Welcome!
Sailing, Diving & Cruising MOUNT ATHOS AREA HALKIDIKI SAILING, DIVING & CRUISING
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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION
Sailing, Diving & Cruising
Contents
Prologue
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Where we are
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Who we are
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Sailing
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Swimming, Diving, Fishing, Exploring
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Dive around the hippocampus colony
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Cruise around Mount Athos and not only…
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Book excursions by “Explore the Outside”
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Epilogue
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The Mount Athos Area (eastern Halkidiki) is a charismatic place. With 300 whole kilometres of coastline, more than 100 white / sandy beaches, 61 of them classified as premium beaches, 17 blue flags, 7 traditional fishing ports and 3 bays, it is the Mediterranean destination par excellence, ideal (among others) for lovers of sailing and yachting. Where is this peninsula located? At the centre of the Macedonian land, in Halkidiki, just 100 kilometres from the Macedonia International Airport of Thessaloniki. What does it offer? Excellent sea routes in the gulf of Mount Athos, around sandy Ammouliani and Mount Athos and from there to Acanthios Bay with its blue beaches and, finally, to the Strymonikos Bay, around the historic hills of ancient Stagira and the enchanting mussel farms of Olympiada! Want to see them one by one? Turn the page and... let's go!
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MADYTOS
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PILEA MELISOURGOS
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GULF OF THERMAIKOS A D
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KARDIA
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PETRALONA CAVE
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POLYGYROS
VRASTAM
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NEA GONIA MARIANON CASTLE
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GULF OF THERMAIKOS
GULF OF TORON N. FOKEA
SANI KALITHEA
KASSANDRA SIVIRI
KRIOPIGI
FOURKA
POLYC
POSIDI NEA SKIONI
MAP OF MOUNT ATHOS AREA
Routes to Mount Athos Area
APOLLONIA
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PIRGADIKIA AMMOULIANI
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METAGITSI
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HELANDARIOU M.
OURANOUPOLI
SALONIKIOU
VATOPEDION
ΜΕΤΟHΙ CHROMITSA ZOGRAFOU M.
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AGIOU DIMITRIOU M.
KASTAMONITOU M.
PANTOKRATOROS M. PR. ILIA M.
DOCHEARIOU M.
PEDIO
XENOFONTOS M.
AGIOS NIKOLAOS METAMORFOSI NIKITI D
STRAVONIKITA M.
KOUTLOUMOUSIOU M. IVIRON M.
AG. PANTELEIMONOS M.
ORMOS PANAGIAS
XIROPOTAMOU M.
FILOTHEOU M.
DIAPOROS ISLAND
KARAKALOU M.
C. XIFARAS
VOURVOUROU
SIMONOS PETRAS M.
NEOS
GULF OF SIGITIKOS (MOUNT ATHOS)
MEG. LAVRAS M.
OSIOU GRIGORIOU M. DIONYSSIOU M. AGIOU PAVLOU M. AG. ANNIS M.
SARTI N. MARMARAS
CA. AKRATHOS
SITHONIA
ATHOS
CHRONO HANIOTI PEFKOCHORI PORTO KOUFO
Protected Areas Νatura European Network
TIM. PRODROMOU M. MEG. LAVRAS M.
AG. TRIADOS M.
Who we are We are the people who, as members of one of the strongest Greek tourism bodies, struggle daily to put the Mount Athos Area on the global tourism map, as a multifaceted holiday destination. Indeed, the Mount Athos Area Tourism Organization, which currently comprises 146 member companies, is a sensation in terms of its synergies, understanding, professionalism, organization, vision, hard work, planning and above all in achieving results. In just a few years, we have managed to promote the Athos area peninsula as one of the most popular Greek destinations, opening up dozens of new tourism markets and enhancing existing ones. The Athos area peninsula is becoming a Mediterranean holiday destination, offering dozens of forms of modern tourism and excellent infrastructure”, representatives of the body’s 146 member companies state proudly. “This is thanks to collective action”, its members continue “since there is unified planning, disciplined coordination, unprecedented organisation and faithful compliance implementation of the annual plan of activities prepared every October”. The guide you are holding is a small sample of our work and focuses on establishing the destination as a must-see Mediterranean site, since it is located in the center of the Mediterranean Sea, between east and west, while becoming the coolest Aegean note!
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Who we are
SAILING, DIVING & CRUISING
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Sailing Sailing around Mount Athos is like a “paradise fairytale”! Athonite monasteries, islets, islands, crystal see water, “blue lagoon” areas, dolphins, traditional fishing harbors, green landscapes, fresh sea food, various and authentic human activities…. Live it! Feel it! ………………………………..and fill with the Mediterranean aura! How to do it? Book it now with Cosmos! Read the description and contact it directly!
Live with COSMOS a seven- day cruise full of scenery, charm and blue. With its magical coasts and particular shape like Poseidon’s trident stretching into the sea, Halkidiki is a holiday destination unlike any other. Ideal for families or friends who want to explore the breathtaking landscape of Mount Athos, visit luxurious resorts and swim in azure waters. DAY 1: Arrive at Thessaloniki airport and transfer to our luxurious yacht, COSMOS, at Sani Resort, Kassandra peninsula. After meeting our captain and crew, take the opportunity to explore Sani bustling resort and Sani Marina Piazza. You will find elegant shops with international brands of clothing and plenty of bars to unwind with a glass of sparkling wine. Make use of our 10% discount card, an exclusive privilege offered to our elite guests. End your first day with a welcome dinner at ERGON restaurant, a perfect introduction to the secrets of the Greek cuisine. DAY 2: After breakfast we cruise along south Kassandra. The turquoise waters and golden beaches are the ideal invitation for swimming or snorkelling. Beside the lighthouse of Possidi Cape, we have lunch in a laid-back atmosphere. We then cross the Toroneos Gulf and reach the hotel complex of Porto Carras where we will stay overnight. Visit the luxurious casino if you are feeling lucky or take a leisure walk by the pier while listening to the nightlife sounds of this cosmopolitan resort. DAY 3: We begin the day with a swimming stop at Kelyfos, an uninhabited island covered with woodland and a major attraction for sailing boats. At lunchtime we will anchor at Porto Koufo, the biggest and safest natural harbour in Greece. Thucydides refers to it as” the deaf harbour”, a name that remains until today i.e so well protected one cannot hear the sea. We then sail along the rocky coastline of the east side of Sithonia. Don’t forget to take some magnificent photos of this eye-catching landscape. Our end destination for the day is Ormos Panagias, a picture postcard fishing village. 12
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Sailing
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DAY 4: Today we swim at the tiny island of Diaporos, surrounded by its natural forest and watered by a special blue lagoon. Enjoy some mouthwatering creations at lunchtime while sailing towards Athos Peninsula. Late in the afternoon we anchor at the five-star Eagles Palace Hotel in Ouranoupoli. Splash your worries away with a scintillating drink as you gaze at the breathtaking Mount Athos. We guarantee that this grand resort will exceed all your expectations of luxury and hospitality. DAY 5: On day five we cruise along the west coast of Athos peninsula to view the spectacular architecture of the monasteries. The whole peninsula is a symbol of the Christian Faith and has been designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Men have the choice to enter the Holy Community and visit the vineyards, situated in the cloister of Metoxi Chromitsa in Mount Athos. The vineyards are mainly organically cultivated, producing outstanding organic wines, such as“Agioritiko Avaton” and “Kormilitsa”-the first wine in the world to be given the title “Official Purveyor of the Moscow Kremlin’’. Women will have the opportunity to scroll through the village of Ouranoupoli, wander between byzantine monuments and shops that sell monastic products, taste wine, honey or stay ashore on the island of Ammouliani. DAY 6: We farewell Athos Peninsula and head torwards Kavourotrypes, a series of small width beaches famous for the amazing rocky shapes and turquoise coloured sea. After an exceptional Mediterranean lunch, we will swim and snorkel at the secluded bay of Kleftiko, near the village of Kalamitsi. DAY 7: We reach Sani resort to spend the rest of the day. If you are a sportsperson, there is a whole array of sports for you to try at the brand new Sani Sports Centre or workout in the state-of-the-art fitness studio. Access to most facilities is complimentary for our guests. At sunset we recommend that you climb up Sani hill for a spectacular panoramic view and then enjoy dinner aboard in a party Greek summer atmosphere. DAY 8: Return to Thessaloniki, Makedonia Airport, to catch our flights.
Reservations: COSMOS E-mail: info@acrobatyachting.com F +30 2310 795 474, T +30 2310569 522, M: +306909166555 Address: Acrobat Yachting, 4 Vasileos Irakliou St., 54625 Thessaloniki, Greece www.acrobatyachting.com
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Sailing
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Swimming, Diving, Fishing, Exploring Explore, swim, cruise, fish, and dive! Yes, you can enjoy the all! How! Booking everything with “Eirinikos”!
When luxury, comfort and innovation met adventure, exploration and the great blue, the idea of “EIRINIKOS”, the Glass Bottom Boat, was born. “EIRINIKOS”, the one and only Glass Bottom Vessel in Halkidiki, provides the guest with the opportunity to indulge in the magic of the underwater beauty of Halkidiki, Mt.Athos, Sithonia and the complex of nine unexplored islets next to the island of Ammouliani. Under the imposing sight of Mt.Athos and tracing the steps of King Xerxes, the daily cruises of “EIRINIKOS”, with departures from the ports of Ouranoupolis and Ormos Panagias to unique destinations, reveal the secrets of the deep and the historical and religious tradition of the area. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS Model: Glassbottom Name: Eirinikos Type: Speedboat yacht Engines: Volvo IPS 2X850 HP Max Speed: 26 knots Cruise Speed: 20 knots Length overall: 20 ft Fuel Capacith: 8000 lt Water Capasity 2000 lt People Capacity: 150 Deck: YES Sun Deck: YES Open Sundeck: YES
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Baths: 3Fridges: 4 Freezers: 2 Cocktail Bar: YES Seats: Leather Sound: Full DJ equipped Sound System + Subwoofer 2x1 kw WiFi: YES Visual Projections: UHF,DVD Player, 2 SMART tv Google Mapping: YES Clima: Full interior A/C Underwater Lighting: YES Bottom Surface: 3 sq.m. Glass
Swimming, Diving, Fishing, Exploring
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ITINERARIES Ammouliani-Vourvourou Islands Round Tour Beach to Beach daily cruises Departure from Ouranoupolis port Exploration of the Ouranoupolis reef, refuge to various fish species and a spectacular route rich in underwater flora. Pass by the most beautiful beaches of Ammouliani island (Drenia islets) and Vourvourou (Diaporos islet) Stop for a swim and exploration of the sea floor (snorkeling) Barbeque and Greek music on the return leg of the trip Sunset cruising/ Night Parties Breathtaking sunset on Board Let yourselves bask in the sunset of Ouranoupolis on board with the majestic view of Mt. Athos in the background while you enjoy an afternoon cocktail listening to chill out music. Tour the gorgeous Drenia islets of Ammouliani, take a picture of yourselves in front of the Ouranoupolis Byzantine Tower. As the sun vanishes in the sea, the deck lights go down, the underwater lighting switches on, music gets louder and the party has just began. Do it Yourself Personal Destination Selection Personal choice of music, food and drinks Bachelor/Birthday/Private Parties Fishing Trips Special Events Conference Meetings with catering and multimedia support
Reservations: Eirene Karakatsani +30 6978475716 Maria Lempida +30 6988578038 eirinikosglassbottom@gmail.com
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SAILING, DIVING & CRUISING
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Explore the hippocampus colony Enjoy a unique diving experience, exploring the seahorse colony in the magical beach of Stratoni, where the lush Aristotelian Mountain meets the blue of the Aegean Sea! An experience as unique as the seahorses you will see. These are unique in terms of appearance and sexual preferences, in their reproduction method and certainly very interesting... When seahorses flirt, they hide and when in unusual environmental conditions, they change colour. You will find dozens gathered there, on the beach of Stratoni. You can see them standing up in the sand, as if in a meeting. They gather at depths of 8-12 metres, avoiding shallower waters. You will see them on the golden sea bottom, with fine solid sand and rich underwater flora. Some stand motionless in the sand, letting themselves be drawn by any currents that could help their slow motion even a little. Others cling to clusters of mussels scattered in the area, using their convoluted tail. A few words about Seahorses (Equus Marinus) Seahorses belong to the Syngnathiformes order of the Syngnathidae family, in the class of actinopterygii, despite all past unfortunate taxonomic classifications that defined them as amphibians or even insects! Related species include the leafy seadragon (Phycodurus eques) and pipefish. Their size ranges from 16 mm (Hippocampus denise) up to 35 cm. The distribution of the upper part of their body, which somewhat resembles that of a horse, explains the second part of their name (horse) and thus they are widely known as seahorses. In Greek, they are known as Hippocampi [hippos (=horse) + campi]. The second part of their name refers to the mythological monster Campi, a female black, winged monster, which Saturn had placed in the Underworld to guard the Cyclopes and Hecatonchires. Habits Seahorses swim upright, a feature they do not share their close relatives, the pipefish, which swim in a horizontal position. They push their bodies forward with fast vibrations of their dorsal fin (35 per second), and steer it with small pectoral fins, located behind their eyes. They rise or sink by varying the volume of gas in their swim bladders. They usually live in shallow waters, except for the winter months, when they find shelter in rocks at greater depths of up to 30 metres. Their morphology means that they are poor, very slow swimmers and thus they spend the greater part of their day clinging to algae, Posidonia or corals, in protected areas. Some also find shelter in brackish and fresh waters, although freshwater seahorses do not exist. They are always camouflaged well and can instantly change colour and immediately become lost from the sight of their predator, usually big fish, turtles or seabirds. 20
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Explore the hippocampus colony Feeding Seahorses do not have a jaw and consequently teeth. Their stomach is primitive; therefore they have developed a special mechanism for the uptake of food. At the base of their snout, there is an organ like a trigger that contracts abruptly and so food is sucked in due to negative pressure. Their eyes, which move independently, covering a wider field of view, also help them in finding food. They eat small crustaceans, plankton, sea lice and in general anything small enough to fit in their snout.
Another confusing fact is that it is the male seahorses that give birth. They are the only living being in the world in which the male bears the foetuses.
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Cruise around Mount Athos and not only... This excellent thematic trip takes you on a journey into the past, on a tour of the architecture and lifestyle of Byzantium. All the monasteries on the western shore of Mount Athos magically appear one after the other, alternating with a natural landscape of unimaginable beauty, with bold changes between dark green and endless blue, as Mount Athos too is protected by the Natura 2000 European Convention. The peninsula is inhabited only by monks (2,200 monks) and has twenty (20) monasteries of Byzantine architecture, twelve (12) cloisters and eight hundred (800) cells. Each year, about one million (1,000,000) visitors admire the cradle of Orthodoxy, which has been living according to the rules of life and religiosity of the Byzantines for more than 1,000 years. Include this cruise along the monastic state in your holiday program and enjoy a unique tourist experience, which is part of a global religious and cultural uniqueness: Mount Athos!
Line 1 – Ouranoupolis to Mount Athos The ships depart from 01 April to 31 October once up to twice a day from Ouranoupolis port, right next to the “gates” of Holy Mount Athos, according to demand. Departure times are 10:30 and 13:45 (second cruise on the same day at 13:45 is active from 15/5 to 15/10) and the cruise lasts ca. 3 hours. The ship heads to the southwestern part of the peninsula and in ca. 10 minutes, it reaches the sea-borders of the monastic state and its territory. From there, it arrives in ca. 15 minutes in the area of the first Russian cloister and after sailing by unique beaches, it arrives in the area of the first monastery, Iera Moni Dochiariou, in ca. 40 minutes. Another 7 monasteries follow then, as well as the Holy Mount’s central port, Daphni, and finally the cloisters, small villages, where groups of monks live in every house. The duration of the tour-guiding’s last part is ca. 40 minutes. The ship returns sailing again by the last 4 monasteries and, having one and half hour spare time up to Ouranoupolis port, you can do your shopping on board, discuss your impressions or take photos of yourselves on the ship’s bridge with the Captain.
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Cruise around Mount Athos and not only...
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Line 2 - Ormos Panagias to Mount Athos The traditional sailing ship Agios Georgios departs every Wednesday and Saturday Sunday * from the port of Ormos Panagias at 9.30 in the morning, sailing the coast of Sithonia and directs to Mount Athos. Then meets the first monastery of our journey of Saint Paul and as we move North meets eight monasteries and the main port of Mount Athos up to the border that separates the outside world to the Holy Mountain. Follow distance of one hour and thirty minutes at the port of Ouranoupoleos in the port of the island of Ammouliani * for walks, coffee, sightseeing attractions like the great tower of Mount Athos Ouranoupoleos, the Folklore Museum of the island Ammouliani and to the monastic church of the island of Ammouliani. Then departs for the port of Ormos Panagia where it will be our ultimate destination, to where our journey will be accompanied with live bouzouki dancing, the return to the port of Ormos Panagia will be about at 17.15 Line 3 – Ormos Panagias to Mount Athos & Ammouliani (Lunch) The traditional sailing ship Agios Georgios departs every Monday and Thursday from the port of Ormos Panagias at 9.30 in the morning, sailing the coast of Sithonia and directs the main port of Mount Athos and the Daphne as well go north until we meet four monasteries and monastic Border separates the outside world to that of Mount Athos. After two hours distance arrives to Big Sand beach on the island of Ammouliani bathroom for relaxation to the leisurely place that offers the beach bar Island. Departs for the port of Ormos Panagia where it will be our ultimate destination, to where our journey will be accompanied with live bouzouki dancing, the return to the port of Ormos Panagia will be about at 17.15 Line 4 – Ormos Panagias to Ammouliani (Lunch) The traditional sailing Agios Georgios depart Tuesday and Friday from the port of Ormos Panagias at 9.30 in the morning with destination Megali Ammos Beach on the island of Ammouliani for swimming and relaxation for two hours. The next stop is at the central harbor of island of Ammouliani for walks, coffee, attractions such as the Folklore Museum and the monastic church. Leaving the island of Ammouliani by live music and dancing “BOUZOUKI”. The last destination is the bay where the boat Lagonissi stops in open blue water for you half an hour giving the opportunity to dive above the boat, end starts the return trip to the port of Ormos Panagias approximately at 17.15
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Cruise around Mount Athos and not only... On-board amenities A. Restaurant: Cold dishes, ouzo, beer, pizza B. Cafe: Any type of coffee, chocolate, spirits C. Folk art: Holy icons (wax or paper), knit bracelets, incenses and may more souvenirs. D. Video-tapes about the Holy Mount, books in many languages, maps etc. E. Pilgrimage: After agreement, the ship halts in ca. 500 meters, according to the law, from the coast. “Fathers” (monks) approach, bringing holy remnants and people piously worship them. It’s a unique moment since women are not permitted in the region (“state”) to worship. F. Tour-guiding in different languages (like Greek, English, German, Romanian) depends of majority of travelers. The tour-guiding in Greek is done by the Captain, who has specific knowledge about the monks’ life. G. A photo of yours on-board with your own camera or with ours, with or without the Captain on the bridge by the steer. H. A documentary about the monks’ life on three TVs in the lounge, and video games for the kids. Reservations George Rodokalakis Ammouliani, 63075 Halkidiki T +30 2377071071, +30 2377071370, +30 2377071606, +30 6944678830 contact@athos-cruises.gr www.athos-cruises.gr
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Book your excursions by Explore the Outside How to book summer adventures, excursion and water sports activities? Sending a booking request to “Explore the Outside”! “Explore the Outside”, an integrated network of professionals specializing in all types of adventure holidays and tours, organizes and holds all tours and activities, as well as many other truly unique experiences, such as kayaking, surfing, etc. Pavlos, the head of Explore the Outside, has managed to create a trend for naturalistic holidays across the peninsula before Athos, including nature excursions, water sports, and all kinds of cruises. If you love this kind of tourism, visit www.exploretheoutside.com & www.adventurespot.gr to find what suits you and book a place now for the greatest naturalistic activity of your holidays!
63075 Ouranoupoli +30 6936 781260 pavlos@exploretheoutside.com www.exploretheoutside.com
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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION
Book your excursions by Explore the Outside
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Epilogue As you understand, an area that is in itself a dynamic world-class Mediterranean destination, featuring dozens of sea water routes and alternative summer tours, cannot be done justice by an entry in a professional directory - not matter how voluminous. We chose to recommend unique points of interest, placing them in a “circle�, to allow you to easily tour them all, combining sports activities, sailing, diving, fishing and cruises! We hope to impress you and to turn your summer holiday into a lifetime experience, making you want to come again to this place, which is as blessed as it is famed to be! Enjoy your trip!
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Epilogue
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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANIZATION 63075 OURANOUPOLI, HALKIDIKI E-mail: info@mountathosarea.org www.mountathosarea.org Material - Text - Editing: Maria I. Pappa Design: Cat Advertising
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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION 63075 Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki e-mail: info@mountathosarea.org www.mountathosarea.org
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MOUNT ATHOS AREA ORGANISATION