Ammouliani is a little paradise in the Gulf of Mount Athos. You need only a few minutes by ferry to reach the only inhabited island of Halkidiki with exotic sandy beaches that offer the ultimate summer relaxation.
Many people do not know it but Halkidiki also has small, paradisiacal islets that can offer you the moments of relaxation you seek on your holidays, with a backdrop of wonderful beaches and beautiful landscapes. One of them is Ammouliani, the only inhabited island of Central Macedonia, located on Halkidikis third peninsula, in the bay of Mount Athos, opposite Trypiti.
With its crystal-clear beaches with fine, golden sand and lush green scenery, this small island of 4.5 square kilometers, which once was a well-kept secret for the residents of Thessaloniki and beyond, today has won devoted fans who choose it almost every year, even for a few days.
Ammouliani: A small paradise opposite Mount Athos
Your excursion starts from the port of Trypiti, near Ouranoupoli, and you need about 15 minutes by ferry to reach the only inhabited island of Halkidiki. In earlier times, Ammouliani was a dependency of the Vatopedi Monastery, while after 1925 it became a place of settlement for Asia Minor refugees, who brought with them customs and traditions, a rich culinary tradition, the art of fishing, as well as objects housed in the islands Folklore Museum.
Ammouliani has a single settlement, which offers many options for accommodation and food. Before you dive into the islands turquoise waters take a stroll to see the captains houses, as well as the old shipyard, known as Arsanas, where the Athonite monks protected their boats from bad weather.
Despite its small size (just 4.5 sq. km.), Ammouliani has many beaches, among the most beautiful in Halkidiki. Alykes, Karagatsia, Megali Ammos and Kalopigado are only some of them. If you like hiking, you will especially enjoy the islands trails and the connection with nature. Finally, do not miss Drenia or Gaidouronisia, a cluster of small islands, a short distance from Ouranoupoli and Ammouliani, ideal for swimming and diving.
