The Greek region of Holy Mount Athos is independent and self-governing. It covers the entire third peninsula of Halkidiki, which is roughly 50 kilometers long and 8-12 kilometers wide and covers an area of 330 square kilometers.
A vast range of hills and mountains rise from the center of the Mount Athos peninsula, culminating in Mount Athos itself, which stands at 2,033 meters above sea level.
An imaginary line formed from “Fragokastro” on the western coast through to Cape Arapis on the opposite coast, passing close to the slopes of the peak “Megali Vigla,” marks the monastic state’s border with the rest of Halkidiki.