My father's family used to own a summer cottage in Ierissos. In 1965 I first visited the area and last year we wanted to go back. I searched the Internet for places to stay. The information was scarce and I had reserved a room at Maria's House. Somehow the reservation never was accepted and our concierge at the hotel in Thessaloniki graciously found us a wonderful resort in Ouranopolis.
Driving form Thessaloniki towards Mt Athos was easy. The roads are clearly marked and the countryside is beautiful. The beaches were stunning as well as the sunsets. The water is an amazing shade of blue and the sand is smooth. In Ierissos, the sand is tiny pebbles that just brush off your body. The landscape out towards Mt. Athos is breathtaking with the sea and the mountain. The villages are very nice. It is quiet and the people are very friendly. We had nice conversation with the shop owners and the people who live in the villages.
Ouranopolis was a bit more touristy but had a quaintness about it, too. There is a museum and a boat tour that cruises by all the monastaries. The cruise is interesting and beautiful. Everything is explained in several languages. We found a ruin in Ierissos and we were told it was a rich a Roman's home. They were excavating it. The beach in Ierissos came alive with families in the evening. There were little rides for children, playgrounds and a tiny walk through fish tank. The children enjoyed it all!
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