Mount Athos peninsula is located in northern Greece, Central Macedonia, at Halkidiki, next of Aristotelis area. Every day hundreds of people visiting Mount Athos area, pilgrims, monks and workers using the Mount Athos ferries which are the primary means of reaching the monastic peninsula of the Holy Mountain from mainland Greece. Ferries depart from both Ouranoupoli and Ierissos in Halkidiki, connecting visitors to ports near Mount Athos’ eastern and western sides.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of ferry routes, seasonal schedules, departure points and practical tips to help you plan your journey to Mount Athos.
**Ferry departure schedules are presented for informational purposes based on general published routes and may be subject to change. Please verify exact times and conditions locally or with your carrier.
Table of Contents
Ferry Routes to Mount Athos
Ouranoupoli → Mount Athos ferry
The ferry from Ouranoupoli sails across the northern Aegean, delivering passengers close to the entrance of the monastic community. Due to its proximity, this route is one of the most popular for visitors and pilgrims seeking to experience the Spiritual Coast.
Learn more about what to do in the area and local travel options in our Ouranoupoli travel guide.
Ierissos → Mount Athos ferry
The ferry route from Ierissos serves the southern and central part of the Athos coastline. It offers another convenient access point to the Holy Mountain particularly for travelers coming from Chalkidiki and northern Greece.
Explore nearby destinations and sea experiences from Ierissos in our Ierissos travel section.
Indicative Mount Athos Ferries Schedules (Seasonal)
Daily, there are departures to Mount Athos from Ouranoupolis and Ierissós port, it’s the only way to visit Mount Athos.
Ferry timetables change according to the season, weather conditions, and demand. Below is an indicative overview to help you understand typical departures.
If you’d wish to visit Mount Athos’s peninsula east part you have to use the speed boat that departs from Ierissós port, but if the monastery you’d wish to visit is located at the south west part of Mount Athos you have to use the ferry or the speed boat that departs from Ouranoupolis port.
According to the Mount Athos ferries official sites there is only one departure per day from Ierissós port to the east part of Mount Athos peninsula.
If you’d like to visit Mount Athos’s west part you have to reach Ouranoupolis port, the official site of Mount Athos ferry lines mentions that there are three departures per day, if you’d like to use a speed boat,
Also there are two departures on the busy days of the week if you’d like to travel using a ferry boat
Winter period (November – February)
- Ferries operate with limited daily crossings from both Ouranoupoli and Ierissos
- Morning and midday departures are common
- Schedules may be reduced on weekends and public holidays
Spring & Summer period (March – October)
- Increased frequency to Mount Athos ferries, especially in peak months
- Early morning and late afternoon services
- Additional crossings during festival and pilgrimage seasons
All departures listed are indicative and may change. Always check with local ferry operators or port authorities for exact departure times before travel.
in any case it would be wise to call the Mount Athos ferries companies or the local port authorities (Ouranoupolis or Ierissós port authorities) before you start planing your trip.
Speed boat taxis
If you are late and you missed the speed boats and the ferries, or you prefer to go faster to your destination you can always use a speed boat taxi.
There are a lot of them, and usually they can transfer up to 8 passengers, their maximum speed can reach the 28 knots per hour and that’s really fast.
You can call the Mount Athos Ferry lines company to hire a speed boat taxi and plan your own schedule.
Useful Travel Information – Mount Athos Ferries
Ferry crossings typically take from 10 to 30 minutes depending on the departure point and sea conditions
Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure, especially in high season
Some services may offer vehicle transport; check availability in advance
Weather conditions can affect ferry operations, so confirm schedules locally
Before your journey consider exploring nearby attractions like Ammouliani ferries or cruises around the Chalkidiki coastline, all available on our site.
**Ferry departure schedules are presented for informational purposes based on general published routes and may be subject to change. Please verify exact times and conditions locally or with your carrier.
FAQs
How can I visit Mount Athos?
First you have to request a permition like a VISA, once they’ll inform you on which date the permition will be issued, you will travel to Ierissos or Ouranoupolis to get your VISA and then to buy your tickets for the ferry that departs to Mount Athos.
How women can visit Mount Athos?
Mount Athos Avaton law says that no women can have access on the peninsula of the Holy Mount Athos, the only way for a women nowadays to be closer to the monastic world is to join a Mount Athos tour that departs from Ouranoupolis port, book your tickets here https://athos-cruises.gr/cruise-1-ouranoupolis-to-mount-athos/
Is there any other way of visiting Mount Athos except using a ferry or a speed boat?
The only way you can visit Mount Athos peninsula is by using a sea transportation, Mount Athos peninsula is not an island but you can’t access it by any road, cause there is no any road indeed.
Is there any dress code that visitors of Mount Athos have to use?
Visitors of Mount Athos have to wear common trousers and classic shirts, not any of t-shirts or shorts, Mount Athos peninsula it is a holy area for Orthodox Christians and by wearing the right clothes you can show that you respect the area.
What are Mount Athos ferries?
Mount Athos ferries are passenger boat services that connect the Greek mainland with ports close to the Holy Mountain monastic community.
Where do ferries to Mount Athos depart from?
Ferries depart from Ouranoupoli and Ierissos in Halkidiki, offering access to different parts of the Athos coastline.
How long is the ferry ride to Mount Athos?
The duration of the ferry trip varies by departure point and sea conditions, typically ranging from 30 to 60 minutes
How often do Mount Athos ferries operate?
Ferry frequency depends on the season, weather and demand. Summer months see more daily crossings, while winter schedules are reduced.
Can I take a car on Mount Athos ferries?
Vehicle transport depends on the type of ferry and route. Not all services carry vehicles, so checking with the operator is recommended.
Are Mount Athos ferries safe in bad weather?
Ferry operations may be delayed or canceled in rough seas or strong wind conditions. It’s best to confirm scheduled departures before travel.
What’s the best time to travel to Mount Athos by ferry?
Spring through early autumn offers more frequent ferry crossings and better sea conditions for travel.
What’s the best time to travel to Mount Athos by ferry?
Spring through early autumn offers more frequent ferry crossings and better sea conditions for travel.
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