The enchanting Ammouliani Island awaits with its pristine beaches, vivacious local culture, and mouthwatering cuisine. It is the perfect place to relax and recharge.
It’s best to visit Ammouliani during the summer months from June to September. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny. Also, this is when the island is less crowded.
1. Taverna Anemotrata
The only inhabited island in Halkidiki, Ammouliani is a hidden gem with pristine beaches and breathtaking vistas. This enchanting retreat has something to offer for everyone, from a vibrant nightlife scene to tranquil monasteries. Whether you’re looking to unwind on the beach or shop for souvenirs, Ammouliani is sure to charm you with its unique and authentic culture.
Ammouliani is also a foodie’s paradise, with many restaurants serving up fresh seafood and traditional Greek cuisine. Dine at Taverna Anemotrata, Taverna Klimataria, Taverna Tzanis, or Pineza to experience a delightful blend of mouthwatering flavors and warm hospitality. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a glass of wine or ouzo, Greece’s beloved anise-flavored spirit.
If you’re looking for a great place to stay on Ammouliani, check out Apart Boutique Giorgos Hotel. Located less than a 5-minute walk from Xiropotamos Beach, this 3-star hotel offers free private parking on site. It’s also within a short drive of Paralia Karagatsia and Limanaki Beach.
The rooms at Apart Boutique Giorgos Hotel are well-appointed and provide a TV, a refrigerator, and a DVD player. They’re also equipped with a hair dryer, ironing facilities, and heating.
For those who prefer to rough it, there are plenty of camping sites on Ammouliani. Wake up to the sound of waves crashing on the shore and make new friends around the campfire. There are also several hotels and villas that offer a more luxurious accommodation option.
After a day of relaxing on the beach or exploring the quaint town, head to one of Ammouliani’s many bars and clubs for a lively night out. Prikonisos Jewelry Store is a popular destination for those seeking to find a unique treasure to remember their trip.
If you’re feeling adventurous, take a guided tour of the monasteries on Ammouliani. Learn about the rich history of these sanctuaries as you admire their beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance. If you’d like to explore a different side of Ammouliani, consider taking a cruise that sails past the stunning coast and across the magnificent Athos Mount. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to discover the mystical world of this sacred monastic state.
2. Taverna Klimataria
A family-run taverna since 1927, Klimataria (literally meaning ‘grape vines’) has an outside courtyard seating area for a laid back experience. The menu is full of traditional Greek fare like stuffed tomatoes, spit-roasted lamb and kokoretsi, and the bar stocks an impressive list of local wines. For those who want to add a touch of culture to their meal, there’s also the option to dine with live music and dancing.
Karamanlidika is a restaurant-cum-deli set in a renovated neoclassical house. The menu is extensive, with a wide range of cold cuts and cheeses. The standouts, however, are the spit-roast meat dishes. The meat platters are a must-try for carnivores, but vegetarians are also well catered to with options such as the stuffed eggplant and zucchini in a Cappadocian sauce.
The owners of this taverna are passionate about authentic Greek cuisine and have created a menu that showcases its finest ingredients. Their seafood and produce is sourced locally from Territorian businesses, while their herbs are imported from Greece to maintain the taste of home. The restaurant is family-run, with Mrs Karambetis and Mr Manikaros preparing the food using generational recipes.
In an age of ephemeral trends, this old-timer has stood the test of time and remains a firm favorite in the Kerameikos district. With a premium location right beside the Acropolis museum, this taverna serves up delicious homey fare in a friendly atmosphere. Dine on a mix of traditional plates and creative dishes, including re-invented classics and playful cocktails.
If you’re looking for a funky new hangout in Athens, look no further than this tavern. Located in the historic centre of the city, this funky spot is a one-of-a-kind gastrobar that’s part of an art gallery. The expansive space features a lush outdoor terrace, bar and dining room filled with a selection of art works by local artists. The restaurant’s menu includes re-invented Greek favorites and creative dishes that are inspired by the gallery’s artworks. In addition to its impressive menu, the bar offers an equally impressive selection of drinks including cocktails and spirits.
3. Taverna Tzanis
A Greek island isn’t complete without its own tavernas serving fresh seafood and traditional dishes. On a small island like Ammouliani, many of these are located on the waterfront. Taverna Tzanis, for example, features a wide menu of grilled and fried fish. The taverna also boasts plenty of appetizers including cheese stuffed zucchini blossoms, fried fish balls and stuffed grape leaves, as well as salads. And for dessert, you can’t go wrong with baklava.
The taverna is easy to find on the waterfront just outside of the port. The service is friendly and the ambiance is relaxing. The restaurant is family-run and they are known for their generous portions and excellent quality.
While the main town on Ammouliani, Hora, is crowded with cafes and shops, there are plenty of smaller tavernas in the villages where locals frequent for food. One popular choice is Captain Pipinos, which is known for its excellent grilled octopus and the fact that it allows you to toss your olive stones and fish bones into the sea from your table. The taverna also has an extensive menu featuring grilled meats, salads and pies.
Another great choice for seafood in Ammouliani is the popular Lambi Taverna, which offers delicious souvlaki and calamari. The taverna is a short walk from the main square in Hora.
Ammouliani is a quiet, serene island with great beaches and plenty of places to stay. It’s a welcome relief from the hectic pace of some of the bigger resorts on the mainland. If you are looking for a peaceful getaway with gorgeous sandy beaches and mouthwatering seafood, Ammouliani is the place to be.
4. Pineza
The menu here is simple but delicious. Try the grilled chicken with sage or the pork ribs with rosemary. The service is quick and attentive.
The place is popular among the locals, especially after 6 pm. It is located near the town center, close to the Municipal Arts Centre. It offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. There are about 15 types of cocktails on the menu. The alcoholic ones include chili, amaretto, yoghurt, masticha, orange, plum and others. The non-alcoholic drinks include mint, apple, hibiscus, pineapple and others.
Pineza is a very nice cafe, with a friendly staff, good music and reasonable prices. It is a great place to have a drink with friends, listen to music and relax.
You can enjoy the view over the village from this terrace. The food is also very good, with a wide variety of choices and prices. The place is very clean and the staff is nice and helpful.
Pienza is famous for a lot of things: it’s the ideal Renaissance town, it’s UNESCO protected, it’s home to the pecorino cheese, and it was filmed in movies like Romeo and Juliet and Gladiator. But the main reason to visit this hilltop is for its beauty, which seems to be timeless. Pretty alleys, amazing views, and a strong tourism vocation are all part of its charm.
During the day you can stroll the town streets, see the cathedral and Palazzo Piccolomini (built as a summer palace for the Pope), and shop for Pecorino di Pienza cheese in one of the many shops. If you want to learn more about the history of the area, take a tour.
The best time to visit is in spring and summer when the weather is warm but not hot. But you can also go in autumn when the leaves start to turn color and the weather is still good. It’s also possible to visit in winter, but the town is nearly empty, except for restaurants and a few shops.