MOUNT ATHOS SUMMIT

Located at the very south of the peninsula, this 2,033 m-high peak (Άθως) is very impressive, as it seems to spring directly from the Aegean Sea. The ascent is possible, but difficult: around 6 hours' walk from the Agia Anna skite on the west coast. You can admire it more easily if you take off by plane from Thessaloniki or on a mini-cruise from Ouranoupoli. In the latter case, you'll be able to observe the fragile kellia and kalyves (cells) of hermit monks set in the cracks of the cliffs above the waves.