I’ve been twice to Athos, staying at different monasteries each time. It’s unreal because the lifestyle there is very rudimentary. They wake up really early and

I’ve been twice to Athos, staying at different monasteries each time. It’s unreal because the lifestyle there is very rudimentary. They wake up really early and spend most of the day either praying or working. You’ll hear no cars or any other mechanical sound whatsoever. There’s electricity of course, and you can bring a phone or laptop if you so wish, but most people don’t even bother. Add the fact that the region seems idyllic with monasteries buried deep into forests a few minutes walk from the sea and you can understand why spending a week there is so refreshing. By the way, not everyone visiting Athos is religious, nor is required.