What awaits you in the “heavenly city” Ouranoupoli
In the last story, I described the features and possibilities of recreation in the resort village of Pefkohori on Kassandra. Now I would like to share a description of the more remote area of the peninsula - the finger or foot of Athos.
This area includes the closed territory of monasteries (the destination of pilgrims and monks from all over the world, however, only men can be here), as well as several resort villages where you can relax wonderfully with your family, spend time actively and sports friends or even be alone, alone with nature and the sea.
Ouranoupoli is a picturesque place with a beautiful name (“heavenly city”) with ancient architectural monuments and churches, green streets and red roofs of houses. It is located at a distance of 135 kilometers from Thessaloniki. This is a place with a rich history: since the 13th century, there was a courtyard of the Athos monastery Vatopedi, a Byzantine tower of the 14th century, the Prosphoria Tower, which symbolizes Ouranoupolis, like the White Tower - Thessaloniki, has been preserved.
Today, this town (it is much larger than many villages in Halkidiki, but even the Greeks themselves do not call it a city in the usual sense) is the starting point for ships heading to the monasteries, as well as for a sea excursion around St. Athos. p>
Various exhibitions are held in the Prosphoria Tower, and the Frankish Castle (Zigou Monastery) of the 13th century, almost on the border with the monastic republic, is a unique attraction from an archaeological and cultural point of view - excavations are still taking place here today and provide an opportunity to explore how monasteries were created , from what materials, what was the structure and function of buildings and life in those distant centuries. The castle can be visited, but a prior agreement with the administration is required.
Ouranoupoli has a great variety of top-class hotels, which is not surprising, since the flow of guests is very large and the competition among hotels is high. It should be noted "Eagles Palace Hotel 5 *" as a deluxe hotel (it is included in the international organization Small Luxury Hotels Of The World). It will have a SPA center, 4 restaurants and bars, a wine storage, a small church, a swimming pool, a kids club, beaches, exclusive design and, I would say, self-service - the hotel appreciates its guests and demonstrates this in full. Also for family vacations and spa treatments, “Aristoteles Holiday Resort & SPA” with an interesting layout of nine 2-storey buildings in the form of an amphitheater is suitable. Here you will also find entertainment, attractions and a club for children. Hotel “Akti Ouranoupoli Hotel” in 2012 received the Quality Selection from HolidayCheck. com for the high quality of service. And “Xenia Ouranoupolis Hotel” is distinguished by its special comfort, style and beautiful views of the Holy Mountain, and besides, it received the “Green Key” award for meeting high environmental standards. There is not enough space in the story to write about many other hotels (I will do this in a separate story-rating).
Let's move on to the kitchen. I recommend the following places: "Kritikos Restaurant" - excellent design and serving of dishes, high quality since 1977. Here they cook fish from the Gulf of Sigitikos, delicious pasta with lobsters and a wine list that impresses even sophisticated customers. Dinner for two can cost here an average of 50-70 euros. The new "Athos Restaurant Bar" - a wonderful selection of seafood dishes, a large selection of wines and a beautiful view of the bay of Sigitikos and the Prosforia Tower. It also serves dishes prepared according to the recipes of the Holy Mount Athos, such as traditional fish soup and “lemonamto psamri” (meaning fish in lemon). Another gourmet place is “Ouranou Acropoli Restaurant”, where delicious shrimp and fish starters are served (also a large selection of meat dishes and wines). And you can feel the taste and mood of a traditional tavern in Zorbas restaurant. I immediately recall the old film "Zorba the Greek", the well-known music of Mikis Tuodorakis and the dance of sirtaki. The atmosphere here is very friendly and relaxed, and the waiters and chefs are friendly. The traditional choice is appetizers, salads, seafood and meat dishes. And for dessert, according to tradition, you will be served sweet traditional treats for free (this rule applies everywhere in Greece). Lunch or dinner in a tavern can cost 30-50 euros for two.
Shopping. You will find many natural cosmetics stores here. For example, "Exelia" - a product with organic olive oil, is produced in the pharmaceutical laboratories of Cana and has been time-tested since 1928. Do not forget about sunscreen care - Carroten store has a lot of skin care products based on carotene. In the stores "Chrisostomakis Bio" and "Gifts of St. . Of course, there are many church shops in Ouranoupoli. I advise you to visit "Mount Athos Tradition", there are exclusive icons, unique style and technique, using natural colors and gold leaf; you can also make an individual order for painting an icon and deliver it to any place. The Agioritiko shop offers a wide selection of icons and church utensils. In "Athos Gallery - Tamvakis" and "ANTONAKIS" you will also find icons, as well as high-quality jewelry made of gold, silver, inlaid with precious and semi-precious stones.
Entertainment. In the summer, Ouranoupoli has cafe-bars, the most famous and visited is “Argumento”. A simple, pleasant interior, a large selection of soft and alcoholic drinks, as well as a variety of sports and entertainment on the beach. In addition to water sports, basketball and tennis courts can also be found in the city. The cafe "Lila Pause" serves good coffee for every taste, they offer Alfa Greek ice cream and other traditional Greek sweets.
You can go on a boat trip to the monasteries and explore the area around Ouranoupoli, the island of Ammouliani, and the uninhabited islets of Drenia, Vourvourou, find secluded beaches and bays. Albatros Cruises, or a trusted major tour operator Mouzenidis Travel, can help you with this (in addition to group excursions, you can rent yachts from its representatives).
I hope after this story you will feel more confident and informed for a trip to the unforgettable town of Ouranoupoli. Until we meet again in the country of the eternal warm sun and the azure sea.
