Discover the "Heavenly City" by the Aegean Sea

World Travel
May 7
4 min read

The village of Ouranoupolis (which beautifully translates as “Heavenly City”), located on the pristine coast of eastern Chalkidiki in Greece, is a captivating seaside village that combines deep historical Orthodox spirituality with absolute summer relaxation. It has just over 800 permanent residents (2021).

This village is known worldwide as the final stop for pilgrims before entering the monastic state of Holy Mount Athos, but it is also a top holiday destination, offering beautiful beaches, boat trips and rich local gastronomy.

A brief history

The village was named after the nearby ancient city of Ouranopolis, founded by Cassander's brother Alexandrochos in the late 4th century BC and later destroyed by an earthquake.

In the 1820s, many Greek refugees from Asia Minor (now Turkey) settled in the village and established a carpet-making business. The vast majority of its history is associated with the nearby Holy Mount Athos, and for example, according to some maps, the village was once part of Athos.

Ouranoupolis Chalkidiki – the gateway to the Holy Mount Athos

The absolute landmark of Ouranoupolis is the magnificent Prosforion Tower, proudly standing right on the edge of the harbor. It was built in the 14th century by the Athos Monastery of Vatopedi and is the largest and best-preserved Byzantine tower in Chalkidiki.

Today, the tower serves as a fascinating museum and its surrounding stone square is the most photogenic place in the village, ideal for a romantic evening walk.

This village is actually the last village before the land border of the Holy Mount Athos and tens of thousands of pilgrims pass through it every year, who want to either take a cruise along the entire western coast of the Holy Mount or want to visit it in person. Only from this small harbor can you get to the Holy Mount Athos by sea.

Cruise Center

Ouranoupolis is undoubtedly the capital of cruises and island hopping in eastern Chalkidiki. From its bustling port, you can embark on unforgettable day trips:

Cruises to Mount Athos. Board a glass-bottomed boat or a traditional cruise ship and admire the stunning coastal monasteries of the Holy Mountain from a safe distance. During the cruise, you can see not only the clear Aegean Sea, but also the dolphins that are found in this area.

Drenia and Ammouliani. You can rent a small boat or take a guided trip to the exotic “Blue Lagoon” of the Drenia islets and the beautiful inhabited island of Ammouliani, known for its turquoise waters reminiscent of the Caribbean.

Along the town there is a beautiful sandy beach (only a few rocky places) that offers great places for recreation and relaxation. One of the advantages of this picturesque place is that, despite the significant tourism, it is not crowded with tourists. In the alleys near the port you will find iconic shops offering Byzantine Orthodox items.

Golden beaches and fresh seafood

Apart from its historical significance, Ouranoupolis is a fantastic resort. The coastline is characterised by long stretches of groomed sandy beaches with crystal clear, shallow water that is incredibly safe for children. After a long day of swimming, you can relax in one of the many traditional tavernas on the seafront, enjoying fresh fish caught daily, local mussels and stunning sunset views.

Practical travel information

The distance from the airport in the nearest northern metropolis of Greece, Thessaloniki, is approximately 130 km. In case you decide to rent a car at the airport, a scenic drive of more than 2 hours through the mountains and coastal roads through the center of the Chalkidiki peninsula awaits you, which is a powerful experience in itself. Otherwise, the prices for renting cars at this airport are not extremely high and it is possible to book them well in advance and also at a very good price. In addition, there are several regular daily buses to Ouranopolis from the KTEL Chalkidiki bus station in the southern part of Thessaloniki.

As for accommodation, there are a number of small and large hotels in the village, including private apartment options. Almost all of them can be found online. Price ranges for accommodation may vary.

Pilgrimage office in the village. If you are a male visitor planning to enter Athos, the official pilgrimage office (where you will receive the “Diamonitirion” visa) is located right in the town center.

Parking. The village offers several large, secure private parking lots, which are highly recommended if you are leaving your car at home during a cruise or a multi-day visit to the monasteries.

Other unique places that are definitely worth a visit are:

1.) Zygou Monastery, a former monastery that was abandoned in 1198 and occupied by the Crusaders in the early 13th century; hence it is known as Frangokastro, not "Castle of the Franks". The archaeological site can be visited by walking along the coast eastwards from the town of Ouranoupoli to the border with Mount Athos.

2.) Agios Nikolaos Church, ruins of a Byzantine church that was inhabited from the 11th to the 14th centuries. The ruins are located in the middle of the peninsula on the border with Mount Athos.