Sinthonia and Akti Peninsulas - General Info

Description:

Two long, narrow peninsulas either side of the Gulf of Singitik. The Sinthonia Peninsula to the west and the Atki Peninsula to the east make up two of the three "fingers" of the much larger Khalkidhiki Peninsula to the north. (The other being the Kassandra Peninsula).

The Atki Peninsula is an incredible place that has at its southernmost tip Mount Athos which has been considered since antiquity as the Holy Mountain and the house of God. This “closeness” to God has attracted monks and hermits and for over 1,000 years, the Akti Peninsula was isolated from the rest of the world. Following some apparently scandalous behaviour between the monks and shepherdesses in the 11th Century it was decreed that no females, human or animal would be allowed on the peninsula except for cats (to keep the rat population down).

Sadly though, signs that this monastic lifestyle is dwindling can be seen by the numerous day tripper boats full of young ladies circling the peninsula and the satellite dishes and solar panels which have now become permanent fixtures on the majority of the monasteries.

Seventeen monasteries perch, sometimes precariously, at various heights on the craggy mountains around its shores. Most are vast and reminiscent of those in Tibet. In addition, there are small communities and hermitages dotted between and it is quite a challenge to try and spot the hermits that live totally isolated in caves on the southern slopes of Mount Athos.

Passing boats must keep more than 500 meters off and it is likely you will be visited by the Greek Coast Guard. Men can visit and trek between the monasteries but must apply for a permit first. They can stay in the monasteries and will be fed and accommodated for nothing.

Position:  

39° 55.19'N, 23° 49.21'E (entrance to Gulf of Singitik)