Making the most of Mount Athos
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Mount Athos is a tender port.
Most people reach the small port of Dafni, then use the mountain's only paved road to Karyes, the capital, or continue by a smaller boat to monasteries farther down the coast. A public bus runs between Dafni and Karyes, while expensive monk-operated taxis can be hired in both places. These are all-wheel-drive vehicles because most mountain roads are unpaved. Visitors heading to monasteries on the western side often remain on the ship until they can disembark at the monastery they want to see.
Video is available.
Daily visitor numbers to Mount Athos are limited and everyone needs a special entrance permit valid for a restricted period. Only males may enter the territory, which the monks call the "Garden of Virgin Mary"; Orthodox Christians receive priority in permit procedures. Peninsula residents must be male, aged 18 or over, members of the Eastern Orthodox Church, and either monks or workers.
Getting around
A cruise-organised excursion is the best option.
Money
The currency is the Euro.