mount athos cruise

We have received your request correctly.

You will receive an email with a summary of your bookings.

Can't find it? Leave us your email and we'll send you a summary of your bookings.

Mount Athos Cruise Tour

• No rating yet
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the service starts
• Hotel pick up
• X (Twitter)

On this cruise around Mount Athos, you'll enjoy a pleasant journey around the Aegean Sea while admiring the beautiful monasteries of the peninsula from the water.

At the indicated time, we'll pick you up from your hotel in Ouranopoli  and take you to the coast, where the boat will be waiting for us. Ready to start this journey along the impressive peninsula of Mount Athos ? Lower the sails!

Once we are onboard the boat, we'll weigh anchor to set course towards the limits of the monastery city , bounded on the west by Fragocastro and on the east by Arapis . It'll take us approximately 10 minutes to reach this location.

When we reach the border of the Mount Athos region, we'll start to sail along the coast to see the imposing monasteries that stand on the edge of the cliffs . Keep your eyes peeled for the Serbian monastery of Chilandariou , Dochiarioy , Xenophontos , and many others.

Shortly before heading back, you'll have the opportunity to see the monastic communities of Nea Skiti and Skiti Agias Annas , two of the most famous sketes of Mount Athos.

Lastly, we'll sail back to Ouranoupoli, where we'll drop you off at the meeting point after a total of 3 hours.

More Information

The activity takes place with a tour assistant that speaks in English.

Hotel pickup and drop–off

Transfer by minibus to the port

English–speaking tour escort

When to book?

You can book up to the start time, as long as there are places remaining. Book now to guarantee your spot.

Type of voucher

Electronic. Show the voucher on your phone.

Sustainability

All services published on Civitatis are carried out in accordance with our Sustainability Code .

Our providers commit to:

• Provide a safe and satisfying experience.
• Reduce, reuse, recycle.
• Incorporate eco-conscious technologies.
• Uphold fair employment standards.
• Foster the growth of local communities.
• Preserve the integrity of local culture.
• Safeguard both cultural and environmental heritage.
• Ensure ethical treatment of animals.
• Operate with honesty and transparency.
• Encourage sustainable behaviors among customers and staff.

This particular activity contributes as follows:

• No printing of documentation required.

Calypso Cruises Show more

Corporate name: ATHOS HELLAS EPE

Allowed, animals under 10 kg.

Frequently asked questions

Q - Why do this activity with Civitatis?

A - At Civitatis we guarantee the best quality and prices, click here if you want to know how we select our activities .

Q - How to book?

A - To reserve the activity, choose the date and complete the form on this page. You will receive your confirmation immediately.

If you have any other questions please contact us.

Free cancellation

You may also be interested in.

Blue Laggon & Alykes Beach Cruise

Want to d iscover the most stunning places in the Chalkidiki region ? On this cruise, we'll sail the famous Blue Lagoon and enjoy the dreamy beach of Alykes .

Mount Athos & Alykes Beach Cruise

On this cruise to Mount Athos and Alykes beach, we'll sail through the Aegean Sea while admiring the magnificent monasteries perched on the cliffs .

Login to add activities to your favorites and access them from any device

This site is reCAPTCHA protected and Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Basic information regarding personal data protection

Person responsible for the processing: CIVITATIS TOURS, S.L. (CIVITATIS). Purpose: Provision of the services requested; Sending commercial communications about CIVITATIS products and services, for which commercial profiles of our customers may be drawn up; Sending surveys in order to assess the services offered and their degree of satisfaction, as well as the publication of opinions about the service received; Compliance with accounting, legal, fiscal and administrative obligations; Publication of customer images and processing of data for statistical purposes. Rights: You have the right to access, rectify and delete data, to limit its processing, to oppose its processing and to its portability. Additional Information: You can consult additional information on Data Protection in the General Terms and Conditions .

Log in to rate the opinions of other travelers

Cruises to Mount Athos

Admire the world renowned sights of Mount Athos aboard an intimate 3-hour cruise and be mesmerized by the unique Byzantine architecture of the monasteries and the untouched natural beauty surrounding them.

Our partner’s boat hosts up to 140 passengers and is the best choice for those seeking an intimate cruise experience and personalized service. With fewer guests on board, the atmosphere is warm and friendly and the service personal.

You might be interested in …

Cave of Petralona

Blue Lagoon Cruise Round Tour

Aristotle’s Park

Route of akanthios wine – ancient akanthos, zygou monastery, antiquities of ouranopolis, the waterfalls of varvara, ancient akanthos, scuba diving, halkidiki jeep safari 4χ4.

Explore the best cruise in Chalkidiki!

Remarkable places that only a few visitors have access, combined with green forests, sandy beaches and crystal clear blue seas...

Cruise to Mount Athos 1 From Ouranoupolis to Mount Athos

A tour by the monasteries of a holy mountain.

The cruise to Mount Athos departs from Ouranoupolis twice a day with the “Captain Fotis” boat of 300 seats. Daily from the 1st of April until the 31st of October and at 10:30 and 14:00. The afternoon cruise to Mount Athos is available from the 15th of May until the 15th of October. The duration of the cruise to Mount Athos is three hours.

Ouranoupolis is located just before the border with Mount Athos, where one can only access by boat through the sea. Our cruise to Mount Athos heads to the southwest side of the Athos peninsula.

The whole experience of the cruise to Mount Athos is unique. For approximately 40 minutes until we come across the first monastery, the visitor can admire the miracle of nature that is untouched by the human hand. Unique beaches and wild beauty of green, mountain, ravines and steep cliffs.

The first monastery we come across is the Monastery of Dochiariou and then the Monastery of Xenophontos, the Monastery of Panteleimon (Russian), the Monastery of Xeropotamou, Daphne (port), the Monastery of Simonopetra, the Monastery of Osiou Gregoriou, the Monastery of Dionysiou, the Monastery of St. Paul and the sketes, New Skete and Agia Anna.

During the cruise to Mount Athos, you have the opportunity to take unique pictures, listen to the tour, buy souvenirs from the boat or enjoy a drink from the snack-bar. The time of return is 13:45 for the morning cruise and 17:00 for the afternoon cruise.

More… Book Now!

Cruise to Mount Athos 2 From Ormos Panagias to Mount Athos

Traditional ship cruise by the monasteries of mount athos.

The cruise to Mount Athos departs from Ormos Panagias at 9:30 in the morning with the “Saint George” and “Prophet Elias” boats. Every Wednesday and Saturday from the 15th of April until the 15th of October.

Ormos Panagias is located in Sithonia on the eastern side. Our cruise to Mount Athos departs with the boat sailing on the shores of Sithonia in the direction of Mount Athos. During the whole cruise, the visitor listens to the tour about Mount Athos (the tour is available in 10 different languages).

The first Monastery we come across is the Monastery of St. Paul, then the Monastery of Dionysiou, the Monastery of Gregoriou, the Monastery of Simonopetra, Daphne (port), the Monastery of Xeropotamou, the Monastery of Panteleimon (Russian), the Monastery of Xenophontos and lastly the Monastery of Dochiariou. The cruise goes on until we reach Ouranoupolis village.

Then there is a 1 hour and 30 minutes stop at the port of Ouranoupolis or the port of the Ammouliani island. The visitors have the opportunity to take a stroll, see the local attractions (the Ouranoupolis Tower, the Folk Museum of Ammouliani) or grab a bite.

The cruise to Mount Athos ends with the return to Ormo Panagias with music, singing, live bouzouki for fun and relaxation. The time of arrival at Ormos Panagias is approximately 17:15.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Cruise to Mount Athos 3 From Ormos Panagias to Mount Athos and a stop for a swim in Ammouliani (lunch)

A tour by the monasteries and a stop for a swim.

The Cruise to Mount Athos departs from Ormos Panagias at 9:30 in the morning with the “Saint George” and “Prophet Elias” boats. Every Monday and Thursday from the 15th of April until the 15th of October.

The first Monastery we come across is the Monastery of Xeropotamou, the Monastery of Panteleimon (Russian), the Monastery of Xenophontos and lastly the Monastery of Dochiariou. The cruise goes on until we reach Ouranoupolis village and Ammouliani island.

Then, on our cruise to Mount Athos there is a 2 hour stop for a swim in the exotic islets of Drenia of the island of Ammouliani. At that time, excellent traditional food is offered on the boat. The meal is included in the ticker price and it consists of: ⦁ 3 pork souvlakia, Greek salad, tzatziki, French fries, a slice of bread and wine (for adults) ⦁ 2 pork souvlakia, Greek salad, tzatziki, French fries, a slice of bread and juice (for children 5-12 years old) ⦁ 1 pork souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, French fries, a slice of bread and juice (for kids 1-5 years old)

The cruise to Mount Athos ends with the return to Ormos Panagias with music, singing, live bouzouki for fun and relaxation. The time of arrival at Ormos Panagias is approximately 17:15.

Cruise to Ammouliani 4 From Ormos Panagias to Ammouliani for swimming (lunch)

An all-day swimming & fun cruise.

The cruise for swimming and fun to the islets of Drenia of Ammouliani and then for a visit to the island of Ammouliani departs at 9:30 in the morning with the “Saint Paul” and “Prophet Elias” boats. Every Tuesday and Friday from the 15th of April until the 15th of October.

Ormos Panagias is located in Sithonia on the eastern side. Out cruise to the islets of Drenia and Ammouliani departs with the boat sailing to the northeast, where It leads to the magical – exotic destination of a group of small islands, where the waters are crystal clear – deep blue.

There is a 2 hour stop there for swimming and lunch. The meal is included in the ticket price and it consists of: ⦁ 3 pork souvlakia, Greek salad, tzatziki, French fries, a slice of bread and wine (for adults) ⦁ 2 pork souvlakia, Greek salad, tzatziki, French fries, a slice of bread and juice (for children 5-12 years old) ⦁ 1 pork souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, French fries, a slice of bread and juice (for kids 1-5 years old)

Then there is a stop at the port of the island of Ammouliani. The visitors have the opportunity to take a stroll, see the local attractions (the Mount Athos style Church, the Folklore Museum) or grab a bite.

The cruise ends with another stop at Lagonissi bay at the group of islands of Vourvourou, where the boat stops, giving the visitors the opportunity to jump in the blue waters from the boat. During the whole trip back to Ormos Panagias there is music, singing, live bouzouki for fun and relaxation. The time of arrival at Ormos Panagias is approximately 17:15.

Cruise to Ammouliani 5 From Ouranoupolis to Vourvourou & Ammouliani for swimming (lunch)

The cruise for swimming and fun departs from Ouranoupolis at 10:00 in the morning with the “Ioanna” boat. Every Monday and Thursday from the 15th of April until the 15th of October.

This may be the amusing cruise of Athos Sea Cruises. The destination is the exotic group of islands of Vourvourou on the peninsula of Sithonia. Somewhere among the green heavenly islands, there is a 2 hour stop for swimming and many dives. Then the food is served. The meal is included in the ticket price and it consists of: ⦁ 3 pork souvlakia, Greek salad, tzatziki, French fries, a slice of bread and wine (for adults) ⦁ 2 pork souvlakia, Greek salad, tzatziki, French fries, a slice of bread and juice (for children 5-12 years old) ⦁ 1 pork souvlaki, Greek salad, tzatziki, French fries, a slice of bread and juice (for kids 1-5 years old)

The cruise goes on to the island of Ammouliani. The boat stops in the blue waters of an exotic beach for swimming and the opportunity to jump off the boat. Then there is a stop at the port of the island of Ammouliani. The visitors have the opportunity to take a stroll, see the local attractions (the Mount Athos style Church, the Folklore Museum) or grab a bite. The time of arrival at Ouranoupolis is approximately 17:00.

Cruise Map These are the routes we follow!

Never miss a single dolphin, subscribe to our newsletter to get offers and updates.

• [email protected]
• +30 6973 221 372 24/7 WhatsUp, Viber

• Login / Registration

• Our company
• For agencies
• Mount Athos
• Athos Monasteries
• Athos cells and hermitages
• Mount Athos Icons
• Mount Athos Personalities
• Athonite Academy
• Athos Media Library
• Pilgrimage tours
• Mount Athos for women
• Rules of conduct in Athos
• Diamonitirion — special permit to Athos
• Transfer services

Transportation on Mount Athos

• Ferry Boats to Mount Athos
• Cruise to Mount Athos

Mount Athos Shop

Submit a memorial note

Light a candle

Submit tamas.

Submit prayers on holidays

Make a donation

Order a liturgy

Order a memorial service

• Registration

Cruise to Mount Athos from Ormos Panagias

From the port of Ormos Panagias you can take a cruise towards Mount Athos shores twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturdays. The cruises start at April 15 and end at October 15. The ships depart  on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. from the port Ormos Panagias.

The port is located on the east side of Sithonia, the second "finger" of the peninsula of Halkidiki. There is an e-guide on board that includes 10 foreign languages. The route goes along the southwestern coast of the Holy Mountain Athos.

​The tour includes a 1,5 hour stop either in Ouranoupolis or on Ammuliani island. During this time you can walk through the ancient city, have lunch or just relax and swim on on of the beautiful sandy beaches. During the return trip to Ormos Panagias there is an entertainment program with Greek music and dancing (bouzouki, sirtaki).

The cruise ship returns to Port Ormos Panagias at 17:15.

The cost of the tour is €32

Cruize Booking

Section Content

Our services

Submit a note, diamonitirion, athos cruise.

Upcoming pilgrimage tours

I already have an account

New user registration Login

New user registration

• ALL BEACHES
• Beaches With Blue Flag
• Manassu & Akti Oneirou
• Thalatta – Kalamitsi
• Christina – Kriaritsi
• Valti Camping
• Hotels and Resorts
• Apartments and Studios
• Culture and History
• Rent a Boat
• Attractions
• Yachting and Sailing
• Events by Date
• Tourist Attractions
• Food & Drink
• Street Food
• Restaurants & Taverns
• Bars & Beach Bars
• Night Clubs
• Bakeries & Pastry Shops
• Medical Help

Blue Flag Beaches in Sithonia

Sarti beach, nikiti beach, trani ammouda or livrohio beach, karydi beach – vourvourou, armenistis camping & bungalows, manassu beach bar & akti oneirou, thalatta camp, lacara camping, christina camping, lagomandra beach hotel suites & spa, porto carras grand resort, ammoa luxury hotel & spa resort: experience mediterranean luxury, anthemus sea beach hotel & spa – nikiti, villa olvia – vourvourou, luxury sport cruise – sithonia halkidiki greece, top 10 things to do in sithonia: from beaches to mountains, explore the best of greece’s natural beauty, 9th parthenon film festival to premiere this july, the 53rd swimming cross of toroneos gulf was a big success 🌊🏅, gagan festival returns: your ultimate guide to nikiti & sithonia’s extravaganza august 5-6, 2023 | nikiti, why sithonia has become one of the most popular destinations for the summer holiday, top 10 beaches in sithonia for summer 2024 read before booking, where do young greeks from thessaloniki love to spend their weekends in sithonia, what place to choose in sithonia 2024, where to go in sithonia 2024: a comprehensive guide, seismic activity at mount athos raises concerns: expert urges precautionary measures, quick fire containment near aretes beach in sithonia, important announcement: very high fire risk for tomorrow, wednesday 14-08-2024 (risk index 4), halkidiki – the winner of road tourism in summer 2024, 3.7 magnitude earthquake strikes mount athos, a spectacular summer of music in sithonia: august and september concerts, subscription plans, free limited access.

• News from Sithonia
• Beaches and Camping News
• Accommodations News
• Food and Restaurants News
• Discounts and Special Offers
• Personal Promotions Page

Member full access

Mount athos cruise – ormos panagias.

The luxury cruise ship, ‘ Menia-Maria III ’ departs daily from Ormos Panagias bound for Agion Oros (the Holy Mount), Ouranoupolis, and Blue Lagoon Beach on Diaporos island. The cruise ship offers a large lounge (100 people), a panoramic lounge (150 people), and a sun deck with seasonal seats and tables, with a capacity of 100 people. On the four decks of the cruise ship, you can enjoy the attractive décor of the ship, which takes you back to other times. You can also enjoy your coffee or refreshment at one of the fully-equipped bars. The visitor has the ability to be fully informed on the history of every Monastery on Agion Oros (the Holy Mount) from the cruise ship’s experienced tour guide.

The history of Menia Maria III may be traced back to 1982, when Michalis Tsipouras, the company’s owner, was the first to think of marine trips in the Halkidiki region.

In his lifetime, Michalis Tsipouras built a lot of ships. He consequently constructed the Menia Maria III, the largest pirate ship in Greece, in 2004.

Through its sea trips, our family has been providing lovely moments to Menia Maria III guests for the past 18 years.

Table of Contents

Classic Mount Athos Cruise

9.30: Departure from Ormos Panagias. Tour of the Docheiariou, Xenophontos, Dionisiou, Simonos Petra, Panteleimon or Russian, Grigoriou and Pavlou Monasteries, Port of Daphne, New Hermitage, Hermitage of Agia Anna, and a tour by a specialized tour guide located on the ship’s bridge. 13.30: Arrival at Ouranoupolis, where we stay for approximately two hours. 15.30: Departure from Ouranoupolis. 17.00: Arrival at Ormos Panagias.

Daily Greek Dance Program Daily Children’s Program.

From: 30,00€

Mount Athos excursion (4 monasteries) with Ammouliani

The sea excursion departs from Ormos Panagias port on the Sithonia peninsula around 9:15–9:30 a.m., with Port Daphne of Mount Athos as its destination.

Four monasteries that are located on Mount Athos’ west shore will be visible to ship passengers throughout the voyage from a distance.

Due to restrictions from the authorities, the ship is just 500 meters from the beach.

The tour guide provides important information regarding the monasteries, hermitages, and modest shipyards and ports.

After the tour of the final monastery, Docheiari, the passengers are fed dinner at sea.

Soutzoukaki, rice, a cucumber-tomato salad, and bread are all included in the meal.

Then we arrive in Ammouliani, where we will stop for about an hour.

Swim in Vourvourou for 30-45 minutes in the afternoon.

We leave Ammouliani and head back to Ormos Panagias.

The ship arrives at the port of Ormos Panagias between 16:45 and 17:00.

Blue Lagoon Cruise NEW

Departure from the port of Ormos Panagias between 9:15 and 9:30 a.m.

Diaporos island – Vourvourou, the famous blue seas beach, is only 30 minutes away.

Passengers will spend 1 hour and 30 minutes on Vourvourou beach swimming and sunbathing (90 minutes). Passengers can disembark from the ship by swimming or taking a boat.

Return to the ship. On the ship, food is served (soutzoukaki with rice, salad, and bread).

Then proceed to Robinson Beach. The cruise continues near the Sithonia peninsula to Cape Achlada, stopping for dives and swimming at Robinson Beach, a beach accessible only by sea.

We shall stay for around 2 hours at Kavourotripes.

At approximately 17:00, depart and return to the port of Ormos Panagias.

Official website: www.athoscruise.com

HAVE A GOOD TRIP!

Related articles, visit sithonia.

• All Beaches in Sithonia
• Camping Map
• Locations (Villages)
• Accommodation

LEAVE A REPLY Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Visit Sithonia

Explore Sithonia, the hidden gem of Greece! With around 100 wild beaches, many of which have been awarded Blue Flag certificates, you can experience Greece’s Caribbean-like white sand and turquoise blue sea.

• Beaches Map
• Accommodation Map
• Advertise With Us
• Privacy Policy
• Pricing Plans

Visit Sithonia © 2024. All Rights Reserved.

• Halkidiki Cruise 1 – Ouranoupolis to Mount Athos
• Halkidiki Cruise 2 – Ormos Panagias to Mount Athos
• Halkidiki Cruise 3 – Ormos Panagias to Mount Athos & Ammouliani
• Halkidiki Cruise 4 – Ormos Panagias to Blue Lagoon
• Halkidiki Cruise 5 – Ouranoupolis to Blue Lagoon
• Halkidiki Cruise 6 – Ouranoupolis to Mount Athos & Banana Beach Island
• Halkidiki Cruise 7 – Ouranoupolis to Mount Athos & Drenia Islands
• Halkidiki Cruise 8 – Ouranoupolis to Banana beach on Ammouliani Island
• Private Cruises
• About Us & Fleet
• Contact Us!

The 20 monasteries of Mount Athos, a super guide

The Monasteries of Mount Athos are occupied predominantly by Greeks, but also brotherhoods of Georgian, Bulgarian, Russian, Romanian, and Serbian monks.

Mount Athos, also known as the Holy Mountain is an autonomous republic of Eastern Orthodox monks situated at the easternmost peninsula of the Halkidiki in northeastern Greece. In Greek, Mount Athos is called “Agio Oros” which refers to the 2033-meter mountain the Holy Mountain is honored by Eastern Orthodox Christians as a holy land and place of pilgrimage.

The Mount Athos monastic world begins where Ouranoupoli town ends, it’s an autonomous and self governing part of Greece and owns a land of about 330sq/km. The borders of Mount Athos is 3km Southern from the town of Ouranoupoli .

If you are not able of visiting Mount Athos , you can exlpore the old Byzantine tower prosforion in the central square of the town or you can visit the unique Zygou monastery monument which is accessible by anyone who wants to discover how a monastery of Mount Athos building is like from the inside.

Table of Contents

The monasteries of Mount Athos

As early as the seventeenth century, the Athonite peninsula, depopulated from the classical ages was settled by hermits. The byzantine emperor recognized Athos as a territory for male hermit monks in 885, banishing from the territory all resident layman and shepherds as well as women and female domestic animals.

Cloaked by beautiful chestnut and other type of Mediterranean forest, the steep slopes of Mount Athos are punctuated by twenty imposing monasteries of Mount Athos and their subsidiary establishments farming constitutes an important part of the monk’s everyday life.

There are 20 monasteries of Mount Athos, most of them are Greek, there is one Russian, a Serbian and a Bulgarian one. By joining a guided Halkidiki cruise to the west side of the peninsula you will be able to explore the eight monasteries of Mount Athos.

There are nine monasteries of Mount Athos on the Eastern part and three more among the mountains and close to Karyes, which is the center of Mount Athos, there you can find the church of ”Protatos”, the building of the Holy Community and the nineteen “Konakia” of Monasteries.

A boat tour to the West part of Athos peninsula

Every summer season there are daily boat departures from Ammoulianis island , Ouranoupoli port and Ormos Panagias on Sithonia peninsula, to the west part of Athos. By joining a boat tour you will be guided on the following monasteries of Mount Athos:

• Dochiariou,
• Xenofontos,
• Saint Panteleimonos,
• Xiropotamou,
• Simonos Petras,
• Saint Paul monastery

also you will be able to see the central port of Mount Athos Dafni, the Mountain Athos which is 2033m high and the Nea Skiti and the Skiti of Agia Anna.

In this part of the article we will explore the monasteries of Mount Athos on the west side of the peninsula.

Dochiariou Monastery

It’s a coenobitic monastery of Mount Athos founded in the 10th century, the katholikon is dedicated to archangel Michael and Gabriel. In the library are kept about 3000 printed books and several manuscript. This monastery owns the most respected icon in the Holy mountain, the icon of the Virgin which is caracterized as miraculous

Xenofontos Monastery

It’s a coenobitic monastery of Mount Athos built in 998, one katholikon is dedicated to Saint George and a second and smaller one is dedicated to Saint Dimitrios. Among the treasures are two beautiful mosaic icons from 13th century, an icon of Virgin Mary represanting the metamorphosy, and another icon of the Virgin which caracterized as miraculous. In the library are kept, 4000 printed books, 300 manuscript and documents, 50 monks live here today.

Saint Panteleimonos Monastery

Has as well the title the monastery of the Russians, as since the foundation Russian monks still live here. The construction of the present monastery, begun about 1800 and it was finished in 1865. At the end of the 19th century, it’s supported about 2000 monks. Today about 60 monk Greek and Russians, live here. The main katholikon is dedicated to Saint Panteleimon, next to this katholikon and in the Northern part of the monastery, exists the famous church of Saint Skepi and of Alexander Nevski, which is entirely decorated in gold.

Here we find the second biggest bell on earth after that in Saint Petersburg which weights 13tons, together with 32 smaller ones. Famous treasures are portable icons of Saint Panteleimonos and of the Virgin. The library contains 1920 Greek and Russian manuscripts and about 20000 printed books.

Xiropotamou Monastery

It’s a coenobitic monastery of Mount Athos built in the 11th century propably by the monk Paul Xiropotaminos and this monk gave his name to the monastery. The katholikon is dedicated to forty martyrs. Magnificent treasures are kept, the most famous is perhaps the largest known fragment of the true Cross, in this fragment one of the holes left by the nails is visible, this part is fully coverd with diamonds, further more are kept part of the clothes which covered Christ and part of the crown of thorns. In the library are kept 4000 books 400 manuscripts and in total 38 monks live here.

Central port Dafni

The central port of the Holy Mountain, here arrives the passenger boats which carry monks and the male visitors who already have the permission of visiting the monasteries of Mount Athos. From here the visitors start by themselves, either with a bus or on foot to reach the monastery they want to visit. In Dafni exists, restaurant, a small pansion, three small mini markets, the police, post office, port police and the custom control. No monks are living in Dafni but only civilians who are working and living here.

Simonos Petras Monastery

One of the most impresive building on the Mount Athos area, It’s a cinobitic monastery of Mount Athos built in 12th century from Saint Simon, on a rocky place 250m over the sea, this seven stored monastery was destroyed by fire in 1891 and nearly all it treasures were lost, so that in the library are kept only 1500 printed books, in this monastery 60 monks live today.

Grigoriou Monastery

It’s a coenobitic monastery of Mount Athos founded in the 14th century. The katholikon is dedicated to Saint Nikolas, it is one of the most inhabited monasteries in Mount Athos, about 100 monks live here today. It is well know because of it’s achievements in missionary. Among the treasures are kept 2 beautiful icons of the Virgin and in the library is kept the unique manuscript of Hermas. This manuscript belongs to the apocryphal books of the Gospel.

Dionisiou Monastery

Is built on rocky side 80m over the sea, founded in the 14th century by Saint Dionisios. In the church there is a fine carved wooden iconostasis with rich decoration. Further is kept an unusual icon of the Virgin, made of wax and rubber. In the library we find 5000 printed books and 800 manuscripts. 45 monks are living here today.

Saint Paul Monastery

Founded by Paul Xiropotaminos, in the 10th century a famous monk during that time who also built the monastery of Xiropotamou. In the church a beautiful iconostasis made of marble is in very good condition today. Serbian rulers donated land money and gift to the monastery. In the library are saved 12500 printed books. Today about 35 monks live here.

The East part of Mount Athos

Unfortunately there are no any Halkidiki cruises you can join to explore the east’s part monasteries of Mount Athos, The reason is that the sea is always wavy and not so suitable for cruises. Anyway in this part of our article we will write some informations about the East’s side monasteries of Mount Athos.

Esphigmenou Monastery

Founded in the 10th century, the monastery’s name in Greek means tightened. Among the treasures there is a large part of Napoleon Bonaparte’s tent and the Cross of Pulcheria lies at the catholicon’s altar. In the library we find 372 manuscripts and 8000 printed books, 60 monk are living here today.

Vatopediou Monastery

Founded around 972-985. The katholikon is dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin, and was built in the 10th century. Some great treasures kept as the Girdle of the Theotokos, the ‘Jasper’ cup and a number of miraculous icons of Virgin Mary, such as, the Ktetorissa, the Esphagmeni, the Elaiovrytissa and the Paramythia adorn the monastery. The library contains about 2000 manuscripts and 35000 printed books. In this monastery are living about 50 monks today.

Pantokratoros Monastery

A coenobitic monastery of Mount Athos founded before 1358. The katholikon is dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Saviour. Some treasures the monastery keeps is a piece of the True Cross, a part of the shield of St Mercurius and the miraculous icon of Virgin Mary the Gerontissa. The library contains 350 manuscripts and 3500 pinted books.

Stavronikita Monastery

It is a coenobitic Monastery of Mount Athos, built around the 10th century. Stavronikita is the smallest among the monasteries of Mount Athos. It’s church is dedicated to St Nicholas. Among it’s treasures we find the icon of St Nicholas known as ‘Streidas’, the library contains a large amount of printed books and 171 manuscripts. In the monastery about 30 monks are living here today.

Iviron Monastery

A coenobium monastery of Mount Athos, built in the end of the 10th century by St John the Iberian. In the 14th century it suffered damages from pirates but it managed to recover with some help from the princes of Goergia, Serbia and Palaeologues also in it’s history it almost burned down to ashes two times The katholikon is dedicated to the Dormition of the Theotokos. Some known great treasures are a Gospel book which is a gift of Peter the Great, the relics of at least 150 Saints and the Holy Mountain’s protecting icon – that of Our Lady Portaitissa. In the library we find 20000 printed books and 2000 manuscripts.

Filotheou Monastery

It is a coenobitic Monastery of Mount Athos founded by the Blessed Philotheus around the end of the 10th century. The Monastery owns the great and miraculous icon of Virgin Mary the Glykophilousa and of Virgin Mary the Gerontissa. Among it’s treasures are kept a piece of the true Cross, relics of Saints and the pride of place goes to the right hand of St John Chrysostom. In the library we find 250 manuscripts and 2500 printed books. In the monastery today are living about 60 monks.

Karakalou Monastery

Founded by a monk named Karakalas around the 11th century. It’s Katholikon is dedicated to Sts Paul and Peter. In the 13th century the monastery was deserted after pirate raids but soon the Palaeologue Emperors brought it back to life. Karakalou is keeping the 11th place among the monasteries of Mount Athos. Among it’s treasures we find the skull of St Christopher and the Apostle Bartholomew, also they kept a fragment of the true Cross. In the library there are 279 manuscripts and 2500 printed books. 30 monks are living here today.

The Great Lavra Monastery

Built around 963 by St Athanasius the Athonite, the church was dedicated to the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin and outside the katholikon we can find the largest phiale for holywater among the monasteries of Mount Athos. Some great treasures are the icon of Virgin Mary the Koukouzelissa, sacred relics and patriarchal and imperial dalmatics. In the library there are 20000 printed books, 2116 manuscripts and 100 manuscripts in foreign languages. There around 50 monks living here today.

The Monasteries among the mountains

Among the mountains there are 3 more Holy Monasteries of Mount Athos we can’t see while we are traveling throug the sea, these are:

• the Koutloumousiou Monastery which is next to Karyes
• the Zographou Monastery which is in the Southern part of the peninsula
• the Monastery of Hilandar which is next to Esphigmenou Monastery

Koutloumousiou Monastery

Propably founded around 1100 by monk Kallistos from the garden of Koutloumous. It’s katholikon dates from the 16th century. Among it’s treasures there are many relics of Saints, interesting portable icons and vestments. In the library we find 6500 printed books and 662 manuscripts. Koutloumousi is in the sixth place of the monasteries of Mount Athos. 20 monks are living here today.

Zographou Monastery

The Bulgarian monastery of Mount Athos, founded by the monks Aaron, John and Moses. According to another source the founder was Georgios Zographos who signed Tsimiski’s Typicon around 972. It’s dedicated to Saint George, , of whom it preserves an old icon, not painted by human hand, which is one of its most valued treasures, also there are two miraculous icons of Virgin Mary of the Akathistos Hymn and the Virgin Mary the Epakouousa. In the library we find 126 Greek and 388 Slavic manuscripts, also 10000 printed books. In the monastery today they are living 15 monks.

Hilandar Monastery

Found by Stefan Nemanja in the 12th century. The katholikon is dedicated to the Presentation in the Temple of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Some great treasures are the coffin chest of Saint Symeon and it’s vine, the fruit grape which cured many women of sterility and the miraculous icons of Virgin Mary the Tricherousa, two crosses made of wood by a piece of wood from the true Cross and the reed and the shroud from the Passion of Christ. In the library there are 181 Greek and 809 Slavic manuscripts and 20000 printed books. 22 monks are living here today.

Monasteries of Mount Athos Map

You can use this google map to locate all the Monasteries of Mount Athos, this would be usefull if you are planing to travel in the monastic world or if you will join a Halkidiki cruise to Mount Athos.

You Ask, We Answer

I want to join a cruise along the west coast of Mount Athos, what’s the procedure?

You can visit our official website , as you will find the product you are interested for, there will be more details and information about it. You can buy your tickets online or you can reserve some seats by a phone call. The most famous cruise to explore the monasteries of Mount Athos is the cruise 1

Are women allowed to visit the Mount Athos area?

Women are not allowed to visit Mount Athos, according to the tradition Virgin Mary blessed it and asked her Son to be her garden. A voice was heard saying: “Let this place be your heritage and your garden, a paradise and refuge of salvation for those who want to be saved. From that moment the mountain was dedicated to the Virgin Mary or the Mother of God (Orchard of the Virgin Mary) and entry was forbidden for all other women.

How can I visit Mount Athos?

You need to contact with the pilgrims office in Thessaloniki or Ouranoupoli , they will ask you to post them a copy of your passport, two weeks before the date you asked to visit Mount Athos you have to call and ask if your demand is approved.

Did you find our post helpful?

• Share it on your social media
• Rate us on  TripAdvisor

 This article made by https://lnk.bio/Rodokalakis

Share this article

Recent posts, blue lagoon halkidiki: 6 amazing locations, lagonisi beach sithonia: the 2 most popular sandy shores, diaporos island 5 fun activities for the beach lovers, drenia islands an amazing destination 4 you, ouranoupoli the city of sky: a great 7 days vacation., book your tickets online and get our special 10% discount.

Discounts start from 10% from the first ticket you book online and can reach better prices for 35 tickets or more!

QUICK CONTACT

George Rodokalakis

Ioanna Rodokalaki

LATEST NEWS

Visit ammouliani island: 5 helpful tips.

© Copyright 2023 Athos Cruises. Terms & Conditions /// SEO : Channeldoubler / Eshop Development : BusinessGrow+ / Hospitality Marketing  & Coaching : Groowise

The Skete of St. Anna on Mt. Athos

Today the Church celebrates the Dormition of Holy Righteous Anna, the Mother of Mary the Birth-giver of God. This is the day that St. Anna departed this world. The monks of Mt. Athos, the reigning Abbess of which is the Most Holy Theotokos, have always had a special veneration of St. Anna. The website of the Greek Orthodox Church of St. Anna in Roseville, California, where a relic of St. Anna is reverently kept, talks about the Skete of St. Anna on Mt. Athos:

The Skete of St. Anna is the oldest and the largest Skete of Mount Athos, remaining in the spiritual care of the Great Lavra. It is located on the southwestern shore of the peninsula, situated some 500 meters up on the cliffs above the sea. The Skete is accessible either by boat, one hour from the port of Daphne, followed by a climb of over 2,000 steps from the sea floor (approximately one hour hike) or by foot, a six and a half hour hike from the aforementioned monastery.

The main Church of the Skete, the Kyriakon of Saint Anna, was built in the middle of the seventeenth century. In the eighteenth century, the Church was expanded and fully ornamented with frescoes. The library which is attached to the Church contains some 100 manuscript codices, of which three are on parchment. The treasures of the Skete include the left foot of Saint Anna, a piece of the Holy Cross, the Holy Relics of at least seventy other saints, and a miracle working icon depicting Saint Anna and her daughter Mary.

Approximately 120 brothers are attached to one of the 50+ brotherhoods of the Skete of St. Anna, most with their own residence and chapel. These brothers maintain a discipline of work, prayer, self-reflection and study. During the summer months, they also offer hospitality to their over 100 pilgrims a day. The community is administered by a Dikaios, superintendent, who is elected from among the brothers to serve the term of one year.

One of the elders of the Theophileon Brotherhood was the priestmonk Anthimos who reposed in 1996. Father Anthimos is considered to be one of the most recently identified “saints” of the Athonite peninsula. His relics are enshrined within their chapel, dedicated to the Feast of the Presentation of Mary to the Temple, commemorated on November 21. Three brothers currently reside in this kalyva - the V. Rev. Fr. Cherubim Apostolou, the V. Rev. Fr. Theophilos Kougioumtzidis, and the V. Rev. Fr. Anthimos Igglezis.

The religious writer Constantine Cavarnos has written about his experience of the All Night Vigil for the feast of the Dormition of St. Anna, the Skete’s patronal feast. Here is an excerpt from his book, The Holy Mountain (Institute For Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies (2nd Edition, 2001):

I went by motorboat to the arsanas (landing place) of the Skete of St. Anna, on the southern side of the Athos peninsula, in order to go up to the Skete and attend the feast in commemoration of the Dormition of Saint Anna, to whom this settlement of hermits is dedicated. This Skete is built on an abrupt slope a good distance from the sea. To reach its main church (known as the kyriakon, because the monks of the settlement gather in it on Sundays (Kyriake) for corporate worship), I had to walk uphill a for about half an hour.

When the priest said in a loud intoned voice: 'With fear of God, with faith and with love draw near,' many of the monks and lay guests moved forward to the Beautiful Gate to partake of Divine Communion.

After the Liturgy, food was offered in the refectory to all who had attended the services.

When the meal was over, one of the monks of the Skete, a retired Metropolitan named Anthimos, delivered a moving speech, in which he related the celebration to the goals of monasticism. The chief purpose of this event, he asserted, is to lift us to God and His saints, and to arouse our zeal to imitate Saints Anna and Joachim, to strive to acquire their virtues, to rid ourselves of 'passions' (negative emotions) and evil thoughts, to cleanse our soul of everything impure, so that we might attain happiness in the other, endless life, and so far as possible in the present life also.

Pilgrims to Mt. Athos from all over the Orthodox world have for centuries visited the Skete of St. Anna and venerated her relics with great reverence and piety.

Characters remaining: 4000

Subscribe to our mailing list

• Orthodoxy Today
• Homilies and Spiritual Instruction
• Saints. Asceties of Piety. Church Holy Days
• Churches and Monasteries
• Church History
• Coming to Orthodoxy
• Sretensky Monastery
• Orthodoxy Around the World
• Suffering Church
• Church and State
• Marriage and Family
• Photogalleries

• Nation & World

Mount Athos, a male-only holy retreat, is ruffled by tourists and Russia

The monks on the isolated peninsula have followed the same way of life for more than 1,000 years, but an Athens versus Moscow diplomatic spat and a tourism onslaught are unsettling its habits.

Share story

MOUNT ATHOS,

The skulls, lined up five deep on wooden shelves, date back hundreds of years, with the names of the more recently deceased scratched onto their foreheads — Monk Theolothelis, 91, 26-6-1986, or Monk Kyprianos, 100, 14-8-87.

They are exhibited in Xenophontos Monastery here on Mount Athos, a peninsula in northern Greece that is the spiritual heart of the Eastern Orthodox Church. One skull carries a more philosophical message: “Brother, Look at the glory of man.”

Most Read Nation & World Stories

• The shooting death of a 16-year-old girl by police is among a spate that's upset Anchorage residents VIEW
• Volcano erupts after powerful earthquake in Russia's Far East and scientists warn of a stronger one
• Trump suggests he might skip ABC debate with Harris
• Cheryl Hines not enthusiastic husband RFK Jr. might endorse Trump
• Sports on TV & radio: Local listings for Seattle games and events

That invitation to reflect on mortality encapsulates why the dead are exhumed and their bones displayed, explained Father Jerome, 50, who has an untamed salt-and-pepper beard and wore washed-out gray robes.

“Today you are here, the next day you are not,” he said. “If you remember death every day, it keeps you from doing evil.”

While the skull display underscores human transience, the 20 monasteries and a host of smaller dwellings on Mount Athos seem eternal. Monks have been chanting psalms here daily for centuries.

“It is an ancient community, organized just like now for more than 1,000 years,” said Abbott Alexios, 79, who found Xenophontos collapsing when he arrived in 1976, and has since led its rebuilding. “The church has its traditions, but Mount Athos is transcendent.”

The peninsula could almost be another Greek tourist resort with its peridot shallows, pine-covered hills and the 6,670-foot Athos peak dominating one end of its nearly 130 square miles.

But the Autonomous Monastic State of the Holy Mountain is a place apart.

For almost as long as there have been monks here, women have been barred — considered a distraction and undue competition for the Virgin Mary, the patron saint. There are no hotels, no bars, no stores, no television and no swimming, plus a daily quota limits visitors.

Travelers arrive on boats providing the only public access to the peninsula. Collectively, the monasteries play host to an average of 1,200 people nightly, all without charge.

The difficult access and the high monastery walls once built against marauding pirates seemed to keep time at bay, too, but now the modern world penetrates on cellphone signals and internet connections.

Geopolitics has sneaked in, too. Greece last summer denied visas to several high-ranking Russian Orthodox Church officials headed to Athos, in which President Vladimir Putin has shown a keen interest.

Greek officials fear any revival of the prerevolutionary effort by Czarist Russia to dominate the peninsula.

Athos holds a special place in the Greek psyche, as a throwback to when the might of the Byzantine Empire meant Greek culture dominated the eastern Mediterranean.

There have been monks here since the 6th century or so, and Mount Athos is a kind of storehouse of Byzantium civilization, with monasteries sticking to the Julian calendar, 13 days behind the more common Gregorian calendar.

“We preserve the Byzantine Empire because it is a treasure of Orthodoxy, not because this is the relic of a secular state,” said Father Jeremiah, 48, a Protestant convert from San Angelo, Texas, who came to Xenophontos on a pilgrimage 22 years ago and has lived there ever since. “This is not a museum, but a living place.”

Ancient texts dictate the rhythm of daily life for the approximately 2,000 monks on Athos, defining everything from the liturgy to the diet.

The monks, mostly Greek, spend about six hours in church daily. They rise six hours after sunset for morning prayers, summoned by a monk banging a semantron — a wood hammer on wood board — echoing the way Noah was said to have beckoned all living creatures into the ark.

Then shadowy figures pad across uneven flagstones with their cowls pulled over their heads.

Prayer is deemed particularly effective during darkness.

“Evil spirits roam during the night, so somebody needs to stay awake to keep watch,” said Father Damaskinos, 33, who, unusually for Athos, returns to his native Finland regularly to work as a theology professor.

There are just two daily meals. One menu consisted of lentil purée, tomatoes, olives, fruit and water or red wine, at 9:30 a.m.

“We eat fast,” Jeremiah warned. A typical meal lasts 15 minutes. One monk reads prayers and any visitor who tries to talk is shushed.

After the morning meal, the monks work — gardening, cooking, painting icons — until it is time for vespers before sunset, the evening meal and bed. Even while working, most pray, their lips constantly moving with the refrain, “Lord Jesus Christ, have mercy on me.”

Monks often summarize their existence in pithy shorthand. “He is happy because he has nothing, but he has everything,” Alexios said of a monk’s life.

Yet mammon and the material world seem to have intruded.

Monasteries sell their own line of products including wine, olive oil, herbal teas and even body creams. The gift shop at Vatopedi Monastery sells icons for more than $17,000.

Expensive SUVs now whisk affluent visitors along dirt roads once limited to donkeys and trekking pilgrims. Xenophontos extols its woodworking shop, but laborers imported from Albania and Egypt do the hard work.

Some monks grumble about the tide of visitors overwhelming their devotions.

Some pilgrims dislike it, too.

“I am an adherent of the old traditions and I am against all these roads, these SUVs,” said Mikhail Miroshnikov, a middle-aged Russian pilgrim who comes twice yearly for spiritual discussions with the monks. “Some monasteries here are becoming more for business and not for the soul.”

Construction cranes hover over many monasteries; all but a few have been extensively rebuilt using European Union funds for historic preservation.

Senior government and church officials have said Russia planned to spend $30 million to restore the imposing Russian monastery, St. Panteleimon. Both public and private spending across Athos since 2005 might have reached $200 million, according to a BBC report seconded by several donors and experts.

When Putin last visited Athos in 2016, the Russian press reported excitedly that he was treated like a Byzantine emperor. Some Greek government and church officials found the comparison alarming.

Czarist Russia made a play to control Athos around 1913, flooding it with several thousand monks and insisting it become independent. Athos ended up as an autonomous part of Greece.

Russian interest waned after the 1917 Revolution, but recent influence peddling has Athens worried about a renewed effort at domination.

Hard-line newspapers distributed free at Vatopedi, for example, shower praise on Russian Orthodoxy while pillorying Patriarch Bartholomew I of Constantinople, who controls Athos, as an enemy agent. The patriarch, considered the “first among equals” in church affairs, is engaged in a fight with Moscow over creating an independent church in Ukraine.

Last Monday, the Russian Orthodox Church banned its adherents from communion at churches under Bartholomew’s supervision, including all on Athos, but it is unclear how that will affect the tide of pilgrims or donations.

Monks and pilgrims tend to dismiss political questions, saying they came to Athos for spiritual sustenance and the intrinsic holiness of a place devoted to prayer.

“There is both historical holiness here in terms of relics and icons, and living holiness through monasticism,” Damaskinos said.

Ukraine war latest: Zelenskyy pleads with allies for help after deadly Russian strikes

At least three people were killed this morning after Russia launched a round of air strikes against several cities in Ukraine. Below, watch a Sky News exclusive on the Ukrainian resistance operating behind Russian lines.

Monday 26 August 2024 21:40, UK

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

• Russia unleashes missile and drone barrage across Ukraine
• At least three dead as 15 regions hit - with explosions heard in Kyiv
• Ukraine says it shot down 102 missiles in 'most massive' attack
• Zelenskyy pleads with allies for help - as Kremlin issues warning
• Search under way for military object that landed in Poland
• Watch: Who are Ukraine's secret resistance?
• Your questions answered: Can Ukraine advance further inside Russia?
• Live reporting by Brad Young

NATO has condemned Russia's "irresponsible" attacks after alliance member Poland reported the likely landing of a drone on its territory.

"Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russian drone fragments and missiles have been found on allied territory on several occasions," NATO spokesperson Farah Dakhlallah said. 

"While we have no information indicating an intentional attack by Russia against allies, these acts are irresponsible and potentially dangerous." 

There are reports of another wave of drone attacks this evening, a Ukrainian MP tells Sky News.

Ukraine is also expecting more missiles overnight, says Lesia Vasylenko.

Russia is attacking energy infrastructure, leaving regions without water and power, yet the West will not let Ukraine stop them, she says.

"It's a nonsense that Russians are attacking civilian targets inside of Ukraine on a daily basis, using missiles with components from Western countries, and then those Western countries, including the US, are blocking Ukraine being able to defend itself and to destroy the military targets from which these attacks have been launched," she says."

This is not a retaliation for the Kursk offensive, she says, pointing out that this has been part of Russia's strategy since it invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

"'Winters should be dark and cold for Ukrainians': That's that's the message that Russia is trying to convey and this is what they're trying to make real."

She adds: "When it gets really, really cold, it's going to be absolutely unliveable."

But Ukraine is not prepared to "just surrender and see our homes destroyed and see our loved ones being taken into prisons and to torture centres", says Ms Vasylenko.

As Ukraine came under fire from a massive wave of Russian missiles and drones today, beneath the streets of Kyiv, residents sung the city's anthem.

The chorus echoed through the subway, where families took shelter from the bombardment.

The Kremlin said it has seen media reports about the death of Ryan Evans, a British safety adviser working for Reuters, in a missile strike on a Ukrainian hotel.

Moscow said it only targeted military infrastructure in Ukraine. Russia has repeatedly hit civilian targets over the course of the war.

"I'll repeat once again: Strikes are carried out against military infrastructure objects, and, or against targets related to military infrastructure in one way or another," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said when asked about the incident.

Mr Peskov did not say whether he put security advisers who protect journalists in the military category. 

"I have read information from employees of the agency that we're not talking about a journalist here, but about some kind of security adviser," he said.

Asked subsequently by Reuters to provide further details and explain his remarks, Mr Peskov did not immediately respond.

Ryan Evans, 38, a member of the Reuters team covering the war in Ukraine, was killed and two Reuters journalists were injured in a strike on a hotel in the eastern city of Kramatorsk.

Like many news organisations, Reuters employs safety advisers to work with journalists deployed in conflict zones.

Mr Evans, a former British soldier, had been working with Reuters since 2022 and advised its journalists on safety around the world including in Ukraine, Israel and at the Paris Olympics. 

A worker was killed in a fire that ripped through Russia's Omsk oil refinery, management has said.

Another six workers were injured, the refinery added. 

Earlier today, the local governor said seven people were in hospital, with one in a serious condition.

The cause of the fire was not immediately clear. Several Russian oil refineries have been targeted by Ukrainian drone attacks. 

Some reports on social media said a huge explosion was heard across several districts of the west Siberia city, located around 1,700 miles east of Moscow.

The Omsk refinery processes more than 21 million metric tons, accounting for 8% of Russia's total oil refining volume.

The plant, controlled by Gazprom Neft, said the fire would not affect its production plan.

"Fierce battles are raging" around the eastern city of Pokrovsk, according to the general staff of the Ukrainian armed forces.

Russian forces have made 38 attempts to storm Ukrainian positions near the strategic logistics hub today, with clashes ongoing in 14 locations, it said.

"There remains a tense situation in the Pokrovsky direction," the general staff said, referring to the name for the district.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine has decided to "further strengthen" Pokrovsk after being briefed by his army chief on the situation in the area. 

Russian forces have been inching forward for months in the Donetsk region, where Pokrovsk is located.

The advance quickened in recent weeks as Moscow's troops  mounted relentless attacks in the direction of Pokrovsk.

The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has identified areas of the frontline from which the Russian military is likely redeploying forces to Kursk.

Moscow is drawing troops from northern Kharkiv, Chasiv Yar and western Zaporizhzhia - the latter of which readers may remember was a focal point of Ukraine's counteroffensive last year.

Russian command is resisting pressure to redeploy forces away from its "high priority offensive" on Pokrovsk in Donetsk, said the ISW.

It will "likely continue to draw forces from lower priority offensive operations elsewhere throughout the theatre to defend in Kursk", the ISW said.

The Russian defence ministry says it struck Ukrainian forces with airstrikes at more than a dozen places along the front in the Kursk region today.

Moscow said it also repelled attacks in seven areas of Kursk.

The ministry said it was hunting for Ukrainian sabotage units which had hidden in the forests in an attempt to penetrate deeper into Russian territory.

Russia's attack on Ukraine today was its largest air bombardment, Reuters reports Ukraine's air force commander as saying.

The air force shot down 102 of 127 Russian missiles and 99 of 109 drones, Mykola Oleshchuk said.

Russia has bombarded Ukraine for more than two and half years, and launched attacks on 15 regions this morning.

Mr Oleshchuk said the attack included:

• 109 Shahed drones launched from Primorsko-Akhtarsk, Kursk, Yeisk, Chauda and Crimea
• 77 Kh-101 cruise missiles from fighter jets over Volgograd and the Caspian Sea
• 28 Kalibr cruise missiles from surface/underwater carriers in the Black Sea
• 10 Kh-59/Kh-69 guided air missiles from fighter jets over Belgorod and Mariupol
• Six Iskander-M/KN-23 ballistic missiles from Kursk, Voronezh and Crimea
• Three Kinzhal ballistic missiles fired from the Ryazan and Lipetsk regions
• 3 Kh-22 cruise missiles from the Voronezh region

Poland has released more information on a military object that entered its airspace during Russia's bombardment of Ukraine.

Jacek Goryszewski, spokesperson for the Polish army's operational command, said it was likely a drone and that it may have landed on Polish territory.

Searches were underway, he said, ruling out that the object was a missile.

 "The object is being searched for by 100 soldiers on the ground and one helicopter," he said.

Mr Goryszewski said it was impossible to say whether the object was Russian or Ukrainian as weather conditions had not allowed for visual identification.

The object entered Polish airspace at 4.43am GMT and radars lost sight of it at 5.16am.

"Due to the prevailing weather conditions, it was not possible to clearly identify it, which prevented the decision to shoot it down," operational command posted on X.

The head of the international nuclear watchdog will front a mission to inspect a power plant in Russia on Tuesday.

Rafael Grossi, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said today he will head to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant.

This is due to the "serious situation" in the region.

He said: "Given the serious situation, I'm personally leading tomorrow's IAEA mission to the Kursk Nuclear Power Plant in Russia.

"I reiterate that the safety and security of nuclear facilities must, under no circumstances, be endangered."

Be the first to get Breaking News

Install the Sky News app for free