Ouranoupolis Resort

The port town or more a village of Ouranópoli (meaning a ‘heavenly town’) is located on the easternmost finger of the Chalkidiki Peninsula, i.e. Áthos - Ágion Óros. Despite its small area, it is a significant resort since it is the last village accessible for the tourists on the peninsula. From its port, there are both ferries transporting the monks (or also those who have gone through the complicated process to obtain permission to enter the Monk Republic) several times a day but also huge pleasure boats sailing along Áthos.

The village landmark is the watchtower of Prosfórion near the port (see the List of sites: Fortresses) built in the 14th century to protect the local monastery. Today it is the largest and the best preserved watchtower on Chalkidiki.

Ouranoupolis lives mainly on tourism. Along the access road, you will see a stretch of hotel complexes, most of them with their own entrance to the sandy or pebbly beach. They are located about 3-5 km from Ouranoupolis, so the town centre can be found within walking distance. Tourists can visit some of the many souvenir shops, cafés and tavermnas, and put up in some of the small pensions.

The biggest tourist attraction is the already mentioned cruise along the Áthos peninsula, which is the only possibility for ordinary mortals to see the legendary monasteries at least from a distance. The cruise takes about three hours and will take you to the cape of Pindes where the Mount Áthos is towering to the heights of 2 033 m, and back.

The border of the Monk Republic can be also accessed by walking - there is a dusty path leading east from Ouranoupolis, and after about half an hour, you will arrive at the border roadblock and a highly visible notice reading ‘No entry!’

Many tourists also make use of the possibility to go for a boat ride to the nearby islands of Drenia - during summer, there are barbecue parties being held often (the food and drinks are usually included in the price for the trip). 

Another option is to go for a trip to the Chalkidiki interior (Polygyros) or travel 150 km to Thessaloniki.

More resorts on Chalkidiki

Travel agencies also offer tours to the resorts of Afitos, Fourka, Gerakini, Hanioti, Kallithea, Kriopigi, Nea Iraklia, Nea Moudania, Nea Vrasna, Neos Marmaras, Ouranoupolis, Pefkochori, Polichrono, Porto Carras, Posidi, Sani, Sarti,  Sithonia, Toroni and Stavros.