Mount Athos (Agion Oros) Guide

Mount Athos, known in Greek as Agion Oros (“Holy Mountain”), is an autonomous monastic state in northern Greece on the Chalkidiki peninsula. It includes twenty ruling Orthodox monasteries, together with sketes, cells, and hermitages. This page collects practical information for visitors: how to obtain the Diamonitirion (entry permit), how to arrive, where to stay, and basic rules of entry.

1. How to Visit Mount Athos

Access to Mount Athos is restricted. A special permit called the Diamonitirion is required. Visitors should arrange the permit through the Pilgrims’ Bureau in advance and plan travel via the Athos ports.

See also:
Mount Athos Telephone–Fax–Email Directory.

How to Reach Mount Athos

• Most visitors travel via Ouranoupolis (for western monasteries) or Ierissos (for eastern monasteries).
• Boats depart for Daphne, the main port of entry to Mount Athos.
• From Daphne, transport continues to Karyes, the administrative center of the Holy Mountain.

2. The Diamonitirion (Entry Permit)

The Diamonitirion functions as the official entry permit for Mount Athos and typically allows a short stay. Visitors should confirm current procedures, required identification documents, and available entry dates when applying.

Where to Obtain the Diamonitirion

• Thessaloniki (Pilgrims’ Office): confirm current address and telephone before travel.
• Ouranoupolis (Pilgrims’ Bureau): confirm current telephone and opening hours before arrival.

Documents Commonly Required

• Passport or national ID
• Religious affiliation (Orthodox / non-Orthodox), if requested
• Intended date of entry and approximate itinerary

3. Visiting the Monasteries

Mount Athos has twenty ruling monasteries with a long-established order and administration. Pilgrims often begin with a small number of monasteries and proceed by boat and footpaths depending on weather, transport schedules, and monastery hospitality.

• Contact list of monasteries and sketes
• Athos Forum contents and studies

Accommodation

Many monasteries can host pilgrims overnight. In most cases you must contact the monastery in advance. Guests are expected to follow monastery rules, attend services as appropriate, and observe Athonite customs of dress and conduct.

4. Rules of Entry (Avaton)

Mount Athos maintains the Avaton, a traditional rule restricting entry. Visitors should understand and respect the Athonite legal and spiritual framework governing access, conduct, and photography.

5. Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mount Athos?

Mount Athos is an autonomous monastic territory within Greece, governed by its monastic administration and under the spiritual jurisdiction of the Ecumenical Patriarchate of Constantinople.

How do I get to Mount Athos?

Travel to Ouranoupolis or Ierissos and continue by boat to the Athonite ports. Access is regulated and requires the Diamonitirion.

Can non-Orthodox visitors enter?

Non-Orthodox visitors may be admitted in limited numbers, subject to the rules and procedures in force at the time of application.

Can I take photographs?

Photography rules vary by location and monastery. Always ask permission before photographing churches, icons, monks, or services.

6. Selected External Resources

• Mount Athos Digital Ark
• UNESCO World Heritage: Mount Athos
• VisitMountAthos.eu
• Mount-Athos.org
• Agioritiki Estia