Ormylia

Ormylia is one of the largest and most verdant villages in the inland of Halkidiki, built among olive groves and vineyards, near the northern shores of the Toroneos gulf. It stands on the site of the ancient Sermylia, the city that gave its name to the Sermylic (Toroneos) gulf. It combines authentic rural life with easy access to the sea, through its coastal resort, Psakoudia.

What Ormylia is known for

Ormylia is primarily famous for the Monastery of the Annunciation of the Theotokos, the largest women’s monastery in Greece with around 120 nuns, a dependency of the Holy Monastery of Simonopetra of Mount Athos. The monastery is internationally known for its icon conservation workshop, as well as for its traditional products — olive oil, honey, and herbs. Around the village, the land produces excellent oil and wine, essential elements of the local gastronomy.

Activities and attractions

In Ormylia and its area, you can see:

• The Monastery of the Annunciation of the Theotokos and its products.
• The beach of Psakoudia, the nearby seaside resort.
• The olive groves and vineyards, with the possibility of oil and wine tasting.
• The traces of the ancient Sermylia.

Best time to visit

Ormylia is beautiful from spring to autumn. Summer (June–September) is ideally combined with swimming in Psakoudia, while autumn, during the harvest of grapes and olives, highlights the agricultural and gastronomic identity of the place.