First-Stop at Banana beach Ammouliani
As we depart from the port to Ammouliani island the schedule is announced from the speakers and there is an update on board. Our first stop is the central harbor of the village of the island of Ammouliani. The route lasts approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Travelling we can see the peninsula of Sithonia to our stern and on our right in the background we can see Mountain Athos. The small island of Ammouliani and the Mount Athos peninsula can be seen to our bow.
There is an one-hour stop at the small traditional harbor of Ammouliani. During this stop you will have the opportunity to explore the local market of the island and the old church of the village which is situated in the square and dates back to 1865 and was constructed by monks from Mount Athos. The island was a monastery dependency of H.M. Vatopedi until 1925, when it was granted to the Greek refugees from Minor Asia. Furthermore, you can visit the folklore museum which was built in 1907 and was used by the locals as a school in the early years of the island. The old “arsanas” (dockyard) is really impressive and it was used by the monks as a docking place for the small wooden boats.
Then, the vessel departs from the island and heads towards the Banana beach on Ammouliani which is situated after 15 minutes sailing. It is an amazing place mixing the light blue and green colors which are equally attractive to many exotic destinations colored in turquoise. You will be able to relax there for 2 hours using sunbeds and under the shade of umbrellas, there is a beach bar where you can order anything you desire besides the menu you have already bought.
The area is also ideal for those who love exploration and hiking since in its Southern part at the top of the mountain which is approximately 90m tall and 200m long of dirtroad, there is a spot were you will be surely speechless by the panoramic view of the island, the open sea the Sithonia and the Mount Athos peninsula.
