Mount Athos! Half Day Cruise Departure from Ouranoupolis

Every Monday and Saturday

Duration 3 ½ hours / Starting 10:15 am – Ending 13:45 pm

Sometimes referred to as Mount Athos, the name of the 2033m mountain close to the southern tip of the peninsula, the “Holy Mountain” has had the status of an autonomous state for over 1,000 years. Famous for its ancient monasteries, the first of which was built in 963, Athos is the most difficult section of Halkidiki to visit. All females, including female animals, are forbidden to pass beyond Ouranoupolis village into the monks’ territory.

Men who wish to visit must apply for a permit up to 6 months in advance, allowing them to visit no longer than 4 days. To this day 1.700 monks still live under strict rules on the Holy Mountain, with no woman ever being allowed to set foot there.

The cruise will give you the only chance to see this magnificent and holy place! Cruising along the west coast you are given the opportunity to view and photograph Europe’s most unique Monks republic with its impressive Byzantine Monasteries.

Don’t forget that you will also be lucky enough to enjoy the picturesque village of Ouranoupolis!! An independent state in the midst of Greece is waiting for you to visit!!!

Indicative Timetable:

10:15  Board to the Ship

10:30  Start of cruise

10:45  Guided cruise and watch the Monasteries of: Zografou/Konstamonitou/Dohiariou/Xenofontos/Panteleimon/Simonos Petra/Grigoriou/St Paul/St Annas Skiti

13:45  Return to Ouranoupoli Village