Northern Greece - Greece - page 491

(the legal distance), allowing photo opportunities, while running commentary is
provided in English, German and Greek. There's a cold buffet, icon shopping and
Athos-related videos too.
If you're based on Halkidiki's Sithonian Peninsula, similar tours run from Ormos
Panagias or Sarti (€25 to €30). These cruises depart around 9am and return by
5pm. A lunch stopover at Ammouliani island is often included.

Sights

KARYES TO THE SOUTHEAST COAST MONASTERIES & MT ATHOS
From Karyes, walk southeast through the Kapsala woods to coastal Moni Stavronikita (
tel/fax [phone]; noon-2pm) or, just under it, Moni Iviron ( 23770 23643; fax
23770 23248; noon-2pm) . This Georgian-founded monastery contains more than 2000
manuscripts, including 100 rare Georgian- language parchments.
From Iviron, coastal paths reach hospitable Moni Filotheou ( 23770 23256; fax 23770
23674) , also accessible from Karyes along a shady path with spring water (3½ hours).
Beyond Moni Karakallou ( 23770 23225; fax [phone]) , the Byzantine-era path be-
comes a road leading (after 5½ hours) to Moni Megistis Lavras. Alternatively, buses
from Karyes go there.
Magnificent Moni Megistis Lavras ( 23770 23754; fax [phone]) is Athos' biggest
monastery and the only one never damaged by fire. Treasures include Theophanes of
Crete's frescoes and founder St Athanasios' tomb.
From here, a small boat sometimes serves the hospitable west-coast Agias Annis Skiti
( 23770 23320) . For real adventure, hike the tough trail around the peninsula's southern
tip; it passes the Romanian Timiou Prodromou Skiti , then coastal Agias Triados/
Kavsokalyvion ( 23770 23319) . Definitely call ahead for stays at this ornery place,
known for its icon-painting tradition.
Next is Kerasia ( 23770 23318) . Kerasia and Agias Annis Skiti are both good bases
for the difficult ascent to Mt Athos (2033m). Below the summit, at the Panagia (Virgin
Mary) Chapel, enjoy fresh spring water. Boats from Agias Annis serve Dafni.

KARYES TO THE SOUTHWEST COAST MONASTERIES
If heading southwest from Karyes you will first encounter leafy, hospitable Moni
Koutloumousiou (

23770 23226; fax [phone]) . Further west, coastal Moni Xiropot-

amou (

23770 23251; fax [phone]pm) , has comfortable, oil-lit guest