The only Athos monastery accessible by women (it sits just beyond the border), the quiet, atmospheric ruins of 10th-century Zyrgou are a short drive (or 45-minute walk) east of Ouranoupoli, along a dusty coastal road. Abandoned in the 12th century, plundered for stone and used for agricultural purposes, it nonetheless retains some mosaics, murals and recognisable structures.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
15.54 MILES
Spectacular Moni Simonos Petras rears seven stone-and-wood-fronted storeys above the west coast of Athos. Shorn of frescoes, icons and precious books by…
19.94 MILES
Greece's largest organic winery, Porto Carras was founded in 1970, and now grows 28 different grapes across 47.5 hilly square kilometres on Sithonia's…
9.61 MILES
One of the most elegant and revered monasteries on Athos, 10th-century Dochiariou boasts beautiful buildings, frescoes from the 16th- to the 18th…
10.12 MILES
Venerable Moni Xenofondos was first mentioned in 998, but probably dates to the 6th century. Although loot-seeking pirates often plundered it, impressive…
15.7 MILES
Founded by Georgian monks in the 10th century, this monastery enjoyed 16th-century prosperity, which accounts for its collection of more than 2000…
22.46 MILES
Pre-eminent amongst Athos' monasteries, this magnificent 10th-century complex is the peninsula's largest; it houses founder St Athanasios' tomb, and a…
17.61 MILES
A tranquil cliff-hanging monastery dating to the 14th century, Dionysiou sustains a community of around 50 monks, and shelters some very precious books…
16.37 MILES
Spilling down to the water in a cluster of stone buildings dating at the earliest to the 14th century, Athos' most inhabited monastery is kept humming by…
Nearby Macedonia attractions
1.36 MILES
The 14th-century tower that is Ouranoupoli's most distinctive landmark was augmented by the Byzantines, and reportedly holds helmets, burial vessels and…
9.61 MILES
One of the most elegant and revered monasteries on Athos, 10th-century Dochiariou boasts beautiful buildings, frescoes from the 16th- to the 18th…
10.12 MILES
Venerable Moni Xenofondos was first mentioned in 998, but probably dates to the 6th century. Although loot-seeking pirates often plundered it, impressive…
15.54 MILES
Spectacular Moni Simonos Petras rears seven stone-and-wood-fronted storeys above the west coast of Athos. Shorn of frescoes, icons and precious books by…
15.7 MILES
Founded by Georgian monks in the 10th century, this monastery enjoyed 16th-century prosperity, which accounts for its collection of more than 2000…
16.37 MILES
Spilling down to the water in a cluster of stone buildings dating at the earliest to the 14th century, Athos' most inhabited monastery is kept humming by…
17.61 MILES
A tranquil cliff-hanging monastery dating to the 14th century, Dionysiou sustains a community of around 50 monks, and shelters some very precious books…
19.94 MILES
Greece's largest organic winery, Porto Carras was founded in 1970, and now grows 28 different grapes across 47.5 hilly square kilometres on Sithonia's…