Ouranoupoli is the last village before Mount Athos and the main gateway to the monastic state. A picturesque seaside village with a Byzantine tower, crystal-clear water and views of the little islands in the bay – ideal for pilgrims, families and anyone looking for peace and quiet.
What to see in Ouranoupoli
The Tower of Prosforios
The village landmark is the Byzantine Tower of Prosforios by the harbour – the largest and best-preserved tower in Halkidiki. In the 20th century the writers Joyce and Sydney Loch lived here and helped refugees after 1922. Today the tower is a museum, with finds from Mount Athos and the surrounding area.
The boat to Mount Athos
Boats leave from the harbour of Ouranoupoli for Dafni, the port of Mount Athos, passing the monasteries of the west coast. To enter Athos you need the Diamonitirion, the permit you collect in person from the Pilgrims’ Office next to the main pier. The number of visitors per day is limited, so it is best to arrange your visit well in advance.
A cruise along Mount Athos
Mount Athos is closed to women (the “avaton”). However, daily cruises from Ouranoupoli sail along the peninsula without landing, so the whole family can admire the monasteries from the sea.
Ammouliani and the Drenia islets
From the small harbour of Tripiti, a few kilometres before Ouranoupoli, the ferry takes you to Ammouliani in less than 15 minutes. Opposite the village lie the Drenia, six uninhabited islets that locals call the “Donkey Islands”, with daily boats from Ouranoupoli.
On the way: Ierissos and the Xerxes Canal
Shortly before you arrive, you pass through Ierissos. Just outside the modern village lie the ruins of ancient Akanthos, founded by settlers from Andros around 655 BC. Between Nea Roda and Tripiti ran the Xerxes Canal, dug by the Persians in 483–480 BC to let their fleet pass. Today it has silted up, but its story remains fascinating.
Useful tips for pilgrims
- Book your visit early with the Mount Athos Pilgrims’ Bureau (based in Thessaloniki), as the number of places per day is limited.
- Bring your passport or ID card – you will need it to collect your Diamonitirion in Ouranoupoli.
- Allow some time in the morning to collect the Diamonitirion before the boat leaves.
- Wear modest clothing, with long trousers and sleeves, as is appropriate for the holy place.
- For your return, let us know the day and time of the boat – we will be waiting for you at the harbour.
How we can help
- Direct transfers from Thessaloniki Airport to Ouranoupoli, Ierissos or Tripiti.
- For pilgrims: we plan your pick-up around the time of the boat. As the boats leave early in the morning, many travellers prefer to spend the night before in Ouranoupoli – we take you there whenever it suits you.
- We wait for you at the harbour when you return from Mount Athos.
- Transfers to Kassandra, Sithonia and anywhere in Halkidiki.
- Air-conditioned Mercedes, free Wi-Fi, chilled water and child seats on request.
Travelling to Ouranoupoli or Mount Athos? Call us or send us a message on WhatsApp or Viber with your flight and the time of your boat – we take care of the rest.
