Mount Athos, known as the Holy Mountain, is home to a semiautonomous, all-male monastic community. Mt Athos is the centre of the global Orthodox religion - an area of mysticism, contemplation, and isolation.

The monasteries operate in much the same manner as they have for over 1,000 years. The 1,500 inhabitants of the monasteries keep Byzantine time and they use the Julian calendar. Of the 20 monasteries, 17 are Greek and the other three are Russian, Bulgarian and Serbian.

A maximum of 120 Greek Orthodox and 10 foreign visitors per day are allowed onto this sacred land. However, a decree issued in the mid-11th century prohibits women from entering the world's sole monastic state. Visitors may tour Mt. Athos by using the ancient stonepaved paths that lead from one monastery to another. However they are advised to travel in groups or with a guide, since the dense vegetation has grown over many of the paths and the signposting is poor.

Another traditional way to tour the mountain is by riding a mule. Mules and horses can be hired at Karyes (the capital) and come with drivers who are well acquainted with the routes on the mountains. Apart from visiting the monasteries, another possibility open to visitors is the ascent of Mt Athos itself (2,033 meters), which has an incredible view. The climb begins at the Skete of St Anne.

The port town of Ouranoupoli marks the point at which secular Mt Athos ends and the monastic republic begins. From there, boats leave for the monasteries, most of which are isolated from one another.