Griechenland\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38596\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Athos Monastery of Xenofontos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38639\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38639\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-38639 size-full\" title=\"Athos Halbinsel Chalkidiki W\u00e4lder Berge\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Heiliger-Berg-Athos-Griechenland-Chalkidiki.jpg\" alt=\"Heiliger Berg Athos Griechenland Chalkidiki\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38639\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Holy Mountain of Greece<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #00aad9; background: rgba(0, 170, 217, 0.05); padding: 14px 18px; margin: 24px 0; font-family: sans-serif; border-radius: 6px;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Pilgrimage to Athos<\/strong>: Men who want to visit the Holy Mountain and stay in a monastery can contact the pilgrimage center in Ouranoupoli or Thessaloniki. As a rule, after checking the personal details, short-term accommodation in one of the large monasteries is granted, unless it is a big festival such as Easter or Assumption Day. All information can be found on the official website: <a href=\"https:\/\/athos.guide\/en\/pilgrimage\/info-for-pilgrims\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Pilgrimage Center<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Athos Boat Tours<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Boat trips to Athos<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38510\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38510\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38510\" title=\"Bootsausfl\u00fcge nach Athos Hafen Ouranoupoli\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Bootsausfluege-nach-Athos-Hafen-Ouranoupoli.jpg\" alt=\"Bootsausfl\u00fcge nach Athos Hafen Ouranoupoli\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38510\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Port of Ouranoupoli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Singite Gulf<\/strong>. A highlight for young and old!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_6908\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-6908\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-6908\" title=\"ambrakischer golf delfine arta greece\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/06\/ambrakischer-golf-delfine-arta-greece.jpg\" alt=\"ambrakischer golf delfine arta greece\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-6908\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dolphins in the Gulf of Athos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">An <strong>Athos Cruise<\/strong> takes between three and five hours, depending on the provider and ship (ferry, yacht or sailing ship) and costs from \u20ac25. 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38515\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38515\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38515\" title=\"Moni Simonos Petras Athos Kloster Chalkidiki\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Moni-Simonos-Petras-Athos-Kloster-Chalkidiki.jpg\" alt=\"Moni Simonos Petras Athos Kloster Chalkidiki\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38515\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Simonos Petras Monastery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Moni Simonos Petras<\/strong>, which, like the <a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/meteora-monasteries\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Meteora Monasteries<\/a> 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).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38512\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38512\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38512\" title=\"Athos Ausfl\u00fcge Ouranoupoli Bootstouren M\u00f6nchskl\u00f6ster\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Ausfluege-Ouranoupoli-Bootstouren-Moenchskloester.jpg\" alt=\"Athos Ausfl\u00fcge Ouranoupoli Bootstouren M\u00f6nchskl\u00f6ster\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38512\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Astonishment from afar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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?<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38513\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38513\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38513\" title=\"Athos Kreuzfahrt Chalkidiki M\u00f6nche auf Schiff\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Kreuzfahrt-Chalkidiki-Moenche-auf-Schiff.jpg\" alt=\"Athos Kreuzfahrt Chalkidiki M\u00f6nche auf Schiff\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38513\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Monks sell their wares<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Wine from Mount Athos<\/strong>. After the purchase, the religious customers received the blessing of the monks, then the friars drove back to the monastery in their motorboat.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u2192 <strong>Athos Tours<\/strong> are available directly in Ouranoupoli at Athos Sea Cruises or online via <em>GetYourGuide<\/em>*:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.de\/chalkidiki-l507\/athos-kreuzfahrt-die-3-stundige-tour-startet-in-ouranoupolis-t394805\/?partner_id=NU40SHX&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=Athos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\u27b2 To the cruise along the Athos coast*<\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38624\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38624\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38624\" title=\"Athos M\u00f6nche Chalkidiki Griechenland Motorboot\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Moenche-Chalkidiki-Griechenland-Motorboot.jpg\" alt=\"Athos M\u00f6nche Chalkidiki Griechenland Motorboot\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38624\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Athos monks on a cruise<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>#2 Sky City Ouranoupoli<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Ouranoupoli<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38499\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38499\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38499\" title=\"Ouranoupoli Chalkidiki Athos Reise Tipps Ausfl\u00fcge\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ouranoupoli-Chalkidiki-Athos-Reise-Tipps-Ausfluege.jpg\" alt=\"Ouranoupoli Chalkidiki Athos Reise Tipps Ausfl\u00fcge\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38499\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Heavenly peace in the evening<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">From Tripiti (see #9 Ammouliani) an 8 km long coastal road leads past hotel complexes with picturesque bays and the <strong>Campsite Ouranoupoli<\/strong> into the village. Shortly before the entrance to the village, opposite the <em>Tavern Acropoli<\/em> (Hint!) Enjoy the best view of Ouranoupoli, which looks charming from a distance with its Byzantine tower.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38500\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38500\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38500\" title=\"Ouranoupoli Kirche Agion Konstantinou &amp; Elenis\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ouranoupoli-Kirche-Agion-Konstantinou-Elenis.jpg\" alt=\"Ouranoupoli Kirche Agion Konstantinou &amp; Elenis\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38500\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Agion Konstantinou &amp; Elenis<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>church of Agion Konstantinou &amp; Elenis<\/strong> in the center was almost swallowed up by the maze of houses.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38519\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38519\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38519\" title=\"Ouranoupoli Athos Chalkidiki Rechter Finger\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ouranoupoli-Athos-Chalkidiki-Rechter-Finger.jpg\" alt=\"Ouranoupoli Athos Chalkidiki Rechter Finger\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38519\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ouranoupoli is modern today<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 caf\u00e9s, bars and restaurants (tip: <em>Ammos Bar<\/em>) 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 &#8220;Kivotos Ouranoupolis&#8221;.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38505\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38505\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38505\" title=\"Ammos Bar Ouranoupoli Athos Tipps\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ammos-Bar-Ouranoupoli-Athos-Tipps.jpg\" alt=\"Ammos Bar Ouranoupoli Athos Tipps\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38505\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ammos Bar on Main Street<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Along the main street there are countless souvenir shops and shops (tip: <em>Mademoiselle<\/em>). 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.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-2' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ouranoupoli-Athos-Moenche-Kloster-Griechenland.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Ouranoupoli Athos M\u00f6nche Kloster Griechenland\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Moenche-Ouranoupoli-Chalkidiki.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Athos M\u00f6nche Ouranoupoli Chalkidiki\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">A personal recommendation: At the village square by the Byzantine Tower you should definitely take a look at the shop <em>Drosinos<\/em>, the oldest <strong>Icon Shop of Ouranoupoli<\/strong>. Since 1974, the store has been offering high-quality icons and religious souvenirs made on Mount Athos.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38501\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38501\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38501\" title=\"Drosinos Ouranoupoli Ikonen Shopping Empfehlung\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Drosinos-Ouranoupoli-Ikonen-Shopping-Empfehlung.jpg\" alt=\"Drosinos Ouranoupoli Ikonen Shopping Empfehlung\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38501\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Drosinos Icon Shop<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<h3>Tower of Prosphorion<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Tower of Ouranoupoli<\/strong>, located directly on the sea, is the best preserved of its kind in Halkidiki and is considered the symbol of the place.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38521\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38521\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38521\" title=\"Turm von Ouranoupoli Athos Chalkidiki Ost Tipps\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Turm-von-Ouranoupoli-Athos-Chalkidiki-Ost-Tipps.jpg\" alt=\"Turm von Ouranoupoli Athos Chalkidiki Ost Tipps\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38521\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tower of Ouranoupoli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Always surrounded by pitch-black jackdaws, the <strong>Prosphorion Tower<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38506\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38506\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38506\" title=\"Turm von Prosphorion Ouranoupoli Beach Athos\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Turm-von-Prosphorion-Ouranoupoli-Beach-Athos.jpg\" alt=\"Turm von Prosphorion Ouranoupoli Beach Athos\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38506\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ouranoupoli Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Around the tower stretches the <strong>Ouranoupoli Beach<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Opening hours Tower of Ouranoupoli<\/strong>: 1 April to 31 October daily 8:30 am &#8211; 3:30 pm, admission 2 \u20ac<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Zygos Monastery at Athos Border Fence<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Just two kilometers east of Ouranoupoli is the <strong>border with Athos<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38527\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38527\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38527\" title=\"Athos Kloster Zygos Moni Zygou Chalkidiki\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Kloster-Zygos-Moni-Zygou-Chalkidiki.jpg\" alt=\"Athos Kloster Zygos Moni Zygou Chalkidiki\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38527\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Zygos Monastery in the past<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Only 40 meters from the border is the <strong>Zygos Monastery<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38526\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38526\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38526\" title=\"Athos Kloster Moni Zygou Ouranoupoli\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Kloster-Moni-Zygou-Ouranoupoli.jpg\" alt=\"Athos Kloster Moni Zygou Ouranoupoli\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38526\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Moni Zygou today<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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&#8217;t like to dig in the traces of the past on the holy mountain.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38534\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38534\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38534\" title=\"Athos Kloster Frauen besuchen Moni Zygos Ouranoupoli\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Kloster-Frauen-besuchen-Moni-Zygos-Ouranoupoli.jpg\" alt=\"Athos Kloster Frauen besuchen Moni Zygos Ouranoupoli\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38534\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ruins of the cross-domed church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Opening hours Zygos Monastery (Frangokastro)<\/strong>: 8:30 a.m. &#8211; 3:30 p.m., closed on Tuesdays, admission: 4 \u20ac<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Athos Border Beach<\/strong>. Directly on the shore on the Athos side are abandoned monastery complexes in the Byzantine style. Snow-white beach and turquoise blue sea &#8211; a bizarre backdrop, paradise protected behind barbed wire fence.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-3' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Athos-Moenchsrepublik-Grenze-Zaun-Griechenland.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Athos M\u00f6nchsrepublik Grenze Zaun Griechenland\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Grenze-Athos-Moenchsrepublik.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Grenze Athos M\u00f6nchsrepublik\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h4>Byzantine Aqueduct<\/h4>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the way back to Ouranoupoli you will come across a sign after 800 m, following to the <strong>Post Byzantine Aqueduct<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38537\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38537\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38537\" title=\"Post Byzantine Aqueduct Ouranoupoli Athos Kloster\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Post-Byzantine-Aqueduct-Ouranoupoli-Athos-Kloster.jpg\" alt=\"Post Byzantine Aqueduct Ouranoupoli Athos Kloster\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38537\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Post Byzantine Aqueduct<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>#3 Ierissos and surroundings<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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. <strong>Nea Roda<\/strong> was only a place of passage for us &#8211; the place of 1,000 souls seemed too modern, too unimaginative and sometimes too unkempt.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-4' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Nea-Roda-Beach-Chalkidiki-Athos.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Nea Roda Beach Chalkidiki Athos\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-4-50109\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-4-50109'>\n\t\t\t\tNea Roda Beach\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Nea-Roda-Myky-Cafe-Chalkidiki.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Nea Roda Myky Cafe Chalkidiki\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The only bright spots are the church of Agioi Theodoroi at the fishing port and the caf\u00e9 <em>Myky Coffee<\/em> 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 <strong>Koumitsa Beach<\/strong> (see #10) on the border to Athos.<\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #00aad9; background: rgba(0, 170, 217, 0.05); padding: 14px 18px; margin: 24px 0; font-family: sans-serif; border-radius: 6px;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Channel of Xerxes<\/strong>: In 480 BC, the Persian ruler Xerxes I had the Athos Peninsula artificially cut through so that his warships did not have to sail around the dangerous Cape. The canal, which is a good two kilometers long and about 30 meters wide, was excavated for three years. Then the Persians attacked the Greeks. Today the canal is silted up and can only be seen from the air, the road from Tripiti to Nea Roda runs partly along it. On the western outskirts of Tripiti, the mouth of the canal (Xerxes Canal Endpoint) can still be seen.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Ierissos<\/strong> 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: <a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/greece-earthquakes\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Greece Earthquake<\/a>) destroyed the settlement on the Akanthos Hill, which had been founded only ten years earlier by Greek refugees from Asia Minor.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38542\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38542\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38542\" title=\"Ierissos Akanthos Chalkidiki Athos Highlights\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ierissos-Akanthos-Chalkidiki-Athos-Highlights.jpg\" alt=\"Ierissos Akanthos Chalkidiki Athos Highlights\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38542\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ierissos before the earthquake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <em>Camping Ierissos<\/em> possible.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38541\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38541\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38541\" title=\"Ierissos Ost Chalkidiki Halbinsel Tipps\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ierissos-Ost-Chalkidiki-Halbinsel-Tipps.jpg\" alt=\"Ierissos Ost Chalkidiki Halbinsel Tipps\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38541\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Outlook for today&#8217;s Ierissos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The <strong>Ierissos Beach<\/strong> 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 <em>Dafnelia oil and olives<\/em> we found a suitable souvenir.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38543\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38543\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38543\" title=\"Chalkidiki Bier Seven Seals Brewery Ierissos\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Bier-Seven-Seals-Brewery-Ierissos.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Bier Seven Seals Brewery Ierissos\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38543\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Seven Seals Brewery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Friends of hop juice can visit the <em>Seven Seals Brewery<\/em> 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 <strong>Ierissos Brewery<\/strong> is an allusion to the &#8220;Book of Seven Seals&#8221; from the Revelation of John, which the owner Dimitris is fascinated by.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Caf\u00e9 tips for Ierissos<\/strong>: <em>O Fournos tou Mixali Bakery<\/em>, <em>Poco Loco Beach Bar<\/em>, <em>Public Cafe<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Restaurant tips for Ierissos<\/strong>: <em>Armyra<\/em>, <em>Kafeneion IeriSOS<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3>Ierissos Shipyards (Karnaya Ierissou)<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the southern outskirts of the village you can experience a piece of historical craftsmanship at the <strong>Shipyards of Ierissos<\/strong>. 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&#8217;s skeleton was created from loose wooden slats.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38544\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38544\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38544\" title=\"Schiffswerften von Ierissos Chalkidiki Karnagio Beach\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Schiffswerften-von-Ierissos-Chalkidiki-Karnagio-Beach.jpg\" alt=\"Schiffswerften von Ierissos Chalkidiki Karnagio Beach\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38544\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shipyards of Ierissos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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&#8217;s Ierissos there was once the city of Akanthos (see below), which was probably built by settlers of the seafarers&#8217; island <a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/andros-sights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Andros<\/a> .<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Strymonic Gulf<\/strong>. At the beginning of the 20th century, about 100 people worked here, but today there are only a few families.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38545\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38545\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38545\" title=\"Ierissos Chalkidiki Karnagio Beach Werft\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ierissos-Chalkidiki-Karnagio-Beach-Werft.jpg\" alt=\"Ierissos Chalkidiki Karnagio Beach Werft\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38545\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Shipbuilders at Karnagio Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Nevertheless, it is worth taking a look at the work of the shipbuilders (including Nikolaos Giannakis) on <strong>Karnagio Beach<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<h3>Far-reaching view from Akanthos Hill<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Just above the Karnagio shipyard are the remains of the <strong>Ancient Akanthos<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38546\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38546\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38546\" title=\"Akanthos Chalkidiki Ierissos Athos Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Akanthos-Chalkidiki-Ierissos-Athos-Sehenswuerdigkeiten.jpg\" alt=\"Akanthos Chalkidiki Ierissos Athos Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38546\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Remains of Akanthos<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38548\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38548\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38548\" title=\"Akanthos Ierissos ausblick Strymonischen Golf\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Akanthos-Ierissos-ausblick-Strymonischen-Golf.jpg\" alt=\"Akanthos Ierissos ausblick Strymonischen Golf\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38548\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Time out in the Strymonic Gulf<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the city center of Ierissos, archaeologists even discovered a <strong>Necropolis of Ancient Akanthos<\/strong>. Some of the many thousands of tombs can also be visited free of charge, such as the Akanthos Hill.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #00aad9; background: rgba(0, 170, 217, 0.05); padding: 14px 18px; margin: 24px 0; font-family: sans-serif; border-radius: 6px;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Cheese of Athos<\/strong>: On the western outskirts of the village, about 1.5 km after LIDL, you will reach the Stathoris cheese dairy (Tyrokomeio Stathori), which gourmets should not miss. In a rustic hut atmosphere, you can try a variety of local cheese variations. Our favorite was the Petroto, a white hard goat cheese with an aromatic taste. Mon-Sat 8 am-4 pm, Rich cheese tasting from 8 \u20ac.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-38549 size-full\" title=\"Chalkidiki K\u00e4se Ierissos K\u00e4serei Stathoris Tyrokomeio\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Kaese-Ierissos-Kaeserei-Stathoris-Tyrokomeio.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki K\u00e4se Ierissos K\u00e4serei Stathoris Tyrokomeio\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h3>Kloster Kakavo (Metochi of The Holy Monastery Hilandar)<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you want to get an impression of life in the Athos monasteries, you can visit the <strong>Kakavo Monastery<\/strong>, 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38550\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38550\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38550\" title=\"Kloster Kakavo Athos Metochi of The Holy Monastery Hilandar\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kloster-Kakavo-Athos-Metochi-of-The-Holy-Monastery-Hilandar.jpg\" alt=\"Kloster Kakavo Athos Metochi of The Holy Monastery Hilandar\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38550\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kakavo Monastery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38551\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38551\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38551\" title=\"Esel Chalkidiki Kloster Kakavo Hilandar Athos\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Esel-Chalkidiki-Kloster-Kakavo-Hilandar-Athos.jpg\" alt=\"Esel Chalkidiki Kloster Kakavo Hilandar Athos\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38551\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Greeting by donkey<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38552\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38552\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38552\" title=\"kakavo kloster athos chalkidiki osten halbinsel\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/kakavo-kloster-athos-chalkidiki-osten-halbinsel.jpg\" alt=\"kakavo kloster athos chalkidiki osten halbinsel\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38552\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Katholikon<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>#4 Olympiada and Ancient Stageira<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Olympiada <\/strong>(also Olimbiada), which is popular with individualists and Greek people in summer time.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38476\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38476\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38476\" title=\"Olympiada Chalkidiki Urlaub Tipps Str\u00e4nde\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Olympiada-Chalkidiki-Urlaub-Tipps-Straende.jpg\" alt=\"Olympiada Chalkidiki Urlaub Tipps Str\u00e4nde\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38476\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Outlook for Olympiada<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Olympiada boasts as the <strong>Birthplace of Aristotle<\/strong>, 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).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38477\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38477\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38477\" title=\"Olympiada Chalkidiki Plateia Aristotelis Griechenland\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Olympiada-Chalkidiki-Plateia-Aristotelis-Griechenland.jpg\" alt=\"Olympiada Chalkidiki Plateia Aristotelis Griechenland\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38477\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Village square with fountain<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Only 650 people live in the cozy village, whose life is mainly based around <strong>Olympiada Beach<\/strong>. You can park your rental car in the free parking lots at the Plateia Olympiadas. It is worth staying in the <em>Caf\u00e9 Plateia<\/em> to buy a piece of the delicious bougatsa (Greek pudding pocket) and enjoy it in the village square by the fountain.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-5' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Olympiada-Aristoteles-Chalkidiki-Sehenswuerdigkeiten-Osten-Halbinsel.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Olympiada Aristoteles Chalkidiki Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten Osten Halbinsel\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Olympiada-Chalkidiki-Restaurants-Cafes.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Olympiada Chalkidiki Restaurants Cafes\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 caf\u00e9s. If it gets too crowded for you on the village beach, you can visit the dreamlike <strong>Sikia Beach<\/strong>.<\/p>\n<h3>Visit to Ancient Stageira<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Within walking distance of Olympiada, you can walk in the footsteps of Aristotle. That <strong>Ancient Stageira<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38478\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38478\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38478\" title=\"Antikes Stageira Halbinsel Liotopi Ost Chalkidiki\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Antikes-Stageira-Halbinsel-Liotopi-Ost-Chalkidiki.jpg\" alt=\"Antikes Stageira Halbinsel Liotopi Ost Chalkidiki\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38478\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ancient Stageira on the Liotopi Peninsula<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Over the centuries, nature has shaped the complex, which is located on the small <strong>Liotopi Peninsula<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-6' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Stagira-Chalkidiki-Sehenswuerdigkeiten-Tipps.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Stagira Chalkidiki Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten Tipps\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Osten-Antikes-Stageira-Olympiada.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Osten Antikes Stageira Olympiada\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Tomb of Aristotle<\/strong>, a well-known rotunda in the northern part, where the philosopher is said to be buried.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38480\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38480\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38480\" title=\"Grab des Aristoteles antike Stageira Chalkidiki\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Grab-des-Aristoteles-antike-Stageira-Chalkidiki.jpg\" alt=\"Grab des Aristoteles antike Stageira Chalkidiki\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38480\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tomb of Aristotle<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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, <strong>Proti Ammoudia Beach<\/strong> or Vina Beach south of Stageira.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Opening hours Ancient Stageira<\/strong>: daily 8:30 a.m. &#8211; 3:30 p.m. (closed on Tuesdays), free admission<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38479\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38479\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38479\" title=\"Proti Ammoudia beach Olympiada Chalkidiki Ost\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Proti-Ammoudia-beach-Olympiada-Chalkidiki-Ost.jpg\" alt=\"Proti Ammoudia beach Olympiada Chalkidiki Ost\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38479\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Proti Ammoudia Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Visit to Aristotle&#8217;s Park<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Aristotle&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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&#8217;s hometown years earlier. Looking at his life, Aristotle must undoubtedly be described as a multi-talent or genius.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_37723\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37723\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-37723\" title=\"Aristotles Park Chalkidiki Stageira Stratoniki\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Aristotles-Park-Chalkidiki-Stageira-Stratoniki.jpg\" alt=\"Aristotles Park Chalkidiki Stageira Stratoniki\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-37723\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aristotles Park: Small but nice<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">What many people don&#8217;t know is that he was not only a philosopher, but also an ambitious scientist. The <strong>Aristotle Park<\/strong> in the 500 m high mountain village of Stagira gives a good insight into the scientific achievements of the universal genius.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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&#8217;s a whirlpool machine, pendulum game or sundial, young and old alike will be amazed when trying it out.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-7' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Aristotles-Park-Stagira-Chalkidiki.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Aristotle&#039;s Park Stagira Chalkidiki\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Aristotles-Park-Olympiada.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Aristotle&#039;s Park Olympiada\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Marble statue of Aristotle<\/strong> from 1956, a nice photo motif! At the end of the small park, a viewpoint offers a magnificent view of the east coast.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38553\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38553\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38553\" title=\"Sidirokausia Hamam Stagira Chalkidiki\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Sidirokausia-Hamam-Stagira-Chalkidiki.jpg\" alt=\"Sidirokausia Hamam Stagira Chalkidiki\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38553\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sidirokausia Hamam<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Opposite the Aristotle Park is the Ottoman bathhouse &#8220;Sidirokausia Hamam&#8221;, which unfortunately has not been accessible since 2000. Ambitious hikers can explore the so-called Aristotle routes, also called <strong>Aristotle&#8217;s Paths<\/strong>, a network of centuries-old hiking trails in the region. Information on: <a href=\"https:\/\/aristotlespaths.com\/routs\/route-of-aristoteles\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Aristotles Paths<\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38571\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38571\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38571\" title=\"Wanderungen Chalkidiki Aristoteles Paths\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Wanderungen-Chalkidiki-Aristoteles-Paths.jpg\" alt=\"Wanderungen Chalkidiki Aristoteles Paths\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38571\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aristotle&#8217;s Hiking Route<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The theme park in honour of the Ancient Genius is accessible via the national road 14 from Stratoni (restaurant tip: <em>La massa e bella<\/em>) via Stratoniki into the mountains. On the way you pass the &#8220;Mavres Petres mine&#8221; &#8211; beware of oncoming trucks!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Opening hours Aristotle Park<\/strong>: daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., admission 4 \u20ac<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #00aad9; background: rgba(0, 170, 217, 0.05); padding: 14px 18px; margin: 24px 0; font-family: sans-serif; border-radius: 6px;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Halkidiki Travel Guide<\/strong>: The travel guide of the Michael M\u00fcller publishing house was a faithful companion for us on the Athos peninsula with its numerous excursion tips and background information: <a href=\"https:\/\/amzn.to\/4iPawWN\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View on Amazon*<\/a><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-39917 size-medium aligncenter\" title=\"Kos Reisefuehrer Ebook Ausfluege PDF Buch\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Chalkidiki_Reisefuehrer-Michael-Mueller-2025-209x300.png\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Reisef\u00fchrer Michael M\u00fcller 2025\" width=\"209\" height=\"300\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>#5 Varvara Waterfalls<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">From Olympiada you can reach another highlight of the Athos region after 12 km. The <strong>Varvara Waterfalls<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38558\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38558\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38558\" title=\"Chalkidiki Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten Varvara Wasserf\u00e4lle Olympiada\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Sehenswuerdigkeiten-Varvara-Wasserfaelle-Olympiada.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten Varvara Wasserf\u00e4lle Olympiada\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38558\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hike for young and old<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">About 300 m to the north is the lower <strong>Kato Katarraktis Waterfall<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38557\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38557\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38557\" title=\"Varvara Wasserf\u00e4lle Kato Katarraktis Chalkidiki\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Varvara-Wasserfaelle-Kato-Katarraktis-Chalkidiki.jpg\" alt=\"Varvara Wasserf\u00e4lle Kato Katarraktis Chalkidiki\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38557\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Adventurous descent to the lower waterfall<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In a southerly direction (approx. 250 m) is the upper <strong>Pano Katarraktis Waterfall<\/strong>, 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!<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-8' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Varvara-Wasserfaelle-Chalkidiki-Pano-Katarraktis.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Varvara Wasserf\u00e4lle Chalkidiki Pano Katarraktis\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-8-50131\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-8-50131'>\n\t\t\t\tPano Katarraktis\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Varvara-Wasserfaelle-Chalkidiki-Kato-Katarraktis.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Varvara Wasserf\u00e4lle Chalkidiki Kato Katarraktis\" aria-describedby=\"gallery-8-50132\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<figcaption class='wp-caption-text gallery-caption' id='gallery-8-50132'>\n\t\t\t\tKato Katarraktis\n\t\t\t\t<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">After visiting the waterfalls, Arnea or Neochori (tip: <em>The Dreamers Hub<\/em>) for a leisurely lunch break away from the hustle and bustle. An alternative for a leisurely meal is the <strong>mountain village Varvara, <\/strong>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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38559\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38559\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38559\" title=\"Neochori The Dreamers Hub\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Neochori-The-Dreamers-Hub.jpg\" alt=\"Neochori The Dreamers Hub\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38559\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">The Dreamers Hub<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <em>Tavern Mygdos<\/em> 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!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38560\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38560\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38560\" title=\"Varvara Chalkidiki Taverne Mygdos\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Varvara-Chalkidiki-Taverne-Mygdos.jpg\" alt=\"Varvara Chalkidiki Taverne Mygdos\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38560\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tavern Mygdos in Varvara<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>#6 On a journey through time in the mountain village of Arnea<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the hinterland of the Athos region lies one of the <strong>most beautiful villages of Halkidiki<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38565\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38565\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38565\" title=\"Arnea Chalkidiki sch\u00f6nstes Dorf Tipps\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arnea-Chalkidiki-schoenstes-Dorf-Tipps.jpg\" alt=\"Arnea Chalkidiki sch\u00f6nstes Dorf Tipps\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38565\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Welcome to Arnea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Arnea<\/strong> is like a journey through time and is a must on a Halkidiki holiday.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-9' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arnea-Platz-des-28.-Oktobers.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Arnea Platz des 28. Oktobers\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arnea-Chalkidiki-lohnt-sich-ein-Ausflug-Bergdorf.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Arnea Chalkidiki lohnt sich ein Ausflug Bergdorf\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Walk through the village to the <strong>Agios Stefanos village church<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38567\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38567\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38567\" title=\"Arnea Agios Stefanos Kirche Chalkidiki\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arnea-Agios-Stefanos-Kirche-Chalkidiki.jpg\" alt=\"Arnea Agios Stefanos Kirche Chalkidiki\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38567\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Agios Stefanos Church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Behind the church, on the <strong>October 28 Square<\/strong>, 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 <em>Archontiko Chorostasi<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/chorostasi-mansion.de.html?aid=1733645&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">View on Booking*<\/a>).<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The <strong>Aristotelous Street<\/strong> 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 <em>Aristotelous Cafe<\/em> by landlady Paraskevi (speaks some German) right next to it invites you to linger with a cool Freddo.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-10' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Aristoteles-Cafe-Arnea-Tipps.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Aristoteles Cafe Arnea Tipps\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arnea-Platane-Quelle-Aristoteles-Strasse.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Arnea Platane Quelle Aristoteles Stra\u00dfe\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">A few meters further on, <em>Georgakas Honey<\/em> 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 \u20ac).<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38593\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38593\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38593\" title=\"Honig aus Chalkidiki Griechenland\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Honig-aus-Chalkidiki-Griechenland.jpg\" alt=\"Honig aus Chalkidiki Griechenland\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38593\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beehives on the Athos Peninsula<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">The <strong>Folklore Museum of Arnea<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38592\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38592\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-38592 size-full\" title=\"Arnea Museumsplatz\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-schoene-Orte-Arnea-Museumsplatz.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki sch\u00f6ne Orte Arnea Museumsplatz\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38592\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Museum Square of Arnea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Folk Festivals in Arnea<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Easter in Arnea<\/strong> (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.<\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #00aad9; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 12px 16px; margin: 20px 0; font-family: sans-serif; border-radius: 6px;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; color: #333;\">\u2192 You can find more information about Easter in Greece in our dedicated article: <a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/easter-in-greece\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Easter in Greece<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38489\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38489\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38489\" title=\"Arnea Chalkidiki Sehenswertes D\u00f6rfer Feste\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Arnea-Chalkidiki-Sehenswertes-Doerfer-Feste.jpg\" alt=\"Arnea Chalkidiki Sehenswertes D\u00f6rfer Feste\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38489\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Folklore at the village square<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 &#8220;Chosen Couple&#8221;, accompanied by violin and bouzouki. On the village square there was a celebration with dance, music and delicious food.<\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #00aad9; background: rgba(0, 170, 217, 0.05); padding: 18px 20px; margin: 26px 0; border-radius: 12px;\">\n<div style=\"display: flex; align-items: flex-start; gap: 14px; flex-wrap: wrap;\">\n<div style=\"width: 42px; height: 42px; border-radius: 50%; background: #00aad9; display: flex; align-items: center; justify-content: center; margin-top: .2rem;\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\ud83d\ude98<\/div>\n<div style=\"flex: 1; min-width: 220px;\">\n<div style=\"font-size: 17px; line-height: 1.35; margin: 0;\"><strong>Best car rental deals for Halkidiki<\/strong><\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 14px; opacity: .9; margin: 6px 0 0;\">\u2713 Weekly rates from \u20ac169 on Halkidiki<br \/>\n\u2713 Full coverage &amp; unlimited mileage included<br \/>\n\u2713 Free cancellation until 24h before pickup<br \/>\n\u2713 Best price guarantee via Discover Cars<\/div>\n<div style=\"font-size: 14px; margin: 6px 0 0;\"><a style=\"text-decoration: underline; text-underline-offset: 2px;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/greece\/chalkidiki?a_aid=GreeceMoments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\u2192 Compare prices now*<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 10px; font-size: 12px; opacity: .75;\">*Partner: Discover Cars<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2>#7 Visiting Megali Panagia<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">About 10 km southeast of Arnea lies the village <strong>Megali Panagia<\/strong>, which means in Greek &#8220;great Virgin Mary&#8221;. Until 1928, Megali Panagia was still called Revenikia. Like other mountain villages in the region, it belonged to the so-called &#8220;Mademochoria&#8221;, the mining villages of Halkidiki, as the main source of income for the inhabitants was mining.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38503\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38503\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38503\" title=\"Megali Panagia Chalkidiki Ausfl\u00fcge Bergland\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Megali-Panagia-Chalkidiki-Ausfluege-Bergland.jpg\" alt=\"Megali Panagia Chalkidiki Ausfl\u00fcge Bergland\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38503\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">In the alleys of Megali Panagia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #00aad9; background: rgba(0, 170, 217, 0.05); padding: 14px 18px; margin: 24px 0; font-family: sans-serif; border-radius: 6px;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0px; color: #333333; font-size: 15px; line-height: 1.5; text-align: justify;\">\ud83d\udca1 <strong>Gold in Halkidiki<\/strong>: The Canadian mining company Eldorado and its Greek sister Hellas Gold are digging for valuable raw materials in the mountains of eastern Halkidiki. Gold worth 44 billion dollars alone is suspected. Despite years of disputes between the population, the state and foreign investors and a temporary halt to construction due to massive protests, the gigantic Skouries mine above Megali Panagia is still in operation. Up to 4,000 kilograms of gold per year are to be extracted in the midst of untouched nature. In August 2024, the miners fought for just one 8-hour shift in a strike, a 12-hour cycle was planned. Exploitation of nature and people, at what price? The protests against environmental destruction continue &#8211; SOS Halkidiki!<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-38485\" title=\"Chalkidiki Gold Bergbau Griechenland Eldorado\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Gold-Bergbau-Griechenland-Eldorado.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Gold Bergbau Griechenland Eldorado\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">A handful of cafes and taverns invite individual guests to take a little rest. In recent years, around <strong>Megali Panagia some wineries<\/strong> (see below), as the microclimate at an altitude of 450 m in combination with the nutrient-rich clay soil is excellently suited for viticulture.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38502\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38502\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38502\" title=\"Megali Panagia Agios Vasilios Kirche\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Megali-Panagia-Agios-Vasilios-Kirche.jpg\" alt=\"Megali Panagia Agios Vasilios Kirche\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38502\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Agios Vasilios Church<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Panagouda Church<\/strong> 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 <a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/sithonia-halkidiki\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Sithonia<\/a>.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Caf\u00e9 tips in Megali Panagia<\/strong>: <em>Mantis Bar<\/em>, <em>Social Cafe<\/em><\/li>\n<li><strong>Restaurant tip in Megali Panagia<\/strong>: <em>Mamasikas<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38488\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38488\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38488\" title=\"Megali Panagia Chalkidiki Steinbr\u00fccke\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Megali-Panagia-Chalkidiki-Steinbruecke.jpg\" alt=\"Megali Panagia Chalkidiki Steinbr\u00fccke\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38488\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Historic Stone Bridge<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Wine of Halkidiki<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On the outskirts of Megali Panagia there are two very good wineries, <em>Akrathos Newland Winery<\/em> and <em>Ktima Tarazas<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-11' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Akrathos-Newland-Winery-Chalkidiki-Weingut-Empfehlung.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Akrathos Newland Winery Chalkidiki Weingut Empfehlung\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Weine-Akrathos-Newland-Winery.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Weine Akrathos Newland Winery\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">During our stay, we visited the Akrathos winery and were welcomed by the lovely Emilia. She introduced us the <strong>Wines of Halkidiki<\/strong> in the best possible way. The winery, founded in 2016, currently presses five wines, all of which are dry-aged. Our favorite was the <em>Ros\u00e9 wine Orator<\/em>. Bottle prices start at 12 \u20ac, a tasting of all wines including the Versperplatte costs 20 \u20ac p.p.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38601\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38601\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38601\" title=\"Chalkidiki Weingut Akrathos Arnea Megali Panagia\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Weingut-Akrathos-Arnea-Megali-Panagia.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Weingut Akrathos Arnea Megali Panagia\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38601\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Akrathos Winery<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>#8 Detour to Pyrgadikia<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>Pyrgadikia<\/strong>, which was founded in the 1920s by refugees from Asia Minor, is a must-visit.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38581\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38581\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38581\" title=\"Chalkidiki Geheimtipps Pyrgadikia Dorf Hafen\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Geheimtipps-Pyrgadikia-Dorf-Hafen.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Geheimtipps Pyrgadikia Dorf Hafen\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38581\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Pyrgadikia is still an insider tip<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On a promontory in front of it, summer residences, holiday homes and apartments stretch pretty up the hill. In the <strong>port of Pirgadikia<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38579\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38579\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38579\" title=\"Taverne Kouros Pyrgadikia Chalkidiki\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Taverne-Kouros-Pyrgadikia-Chalkidiki.jpg\" alt=\"Taverne Kouros Pyrgadikia Chalkidiki\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38579\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Tavern Kouros<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Our highlight was definitely the <em>Tavern Kouros<\/em> 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 <em>Mucho M\u00e1s<\/em>, where you can buy Greek mountain tea and honey from the region, among other things.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-12' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Panagia-tou-Vrachou-Pyrgadikia-Chalkidiki.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Panagia tou Vrachou Pyrgadikia Chalkidiki\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Pyrgadikia-Geheimtipps-Chalkidiki-Ost.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Pyrgadikia Geheimtipps Chalkidiki Ost\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">For a short cooling off after visiting Pirgadikia, the wide <strong>Ladhario Beach<\/strong> at. It consists mostly of gravel and was deserted in October except for one camper. From the small rock chapel &#8220;Panagia tou Vrachou&#8221; above the village you can enjoy a beautiful view of Athos and the island of Ammouliani.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38580\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38580\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38580\" title=\"Ladhario Beach Chalkidiki\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ladhario-Beach-Chalkidiki.jpg\" alt=\"Ladhario Beach Chalkidiki\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38580\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Ladhario Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Hike to Athanasios Waterfall<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">About 25 minutes by car northwest of Pirgadikia, not far from the village of Miliada, are the <strong>waterfalls of Agios Athanasios<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<h2>#9 Ammouliani Island<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Less than two kilometers away from Halkidiki is <strong>Amouliani Island<\/strong> (also Ammouliani) in the Gulf of Athos. The 12 km\u00b2 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. \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n<p>\u2192 Current <strong>boat schedules to Amouliani<\/strong> can be viewed on the website: <a href=\"https:\/\/ammoulianilines.gr\/en\/schedule\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ammouliani Lines<\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_37725\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-37725\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-37725\" title=\"Ammouliani Chalkidiki Highlights Tipps Urlaub\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/11\/Ammouliani-Chalkidiki-Highlights-Tipps-Urlaub.jpg\" alt=\"Ammouliani Chalkidiki Highlights Tipps Urlaub\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-37725\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Capital of Ammouliani<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38490\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38490\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38490\" title=\"Insel Ammouliani Chalkidiki Athos Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten Tipps\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Insel-Ammouliani-Chalkidiki-Athos-Sehenswuerdigkeiten-Tipps.jpg\" alt=\"Insel Ammouliani Chalkidiki Athos Sehensw\u00fcrdigkeiten Tipps\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38490\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Fishing boats in the harbour<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">In the village you will find a number of traditional taverns, joined by modern cafes on the waterfront. We preferred the <em>Bongo Restaurant &amp; Beach Bar<\/em> on the outskirts of the village, where owner Michalis serves cool drinks as well as delicious Greek and Mediterranean dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38491\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38491\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38491\" title=\"Ammouliani Bongo Restaurant &amp; Beach Bar\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Ammouliani-Bongo-Restaurant-Beach-Bar.jpg\" alt=\"Ammouliani Bongo Restaurant &amp; Beach Bar\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38491\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bongo Restaurant &amp; Beach Bar<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38492\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38492\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38492\" title=\"Insel Amouliani Athos Chalkidiki Urlaub\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Insel-Amouliani-Athos-Chalkidiki-Urlaub.jpg\" alt=\"Insel Amouliani Athos Chalkidiki Urlaub\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38492\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">A paradisiacal place<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">We recommend to spend one or <strong>two nights on Amouliani<\/strong>. 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 <em>Archontiko Hotel<\/em> (<a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/archontiko-ammouliani.de.html?aid=1733645&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Watch on Booking.com*<\/a>). We could have stayed with the lovely owner Christina for a week.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Whether it is just as tranquil on the island of Amouliani as in our <a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/islands-insider-tips\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Greece Insider Tips<\/a>, we will reveal soon in a separate article. Here is an overview of the most beautiful beaches of Amouliani:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Alykes Beach<\/strong>: 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!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38494\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38494\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38494\" title=\"Alykes Beach Amouliani Chalkidiki Athos Urlaub\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Alykes-Beach-Amouliani-Chalkidiki-Athos-Urlaub.jpg\" alt=\"Alykes Beach Amouliani Chalkidiki Athos Urlaub\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38494\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Alykes Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Agios Georgios Beach<\/strong>: Fine sandy beach with two bays separated by a rocky reef, the sea shimmers turquoise blue. Two bars (tip: <em>Gripos Beach Bar<\/em>) and a beach tavern provide for the physical well-being.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/holiday-checklist-greece\/\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-51146 size-full\" title=\"Checklist what to pack for Greece\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Checklist-what-to-pack-for-Greece.png\" alt=\"Checklist what to pack for Greece\" width=\"800\" height=\"250\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Karagatsia Beach<\/strong>: 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 <em>Karagatsia Beach Bar<\/em> is a great place for a break.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38495\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38495\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38495\" title=\"Karagatsia Beach Ammouliani Chalkidiki Urlaub\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Karagatsia-Beach-Ammouliani-Chalkidiki-Urlaub.jpg\" alt=\"Karagatsia Beach Ammouliani Chalkidiki Urlaub\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38495\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Karagatsia Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Megali Ammos Beach<\/strong>: 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 <em>Punto Loco Bar<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n<div id='gallery-13' class='gallery galleryid-51209 gallery-columns-2 gallery-size-full'><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Insel-Ammouliani-Athos-Chalkidiki-Tipps-Restaurants.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Insel Ammouliani Athos Chalkidiki Tipps Restaurants\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure><figure class='gallery-item'>\n\t\t\t<div class='gallery-icon portrait'>\n\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"534\" height=\"800\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Straende-Megali-Ammos-Amouliani-Athos.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Str\u00e4nde Megali Ammos Amouliani Athos\" title=\"\">\n\t\t\t<\/div><\/figure>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<h3>Water sports in Halkidiki<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38509\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38509\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38509\" title=\"Wassersport Chalkidiki Jetski Verleih Motorboot Anbieter\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Wassersport-Chalkidiki-Jetski-Verleih-Motorboot-Anbieter.jpg\" alt=\"Wassersport Chalkidiki Jetski Verleih Motorboot Anbieter\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38509\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Water skiing fun near Ouranoupoli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38498\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38498\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38498\" title=\"Chalkidiki Motorboot ausleihen Anbieter\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Motorboot-ausleihen-Anbieter.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Motorboot ausleihen Anbieter\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38498\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Explore the Athos coast by motorboat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Popular are <strong>trips to the Drenia Islands<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<p>\u2192 The following providers for <strong>water sports on the Athos Peninsula<\/strong> are recommended:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><em>Water Sport Center Nea Roda<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Explore The Outside<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>Ouranoupoli Rent a Boat Poseidon<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38603\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38603\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38603\" title=\"Amouliani Drenia Inseln Athos Halbinsel\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Amouliani-Drenia-Inseln-Athos-Halbinsel.jpg\" alt=\"Amouliani Drenia Inseln Athos Halbinsel\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38603\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Amouliani and Drenia in the background<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>#10 Beautiful beaches of Athos<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #00aad9; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 12px 16px; margin: 20px 0; font-family: sans-serif; border-radius: 6px;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; color: #333;\">Our recommendations for great swimming spots on the peninsula can be found here: <a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/halkidiki-beaches\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Halkidiki beaches<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <strong>most beautiful beaches of Eastern Halkidiki<\/strong>:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Babylon Beach<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38584\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38584\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38584\" title=\"Babylon Beach Chalkidiki Olympiada\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Babylon-Beach-Chalkidiki-Olympiada.jpg\" alt=\"Babylon Beach Chalkidiki Olympiada\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38584\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Babylon Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Suntan Beach<\/strong>: 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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Kakoudia Beach<\/strong>: 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 &#8211; Seychelles feeling! However, the beach is hardly sheltered from the wind and unfortunately flotsam and garbage wash up in northeast winds.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38585\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38585\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38585\" title=\"Kakoudia Beach Chalkidiki Ierissos Urlaub\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Kakoudia-Beach-Chalkidiki-Ierissos-Urlaub.jpg\" alt=\"Kakoudia Beach Chalkidiki Ierissos Urlaub\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38585\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Kakoudia Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Koumitsa Beach<\/strong> (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: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/avaton-luxury-villas-resort.de.html?aid=1733645&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Avaton Luxury Beach Resort*<\/a>) to the Athos border fence. Unfortunately, there is also garbage on the beach in places.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38586\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38586\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38586\" title=\"Koumitsa Beach Chalkidiki Osten Athos Halbinsel\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Koumitsa-Beach-Chalkidiki-Osten-Athos-Halbinsel.jpg\" alt=\"Koumitsa Beach Chalkidiki Osten Athos Halbinsel\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38586\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Koumitsa Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Xiropotamos Beach<\/strong>: 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: <em>Harry&#8217;s canteen<\/em>) take care of the physical well-being of the hungry bathers.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\"><strong>Develiki Beach<\/strong> &#8211; 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 <em>Dionysos Restaurant<\/em> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38587\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38587\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38587\" title=\"Develiki Beach Chalkidiki Athos Region\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Develiki-Beach-Chalkidiki-Athos-Region.jpg\" alt=\"Develiki Beach Chalkidiki Athos Region\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38587\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Develiki Beach<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2>More Athos tips for your holiday<\/h2>\n<h3>Athos Excursions and Tours<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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 <em>GetYourGuide*<\/em> The following can be booked:<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.de\/chalkidiki-l507\/athos-kreuzfahrt-die-3-stundige-tour-startet-in-ouranoupolis-t394805\/?partner_id=NU40SHX&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=Athos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\u27b2 To the boat tour Mount Athos Peninsula*<\/a><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.de\/chalkidiki-l507\/berg-athos-glassbottom-cruise-mit-besuch-der-insel-ammouliani-t234257\/?partner_id=NU40SHX&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=Athos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\u27b2 To the boat tour to Athos, Drenia and Ammouliani*<\/a><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_51152\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-51152\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.getyourguide.de\/chalkidiki-l507\/?partner_id=NU40SHX&amp;utm_medium=online_publisher&amp;cmp=sithonia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-51152 size-full\" title=\"Tours Greece Activities Get Your Guide Sailing\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Tours-Greece-Activities-Get-Your-Guide-Sailing.jpg\" alt=\"Tours Greece Activities Get Your Guide Sailing\" width=\"800\" height=\"450\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-51152\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">*Advertisement<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Hotel tips for the Athos region<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">Most <strong>hotels on the Eastern Finger<\/strong> 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38618\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38618\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/region\/gr\/mount-athos.de.html?&amp;aid=1733645&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-38618 size-full\" title=\"Chalkidiki Ouranoupoli Hotels Athos Booking Karte\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Ouranoupoli-Hotels-Athos-Booking-Karte.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Ouranoupoli Hotels Athos Booking Karte\" width=\"800\" height=\"772\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38618\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Advertisement*<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">\u2192 Here is our personal selection of beautiful <strong>places to stay in the Athos region<\/strong>. Click on the links from <em>Booking.com* <\/em>to learn more about the accommodations:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/anima-residence.de.html?aid=1733645&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Anima Residence*<\/a> Nea Roda<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/aristotelous-alexandrou-historic-inn.de.html?aid=1733645&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Aristotelous Alexandrou Historic Inn*<\/a> Arnea<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/ayia-marina-suites.de.html?aid=1733645&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Ayia Marina Suites*<\/a> Ouranoupoli<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/eagles-villas.de.html?aid=1733645&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Eagles Villas*<\/a> Scale<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/maison-elea.de.html?aid=1733645&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Maison Elea*<\/a> Ierissos<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/gr\/villa-almira-i-luxury-apartments.de.html?aid=1733645&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">Villa Almira Luxury Apartments*<\/a> Ouranoupoli<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38607\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38607\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-38607 size-full\" title=\"Ouranoupoli Hotels Chalkidiki Tipps Empfehlung\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Hotels-Eagles-Villas-Empfehlung-Athos-Halbinsel.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Hotels Eagles Villas Empfehlung Athos Halbinsel\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38607\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Hotel Eagles Villas<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Camping Ouranoupoli<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">On our trip to the Athos region, we also visited <strong>Camping Ouranoupoli<\/strong>. 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.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38589\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38589\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38589\" title=\"Camping Chalkidiki Ouranoupoli Athos\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Camping-Chalkidiki-Ouranoupoli-Athos.jpg\" alt=\"Camping Chalkidiki Ouranoupoli Athos\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38589\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Halkidiki camping by the sea<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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!<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38590\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38590\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38590\" title=\"Camping Ouranoupoli Chalkidiki Athos Griechenland\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Camping-Ouranoupoli-Chalkidiki-Athos-Griechenland.jpg\" alt=\"Camping Ouranoupoli Chalkidiki Athos Griechenland\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38590\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Beach tavern of Camping Ouranoupoli<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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.<\/p>\n<h3>Car rental for Ouranoupoli and surroundings<\/h3>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">If you want to explore the eastern finger and the hinterland of Halkidiki extensively, you can&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">A cheap <strong>car rental for the Athos region<\/strong> you can book in advance, for example with our partner <em>Discover Cars*<\/em>:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: left;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.discovercars.com\/greece\/chalkidiki?a_aid=GreeceMoments\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">\u27b2 To cheap rental cars*<\/a><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: justify;\">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: <a href=\"https:\/\/ktel-chalkidikis.gr\/en\/index.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">KTEL Halkidikis<\/a><\/p>\n<div style=\"border-left: 4px solid #00aad9; background-color: #f9f9f9; padding: 12px 16px; margin: 20px 0; font-family: sans-serif; border-radius: 6px;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; color: #333;\">The most important tips and all information about <strong>getting to Halkidiki<\/strong> by plane, car or camper you will find in this article: <a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/halkidiki-sights\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Halkidiki Highlights<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<figure id=\"attachment_38591\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-38591\" style=\"width: 800px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-38591\" title=\"Chalkidiki Bus Verbindung Thessaloniki Athos\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/Chalkidiki-Bus-Verbindung-Thessaloniki-Athos.jpg\" alt=\"Chalkidiki Bus Verbindung Thessaloniki Athos\" width=\"800\" height=\"534\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-38591\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Bus timetable for East Halkidiki<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>\u2192 More articles and <strong>numerous Halkidiki travel tips<\/strong> can be found at:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/destinations\/mainland-greece\/halkidiki\/\">Halkidiki Blog<\/a> \u2013 The region at a glance<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div style=\"background-color: #f9f9f9; border-radius: 16px; padding: 24px; margin: 20px 0; font-family: system-ui, sans-serif;\">\n<p><strong style=\"margin-top: 0; font-weight: bold; font-size: 1.5em; text-align: center;\">*Support our blog Greece-Moments<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 1.1em; line-height: 1.6; color: #333333; text-align: justify;\">In this post, you will find affiliate links marked with an asterisk (*). If you book or buy something through one of these links, we receive a small commission. For you, the price remains the same. In this way, you help us continue to provide high-quality content for free. Did you like this post and you would like to say thank you? Then just buy us the next Greek coffee \u2615\ufe0f <a style=\"color: #00aad9; text-decoration: underline;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.paypal.com\/donate\/?hosted_button_id=A998MHTTBCFFL\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\">To the coffee checkout<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<hr \/>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><span style=\"color: #00aad9;\">Bookmark this post on Pinterest!<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter size-full wp-image-39406\" title=\"athos ouranoupoli chalkidiki anreise hotels tipps\" src=\"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/athos-ouranoupoli-chalkidiki-anreise-hotels-tipps.jpg\" alt=\"athos ouranoupoli chalkidiki anreise hotels tipps\" width=\"533\" height=\"800\" \/><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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. \u00bbThe eastern finger of Halkidiki [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":50062,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[571,569,568,567],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-51209","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-halkidiki","8":"category-mainland-greece","9":"category-popular-places","10":"category-destinations"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51209","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=51209"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/51209\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/50062"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=51209"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=51209"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/greece-moments.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=51209"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}