This small but beautiful island is located in the Chalkidiki region, near Mount Athos, the holy mountain of Orthodox Christianity. It is the only inhabited island in this area, offering a perfect combination of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and eco-friendly activities.

Ammouliani island is a paradise for ecotourists who want to enjoy the pristine beaches, the crystal-clear waters, and the rich biodiversity of the Aegean Sea. Explore the island by foot, bike, or boat, and discover its hidden gems, such as the old monastery of Zoodochos Pigi, which dates back to the 10th century with a stunning view of the sea, the traditional fishing village of Ammouliani, where you can taste delicious seafood and meet friendly locals, and the amazing rock formations of Drenia islets, which are ideal for snorkeling and diving.

 

Ask about the various environmental and educational programs that aim to raise awareness and protect the local ecosystem. For example, you can join a sea turtle monitoring project, which involves observing and recording the nesting behavior of these endangered animals, a marine litter cleanup campaign, which helps to keep the beaches and the sea clean and healthy, or a birdwatching tour, which allows you to see rare and beautiful species of birds that live or migrate in this area. NGOs active in the area include:

• Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature (HSPN): involved in several projects on Ammouliani, such as monitoring the population of Hermann's tortoise (Testudo hermanni), restoring native vegetation, and organizing eco-tours.
• Mediterranean Association to Save the Sea Turtles (MEDASSET): surveying the nesting beaches of loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta), installing protective measures, and engaging with local stakeholders.
• Hellenic Ornithological Society (HOS): recording the avifauna of the island, identifying important bird areas, and implementing birdwatching programs.

You can also learn more about the history and culture of Ammouliani island by visiting its museum, which displays artifacts and photos from its past as a dependency of Mount Athos, its folklore center, which showcases traditional costumes and crafts of the islanders, and its local festivals, which celebrate religious and seasonal events with music, dance, and food.

Ammouliani island is a place where you can reconnect with nature and yourself, while respecting and supporting the local community. It is an ideal destination for ecotourists visiting Northern Greece who want to experience something different and meaningful in Greece.