Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
The island is accessed from the ferry jetty at Trypití . The main village, where the
ferries dock, is an unprepossessing grid of concrete slung over a ridge, with few
pre-1960s buildings remaining; it is, however, chock-a-block with rooms , many
self-catering, and a few tavernas.
Beaches
Two kilometres southwest of Ammoulianí village is Alykés , the islet's most famous
beach, named after the salt-marsh just behind. The island's best beaches, however, lie in
the far southeast, facing the straits with the Athos peninsula. To reach them, bear left
onto the newly paved road 1500m out of town and follow the signs some 2km along
this to Áyios Yeóryios , whose tiny chapel overlooks the excellent beach. You can
continue a final 500m to the even more enticing Megáli Ámmos beach, which has the
island's only campsite. Still other, less accessible, beaches beckon in the northwest of
the island, served in season by excursion boats from the town; a popular map-postcard
on sale will give necessary hints on how to reach them on foot or by bicycle.
Ouranoúpoli
Fifteen kilometres beyond Ierissós, OURANOÚPOLI is the last community before the
restricted monastic domains, with a centre that's downright tatty, showing the effects of
too much tourism. Somewhat mysteriously, it has become a major resort aside from its
function as the main gateway to Mount Athos; local beaches, stretching intermittently
for several kilometres to the north, are sandy enough but narrow and cramped. If you're
compelled to stay the night while waiting for passage to Athos, the best temporary
escape would be either to take a cruise, or to rent a motorboat , to the mini-archipelago
of Dhrénia just opposite, with almost tropical sandy bays and tavernas on the larger
islets. Modern craft also offer three-hour cruises (from €18 per person, depending on
the season; hours vary), which skim along the Athonite coast, keeping any female
passengers 500m offshore as required by the monastic authorities.
ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
4
SECULAR ATHOS
By bus There are 8 daily buses down to Ouranoúpoli via all
points mentioned above from Thessaloníki and 7 in the
opposite direction.
By ferry Ferries run to Mount Athos from Ierissós and
Ouranoúpoli (see above). Ferries to Ammoulianí leave from
Trypití (15min; hourly in summer, less frequently off
season; €2, car €10).
ACCOMMODATION AND EATING
AMMOULIANÍ
Camping Alikes Alykés beach T 23770 51379,
W alikescamping.gr. Set right behind the beach but with
plenty of shade and good cooking and washing facilities,
the site also offers the Metochi restaurant and Big Fish
beach bar. May-Sept.
Ì Gripos Áyios Yeóryios beach T 23770 51049 or 697
39 88 161. Has rooms of considerable charm with copper
antiques, beam ceilings, terracotta floor tiles, large
balconies and a swimming pool in the garden, full of
pheasants and other exotic fowl. Great meals and
mezédhes at its ouzerí too. May-Oct 11am-midnight. €30
Janis Facing the rear Limanáki port T 23770 51322.
Good all-round taverna, serving the usual range of dips,
salads, grills and the odd oven dish at around €7-8. May-
Oct daily 10am-late.
Megali Ammos Megáli Ámmos beach T 23770 51183.
The superb location is matched by the fresh fish served at
this taverna: quality catches such as barboúni or tsipoúra
should only work out at around €12-15 per portion. Mid-
May to Sept daily 11am-1am.
Philippos In the centre of the main village T 23770
51326. Compact but cosy rooms, decorated in rustic style,
all with kit chen facilities and balconies with at least partial
sea views. €30
Sun Rise Left from the harbour T 23770 51273,
F 23770 51174. With its own swimming jetty and a
surprisingly snazzy cocktail bar in the l obby , this is one of
the island's largest hotels, yet intimate. €40
IERISSÓS
Delfini 2km along road to Néa Ródha T 698 41 24 606.
Well-developed private campsite with ample shade, good
shared facilities and a minimarket. June-Sept.
Marcos 3 blocks back from south end of seafront
T 23770 22518, W hotelmarkos.gr. Overlooking its own
 
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