The most popular among tourists Greek peninsula of Halkidiki is famous not only for its delightful scenery and fantastic beaches, but also one of the most revered places among Orthodox believers from all over the world. Its easternmost part - the peninsula of Mount Athos - is the most real separate state within modern Greece. Here is located the only monastic republic in the world, where the centuries-old Orthodox traditions are strictly observed.
The highest point of the mountain range on the peninsula of Mount Athos is the mountain with the same name. It is one of the highest places in Greece: the height of Mount Athos is 2033 meters. The picturesque flora of the Holy Mountain peninsula, washed by the waters of the Aegean Sea, is complemented by the beauty and grandeur of the age-old monasteries scattered around the mountain range.
Most pilgrims come to Greece just to visit the peninsula of the Holy Mountain Athos. Among them there are always those who want to climb to the top of the mountain. But it is important to know that it is dangerous and difficult to make such a journey alone. The route of ascent to the top is designed for prepared travelers.
The process of preparing for the ascent to the top of Mount Athos is one of the most important points of the entire journey. It is important to consider the weather forecast, to prepare a compass or GPS, a charged cell phone, and to choose the equipment suitable for the ascent and the overnight stay at the summit.
The most comfortable route starts from the Great Lavra and provides overnight stay at the monastery or the Skete of the Honest John the Baptist. If you plan just to make the ascent to the top, the best starting point is St. Anne's or Kleftiko pier. From St. Anne or Kerasia you can make the ascent easier by using donkeys to reach the shelter of the Virgin Mary. The remaining distance will have to be overcome only on foot.
If you ascend on foot you should consider the arrival time of the ferry from Daphne at about 13:30. This will allow you to correctly calculate your strength for the time on the way, because you need to get to the shelter of the Virgin Mary before darkness. Your route around the Holy Mountain will be on the western side, so the beginning of the journey will be complicated by the hot Greek sun shining in the back.
At the Cross, you can stop for the night or continue on to the Holy Mountain. The road goes through a dense chestnut forest, which gradually turns into coniferous. Even higher up, the trees are less and less frequent, and the road comes to the chapel in the shelter of the Virgin Mary. This point is at an altitude of 1,500 meters. Climatic conditions are significantly different from what we are used to, so it is recommended to spend the night here to allow the body to get used to the changes.
In just 2-2.5 hours a zig-zag path will lead you along the southern slope from the shelter of the Virgin Mary to the top of Mount Athos. On the western and northeastern sides are routes exclusively for climbers. You won't need much stuff for this climb, so you can leave most of it in the shelter until your return. One of the most necessary things you should wear now is a windbreaker or waterproof raincoat, as thunderstorms at the top of the mountain are a frequent occurrence. If bad weather does catch you at the top, the best thing to do is to go lower and wait for it to end.
What is at the highest point of the Holy Mountain? First, at an altitude of 1,500 meters, visitors are welcomed by the Church of the Virgin Mary, which has existed here since the XVII century. And at the very top in the distant X century St. Athanasius of Athos built the Temple of Transfiguration. Both temples were not once subjected to destruction as a result of adverse weather conditions, but were always restored. At the highest point of Mount Athos (2033 m) since the end of XIX century there is a huge iron cross.
From the top there is not only a special atmosphere of the peninsula, but also a fantastic view. From here you can see the capital of Mount Athos, Karyes, many monasteries and hermitages of the Holy Mountain, the neighboring peninsulas of Sithonia and Kassandra, the islands of Amouliani, Lemnos and Thassos and even the top of the legendary Mount Olympus.
