Athos, the peak of Mount Athos
Athos, the impressive summit of the Mount Athos peninsula in Chalkidiki, rises to 2,033 meters. The mountain stretches between the gulfs of Ierissos to the east and of Singitic to the west.
The climbing in Mount Athos
Although Athos is not among the highest mountains in Greece, ascending to its peak is considered particularly challenging. This is because climbers must traverse the entire elevation from sea level to the summit.
Additionally, those chlimbers who are wishing to spend the night at the peak, must be well-prepared with sleeping bags, food, water, and other essentials, as there is no shelter available for accommodation.
Despite the challenges, the climb rewards those who undertake it. The landscape is characterized by lush vegetation, including chestnut and oak trees and numerous small springs, composing a mesmerizing setting.
Hiking on the Mount Athos peninsula
Hiking on the Athos peninsula offers a unique experience, especially for nature and trekking enthusiasts. It combines the tranquility of the natural environment with the spiritual uplift and well-being provided by the breathtaking landscapes of Mount Athos.
The absolute silence, coupled with the awe-inspiring monasteries, sketes, and hermit cells encountered along the way, creates a unique atmosphere. As described in the book Athos – Beauty and Grace:
«Beauty and grace are to be found all over Greece, especially on the Athonite peninsula, the Holy Mountain, also known as “Garden of the Most Holy Virgin”, where on every single rock and cave, cobblestone path and passage, peak and valley, shore and torrent, spiritual wayfarers have for centuries now left their holy traces praying, supplicating and glorifying the World of God, who devises all things. »
Find the book here: Athos – Beauty and Grace
Hiking Trails to the 20 Monasteries of Mount Athos
Below is a list of hiking routes and paths leading to the 20 monasteries of Mount Athos, along with their respective distance and estimated completion time. All starting points are from Karyes, the capital of Mount Athos.
- From Karyes to Great Lavra Monastery: distance 35 km duration about 7:00 hours
- From Karyes to Vatopedi Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours
- From Karyes to Iviron Monastery: distance 7.5 km duration about 1:30 hours
- From Karyes to Hilandar Monastery: distance 30 km duration about 6:00 hours
- From Karyes to Dionysiou Monastery: distance 20 km duration about 4:00 hours
- From Karyes to Koutloumousiou Monastery: distance 1 km duration about 10 minutes
- From Karyes to Pantokrator Monastery: distance 7.5 km duration about 1:30 hours
- From Karyes to Xeropotamou Monastery: distance 10 km duration about 2:00 hours
- From Karyes to Zographou Monastery: distance 18 km duration about 3:30 hours
- From Karyes to Dochiariou Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:30 hours
- From Karyes to Karakallou Monastery: distance 17 km duration about 3:30 hours
- From Karyes to Philotheou Monastery: distance 12 km duration about 2:30 hours
- From Karyes to Simonopetra Monastery: distance 18 km duration about 3:30 hours
- From Karyes to St. Paul’s Monastery: distance 25 km duration about 5:00 hours
- From Karyes to Stavronikita Monastery: distance 5 km duration about 1:00 hour
- From Karyes to Xenophontos Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours
- From Karyes to Gregoriou Monastery: distance 20 km duration about 4:00 hours
- From Karyes to Esphigmenou Monastery: distance 25 km duration about 5:00 hours
- From Karyes to St. Panteleimon Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours
- From Karyes to Konstamonitou Monastery: distance 15 km duration about 3:00 hours
Intermediate hiking trails on Mount Athos
Additional, you can see the intermediate routes and distances in the Garden of the Virgin Mary, calculated in km and duration from Karyes to the Vigla region of Mount Athos.
- Karyes to Dafni (Central Port): distance 12 km duration about 3:30 hours
- Dafni to Simonopetra Monastery: distance 7.5 km duration about 2:00 hours
- Simonopetra Monastery to Gregoriou Monastery: distance 2.5 km duration about 30 minutes
- Gregoriou Monastery to Dionysiou Monastery: distance 5 km duration about 1:15 hours
- Dionysiou Monastery to St. Paul’s Monastery: distance 3 km duration about 45 minutes
- St. Paul’s Monastery to New Skete Nativity of the Theotokos: distance 2.5 km duration about 30 minutes
- New Skete to St. Anne Skete: distance 3 km duration about 40 minutes
- Skete of St. Anne to St. Anne Skete: distance 3 km duration about 40 minutes
- Skete of St. Anne to Kerasia: distance 5 km duration about 2:30 hours
- Kerasia to Panagia (Path to the Summit): distance 3.2 km duration about 3:00 hours
- Panagia to Athos Summit: distance 1.5 km duration about 1:20 hours
- Kerasia to Kavsokalyvia: distance 1.5 km duration about 1:30 hours
To ensure a successful journey through these trails, the use of a detailed and up-to-date map is essential, especially in areas where mobile network coverage is limited or unavailable.
Map is an invaluable tool for effective navigation and proper planning of the route. Below are some examples of maps that are fully updated and particularly practical for use.
Map of Mount Athos
Detailed hiking map of Mount Athos, which includes information about distances, routes, useful contacts and emergency contacts. Also, it includes estimated travel times for each route, based on the traditional Athonite walking pace.
Find here: Map of Mount Athos
Hiking Map of Mount Athos - Detailed
Waterproof hiking map that includes the routes of Mount Athos and is compatible with GPS devices. It is made from durable material that makes it strong and suitable for demanding/challenging conditions/cases of use.
Find here: Hiking Map of Mount Athos - Detailed - available in English, Russian, Greek
Trekking Map of Mount Athos
Trekking map of Mount Athos, crafted from waterproof and highly durable material, designed to withstand harsh conditions without easily wearing out. It is compatible with GPS devices and provides invaluable information about the trails and monasteries of Mount Athos.
Find here: Trekking Map of Mount Athos
The hiking and climbing experiences on Mount Athos are unique experiences because they combine the natural beauty of enchanting landscapes and a profound connection to Greece's rich culture and tradition. It is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on every visitor.
