Ierissos, a small seaside village located on the northeastern coast of the Athos peninsula, is the most popular destination in Athos. It offers a combination of history, culture, and natural beauty, making it attractive to visitors of all ages and interests. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore nearby archaeological sites, or savor Greek cuisine, Ierissos provides all this and much more.

Known for its long, sandy beach and crystal-clear waters with gradual depth and no extended shallow areas, Ierissos is an ideal starting point for exploring numerous beaches or simply enjoying a more laid-back vacation within the town itself.

Most of the beach is available to visitors with their own equipment, while the organized section offers sunbeds and umbrellas provided by beach bars, usually free to use with the purchase of a drink. Visitors also have access to showers and changing cabins, which are plentiful along all parts of the beach. Due to frequent winds, waves are common here, so we recommend paying attention to the flags displayed by lifeguards on their towers. If swimming in choppy waters isn’t your preference, we suggest visiting Xiropotamos Beach on the western side of the peninsula, located in a bay where the sea is almost always calm.

In the area just behind the beach lies a gathering spot for all generations, which becomes particularly lively in the evening – a promenade where you can enjoy walks with the scent of the sea, relax on benches along the pathway, or experience traditional Greek specialties in the tavernas located on the promenade.

For those who enjoy active holidays, the area surrounding Ierissos offers numerous beaches worth visiting, such as Kakoudia, Xiropotamos, Legend, Voulitsa, and Komitsa. We highly recommend not missing the beaches near Olympiada, as well as the jewel of Athos – the island of Ammouliani.

Close to Ierissos lies the ancient city of Akanthos, one of the most important settlements in ancient Greece. The remains of this city testify to the rich history of the region. Visitors can enjoy exploring archaeological sites that tell the story of this place through the centuries.

If you are staying in Ierissos, we recommend visiting the Kakovo Monastery and Ouranoupolis, from where boat tours around Mount Athos are organized, as well as trips to the island of Drenia.

Ierissos offers a wide and varied range of accommodations, and the village itself has everything you might need for a fulfilling vacation, from Lidl and Masoutis supermarkets to numerous souvenir shops, bakeries, pastry shops, bookstores, pharmacies, medical practices, gas stations, and tavernas. The local market, held on Tuesdays, boasts a rich and diverse selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, cheese, fish, seafood, olives, olive oil, spices, meat, eggs, flowers, and honey.

Whether you’re looking for a peaceful escape from everyday life or wish to explore natural beauty and nearby beaches, Ierissos provides an unforgettable experience for every visitor. Its beautiful beaches, clean waters, authentic Greek hospitality, and rich cultural offerings make it a perfect destination for families, couples, and all lovers of a true vacation.

Visit the following link for the complete list of accommodations in Ierissos.

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