Blue Lagoon Cruise to Ammouliani from Ormos Panagias, Thessaloniki
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Overview
A day on the water in Halkidiki: your boat leaves the little harbour of Ormos Panagias on the Sithonia peninsula and sails across the Singitic Gulf, with views of Mount Athos in the distance. You stop in the village of Ammouliani, relax for two hours on Banana Beach and swim in the clear Lagonisi Blue Lagoon from the boat. A light lunch is included. It suits families, couples and friends who want sea, sun and an easy pace.
Highlights
- Boat cruise from Ormos Panagias across the Singitic Gulf
- Two hours of beach time on Banana Beach, Ammouliani
- Swim from the boat in the clear Lagonisi Blue Lagoon
- Time in Ammouliani village: market, old church and folklore museum
- Light lunch included, with views of Sithonia and Mount Athos
- Panoramic sea views all day from the deck
- Relaxed day for families, couples and friends
Full Description
The cruise from Ormos Panagias
Ormos Panagias is a small harbour village on the western side of the Sithonia peninsula, the middle finger of Halkidiki. The boat leaves in the morning and heads across the Singitic Gulf, with Sithonia's hills behind you and the peak of Mount Athos far off to the side. The Ormos Panagias boat trip is a quiet way to see the coast from the water.
Boarding starts about an hour before departure, so arrive in good time. The crew look after safety and the guide on board points out the sights along the coast. Take a hat, sun protection and a camera, as the deck has wide views in every direction.
Ammouliani village, market and old church
The first stop is the central harbour of Ammouliani, the inhabited island of Halkidiki. Up from the quay, a small market sells local products and souvenirs. The old church in the upper square dates from 1865 and was built by monks from Mount Athos, because until 1925 the island was a dependency of the Vatopedi monastery.
Nearby is the old warehouse built in 1907, which served as the island's first school, and the folklore museum, which shows tools and daily life from the island's past. Nearly all of this can be seen in a short walk, so you still have time for a coffee by the harbour.
Banana Beach on Ammouliani
Banana Beach is a wide sandy beach on the island, around fifteen minutes by boat from the village. You have about two hours there, with sunbeds and umbrellas available and a beach cafe for refreshments. The water is clear and shallow at the edge, so it suits families and children.
If you want to stretch your legs, a path leads up the hill to a viewpoint, where you can see the island, the open sea, Sithonia and the Athos peninsula. Banana Beach is a favourite stop on the Ammouliani day trip, so enjoy the lunch break and swim in the calm water.
Lagonisi Blue Lagoon and the swim
The last stop is the Lagonisi Gulf, near the island of Diaporos in the Vourvourou area. The bay looks like a lake, with a small island, Lagonisi, in the middle that creates two natural entrances. The boat stops in the open water, and you can swim and dive from the vessel in the clear turquoise sea.
The stop lasts around half an hour, then the boat returns to Ormos Panagias in the late afternoon. If you are asking whether the Blue Lagoon cruise is worth it, it suits swimmers and anyone who loves bright blue water. Bring swimwear and a towel.
Itinerary
- Boarding at Ormos PanagiasArrive at the harbour for boarding about an hour before departure, as shown in your booking confirmation.
- Cruise across the gulfSail towards Ammouliani with views of Sithonia and Mount Athos.
- Ammouliani villageStop at the harbour to see the market, the old church and the folklore museum.
- Banana Beach and lunchAbout two hours for swimming and relaxing; the light lunch is served on the trip.
- Lagonisi Blue LagoonAround half an hour swimming from the boat in the clear water.
- Return to Ormos PanagiasSail back across the gulf, arriving in the late afternoon.
What's included
- Sightseeing cruise
- Stop at Ammouliani Island
- Visit to Banana Beach (2 hours of relaxation)
- Visit to Lagonisi Gulf and swimming from the vessel
- Local market, old church and folklore museum
- Light lunch
- Panoramic views
Not included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Personal expenses
Is this right for you?
Great for
- Families with children — a child price for ages 3–12
- Anyone who wants to see it from the water
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- You get seasick easily
Not suitable for
- People prone to seasickness
- Travellers who cannot get on and off a boat easily
- Anyone who needs hotel pickup, which is not included
Meeting point
The meeting point is the harbour of Ormos Panagias on the Sithonia peninsula, where the boat departs in the morning. Hotel pickup is not included in this option. The exact boarding point and time are in your booking confirmation, so arrive in good time with the confirmation on your phone.
Important information
- Bring swimwear, a towel, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a hat, a camera and sunscreen
- Boarding starts about an hour before departure
- The light lunch is included; ask the crew on board about alternatives to the standard meat plate
- Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included
- Do not litter or touch plants on the island
- The cruise has several stops for exploring and relaxing
- Take seasickness precautions if you are sensitive
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
How much does the Blue Lagoon cruise cost?
The price depends on the option you choose. The booking panel on this page shows the current price for each option and traveller type.
Is hotel pickup included?
No. The cruise leaves from the harbour of Ormos Panagias, and details are in your booking confirmation.
How long is the Ammouliani cruise?
The cruise lasts around six hours including stops, with boarding about an hour before departure and a return in the late afternoon.
Is the cruise suitable for children?
Yes, children can join and the booking panel shows a child price where it applies. The sandy beach and calm water suit families.
What should I wear and bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, comfortable shoes and a camera.
Can I book for today or tomorrow?
Often yes, depending on availability. Choose the date in the booking panel to see whether places are open.
Is lunch included?
Yes, a light lunch is included in this option. The standard plate is a grilled-meat dish with rice, salad, tzatziki and bread, and you can ask the crew about alternatives.
Can I swim during the cruise?
Yes. You swim at Banana Beach and again from the boat in the Lagonisi Blue Lagoon.
Is Banana Beach worth visiting?
Yes. It is a wide sandy beach with clear water, sunbeds and a viewpoint path, and you have about two hours there.
What is the best time for the Blue Lagoon cruise?
Summer, with warm water and long sunshine, is the best time for swimming. Late spring and early autumn are also pleasant.
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