The holy Mount Athos sticks out as a pyramid at the end of the eastern Finger of the Chalkidike, the autonomous region of the orthodox "Monch`s Republic". Watch the sunrise on mount Athos which casts a triangel into the morning skies. For us it was one of the most spectacular landscapes you may look at. It´s Access is limited and Needs a time ahead planing since only 150 pilgrims (only 10 of them non-orthodox) are allowed to acces the Mount Athos territory. We applied 6 month before arrival for our visa, the diamenitirion. Once the you completely rely on the hostipality of the monchs, which is offered to you free of charge. Well behavior and Integration into the monch´s life, saying no alkohol, calmness, respect, participation at the prayers is exspected as an implicitness.Thus you are invited into the humble and spiritual live of the monchs. Simple food is offered at the mealtime of the monchs. No stores, Kiosks or food stores are available on the whole peninsula. In the case you do not want to run into unexspected fasten, bring extra food for yourself. You can Access Mount Athos directly by taking the daily ferry from Daphni to Skiti Anna or do a lenghtly trip along the coastline with overnight stay in specacular monasteries with 1000 year old frescs to be looked at in their churches.
To ascent the Mount Athos it is recommended to hike up to skiti Panhagia 600 meters below the mountain and spend the time there till early morning.
