About Mount Athos
Mount Athos occupies the easternmost finger of the Chalkidiki peninsula, a wooded ridge ending in a marble peak over 2,000 metres high. Since the founding of the Great Lavra in 963, Orthodox monks from Greece, Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania and Georgia have made it the spiritual heart of Eastern Christianity. Twenty ruling monasteries, along with sketes and hermitages, follow a life of liturgy, fasting and the Jesus Prayer.
Athos is a self-governed part of Greece, and an ancient rule bars women from entering. Men may visit with a diamonitirion permit, staying in monasteries as guests, sharing meals and joining night-long services. Women can view the coast from cruise boats that keep a set distance from shore.
What to see
- Great Lavra Monastery
- Vatopedi and its Byzantine treasures
- Simonopetra perched on a cliff
- Karyes and the Protaton church
- Climb to the summit of Athos
Visiting Mount Athos: practical guide
- Best time
- April to June and September to October
- Hours
- Monasteries follow monastic schedules; gates close at sunset
- Entry
- Diamonitirion permit about 25 to 30 EUR for Orthodox, more for others
- Dress code
- Long trousers and sleeves; modest behavior
- Nearest airport
- Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), 140 km to Ouranoupoli
Tips from experienced pilgrims
- Apply for the permit months ahead through the Pilgrims' Bureau in Thessaloniki
- Reserve beds with each monastery directly
- Boats leave from Ouranoupoli
Festivals and special days
- Dormition of the Theotokos (15 August)
- Monastery patronal feasts with all-night vigils
Etiquette for visitors
Guidance drawn from Christianity tradition. Always follow signs and local custodians.
- Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches, cathedrals and monasteries.
- Men usually remove hats indoors, while some Orthodox churches ask women to cover their hair.
- Avoid sightseeing in the main aisle during Mass or services.
- Check whether photography and flash are allowed before taking pictures.
- Keep your voice low and switch phones to silent.
- Only receive Communion if you understand and follow that church's rules.
Location map
Open in OpenStreetMap · Get directions
Frequently asked questions
Where is Mount Athos?
Mount Athos is in Karyes, Mount Athos (autonomous monastic state), Greece, Europe. GPS coordinates: 40.1573, 24.3264. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), 140 km to Ouranoupoli.
What is the best time to visit Mount Athos?
April to June and September to October
Is there an entry fee for Mount Athos?
Diamonitirion permit about 25 to 30 EUR for Orthodox, more for others Opening hours: Monasteries follow monastic schedules; gates close at sunset
What should I wear when visiting Mount Athos?
Long trousers and sleeves; modest behavior
Which religion is Mount Athos sacred to?
Mount Athos is sacred to Christianity. Active place of worship. It is part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
