Add dates

Mount Athos

Mount Athos: Our most recommended tours and activities

Ouranoupoli: Mount Athos Peninsula Sightseeing Cruise

1. Ouranoupoli: Mount Athos Peninsula Sightseeing Cruise

Board a sightseeing boat cruise and explore the southwest side of the Mount Athos peninsula, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and important center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism. Marvel at the rugged landscape and be amazed by the legacy of those who, over a thousand years ago, managed to construct these spectacular buildings. During the cruise, see 8 monasteries from a close distance from the boat, including the Holy Monastery of Dochiariou, the Holy Monastery of Xiropotamou and the Holy Monastery of Panteleimonos, amongst several others. Learn about the history of these religious sites from the onboard commentary. Discover more about the restrictions on entering this sacred area, as well as more information about the monastic lives of its inhabitants If you are lucky, you may also spot some dolphins throughout the cruise. Enjoy the spectacular natural beauty of the coastline and the Aegean Sea throughout the journey.

Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise with Ammouliani Island visit

2. Mount Athos Glassbottom Cruise with Ammouliani Island visit

Take part in a guided sightseeing cruise around Mount Athos bay in Halkidiki to view the imposing western part of the Holy Mountain Athos in a Glassbottom vessel. On Tuesdays, the tour stops at the center of the village of Ammouliani, while on Thursdays and Sundays, it stops at Alykes beach. After getting the chance to see 6 out of 9 of the local monasteries, take some fantastic photos as your boat passes the gorgeous Drenia islets or Donkey Islands as the locals refer to them.  Explore the majestic island of Ammouliani by stopping there for 1.5 hours where you'll have the opportunity for swimming or to have lunch. 

Ouranoupoli: Mount Athos Sightseeing Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

3. Ouranoupoli: Mount Athos Sightseeing Glass-Bottom Boat Tour

Book a glass-bottom boat tour to Mount Athos and admire the breathtaking view of the monasteries from the water. Enjoy a cruise suitable for women and families who are not allowed to visit Mount Athos for religious reasons. Enjoy a cruise around the imposing western part of the Holy Mountain Athos. Take in views of the breathtaking holy monasteries of Halkidiki and be amazed by the unprecedented natural beauty of the stunning coastline and ocean views on the horizon. Listen to live traditional music when on the boat. Take advantage of the onboard bar, where you can buy food, soft drinks, beer, wine, cocktails, and snacks.

From Thessaloniki: Day Trip with Cruise around Mount Athos

4. From Thessaloniki: Day Trip with Cruise around Mount Athos

Following early morning pick-up from central locations in Thessaloniki, travel by luxury air-conditioned bus to Ormos Panagias in the northeast of the Sithonia Peninsula in Halkidiki. Climb aboard a boat and sail towards the south of the Athos Peninsula, soaring to a maximum altitude of 2,033 meters. Continue north along the western coast and admire the mysterious and miraculous mountain that has been the center of Eastern Orthodox monasticism for centuries.  At the end of an approximately 4-hour cruise, stop in the village of Ouranoupoli. Enjoy some free time to discover the beautiful village at your own pace. Go for a stroll, browse the little shops or eat a traditional meal at one of the best taverns in the village. Return to Ormos Panagias as you are treated to a wonderful program of traditional dances and Greek music. Arrive in Ormos Panagias at around 17:00, where the bus will be waiting to take you back to your hotel in Thessaloniki.

Thessaloniki: Aristotle's Birthplace and Mt. Athos Cruise

5. Thessaloniki: Aristotle's Birthplace and Mt. Athos Cruise

Accompanied by our professional guide the day starts by leaving behind the Thermaic Gulf, passing by the lakes Koronia and Volvi, heading east through the beautiful route of the Castle of Rentina where the tragic poet Euripides left his final breath. Our first point of archaeological interest is the Acropolis of Ancient Stagera, the birthplace of the worldwide known philosopher Aristoteles teacher and mentor of Alexander the Graat. After the guided tour our next stop is the small town of Ouranoupolis where we will have plenty of time to for shopping and lunch before and after our Athos Cruise. Last stop is the Aristoteles Park, here you get the chance to experiment with the original interactive instruments influence by the inventions of Aristoteles. After a full day of impressions, we return back to Thessaloniki,

Other Sightseeing Options in Mount Athos

Want to discover all there is to do in Mount Athos? Click here for a full list.

What people are saying about Mount Athos

Overall rating

4.3 / 5

based on 529 reviews

Very interesting tour, also very entertaining with children. The small cut-out glass floor in the middle of the ship is nice, but you don't see much in this region, so it's not a special attraction. The explanations of the monasteries along the coast are multilingual, although more detailed descriptions are provided only in English, while only a short version is provided in other languages. So always be careful with the English part. You can stay outdoors at the very front of the ship, otherwise everything is indoors and covered. There is also a bar with snacks and drinks at fair prices.

We really enjoyed our trip, seeing different monasteries and spending some time on Ammouliani island (you get about 1,5h to spend here. There is a snackbar on the beach or you can bring some food if your own). Make sure to be on time in the morning so you get a good spot in the boat. Staf is very friendly!

Staff very friendly and helpful. The view it’s something fantastic. One of the best choice to do in holiday. Good music, nice view and close friends. I would recommend

Everything went perfectly, from the booking to the end of the boat tour. The boat is a very nice size. Very informative and relaxed tour.

Professionally organized Good explanations and friendly staff