Footpaths of Mount Athos


has an extensive network of footpaths, many of which date back to the Byzantine period. These paths are typically trails designed for human foot traffic and mules, and are not wide enough for motor vehicles. They connect the various monasteries, sketes, cells, kathismas, and hermitages on the peninsula to each other.

History

Many of the footpaths of Mount Athos date back to the Byzantine period. Some are cobblestone paths, while most are dirt trails.
Starting in the 1960s, many of the footpaths began to fall into disrepair. However, in the 21st century, the Friends of Mount Athos and other volunteers have been restoring and maintaining the footpaths for pilgrims and monks to use. Today, most of the footpaths are signed, well maintained, and in good condition. The Friends of Mount Athos footpath group also maps out GPX files for the footpaths and monitors their conditions.

Eastern coast

From north to south in order, the footpath network on the eastern coast of the Athonite peninsula takes pilgrims through the following sites.
  • Helandariou Monastery
  • Esphigmenou Monastery
  • Vatopedi Monastery
  • *
  • *Bogoroditsa Skete
  • Pantokratoros Monastery
  • *Skete of Prophet Elijah
  • Stavronikita Monastery
  • *Kapsala
  • Koutloumousiou Monastery
  • *Skete of Saint Andrew
  • *Skete of Saint Panteleimon
  • Iviron Monastery
  • *
  • Mylopotamos
  • Filotheou Monastery
  • Karakalou Monastery
  • Provata
  • Morfonou
  • Lakkoskiti
  • Great Lavra Monastery

    Western coast

From north to south in order, the footpath network on the western coast of the Athonite peninsula takes pilgrims through the following sites. The western coast is steeper and more rugged than the eastern coast.
  • Zografou Monastery
  • Konstamonitou Monastery
  • Docheiariou Monastery
  • Xenophontos Monastery
  • Evangelismou tis Theotokou
  • Agiou Panteleimonos Monastery
  • Xeropotamou Monastery
  • Dafni
  • Simonos Petras Monastery
  • Osiou Grigoriou Monastery
  • Dionysiou Monastery
  • Agiou Pavlou Monastery
  • New Skete
  • Skete of Saint Anne
  • Vouleftiria
  • Little St. Anne's Skete
  • Karoulia
  • Katounakia

    Southern coast

The rugged southern coast, which forms the southern slope of the main summit of Mount Athos, is also known as the Desert of Mount Athos, a reference to the Scetis Desert where Christian monasticism had originated. Hesychast hermits have traditionally lived in this area.
From east to west in order, the footpath network takes pilgrims through:
  • Great Lavra Monastery
  • Prodromos
  • Vigla
  • Chairi Pass; the Cave of Peter the Athonite is located in the Chairi area
  • Megali Sara
  • Agios Nilos
  • Agias Triados Skete
  • Kerasia
  • Skete of St. Basil
  • Katounakia
  • Karoulia

    Way of the Bey

The Way of the Bey primarily runs along the Athos peninsular ridge. It starts from Esphigmenou Monastery, reaches its highest point at the peak of Antiathonas, and ends at Dionysiou Monastery.