Optical illusion
Ouranoupoli, Greece: the gateway to the Holy Mountain of Athos
Ouranoupoli, Ουρανούπολη, is an old small city, in Northern Greece, that is perhaps best known as the 'gateway' to The Holy Mountain of Athos, with wihich the city borders. From here, small ferries and boats sail to Dafni, the main harbour of the Athos peninsula. The city of Ouranoupoli was apparently quite sleepy in the past, but now it has become rather touristy, aiming towards beach lovers that stay in or around the city, as well as pilgrims to Athos. They also aim at a third category nowadays: tourists that cannot visit Athos itself - since they either don't have the special required visa, or are female, who are unable to visit the peninsula altogether - but who nevertheless want to get a flavour of it by hopping on a cruise boat that sails alongside the coast of the peninsula or by buying 'real' souvenirs in one of the many shops (i.e. replica icons).
Ouranoupoli, Greece: the gateway to the Holy Mountain of Athos
Ouranoupoli, Ουρανούπολη, is an old small city, in Northern Greece, that is perhaps best known as the 'gateway' to The Holy Mountain of Athos, with wihich the city borders. From here, small ferries and boats sail to Dafni, the main harbour of the Athos peninsula. The city of Ouranoupoli was apparently quite sleepy in the past, but now it has become rather touristy, aiming towards beach lovers that stay in or around the city, as well as pilgrims to Athos. They also aim at a third category nowadays: tourists that cannot visit Athos itself - since they either don't have the special required visa, or are female, who are unable to visit the peninsula altogether - but who nevertheless want to get a flavour of it by hopping on a cruise boat that sails alongside the coast of the peninsula or by buying 'real' souvenirs in one of the many shops (i.e. replica icons).