# Drenia Islands: The Blue Lagoon Near Ammouliani
The Drenia Islands are a group of small uninhabited islets off the east coast of Ammouliani, ringed by shallow turquoise water that earns them the name blue lagoon. You reach them only by boat, a short trip from the Ammouliani port, and spend the day swimming and snorkeling over a sandy seabed. For most visitors the Drenia trip is the highlight of a day on the island.
This guide explains where the Drenia Islands are, how to get there, and what to do once you arrive. Plan the island side of the trip around the Ammouliani ferry schedule.
What are the Drenia Islands?
The Drenia Islands, known locally as Gaidouronisia, are a cluster of bare islets in the sea between Ammouliani and the Mount Athos peninsula. None of them is inhabited, and they have no roads or buildings beyond a single seasonal canteen. What they have is water: clear, shallow, and a vivid turquoise over the pale sandy bottom, which is why people call the spot a lagoon.
The islets sit close together, so a boat can drift between them and stop wherever the water looks best. The calm, shallow sea makes the Drenia a favourite for families and for anyone who wants easy snorkeling.
Where is the blue lagoon in Halkidiki?
The blue lagoon of Halkidiki is the sea around the Drenia Islands, off Ammouliani’s east coast. The shallow water there turns the bright turquoise of a lagoon, and day boats market the trip under that name. It is worth a quick note that some hotels elsewhere in Halkidiki use Blue Lagoon as a brand name, but the real lagoon-like water near Ammouliani is the open sea around these islets.
How to get to the Drenia Islands
You reach the Drenia Islands only by boat, since they have no ferry and no road. From Ammouliani, the two simple options are:
- Rent a small boat: the boats at the port need no licence, so you can take one out yourself and reach the islets in a few minutes.
- Take a boat-taxi: a local boat drops visitors at the islets and collects them later in the day.
First reach Ammouliani itself on the short ferry from Tripiti, then arrange the boat at the island port. The crossing to the islets is short and calm in normal summer weather.
What to do at the Drenia Islands
The Drenia Islands are made for a slow day in the water. Swim and snorkel over the sandy seabed, where the shallow, clear sea gives good visibility, and beach-hop between the islets to find your own patch of sand. A seasonal canteen on one of the islets serves drinks and snacks.
The islets are otherwise bare, with no shade and no shops, so bring water, sun protection, and anything you want for the day. Mornings are calmest on the water, before the afternoon breeze.
Combine Drenia with Ammouliani and Mount Athos
The Drenia trip fits naturally into a wider day in this corner of Halkidiki. A common plan is a beach morning on Ammouliani, then an afternoon boat out to the Drenia lagoon, all from the same island port. If you plan to see the Holy Mountain as well, a Mount Athos cruise from nearby Ouranoupoli pairs the dramatic monastery coastline with the gentle Drenia shallows.
For the island itself, see the guides to the best beaches in Ammouliani and things to do on the island.
FAQ: Drenia Islands
Where is the blue lagoon in Halkidiki?
The blue lagoon of Halkidiki is the shallow turquoise sea around the Drenia Islands, off the east coast of Ammouliani. You reach it by a short boat trip from the Ammouliani port.
How do you get to the Drenia Islands?
You get to the Drenia Islands by boat from Ammouliani, either a licence-free rental boat or a boat-taxi from the port. The islets have no ferry and no road, so a boat is the only way across.
Do you need a licence to rent a boat for Drenia?
No, the small boats rented at the Ammouliani port need no licence, so you can take one out to the Drenia Islands yourself. Conditions are calm and the crossing is short.
Can you swim at the Drenia Islands?
Yes, swimming and snorkeling are the main reasons to go. The water is shallow, clear, and calm over a sandy seabed, which suits families and beginner snorkelers.
Is there anything on the Drenia islets?
The islets are mostly bare, with a single seasonal canteen for drinks and snacks. Bring water, shade, and supplies for the day.
Plan your trip
Reach Ammouliani first, then take a boat out to the Drenia lagoon for the day. Check the ferry schedule and ticket prices to plan the crossing to the island.
Ammouliani Lines runs the Tripiti to Ammouliani ferry, the start of every Drenia day.