Ammouliani Island Chalkidiki Peninsula

The small Ammoulian island of about five square kilometers, we find it right in front of the peninsula of Mount Athos. It is the only small inhabited island in Central Macedonia with a stable population of six hundred souls who mainly deal with tourism, fishing and agriculture.

Until 1925 the island was owned by the Church of the Holy Monastery of Vatopedi and was managed and inhabited by two or three monks who dedicated themselves to the cultivation of fields, olive groves and pastoralism. In 1925 it was given to refugees from the Greek-Turkish war in Asia Minor who settled and gave life to the island that we find today. Its name in Greek Ammos means “sand” and you will understand why if you decide to come to this little gem for your holidays in Greece.

One of the still hidden paradises of Greece, full of vegetation including many olive groves, a crystalline sea and crazy colors that go from blue to turquoise to emerald with shallow waters full of fish, beaches of soft white sand, small bays secret, a small group of adjacent wild and uncontaminated islands to be discovered, a culinary tradition maintained over the centuries that will delight all palates and finally a tranquility and peace that will give you unforgettable moments.

Ammouliani village, the main port has all the comforts a visitor expects, typical restaurants and taverns, cafes, bars, shops, many accommodations ranging from small hotels, apartments and for nature lovers small campsites to stay in. contact with Mother Earth and almost unbelievable but true a public bus service that will take you to the main beaches. Shaped like an amphitheater just above the bay it has houses with red tile roofs and alleys that reach down to the seashore.

To visit the Folklore Museum in a beautiful stone building from 1907 run by local women where they meet to create sophisticated embroidery, prepare sweets such as almond and marzipan flower delights with ancient recipes that are passed on from mother to daughter to keep alive the deeply felt and important traditions for the inhabitants of Ammouliani who want to maintain their own precise identity. At the Museum you can also admire tools, costumes, relics and photographs that will make you better understand how life was in the past.

Given its proximity to Mount Athos, the highest point of the Ammouliani village, it offers one of the most evocative views towards the sacred mountain, a place of worship known all over the world, considered by the Orthodox a bit like the Vatican for Christians just to give you an idea of its importance. Remember that it is forbidden to women and only men can set foot there and to stay they must have special permits. From Ammouliani boats leave every day for the excursion around Mount Athos where ladies can only admire it from afar.

The beaches have nothing to envy to super titled locations throughout the world, here on the island of Ammouliani wherever you go you will realize the magnificence of nature. They are all certified with the Blue Flag and this already speaks volumes, and the ones we recommend not to be missed are the Karagatsi beach, a small cove about two kilometers west of the village, emerald green water, fine golden sand with rich sides. of vegetation, organized with sunbeds, umbrellas and a kiosk for a drink or something to eat. Quiet and peaceful, ideal for families with children and for those seeking relaxation. We continue with the Agios Giorgios beach which is located on the east side. Soft sandy coast, clear and crystalline sea from the seabed that descends slowly and crazy colors. It is equipped and around a good variety of choice of taverns to taste something local right in front of the sea. We arrive at Alikes beach, the best known and most photographed. It is located just behind the village of Ammouliani about one kilometer. It can be reached either on foot, by car or by boat, the choice is yours. A large crescent-shaped bay with a sandy beach and seabed suitable for children because they are very low for several meters after the shore and transparent turquoise-green waters. It is very well equipped with taverns, bars, sunbeds, umbrellas and for those wishing to stay right here there are apartments to rent. So here is the Porto Agio beach always on the east coast of the island. A beach of soft sand, a sea awarded every year for the clarity of its waters, shallow waters and equipped with sun beds, umbrellas and a restaurant where you can find fresh drinks and excellent food. We end up with Megali Ammos beach the most south east and a bit challenging to reach but with a coarse sand coast and an enchanting sea. A restaurant with a breathtaking view is equipped and surplus.

Another unmissable stop on the Ammouliani island are the Drenia or Gaidoronisia as the locals call them, a group of small uninhabited islands in the south-eastern part that form a beautiful protected bay. In total there are six, but let's say that four of them are more rocky cliffs that emerge from the sea as if by magic and all together create this kind of circle with a sandy bottom, shallow, turquoise, crystalline waters and white sand beaches. with an exotic flavor. Lovers of snorkeling, swimming and fishing in this area will be amply satisfied with the lively underwater life. Seeing is believing!Obviously, reaching Drenia is only possible by boat and you can opt to become Captain Stubing for a day by renting one, or choose an organized excursion (you will be spoiled for choice).

Clearly only by boat that leaves every half hour from Tripiti and in fifteen minutes ferries you to Ammouliani. The cost of the ticket is € 2 per person + € 10 if you have your own car.

A small reality to visit by force, you cannot fail to put on the list of things to do in Sithonia, a day in Ammouliani, you would miss one of the little edens still intact in Greece.