The whole place is very interesting not only Simonopetra (although it is one of the most photogenic probably). I have pictures of it from the outside too (you can hit "simonopetra" tag at the bottom of this entry to get there or "mount athos" in general). Visiting Mount Athos was a dream of mine for a while and I spent two weeks there last December. It is a very unique place.
I did not know that such a place existed! I am glad that I added you to the flist. Your photos are very intriguing. Although my own travel is very limited (family, job, $$, the usual), it is nice to be able to see things from other parts of the world.
It was not easy to get the "visa" to visit the place (even though they are inside the EU they got a special exemption from free movement agreement and everyone has to apply and get a permit to visit). They accept only 100 visitors a day (for a three nights stay) out of which only 10 can be non-Orthodox (like me). You have to apply way in advance. Women are not allowed to visit. There are few places left in the world as unique as this place. I will be making a series of posts on it soon.
The closest you would be able to get would be a boat cruise around the peninsular (that's what women do there). The boat cannot come too close but you can still see some of the monasteries from a distance.
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