Ouranoupoli - Halkidiki

Mon, Feb 3, 2020

• Distance from Skg Airport:  117 km

• Coordinates: 40°20′N 23°59′E

• Population: 826 (2011)

• Postal Code: 63075

• Area Code(s): 2377

Informations:

The village of Ouranoupoli is situated on the coastline in the northwest part (the very beginning) of the Athos peninsula, part of the bigger Halkidiki peninsula. It is the last settlement before the border with the monastic state of Mount Athos (the Holy Mountain. Although the surrounding region is of exceptional natural beauty and fairly tourist-developed, Ouranoupolis is mostly famous as the port town from where the ferry to Mount Athos departs.

There are boats which daily set off from the harbor for the Mount Athos cruise. Diving, sea sports, cars and motorbikes for rent are being at the disposal of the visitors. It's a pleasant, friendly place with a lively center and some excellent tavernas, hotels and guesthouses.

Ouranoupolis, a village built by refugees just after 1924 whose land was owned by the Vatopediou Monastery as early as 1018, known as Prosforion, after 1946 it changed into Ouranoupolis to commemorate the ancient city which once stood nearby.

Worth it to see:

• The “Prosforios” Tower, the symbol of Ouranoupolis, an impressive Byzantine tower, built in 1344.
• The Frangocastro (Frankish Castle or Monastery of Zygos) and the Guardhouse of Mount Athos.
• It is a must! Make a cruise by boat around Mount Athos while visiting the Drenia islands: a collection of uninhabited rocks, a real paradise of lonely coves and golden beaches.

halkidiki