Develiki Ouranoupoli

Develiki is the pebble cove just outside Ouranoupoli (a mere 400 metres from the settlement), on the road towards Tripiti.

The shore is pebble with clean, deep-blue water — among the clearest on the Athos coast. Completely free, with informal parking by the road and no facilities at all: whatever you need, you bring.

The view opens towards Ammouliani and the Drenia islets — and the sunset here is among the area's best, the islands darkening on the horizon.

Ideal for couples and for anyone staying in Ouranoupoli who wants a swim without sunbeds. Water shoes make it far more comfortable. Mornings are almost always quiet, even in August.

Best time: late afternoon into sunset, when the light sets the Drenia islets alight across the water. Combine it with a stroll to the Prosforio tower and Ouranoupoli's harbour — all within 5 minutes.