Description
The monastic republic of Athos is located on the third and easternmost finger of the Halkidiki peninsula. The first hermits arrived around 300 AD. They mostly lived alone in caves and dedicated their lives to God. Gradually the whole mountain was populated and in the 9th century the first monastery was founded.
In the 13th century, the heyday of the republic, there were 40 monasteries inhabited by about 40.000 monks. Today there are around 1.500, spread over 20 monasteries, which still live under the same strict rules as then. Without a doubt, Athos is now the "largest Byzantine museum" in the world.
The excursion bus takes you to Ormos Panagias to the ship. Here you set sail. The journey takes you along the west coast of the monastic republic of Mount Athos. You will enjoy an incomparable view of 4 of the 20 monasteries. The Russian-Orthodox monastery Panteimonos, which spreads out like a village on the flat beach, offers a nice motif for your cameras.
You continue sailing through the deep blue water while the crew prepares a short lunch break for you (soutzoukakia with rice, salad and bread). You will then anchor off Diaporos, a small group of islands with turquoise waters and beautiful beaches. Here you have the opportunity to dive, swim, snorkel or relax on deck.
In the afternoon you will return to the port of Ormos Panagias where the bus will be waiting for you.
Excursion organizer: DTS Incoming Hellas SA