This coastal town in northern Greece marks the gateway to Mount Athos monasteries. Its stone tower from 1344 and calm beaches draw visitors to the Halkidiki peninsula.
Ouranoupoli sits at the gateway to Mount Athos peninsula in northern Greece, 140 kilometers from Thessaloniki. The village's main landmark, a stone tower from the 14th century, stands next to a working harbor where boats depart for monastery tours. You can spend your days swimming at Trypiti Beach, taking boat trips to see the monasteries along the coastline, or exploring the stone walls of Zygou Monastery just outside the village.
Getting to Ouranoupoli
KTEL buses run between Thessaloniki and Ouranoupoli daily, with departures from the city's southern district. The three-hour journey follows a coastal road through Chalkidiki. From Thessaloniki Airport, take bus 79A to reach the KTEL Chalkidiki bus station for your connection to Ouranoupoli.
Mount Athos Boat Tours
Boats leave the harbor each morning to cruise along Mount Athos peninsula. The vessels stay 500 meters from shore, giving all passengers views of the medieval monasteries built into the cliffs. Men who want to visit Mount Athos must get a diamonitirion from the Mount Athos Pilgrims' Bureau before taking ferries to Dafni port.
Historical Buildings
The Tower of Prosfori dates from the 13th century, when Emperor Andronikos II Palaiologos ordered its construction as part of the coastal defenses. Walk east of the village to find the stone walls and foundations of Zygou Monastery, which was abandoned in 1198 and later became a Crusader outpost. Near the Mount Athos border, you'll see the remaining walls of the 11th-century Agios Nikolaos Church.
Beaches and Islands
The shoreline runs from Trypiti harbor to the center of Ouranoupoli, with several Blue Flag-certified swimming spots. Small water taxis take swimmers to the Drenia islands, where you'll find sheltered coves and clear water for swimming. You can also rent motorboats without a license to visit the islands at your own pace.
Food and Dining
Fishermen dock their boats at the harbor each morning to sell their catch at the fish market. Many waterfront tavernas buy directly from these boats, serving grilled fish and seafood meze. Order a glass of tsipouro (a local grape spirit) with your meal - it's the traditional accompaniment to seafood dishes in this part of Greece.
