Mount Athos Diet and Cuisine

Now that people are turning towards a healthier lifestyle, Mount Athos diet is gaining the popularity it deserves and its “flock” continues to grow.

The virgin land of Chalkidiki’s third peninsula, the well-known Mount Athos, also known in Greek as Agion Oros, meaning “Holy Mountain”, is home to some of the finest products you will ever taste. Cultivated as simply as possible, with no machines used and under the hot summer sun, the products that the monks produce demonstrate what true flavor is.

Mount Athos Diet

The Mount Athos diet is based on the quality of the ingredients. No artificial flavors, no spices except for a bit of salt and pepper, and no extra ingredients beyond the absolutely necessary ones. It is, indeed, Mediterranean cuisine at its best.

The land of Chalkidiki is ideal for such cultivation. Its rich soil nourishes the seeds until they are fully grown, the altitude of the mainland provides the perfect environment, and the sea breeze adds the final touch, especially when it comes to vineyards and wines. Using the highest quality ingredients is what chefs consider the most important aspect of cooking. For instance, the olive groves in Chalkidiki, particularly at Mount Athos, yield an extra virgin olive oil that is cherished by people all over the world.

But of course, when talking about Chalkidiki and Mount Athos, it’s not only about what the land produces but also about what the sea provides. Fresh fish of excellent quality, ideally roasted over an open fire; small fish or other seafood, like octopus and squid, served as “meze” with your ouzo or tsipouro; and, of course, Mount Athos’s specialty: fish soup. Don’t leave Chalkidiki without trying a bowl. You’ll be amazed by what can be made with just fish, lemons, and onions.

The choice is always yours, but we can recommend a plethora of restaurants and taverns where you can eat, or shops where you can buy traditional products, whether from Chalkidiki or cultivated at Mount Athos. Be it fruits and vegetables, olive oil, wines, feta cheese, honey, or any other food you’d like to try, feel free to ask us where to find the best ones.

Yes, Greek gyros will always have a special place in our hearts, but returning to the roots, eating healthy, and enjoying the true flavors of the virgin land of Mount Athos will make your holiday experience in Chalkidiki truly complete.

A healthy diet isn’t necessarily about superfoods or paleo recipes; it’s about using excellent raw materials—the ingredients that Mother Earth has so generously provided. The products from Mount Athos exemplify this perfectly.