About Mount Athos
Mount Athos has been, since the end of the 10th century, the most important center of Orthodox monasticism and one of the top world heritage sites.
It occupies the third peninsula of Halkidiki, protruding 45 km into the Aegean sea at a width of 5-10 km, and it derives its name from the homonymous peak (Mount Athos 2,033 meters ) of the mountain which dominates this rocky strip of land.
Visiting Mount Athos
Any Greek or foreign Orthodox Christian who wishes to visit Mount Athos must first get in touch with the Pilgrim Bureau in Thessaloniki (tel. (++30) 2310 833 733) or Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki (tel. (++30) 23770 71 423) in order to obtain the Diamoneterion (visitation permit) which is valid for four calendar days.
Foreigners of other religious affiliations must apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate of Churches, 2, Zalokosta St, Athens, (tel. (++30) 210 362 6894) or the Ministry of Macedonia and Thrace, Directorate of Political Affairs, Plateia Diikitiriou, Thessaloniki, (tel. (++30) 2310 270 092) in order to obtain an entry permit for Mount Athos.