Ouranoupoli

Ouranoupoli sits at the border of the Athonite territory, and its role is defined by that: pilgrims' offices issue permits, boats leave for the monasteries and for the coastal cruises, and shops sell icons, incense and monastery wine. The village landmark is the Prosphorion tower, a square Byzantine keep of the fourteenth century right on the waterfront, restored and open as a small museum of the area's history; it was once the fortified storehouse of a monastic estate. Beyond it the beach runs long and sandy with the islet of Ammouliani offshore, and the village functions as an ordinary Halkidiki resort in summer, with tavernas along the front and boats to the Drenia islets, whose shallow turquoise water is a favourite day trip.

History

The village is named after the ancient city of Uranopolis, founded by Cassander's brother Alexarchus in the late 4th century BC and later destroyed by an earthquake. In 1926 the monks of Vatopedi leased the old Prosforion tower to Sydney and Joice Loch, who lived there until their deaths in 1955 and 1982, and in 1956 a road was built to the village along the old pilgrim route (Wikipedia, Ouranoupoli).

What's there

• The Prosphorion tower - a fourteenth-century keep on the beach, open to visit.
• The pilgrim boats - departures for Athos and the coastal cruises.
• The village beach - a long sandy shore facing Ammouliani.
• The Drenia islets - shallow turquoise water reached by small boat.

When to go

May, June and September for the beaches and comfortable cruise weather; the village is busy with both pilgrims and holidaymakers in August. Winter is quiet, though the permit office continues to work.

Things to know

The village is small and its shops repeat the same religious souvenirs. Cruise boats sell out in season and are cancelled in wind. The beach is pleasant but ordinary compared with Sithonia's coves.

Nearby

Mount Athos begins at the boundary; Ammouliani island and the Drenia islets lie just offshore.

Key facts