Ouranoupolis Port

The port of Ouranoupolis in Halkidiki is the starting point of any pilgrimage to the Holy Mountain. It is from here that ferries sail to the monasteries or take a cruise along the peninsula at a distance of 500 metres from the shore.

Features of the port

This is a small port that is first of all intended for traveling to mount Athos and delivering of food and other goods for the life and prosperity of the monastic republic.

In winter, storms often occur at the sea. For this reason, passages may be canceled. Be aware that from December up to and including February, you will not always be able to get to or to leave mount Athos on the appointed day and hour.

Routes

The state ferry line serves dozens of passages every day. During the cruise, travelers can admire the unspoilt nature and unique architecture of the monasteries. The ferry tickets are sold at the ticket desk, which is located in a row of shops near the tower, not far from the pier.

The official ferry timetable is given below.

"Agios Panteleimon»

• Daily departure from Ouranoupolis at 9:45 a.m. The ferry lands at Dafni around 12: 00 at noon.
• Departure from Dafni at 12:10 p.m. The ship lands in Ouranoupolis at 2:15 p.m.

 On the way, the ferry stops at all the monasteries located up to the Dafni pier.

«Mount Athos Lines». Fast ferries

You have to reserve a seat in advance.

From Ierissos

You have to reserve a seat in advance.

Phone numbers for booking seats

Morning ferries «AGIA ANNA»

The phone number of the ferry “Agia Anna” 0030 6947 819 885

Speed boat «MIKRA AGIA ANNA»

You have  to reserve a seat in advance. Phone number: 0030 6995 105 105

Schedule differences are put in bold for your convenience.

The access to the territory of Athos is available only for transport that provides professional services to the monastic republic of Athos.

Car booking is available on phone: 0030 23770 71425.

Athos Sea Cruises

In summer, Athos Sea Cruises company also makes daily cruises along mount Athos from the port of Ouranoupolis. On particular days, the Athos monks deliver the shrines of their monasteries to the ship. For women, it is the only way to get acquainted with the secrets of the Holy Mountain and admire the beauty of the monasteries, because only men are allowed to enter the monastic republic, and only after receiving a special visa — the Diamonitirion. In addition to Athos Sea Cruises, other cruise ships, such as Calypso (Calypso Cruises), also sail from the port.

About the place

The port of Ouranoupolis is the only place where you can see dolphins in Halkidiki. A family of dolphins lives near Ouranoupolis, and sometimes it follows pleasure boats.

Next to the port, there is the Andronicos Tower, built in 1344 to protect from pirates.

There are several ways to get from Thessaloniki to Ouranoupolis.

• Taxi. The price of the trip is about €150. It will take no more than 2 hours.
• Bus. Several regular buses depart from the Thessaloniki bus station to Ouranoupolis every day. The ticket price is €13.70. Travel time is 2.5 hours.

You will need to take the bus No.45 at the central Egnatia street (Thessaloniki) and get to the KTEL Halkidiki stop. Phone number of the bus station: 30 231 031 65 55.

• Car. Follow the road signs to the third finger of Halkidiki — Athos. After reaching it, continue moving according to the signs at Ierissos/Ouranoupoli. There are two toll roads on the route. Travel time is 2 hours and 15 minutes.

There is no direct bus from the Thessaloniki airport to Ouranoupolis.

Tips

Among other things, take your documents with you, and don't forget your Diamonitirion visa in order to get to mount Athos.