Ouranoupolis Is the Go-To Destination All Year Round

Ouranoupolis Is the Go-To Destination All Year Round

Whether you choose to visit Ouranoupolis for your summer or winter vacations, you’ll be surprised by the things to do in this part of Halkidiki all year long.

Whether you choose to visit Ouranoupolis for your summer or winter vacations, you’ll be surprised by the things to do in this part of Halkidiki all year long.

Ouranoupolis Is the Go-To Destination All Year Round

It’s no wonder that Ouranoupolis is a year-round go-to destination! It’s the gate to Mount Athos, boasts of its long coastline, is in proximity to the small islands of Drenia and Ammouliani, and the entire area is of great historical interest.

Both national and international visitors come to the area during all seasons, and so most shops and hotels in Ouranoupolis remain open all year long.

Why Ouranoupolis is a year-round destination in Halkidiki

Ouranoupolis is one of the best destinations in Halkidiki for winter vacations. Apart from a large number of pilgrims, who come to the area to visit Mount Athos, visitors have the chance to enjoy monuments in and around Ouranoupolis. Beyond the borders of the Holy Community (where only men can visit), there are monuments that can be visited by both men and women.

These include the Byzantine Tower of Prosforios in Ouranoupolis, the church of Agios Stefanos in Arnea, and Fragokastro – that’s the remains of the Zygos Athonite monastery just 2km away from Ouranoupolis.

Things to do in Ouranoupolis

Visitors have the opportunity to experience several cultural events throughout the year and enjoy the local customs at Christmas and Easter. Ouranoupolis has great beaches and so it’s a lovely destination for your summer vacation.

But it also a breath away from Mt. Holomontas – a location ideal for hiking in the winter. If you go to Arnea, you can visit the local folklore museum and will definitely enjoy walking through the lovely pathways. Last but not least, Ouranoupolis is close to the ancient city of Stagira, the birthplace of Aristotle. It’s worth visiting.

The nature in Ouranoupolis and the surrounding areas is astonishing. You won’t only have the chance to enjoy the great environment, but also the pure local products. From honey and tsipouro to wine, there are many gastronomic delights and choices to get back home with you.

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Mount Athos is the easternmost peninsula of Halkidiki. It is usually known as the spiritual center of Orthodox Christianity since medieval times. Its 20 monasteries scattered throughout the peninsula are popular pilgrimage sites. Yet, Mount Athos is unique in other ways, too. Take its splendid nature as a reference. It features hills, forests and the sea crashing against the mount's rocky base. In short, Mount Athos is a place unlike any other. Flora of Mount Athos Mount Athos has delightful nature, which is the reason for its "Garden of the Virgin Mary" epithet. There are many endemic plant species inhabiting the region because of many reasons. The uniqueness of the terrain and a variety of micro climates are a few of them. Kassandra and Sithonia, the nearby peninsulas, have the Mediterranean climate. Athos combines elements of the Mediterranean and Continental climates among some others. Due to the fact, you can find a wide variety of plants there. The olive tree, holm oak and the lentisk are some representatives of the Mediterranean vegetation. Some sub-continental species found in the area are the chestnut, fir and the pine. Even semi-desert plants inhabit the Holy Mountain, such as the arboreal euphorbia. And so on. Wildlife of Athos Since around 90% of Mount Athos's surface is untouched, there are many animal species inhabiting the region. While wandering around, you may find traces of various mammals and spot birds. Some mammals found on the Holy Mountain are jackals, red foxes, gray wolves, weasels and monk seals. The Garden of the Virgin Mary is also an excellent destination for birdwatching. Among other birds, you may see golden eagles, black storks, eagle owls, short-toed eagles and gulls. Landscapes of the Holy Mountain Pilgrims constitute the biggest part of Athos's visitors. Getting from one monastery to another is usually carried out on foot via stone-paved paths. Along the way, pilgrims traverse wooded areas with occasional clearings revealing magnificent landscapes. Fields and grooves encircle some monasteries, while others boast forested settings. Some of them are true islands in the sea of greenery.

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