Day 1 in Ouranoupolis - Mount Athos

Welcome to Ouranoupolis - Mount Athos, located in the region of Halkidiki in northern Greece (part of Central Macedonia). Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Make your transfer to your destination, arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do.

The area of Halkidiki itself is a peninsula, beginning on the mainland near Thessaloniki, Greece`s second largest city. It continues southward to form three sub-peninsulas, or `legs` as the locals refer to it. Thought to resemble Poseidon`s trident, the three legs of Halkidi are Kassandra, Sithonia, and Athos.

Ouranoupoli, Halkidiki, is the last border before entering Mount Athos (that is if you are a man, as no woman or children are allowed to set foot in the area). Believed to be the `gateway to heaven` and the border between the human and the divine, Ouranoupolis is as far as female visitors (and male visitors without advance permission) can go on land.

Ouranoupolis is a beautiful town built on the shores of the Singitic Bay on the site of an ancient city of the same name. Once you’re here, spend some time exploring the tower of Prosphorius, made of stone and dating from 1344 which is kept in very good condition; it`s the largest tower of Halkidiki. Due to its privileged position, since Prosforios is located next to the harbor, you`ll also find many taverns and cafes in the area to stop in for lunch. And make sure to try the tasty dish of the town which consists of baked mussels covered with a delicious tomato sauce and various herbs and spices, it`s delicious!

Spend the rest of your day enjoying the many beautiful golden sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. There are small sandy coves and larger beaches, the larger beaches can be found stretching along the Northwest, along the 5-mile strip towards Tripiti. All are safe for swimming. Sunbeds and parasols are available towards the Ouranoplis end of the Tripiti strip.

During the daytime the popular activities in Ouranopolis are relaxing on the beach and water activities, including windsurfing and water-skiing. Most of this area is limited to the beaches and beach activities.

As night falls, enjoy the restaurants located at the harbor or on the street behind it.

Day 2 in Ouranoupolis - Mount Athos

If you are male, spend today visiting Mount Athos (Holy Mountain) a once-in-a-lifetime experience! It is the oldest surviving monastic community in the world. It dates back more than a thousand years, to Byzantine times. It is a unique monastic republic, which, although part of Greece, it is governed by its own local administration.

From Ouranoupolis, there is a boat that sails to the eastern side and stops over at the monasteries of: Dohiarion, Xenofon, Panteleimon, Gregorion, Dionysios, and Saint Paul. For the rest of the monasteries, visitors will have to go to the port of Daphne (2 hours by boat) and from there to Karyes (1/2 hour by bus).

Mount Athos occupies the best part of the Athos peninsula in Halkidiki. It consists of a range which runs south-east for thirty miles from Xerxes. It is a rugged, sea-battered peninsula 38 miles long. The imposing marble summit of Athos itself, 6,689-ft. high, stands with grey-white crystalline limestone. Its snow-capped peak is usually crowned by white clouds, an awesome sight to see.

This peninsula is home to a group of Orthodox Christian monks whose humble lifestyle means no meat and complete celibacy. Today, over 2,000 monks from Greece and many other countries, including Eastern Orthodox countries live an ascentic life in Athos, isolated from the rest of the world. It features a simple monastic life, not tourist-filled monumental buildings, and is the ultimate locale in which to completely escape from modern life and reflect on your needs. The monks, mostly Greek, spend about six hours in church daily. They rise six hours after sunset for morning prayers, summoned by a monk banging a semantran (a wood hammer on wood board) echoing the way Noah was said to have beckoned all living creatures into the ark.

After a morning meal, the monks work - gardening, cooking, painting icons, until it is time for vespers before sunset, the evening meal and bed. Even while working, most pray, their lips constantly moving with the refrain, `Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.`

At the present time, there are 20 monasteries still active on Mount Athos. They form the administrative backbone of the community. Apart from the large monasteries, a number of smaller monastic structures also exist. These are the Sketes, the Cells, The Huts, the Seats and the Hermitages. The Sketes and the Cells also provide a monastic life. In the Huts, the Seats and the Hemitages of monks is smaller and the conditions of living much harsher. The people there usually feed on what the earth around them can offer and their `homes` are usually caves and rocks over the cliffs of the sea. These remote places are sheltered by a nearby monastery. A monk before retreating to this reclusive way of life has to obtain the permission, the blessing of the prior monk of the monastery.

The 20 monasteries are divided in five groups of four monasteries each. The monasteries have a hierarchy that goes back in time, according to their history, wealth and privileges obtained by the byzantine emperors. To get from one monastery to another, there are local buses and also local taxis. You will also find minivans with capacity of 10-12 people that can bring visitors to all the destinations. It is possible to walk from monastery to monastery. The longest walk is from Agia Anna to Great Lavra (6-7 hours). Many of the ancient footpaths are still clear but from time to time it will be necessary to walk on the roads.

An alternative way to experience Mount Athos (and for women and children) is by taking a cruise, a fabulous opportunity to feel the spiritual aura of this sacred place and admire the magnificent architecture of the Byzantine monasteries along with the majestic landscape surrounding them.

Even if you aren`t so interested in the spiritual significance of this mysterious and miraculous place (the center of Orthodoxy for centuries), you should at least allow yourself enjoy a unique view of the monasteries which are built on a beautiful virgin landscape and have been facing the Aegean Sea for over ten centuries. The cruises are typically around 20 to 25 Euros and last about 3 hours. Tickets can be purchased from the boat captain right on the pier.

After the sightseeing cruise, enjoy a waterfront dinner of seafood of the highest quality.

Additional Days in Ouranoupolis - Mount Athos

Should you be able to spend additional days in Ouranoupolis-Mount Athos we recommend continuing your exploration of the Halkidiki area and the other peninsulas. Kassandra, the westernmost peninsula is the most developed and is home to an array of resorts and nightclubs. This is where many tourists go to have a good time. Some highlights of Kassandra: Nea Moudania, the 2nd largest city of Halkidiki that, located at the start of the Peninsula; Pefkohori, the most happening spot on the Kassandra where you`ll find streets lined with beach resorts and holiday rentals; and Afytos, a charming village tucked away in Halkidiki.

You may also want to spend time on the peninsula of Sithonia, a more rugged and laid back vibe. Many of the beaches lead out to calm, crystal blue waters of protected bays, and are backed by lush, dark green vegetation.

Your Last Day in Ouranoupolis - Mount Athos