The “Orchard of the Virgin” as Mount Athos is known, for centuries has been a refuge for monks and believers. It is a unique place of prayer and worship to God, which offers visitors deep emotions, life experiences and the opportunity to get to know the lonely spirit of Mount Athos. The monastic community of Mount Athos includes twenty monasteries that house Byzantine treasures and a variety of classical and medieval manuscripts.
The monastic state of Mount Athos, located on the Mount Athos Peninsula, an extension of the geological formation of the Rhodopes, has a special natural environment. Steep slopes of the ground, strong landscapes, wild and unpretentious beauty. A kind of physical insulation and … isolation that composes the undoubted “magic of Mount Athos”. But here the contrasts prevail, since the crystal clear waters, the fresh air, the rich flora and fauna adorn and calm the landscape. This feast of contrasts can be enjoyed by the visitor, making it around the Mountain, still having the opportunity to get to know the wonderful nearby locations of Ierissos and the exotic Ammouliani, enjoying their clear blue waters.
White Tower
8:00 a.m.
We start early in the morning and prepare for our excursion to historic Mount Athos. We depart from the center of Thessaloniki and guided by Mr. Iakovos and head to Ouranoupolis. Our destination is 150 km away and the duration of our trip is about two and a half hours.
During the route we meet the lakes, Volvi and Koronia, two important wetlands of our prefecture. Later, we pass outside the village of Stagira, which is a remarkable destination, since it is the birthplace of the great philosopher of Antiquity, Aristotle, who was a teacher of Alexander the Great.
Arriving, we walk to the port of the beautiful village, from where we will take the ferry. As we wait, we observe and admire the tower of Ouranoupolis, a historic Byzantine building, which is a trademark of the region. From there, the port of Ouranoupolis, the cruise begins and in front of us unfolds a unique combination of crystal clear waters and dense vegetation. If we are lucky, we can see pods of dolphins playing in the water and accompanying us on the journey. The only sure thing is that we will have the opportunity to admire the imposing and impressive volumes of the monasteries, which are in complete harmony with the mysterious climate and the natural environment, which causes awe to anyone who sees them.
Then, after the cruise is over, we will tour the village and have lunch at a beach restaurant. We will taste the unique local flavors, with the fresh fish and the aromas of the Mediterranean. Together we will learn a lot of interesting information, we will discuss and get to know the History of Mount Athos. A long course inextricably linked to the History of Christianity.
Once we finish our meal, we will head to our bus, taking the way back to Thessaloniki.
