Yes, but you need a special laissez passez issued by the government of the autonomous government of the Holy Mountain. If I recall correctly, you need a letter from your parish priest to stay overnight and you must have a legitimate religious reason for being there. No women are allowed. In accordance with a "Chryssobul" issued by the Byzantine Emperor Constantine Monomahos, in 1060 A.D. which still remains valid, a permit is required for both individuals and groups. This is issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate of Churches (at No 2, Zalokosta Street, in Athens, tel: 3626.894) or by the Ministry of Northern Greece, Directorate of Civil Affairs at Diiki- tiriou Square in Thessaloniki, tel. 031/270.092.
Thanks!! I’ve cut that out and will keep it for my trip there. Have you ever been there? One of the strange things about Greece is the cuisine — don’t get me wrong, it’s lovely, especially the street food — I dream of gyros and souvlaki. But the alcohol is stinky!!! ;-P like ouzo or retsina — I couldn’t even drink ouzo as the aniseed smell was overpowering!! I like feta cheese in a salad, but it’s kinda salty for me. Other good stuff is tiganeeta, kolokothanota, and something with feta cheese and spinach. mmm...