Being Greek, I’ve many times found myself in conversations where I’ve been constantly asked by international people to provide them with info about the “hidden” and not touristic islands that are worth-visiting while in Greece. The options of where to go in Greece are seemingly endless, and they all look great. Whatever you’re after, a holiday in Greece has something for everyone, it’s just a question of knowing where to look!
To get to the point and save you some time from crawling into the web for info, I’ve decided to start this series of pages, "your secret greek island" during which I’ll be presenting you each week an awesome greek island, out of the beaten track! I’ll do my best to provide you with the most local suggestions about each one of them; promise! Whether you’re looking for a romantic holiday with your significant other and your family, or a party vacation with your group of friends, stay tuned, cause I’m pretty sure that in this series you’ll find what you’re seeking for!
Ammouliani, a sandy paradise
Even people coming from the north of Greece get sometimes astonished when you mention that you’ve planned your holiday in Ammouliani. "Where’s this place?" they say… "Are you sure that it’s in Halkidiki? Never heard of it!"
Ammouliani is indeed one of Greece’s well hidden summer paradises. In fact, it is a small, majestic island right across the Mount Athos and only 130km far from the city of Thessaloniki.
Ammouliani derives its name from the Greek word “ammos” meaning “sand”, so… I guess you get the idea of what to expect while there!
Surrounded by the sea breeze and the sense of hospitality offered by the locals, Ammouliani offers many accommodation and entertainment options and guarantees an unforgettable holiday!
Alykes beach
Camping Alikes Ammouliani, Ammouliani 630 75, ΕλλάδαDrenia, a cluster of islets
At the southern east tip of Ammouliani island there is a cluster of 6 islets, known as Drenia, or sometimes Gaidouronisia, whose beauty cannot fail to impress. The six islands that make up Drenia are actually more like two islands and four rocky crags that rise from the sea. The small islands help to form a ring that surrounds an elevated sandy seafloor and makes a large shallow swimming basin…Exotic white sand and clear turquoise waters, all certified with blue flags are being formed, creating this way some of the most photogenic beaches of Greece!
How to get to Drenia
From Ammouliani Island harbour you can catch a shuttle or you can rent a boat yourself and have a self-guided adventure. It’s definitely a worth visiting destination, so you better not miss that chance!
The Mount Athos viewpoint
The highest point of Ammouliani’s village offers probably the most enthralling panorama of Athos Peninsula and Agion Oros. Cloaked by beautiful chestnut and other types of Mediterranean forest, the steep slopes of Mount Athos are punctuated by twenty imposing monasteries and their subsidiary establishments, whose view is just astonishing.
The layout of the monasteries had an influence as far afield as Russia, and its school of painting influenced the history of Orthodox art in general. If you like hiking, you will especially enjoy the footpaths and the contact with nature on your way there! Don't forget to bring your camera!
The Monasteries of Mount Athos, Agio Oros
7678+Q4 Mount Athos, GreeceIf you liked Ammouliani, then you better stay tuned, more island suggestions are about to be revealed soon! Cheers!
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The author
Chrisa Lepida
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