Nature of the Holy Mountain

01Forested habitatsChestnut, oak & conifersDense woodland and varied elevations support a mosaic of Mediterranean and montane habitats across the peninsula.Mediterranean to montane habitats01 02Coastal zoneMediterranean edgeAt low elevation the climate is Mediterranean. Salt air, steep maritime exposure and predominantly northern winds define this narrow coastal habitat.Mild winters · dry summers02 03Rock & cliffsA folded peninsulaMetamorphic and crystalline schists, gneisses, limestones and marbles create steep coastal slopes and sharply folded terrain.Rhodope massif geology03 04High mountainContinental and humidThe climate becomes cooler and more humid with altitude, culminating at the pyramidal summit of Mount Athos.Summit elevation · 2,033 m04 05Water cycleRain, forest & soilAnnual rainfall rises from about 470 mm in the lowlands to 850 mm in the mountains, with most precipitation between October and April.470–850 mm annual rainfall05 06Vineyard clearingsCultivation in contextSmall vineyard plots occupy selected clearings. Hand work, soil care and water management should be described according to each producer’s documented practice and certification.Producer-specific vineyard practice06