Mount Athos is a self-governing monastic state with more than a thousand years of history, and you can only enter with a special permit, the diamonitirion. The process confuses many first-timers, but it's straightforward once you know the steps. Entry is for men only.
What the diamonitirion is
It's the official permit to enter and stay on the Athos peninsula. Without it you can't go ashore. Places are limited, especially for non-Orthodox visitors, who are allowed in only in small numbers each day, so book early.
Step 1: book
Book with the Mount Athos Pilgrims' Office in Thessaloniki (+30 2310 252578). You'll need your passport or ID details and the date you want to enter. For summer and major religious holidays, book as early as you can. At other times of year, a few weeks is usually enough.
Step 2: arrange your nights in the monasteries
The diamonitirion doesn't include a bed in a monastery. Contact each monastery where you want to stay in advance. The monasteries are far apart on foot or by vehicle, so plan your route before you go.
Step 3: pick it up in Ouranoupoli
On the morning you enter, collect the diamonitirion from the Pilgrims' Office in Ouranoupoli, bringing your passport or ID. It costs about €25–30. It's best to spend the night before in Ouranoupoli, as the boat leaves early.
Step 4: the boat
From Ouranoupoli the boat sails to Dafni, the port of Mount Athos, in about two hours, calling at monasteries on the west coast. From Dafni a bus climbs to Karyes, the administrative centre. Timetables change, so check them before you go.
How long you can stay
The standard diamonitirion is valid for four days and three nights. For an extension, ask the Holy Epistasia in Karyes.
What to bring
- Cash: don't count on cards or ATMs.
- Clothing: long trousers and sleeves, no shorts or sleeveless tops.
- Walking shoes: many routes are done on foot.
- A torch for the early-morning services, plus your toiletries.
- The passport or ID you gave when booking.
Rules
- Don't take photos inside the churches, and ask before photographing monks.
- Follow the monastery's daily routine: services start before dawn and meals are at set times.
- Hospitality in the monasteries is free.
- Minors need special permission. Ask the Pilgrims' Office.
If you can't go ashore: the cruise
Women may not enter Mount Athos. For them, and for anyone without a diamonitirion, cruises from Ouranoupoli and other harbours in the area sail past the monasteries, keeping their distance from the shore. No permit is needed.
When to go
May and September bring mild weather for walking. August is very hot, and around the major religious holidays places run out quickly.