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Mount Athos (aka the Holy Mountain) is a monastic republic that dominates the Athos Peninsula of the Halkidiki region of northern Greece. Even though legally considered part of the European Union, The Monastic State of the Holy Mountain and the Athonite Institutions operates independently – much like the Vatican in Italy. Mount Athos contains about 20 monasteries and is strictly a male-only destination; women have not been allowed inside the republic (or within 500 meters of the coast) for over 1,000 years.
For guests visiting the republic, the usual plan involves spending 2-4 days walking between monasteries, spending one night at each location. Lodging and meals are provided free of charge (though donations are accepted), and arrangements must be secured well in advance. Mount Athos is not intended as a holiday destination and should not be viewed as such. It serves as a place for spiritual pilgrimage, and visitors will gain the most from the experience if that principle is consciously followed. Time on Mount Athos is generally spent traversing what is essentially one vast ecclesiastical nature preserve; contemplating, focusing on spiritual matters, and possibly reading; all while adhering to an early schedule to dine and interact with the monks.
Visiting Mount Athos
Preparation, Arrival, and Departure
- Visiting Mount Athos is an efficiently run operation managed like a monastic business; men wanting to visit Mount Athos should plan well in advance, as only ten permits are issued daily for non-Orthodox and foreign visitors, and 100 for Greeks and Greek Orthodox visitors).
- Commence planning no less than six months in advance. Contact the Mount Athos Pilgrims’ Bureau in Thessaloniki (+30 231 025 2578, [email protected]) to acquire a visitor’s permit. A permit costs 30 Euros. You will need to apply and pay beforehand, and the permit is collected at the Pilgrims’ Office’s Ouranoupolis branch. Then devise your walking itinerary and book your bed at the monasteries of your choice. Permits are issued for four-day (three night) stays, but these can be extended to a further two nights after arrival and registration in Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos. Monastery contact particulars are on the Mount Athos Center and Friends of Mount Athos websites.
- Getting to Ouranoupoli: There are twice daily buses that transport passengers to Ouranoupoli from Thessaloniki, and tickets can be purchased in advance online.
- Upon Arrival in Ouranoupoli: The best approach involves reaching Ouranoupoli the preceding day and spending the night to have a full day planned for the journey to the religious sites. In the morning, pick up the entry pass (diamonitirion) at the local Pilgrims’ Bureau sub-branch in town (+30 237 707 1422), and board a boat for Mount Athos. Vessels depart at 08:00, 09:45 and 11:45, and tickets can be purchased near the jetty on the waterfront. Upon arriving at Mount Athos, all visitors must initially register at the office in Karyes, accessed via bus from the coastal town of Dafni. Those intending to visit more southern monasteries will take a boat departing from Dafni to continue southward. The return boat from Dafni to Ouranoupoli leaves at 12:00.
- Top Hotels in Ouranoupoli:Akrathos Beach Hotel – Eagles Villas – Hotel Filoxenia – Pension Antonakis.
Conduct at Mount Athos
Common sense should prevail, but there are some basic rules. Visitor’s permits can be revoked at any time for unacceptable behavior.
- Dress modestly and practically, in much the similar way as you would around your own place of worship.
- Produce portraits and constructions of places, but avoid visages or replicas of real amenities directly – and only image monks with permission. Recording video is strictly prohibited.
- Be willing to rise for early morning services if suggested, and follow the rhythm of the monastery when it comes to meals and activities.
- When eating with the monks, be aware that you will only have about ten minutes to consume your meal. The head monk will sound a bell once to signal the start of the meal and once again at the end – so eat rapidly; after the second bell all eating is finished.
- Be respectful of others seeking a quiet environment by refraining from loud conversations or using a portable speaker to play music (using headphones is acceptable).
Mount Athos Practicalities
- Keep extra provisions should mealtimes be missed. A well-stocked supermarket is in Karyes.
- Take sturdy footwear with you, as you will be walking rugged terrain.
- Use sun block and wear a hat; the weather at Mount Athos can be hot and humid.
- Your phone will function adequately (monks use them), but you will need to use your own mobile data if you want to access the Internet.
- Alcohol brought to the monastery is typically gifted to the kitchen worker to be shared among meals.
- Don’t rush to complete every activity or schedule too many things in your itinerary. Taking a slow and thoughtful pace will improve your experience. You can always plan a return visit.
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