Ammouliani is the only inhabited island of Halkidiki, nestled deeply in Siggitikos bay, a breath away from the coastline of Mount Athos and just 2 miles away from Ouranoupolis. The island is surrounded by blessed beautiful beaches and isolated coves, ideal for swimming, diving and relaxation.
Ammouliani owes its name to its beautiful sandy beaches (“ammos” means “sand” in Greek) and despite its tiny size it is a popular summer destination in Halkidiki. With mesmerizing beaches, crystal waters, delicious local food and a picturesque harbour with a numerous waterfront cafes and restaurants, charm every visitor offering an unforgettable summer experience in a traditional Greek island.
The only settlement of Ammouliani is built amphitheatrical on the north side where also located the main port of the island. Just a walk in the sheltered harbor with its colorful fishing boats and narrow streets of Chora will remind you that you have landed on a typical Greek island. The old “tarsanas” (a small shipyard that was used by the monks to dry-dock the boats during bad weather), with its gothic architecture, recalls of the time when the island was a part of Vatopedi monastery.
The first inhabitants arrived on the island in 1925, as refugees from Asia Minor. Along with the precious memories they also brought with them traditions, a valuable gastronomy, generous hospitality, rare personal objects exhibited now in the island’s Folklore Museum and the art of fishing – an art that made them obtain the largest fishing fleet in percentage in North Greece. Today just 600 residents live permanently on the island.
A walk around the island reveal the traditional houses, the courtyards with fishermen’s nets laid out for drying and running repairs and small gardens with vegetables and flowers in full bloom.
Following the uphill steep alleys (streets), you will reach to the picturesque square, at the highest point of village. From there you can enjoy the breathtaking panorama view to the Mount Athos peninsula surrounded by the sea. There you’ll also find the church of St. Nicholas, built in 1865 as well as the Folklore Museum of the island. The stone built building dating back in 1907 as property of Vatopedi monastery, nowadays is home to Folklore Museum where visitors can find the history and a collection of the Cultural Association of Ammouliani, with tools, costumes, relics, photos and others.
When you are on the island don’t miss the chance to pay a visit to a restaurant and taste fresh fish and other local sea foods being served full of the “secrets” that older women brought with them from Asia Minor and passed to the next generation.
