All islands you can visit in Halkidiki

Ammouliani - Halkidiki

Ammouliani is a little island in the gulf of the Athos peninsula. It is the only populated island in Halkidiki. It covers an area of about 4.5 square kilometers, is 120 km away from Thessaloniki and is connected to the shore across the sea, Tripiti, through regular ferryboat routes lasting 10 minutes. Green is prevalent on the island, which is covered with olive trees and undergrowth. Its isolated gulfs are the ideal destination for those wishing for peace and rest. The best choice is for you to visit all beaches of the island, even the most secluded, as they are renowned for their sky-blue waters.

The most well-known beach is Alikes, which has been awarded a blue flag for its clean waters, followed by Agios Georgios, Megali Ammos, Karagatsia etc. In 1925, after the genocide of the Greek population in Asia Minor, the island was allotted to the refugees coming from the Sea of Marmara Islands (Gallimi, Pasalimani, Skoupia). The refugees brought their knowledge of the trade of fishing along, which is the main occupation of the local population till today. Especially impressive is the church of St. Nikolaos, built in 1865 at the town square, as well as the old school hosting the folk culture museum. On the island of Amouliani you can find restaurants/taverns, coffee shops/bar, supermarkets, souvenir shops, night clubs, establishments letting motorcycles and boats.  The beautiful, sky-blue water beaches of many creeks, where you can enjoy clean sea with a rich water world, are waiting for you to explore them.

Kelifos (Turtle) Island

The small piece of land you see floating on the waters of Toroneos Gulf between the Sithonia and Kassandra peninsulas in Halkidiki is Kelifos Island. The uninhabited small island covers an area of 1 square meter and inhabitants of Kelifos island are wild goats but it is best known for its spectacular seabed. Kelifos Island is full of pines and wild olive trees and has many steep slopes and coasts. The steep cliffs around the island are forming interesting caves in some spots, calling you for exploration!

The one and only beach of the island, with its crystal clear blue waters, is a great place for swimming and snorkeling. One can access the island through the sea, by boat or sailing boat from Sithonia (Neos Marmaras, Nikiti) or Kassandra peninsula. The waters surrounding this uninhabited island offer several different dive sites. The seabed of the turtle island is highly diverse and more than 10 spots are suitable for scuba diving. This area impresses divers with rich underwater fauna and flora – corals, sea anemones, starfish, conger eels, morays, scorpion fish, seahorses and octopi.

The Drenia Islands

Surrounded by several small islands that serve as a barrier from the waves and the wind, this vivid aquamarine coloured lagoon called Drenia will make you think you are at the height of bliss! The Drenia islands, or Gaidouronisia as the locals refer to it, are a group of 6 small islands off the southern tip of Ammouliani Island and not far from Ouranoupolis on the mainland. Such is the beauty and calmness of this place that in the last years it has started to become a magnet attracting more than just the locals. The six islands that make up Drenia are actually more like two islands and four rocky crags that rise from the sea. The rocks don’t have much appeal for those in search of beaches but are home to many sea birds nesting on the rocks and a variety of fish that find protection here. The small islands help to form a ring that surrounds an elevated sandy seafloor and makes a large shallow swimming basin. Due to the shallow waters of the lagoon only small boats are able to reach some of these beautiful sandy beaches.
 
The main island is Drenia. This consists of two forested hills that are surrounded by sea cliffs on three sides, but on the lagoon side, there is a lovely, fine sand beach. This is Drenia’s main beach and the one that tourists are now flocking to for day trips. To cater to the day trippers from Ouranoupolis, a taverna was built and the sun beds and umbrellas were carefully placed to form a well organized day resort so you can just lie in the sun, sip on a cool margarita and indulge. For lunch the taverna will give you a taste of the days catch – fresh fish or steamed mussels.
 
The next island in the group is called Penna. It is slightly smaller is size than Drenia and from above has the unmistakable shape of an hourglass where all the sand clings like a belt to both sides of it’s narrow waist. This island is a short swim from Drenia and easily within reach. Penna itself consists of two windswept grassy plateaus that gently slope towards its waist revealing two sandy white bowls. The larger beach faces the lagoon and the other beach is towards Ouranoupolis. A smaller island and the closest to Ammouliani is called Feti. This island is just rocky cliffs that rise from the water ending with a green crown on top. The side towards Drenia is just a short swim much like Penna is from Drenia. There is a small beach facing the straight between Feti and Drenia. The other islands have value for snorkelling, diving, or if you prefer just to find your own isolated island and tan on the rocks. There are multiple ways to get here. If you are coming from Ouranoupolis, there is a boat that brings the day tours directly to Drenia beach starting at 10:00 am, and every hour after this they leave until 18:00 pm. From Ammouliani Island harbour you can also catch a shuttle or you can rent a boat yourself and have a self-guided adventure.
 

Diaporos Island

Diaporos Island is right across Vourvourou village in the Sithonia peninsula. The bay is deep enough for large yachts and the natural beauty of the location is astonishing. With a few adorable houses here and there, it's a place worth exploring and is ideal for a picnic. There are many reefs where one can snorkel in the crystal clear water. Diaporos belongs to a complex of islets together with Kalogria, Ambelitsi, Kalamonisia (3), Prassonisi, Peristera, Agios Isodoros. One can reach them by renting a private boat (no license needed) or paddle your own canoe to explore the several secluded coves surrounded by pine trees and sandy beaches.

Diaporo Island is about one and a half square miles and it's the largest one of the complex. It's a picturesque islet with natural beauty, trees reaching the sea, pristine blue waters and a fascinating underwater world.Due of its location, Diaporos has always calm and warm waters all year round making it, a paradise for those who swim in the winter.