Mount Athos

Surface

335,63 km²

Airport

No

Port

Tripiti, Ouranopoli

Faster connection

Direct flight

Connections

Direct flight

Healthcare

Hospital

Tourist presence

Nightlife under 30

Nightlife over 30

Beaches

Sand, Pebbles

Beach services

Equipped

Beaches for children

Yes

Equipped campsite

Yes

Naturism

No

Points of interest

Ancient Acanthus, Byzantine tower Ouranoupolis, Orthodox monasteries

Activity

Holiday type

Sea and Relax

Visiting Mount Athos is an unforgettable experience that will give you the chance to explore the island’s traditional and spiritual atmosphere, as long as you are a male…. In fact while Ouranoupoli, the island’s main inhabited center, is open to both men and women while in the southern part, where the monastic community lives, only men can access.

You can’t access the religious area on land but only after taking a boat from Ouranoupoli’s port. These boats are checked on a regular basis to make sure people don’t carry forbidden objects and that women aren’t taking part in the trip. All men that want to access the religious area have to ask for the authorization and permission in advance. If you do this you will have the chance to admire the magnificent sacred building. In the meantime the women that have remained in Ouranoupoli can take part in a boat tour around the peninsula or go trekking in Mount Athos.

The city of Ouranoupoli

In the last few years many tourists have started visiting this peninsula to visit the monasteries and religious center and have increased tourism by quite a bit. In fact in Ouranoupoli you will find a very touristic atmosphere with many souvenir shops that sell homemade shops, jewelry and fresh coffee. This is a strong contrast between the religious area and the part of the peninsula where both men and women can access. In any case you will almost certainly enjoy Ouranoupoli.

Why choose Mount Athos

If you decide to visit Mount Athos remember that only men can access it and before going there you will have to get all the permissions and authorizations from the Office of pilgrimages of Mount Athos in Thessaloniki. Kids underage must be accompanied by their father or by someone responsible of them. Since some of the paths are completely covered by vegetation and narrow areas we recommend you wear solid and resistant shoes besides taking plenty of water and food with you. Remember to dress respectable clothing and once there try not to take pictures and disturb the quiet and piece of the monks that spend their days praying in the monastery.

How to get the pass to enter Mount Athos

Everyone, orthodox or not, can visit Mount Athos, and a pass called "Diamonitirion" is issued to access. We recommend booking six months in advance. You can request by fax, email or telephone: remember to attach a copy of your passport to the request. remember to include the port you will leave from (Ouranoupolis from the west or Lerissos to the east). Within a couple of weeks you will receive an answer with further instructions. All reservations must be confirmed by phone two weeks before the scheduled visit. (so call before you go).

These are the contacts:

Telephone: + 30-2310-252575

Telephone contact for foreign tourists: + 30-2310-252578

Fax: + 30- 2310-222424

E-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.