On September 24 2013 we walked from Vatopedi to Esfigmenou, 9.22 km in 2h. 26 minutes. The maximum altitude was 232 meters. You see the route here.

Here you can see where I took my pictures

We started in the gardens of Vatopedi:

Looking back towards the monastery

FoMA signs to Sografou and Esfigmenou

Vatopedi beach: see the blue pin on the right on the picture above Looking back to Vatopedi

After climbing the first hill you will see this bay (second blue pin on the left, third picture above)

At the light blue pin on the plan above: a dried out well

I tried to highlight the Greek text, but I could’t read/decipher it

Newly planted olive trees near the well

The wind shaped bushes along the monopatiThe next bay shows up (see two pins between the well and the next beach on the picture above)

 The next beach: 4 pictures

FoMA sign to Esfigmenou

A picture taken from the beach to the inland: a bulldozer working the fields

Another Athos beach appears

Old signs along the beach

From here the path goes inland again, to Esfigmenou

At the fourth blue pin the path bends to the right (see FoMA signs)

The beautifull path continues to Esfigmenou

Time to rest in the shadow and to drink. Just before I took this picture pilgrim GJ saw a large catlike animal jump over the path: a wild cat maybe? (this photo is made at the first blue pin on the picture above). Thorns of blackberries injured GJ’s ear!

At the same spot: an old cemented signpost?

The last 10 pictures from this hike, starting with the one below (light blue pin)

The bay of Esfigmenou approaches The end of the monopati, at an old dirt road, where plants slowly take over

Sign to Efsigmenou and the path back to Vatopedi

The small chapel near Esfigmenou

After 2,5 h: arriving at the Esfigmenou winery

Wim, 23/4

(next time more about Esfigmenou)