Located in Northeastern Greece, Mount Athos is the northernmost of the three peninsulas of Chalkidiki, jutting into the Aegean Sea. It is a unique destination in Greece, a place of exceptional natural beauty and the most important monastic community of the Greek Orthodox Church. Continuously inhabited since 1054 AD, Mount Athos was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. Also known as the “Holy Mountain” (Agion Oros in Greek), it is home to 20 monasteries, 12 sketes, and about 700 houses, cells, or hermitages. Today, over 2,000 monks from Greece and many other Eastern Orthodox countries live there, either in communities or alone, including in the ‘desert’ of Karoulia, where cells cling to cliffs rising steeply above the sea. Although part of the European Union, as it belongs to Greece, Mount Athos enjoys autonomous governance within the Hellenic Republic under the official name Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain.
Agion Oros is rich in cultural treasures. It has the highest concentration of Byzantine and post-Byzantine art in Greece, including monumental paintings, portable icons, illustrated manuscripts, miniature artworks, embroideries, wooden and ceramic artifacts, ecclesiastical utensils, laboratory tools, and furniture. The cultural heritage of Mount Athos extends beyond these remarkable works to its incomparable natural environment—the pristine landscape surrounding the monasteries. These are just a few of the countless places a “religious tourist” can visit.
The greatness and beauty of Athos have been admired by ancient, medieval, and modern writers. Many describe in lyrical detail the wild natural beauty of the eastern Chalkidiki peninsula, which has remained largely unchanged over the centuries due to its isolation and the protective legislation preserving its independence.
Helicopter Charter Services to Agion Oros
Mount Athos can be reached by car from anywhere in Greece, though it is a long journey. The nearest major airport is Thessaloniki International Airport, from where you can drive to Agion Oros.
For those who wish to maximize their holiday time in Greece, helicopter charters are available. Flights from Athens can reach Agion Oros in under 1.5 hours, depending on helicopter type. Helicopters are also available from Mykonos and Santorini, offering a fast and scenic route. Most charters land near Ouranoupoli, the gateway to Mount Athos, from where you may continue by boat or taxi to the monasteries.
Note: Access to Mount Athos is restricted: only men are allowed, and a special permit (diamonitirio) is required to enter the monastic state.