First-Stop at Banana beach Ammouliani or Drenia islets
As we depart 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 prow.
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 church 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 them 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 small islands of Drenia in Ammouliani which are situated after 20 minutes sailing. It is an admirable place because it consists of a group of islets, which are equally attractive to many exotic destinations in Asia and America, with blue waters and green vegetation- typical of the area. You will be able to relax there for 2 hours on a sunbed and under the shade of umbrellas, on a beach with a beach bar and a taverna where you can order any traditional seafood you desire besides the menu you have bought.
The area is also ideal per those who love exploration since in its Northern part there are small hills with steep cliffs, if you able to reach them, you will be speechless by the view to the open sea, Sithonia and the Mount Athos peninsula.