This time our trekking visit to Mount Athos (Agio(n) Oros in Greek) started from the east side, getting off the boat by Pantokratoros Monastery (you can see photos from a previous visit, here). We continued on the path by the seaside to the Stavronikita Monastery, one of the most beautiful and favourite ones. This time we continued to Iviron Monastery but spending a night there is always a must. Staying on the same path with some impressive views from the cliffs hanging above the sea, we reach Iviron Monastery, a huge, impressive building with attractive surrounding gardens. Continuing on the main road, we take the short path going up to Karakalou Monastery, our stop for the first night. On the second day, we started towards Filotheou Monastery, through a colourful path inside a dense forest and then we took the forest roads up to the highest part in the middle of Mount Athos before our decent to the west side. One big turn to the main road of the west side and suddenly we are in front of the mighty Simonopetra Monastery, a breathtaking view no matter how many times you see it. We go on the west side path again on the cliff above sea and we reach Grigoriou Monastery, our shelter for the second night. After an excellent fish dish on Sunday morning, we take a short walk around Grigoriou waiting for the main boat, which takes us out to Ouranoupoli.
The Holy Monastery of Pantokratoras on the east side of Agio Oros (Mount Athos) lying by the sea between Vatopedi and Stavronikita Monasteries.The Holy Monastery of Stavronikita is one of the most beautiful monasteries on Agio Oros. It is among the few ones without electricity and accepts less than 15 visitors each day assuring a quiet and spiritual experience.On the scenic path to Iviron Monastery following the cliff by the seaside. Stavronikita in the background.Iviron is an impressive, large Monastery with beautiful gardens and buildings in the backyard.Inside Iviron Monastery.Monk, fishing near Mylopotapos area.Mylopotamos area, where the famous red Mount Athos wine is made.The Holy Monastery of Karakalou just before sunset, overlooking the east seaside, approachable by a nice path 30′ uphill.Road after Filotheou Monastery on the way to Simonopetra. There is a complex network of forest roads but most of the crossing are well-signed.Path on the way down to Simonopetra Monastery. Autumn is a nice season for visiting Mount Athos; the weather can still be good, while forests become colourful.Path on the way to Simonopetra Monastery. The old stones, lying there for centuries can be seen. Paths used to be the main transportation means, till some decades ago.The mighty Simonopetra Monastery, the most impressive building on Mount Athos (Agios Oros). 330m above sea built on a single huge rock.Simonopetra as seen from the path to Grigoriou Monastery.Sign on the path to Simonopetra.The path leading to Grigoriou Monastery.Grigoriou Monastery hanging above the sea.Monk going up to Grigoriou Monastery.Grigoriou Monastery just after sunset.Buildings outside Grigoriou Monastery.Grigoriou Monastery from above.Grigoriou Monastery overlooking the second peninsula of Chalkidiki (Sithonia).St. Paul Monastery at the lower end of the west side. It is the last main monastery before the rocky south side of the peninsula.The impressive Panteleimonos (Russian) Monastery on the way back to Ouranoupoli.Gull on the way back to Ouranoupoli, the main entrance port to Mount Athos.Feeding gulls is a common habit on the big boat entering or exiting Mount Athos.
