Visit Requirements

The Monasteries

The Seclusion of Mount Athos

Mount Athos is primarily a place of solitude, prayer and contemplation. The Monks of Mount Athos would like to think that visitors are there as pilgrims to pray with them rather than as tourists. To protect Mount Athos from hordes of tourists who may detract from the prayer and contemplation they have introduced certain rules which are administered by the Mount Athos Pilgrim’s Bureau.

Women are not permitted to enter Mount Athos at any time. Each visitor is permitted to stay for 4 days and traditionally accommodation and food is offered free by the monks.

Procedure for Visitors

1. Intending visitors should initially contact (telephone) the Pilgrim’s Bureau to reserve a place for the day they intend to visit. It is advisable that this is done as early as possible but not more than six months in advance.

2. Once a place has been reserved you need to sent (by post) a copy of your passport showing your photograph and name. Within two weeks you will receive a letter confirming your reservation.

3. It IS important that you telephone the Bureau approximately two weeks before your visit to confirm that you are able to travel.

4. Once you have completed the above formalities you are ready to travel to Ouranoupolis which is the usual port of entry.

5. In the morning of your visit you need to walk to the Pilgrim’s Bureau, situated at the entrance to the village of Ouranoupolis, where on showing your passport and other documentation you will be issued with a permit to visit Mount Athos (Diamonitirio). Walk along the promenade towards the jetty where next to the restaurant before the tower you will find the shipping office where you need to obtain tickets for the sea voyage. Then on to the jetty for boarding in time for the 9.45 departure.

6. It is expected that the way pilgrims are dressed should be respectful and appropriate. Outlandish garments and exuberant hairstyles are frowned upon. Shorts and cropped trousers are not considered appropriate to a pilgrimage and those who turn up at the jetty in Ouranoupolis dressed in shorts will be prevented from boarding.   

Reservations at monasteries

Most monasteries require a prior reservation if you intend to stay the night there. It is advisable to either phone or fax them with your request. For their contact details see above. You may find this Reservation Form courtesy of The Friends of Mount Athos very useful since it is written in Greek and English and can be faxed to every monastery that you intend to stay overnight.

Travel Information