meteora greece travel guide

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The imposing Monastery of Grand Meteoron

Kastraki, a village under impressive rock formations!

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TRAVEL GUIDE TO METEORA

Meteora in Greece is hands down one of the most impressive regions of the country! Located on the northern side of Greece, in Thessaly, this spectacular place is included in the World Heritage List . The famous monasteries date back to the Byzantine era and they lie on the top of massive rock formations. The breathtaking natural landscape was shaped approximately 60 million years ago!

Our travel guide has been designed to offer everything you need to know, including the area's landmarks , top hotels and restaurants . Don't miss our collection of photos !

Meteora can be reached by car or KTEL bus, while a train station is also available to the nearby town of Kalambaka. Many organized tours from Athens or Thessaloniki will take you there as well.

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MORE ABOUT METEORA GREECE

Meteora is a beautiful region in the northern part of Greece. What makes it a special place to visit is the huge rock pinnacles that are a unique sight in Greece. Monasteries that were built on top of them hundreds of years ago still stand and highlight the beauty of the natural landscape, attracting millions of visitors every year.

Religious tourism is very popular in this area. Numerous travelers arrive every year to visit the 6 stunning monasteries on the tops of the rock formations. Out of the 25 monasteries constructed there during the Byzantine times, only 6 are still operating and are open to the public. Nevertheless, the traditional monasteries are not the only reason why tourists flock to this place; Many travelers also visit it to hike or rock-climb , two of the most popular things to do there. As for the landscape, it is, of course, perfect for nature exploration.

The biggest and most popular monastery is the Grand (Megalo) Monastery . The Grand Monastery has a unique architecture and boasts a breathtaking view of the valley. If you want to visit a more quiet one, then you should opt for the Monastery of Agios Stefanos , which is a very interesting place to explore.

Right next to Meteora lies Kalambaka , a lovely town, which you can use as a base of your exploration. In Kalambaka, you’ll find many hotels, restaurants, shops and facilities.

Are you ready to discover Meteora?

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HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

As a popular destination, the region of Meteora provides several hotels to accommodate the needs of visitors. Most of them have a traditional style and a few modern ones feature swimming pools. The most convenient place to stay is Kalambaka, although you will also discover nice hotels with an amazing view in the nearby village Kastraki.

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF METEORA

Discover the highlights of Meteora to experience during your holiday! From sightseeing to activities and from tours to restaurants, here are the best suggestions for the ultimate experience! View All Things to Do

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• Visit Meteora – Home
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• The Monastery of Great Meteoron
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• The Monastery of Holy Trinity
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• Kalabaka Town
• Kastraki Village
• Old Habitation of Kastraki Village
• The Hidden Monastery of Ypapanti
• The old Chapel of Doupiani
• St. George Madilas
• The Hermit Caves of Badovas
• The Rock of Holy Spirit
• The Rock of Great Saint
• Gavros Village
• The Prehistoric Cave of Theopetra
• The Byzantine Church of Kalabaka
• Meteora Natural History Museum and Mushroom Museum
• Hellenic Culture Museum
• Meteora History and Culture Digital Projection Centre
• Library of Kalampaka
• Aspropotamos Region
• Elati and Pertouli
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• Athens to Meteora
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Explore the Monasteries and Beyond: Unforgettable Experiences in Meteora

Visit Meteora is a highly awarded local travel agency in operation since 2013. We are fully committed to provide the best tours and experiences Meteora can offer at the best possible rates. Find top-rated tours, transfers, and outdoor activities to explore Meteora, the monasteries, and beyond.

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Visit Meteora is a group of travel professionals and local destination experts who have combined their talents, knowledge, resources, and travel passion to become the pioneers of Destination Management Company in Meteora Greece. Our company offers the most exclusive mixture of enjoyable and memorable travel experiences both in the Meteora region and also around it, ranging from soft adventures and sight-seeing tours to day trips and transfers in one of the most breathtaking places of Greece!

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Frequently Asked Questions

You may have a few questions about your upcoming trip to Meteora, so we’ve collected and answered the most important ones for your convenience. Or, if you want to know more about our processes and payment details, check out our FAQ page .

What are the visiting hours and days of the monasteries

The opening hours often change from year to year, so beware when relying on information provided in guidebooks or general web sites. We will try to do our best in keeping the timetable of visiting times and days of monasteries up-to-date. Check the opening hours of Meteora monasteries  here .

What is you cancelation policy?

We offer a very flexible cancelation policy which is Full Refund Available up to 24 Hours Before Your Tour Date for the day trips and 48 hours for the multiday tours. 

How many monasteries can I see in one day?

Before we answer this question we have to specify that everything should be taken into account. It depends on how fit you are, the transportation and time available, weather conditions ect. Most people are able to visit between 2 to 4 monasteries per day. The few visitors who visit all 6 of them within one day are missing out a magical, more slow-paced adventure. We recommend at least 2 days stay in Meteora.

Is there a dress code to enter a monastery?

Appropriate clothing for everyone is required to enter the monasteries. Sleeveless clothing and shorts over the knee for men are prohibited and you‘ll be denied access if dressed that way. For ladies skirts and shawls are available to borrow or buy at the entrance of monasteries in case they don’t have such clothing to cover themselves.

How many stairs for each monastery?

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity and Great Meteoro are the less accessible (over 300 steps). Rousanou, Varlaam and Saint Nicolaos have an average number of 140. Some of the monasteries apart the staircases requires uphill walking in paved paths. The Holy Monastery of St Stephen is connected with a walking bridge, thus making it more accessible than any other monastery.

What is the Entrance fee for the monasteries?

In each monastery there is an entrance fee of 3 euro per person. Kids up to 12 years old they don’t pay entrance fees in the monasteries.

Should I take the car to drive to monasteries or is better using other means?

There are many reasons not to want to drive while exploring Meteora — like if you’re not confident driving on the opposite side of the road, your spouse is a terrible copilot and you just want to have fun instead of arguing; or if you want to enjoy the scenic road and not to feel stress about the narrow and curvy roads. Lack of parking space outside the monasteries is especially frequent phenomenon during the pick period in the summer. So by joining one of our tours might save you a lot of headaches and unwanted distractions.

Can i find parking for my car outside the monasteries?

During the pick period from May till late October be prepared to face issues with finding parking space or brief traffic jams outside the monasteries of Great Meteoro , Varlaam , and Agios Stefanos ; even more during the rush hours between 10:00 am to 14:00. This happens due to the limited width of the roads and the limited parking spots available outside those monasteries.

If possible, try to be outside those monasteries way before 09:00 am to avoid any big crowds. Or you might consider leaving your car in the hotel and join one of the many tours offered by the locals.

Are pets allowed?

Pets, with the exception of service dogs, are not allowed inside the monasteries.

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If you are looking for PCR test or antigen test you can find few labs at Kalampaka town, located few meters away from our offices. For more details come by our office or send us an email or use the instant messenger. 

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Full Guide to Visiting the Meteora Monasteries in Greece 2023

Welcome to this everything-you-need-to-know-guide about visiting the beautiful Meteora Monasteries in Greece.

In our opinion, Meteora is one of the most unique places you can visit in all of Europe, and it surely deserves a spot on any keen traveler’s bucket list.

That being said, we knew absolutely nothing about Meteora until our visit… In fact, we only learned of this incredible UNESCO place a couple of days before our arrival. This means we had no idea about all the important things you need to know before visiting the Meteora monasteries. And let’s be honest… You have to take a couple of things into consideration when visiting a place like Meteora.

So in this guide, we’re going to share EVERYTHING that you should know before visiting the Meteora Monasteries in Greece – such as how to get there, how much does it cost, opening hours, what to wear, hiking trails, sunset spots, information about the monasteries and much more.

We were completely blown away by the beauty of Meteora, and we hope you will be too.

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How to visit the Meteora Monasteries in Greece

This part of the blog post is going to guide you through all the important things to know before you arrive in Meteora.

About the Meteora Monasteries

First things first, let’s dive into a bit of the history behind the Meteora Monasteries in Greece.

The reason why the Meteora Monasteries gained so much popularity compared to many other religious sites in Greece is without a doubt because of the location. All the monasteries, which you can visit today, are located on top of steep rock pillars.

In fact, the whole area is full of amazing rock formations, which creates some extraordinary landscapes.

The story behind the Meteora Monasteries begins in the 11th century. A lot of monks had flocked to Meteora, and they were now beginning to find ways to ascend these massive rock pillars. Many succeeded and started founding monasteries on the top of the cliffs.

The location of the monasteries was ideal for the monks because it meant that they could live their life in solitude without the influence of political issues around the country. Back then, the only way to get into the monasteries was to climb up a ladder, which the monks could draw up whenever they felt threatened.

Two dozen monasteries were eventually built, but only 6 remains today – all of which are inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites .

Luckily for us, the monasteries are now open to the public, and we have the opportunity to visit all 6 of them. However, several monks and nuns are still living inside of the monasteries, which means you have to respect the religious conduct during your visit.

How to get to Kalambaka

Kalambaka City is the gateway to Meteora. So unless you’re joining a day tour from Athens or Thessaloniki, you will have to take the train or bus to Kalambaka Station.

If you’re short on time, then a day tour will probably be your ideal way to visit the Meteora Monasteries.

• Full day tour from Athens
• Full day tour from Thessaloniki

However, if you have the time for it, then I would really suggest you to stay a couple of nights in Kalambaka and take your time exploring the area. You can either catch the train or a bus to Kalambaka from Athens or Thessaloniki. We mostly traveled with train around Greece.

• Related blog posts: Things to do in Thessaloniki & Athens itinerary

How to get to Meteora Monasteries

There are several ways to explore the Meteora Monasteries in Greece. It’s all up to you how you want to see the area. Here are some suggestions (and my own experience) on how to visit the Monasteries of Meteora.

1. Join a tour

If you’re short on time or if you prefer to have a guide to teach you about the monasteries and the area, then you can easily join a tour in Meteora.

There are several different types of tours that you can join in Meteora, here are the best ones I can find:

• Electric bicycle tour : A fun and affordable way to experience the Meteora Monasteries while getting a workout. Prices begin at €45
• Panorama tour by bus : An affordable way to visit 3 out of Meteora’s 6 monasteries. The prices start at €35
• Sunset tour : I saw one of the best sunsets of my life at Meteora Monasteries. Take a sunset tour to the incredible UNESCO World Heritage Site. Prices begin at €35.
• Full day tour of Meteora from Athens : Coming all the way from Athens? Check out this popular full day tour from Athens to Meteora. Prices begin at €123
• Full day tour of Meteora from Thessaloniki : Coming all the way from Thessaloniki? Check out this popular full day tour from Thessaloniki to Meteora. Prices begin at €60

2. Hike to the monasteries

We met a lot of people who hiked all the way up to the monasteries by themselves. It’s a very beautiful area to walk in (more about that at the end of this blog post), so if you’re a keen hiker, then I’d suggest you go by foot.

Just know that you have to gain a lot of elevation to get to the top of the monasteries, so keep that in mind if you’re not used to hiking. You can also book a guided Meteora hiking tour if you don’t want to navigate the trails by yourself.

3. Rent a car or a scooter

We went around the Monasteries of Meteora by scooter. The absolute most fun way to experience a place! (in our opinion).

We paid €20 a day for scooter rental in Kalambaka. The price was a bit steep for Greece, but the rental place was trustworthy. So if you’re looking into renting a scooter that can take you around the monasteries, then check out Hobbyshop Meteora (located just opposite the Holy Rock Hostel )

You can also rent a car in Kalambaka, but we unfortunately don’t have any recommendations for you since we went on a scooter.

The circuit of Meteora

All the monasteries are located in a circuit behind Kalambaka city. This means you can begin your visit from Kalambaka, then visit the monasteries one by one, and end your day back at Kalambaka. However, we’d recommend you not to try and see them all in one single day since that would put you in a rush.

Ask your accommodation, rental company or tour operator to give you a map over the area. That way you can follow the route and decide which monasteries you want to see.

The road in Meteora is well paved, so whether you’re hiking, biking, or taking a scooter or a car, you’ll be fine.

Dress code in Meteora

It’s important that you follow a specific dress code when you’re visiting the Meteora Monasteries.

Like most religious sites, you have to cover your knees and shoulders. However, there are a few extra rules to follow in Meteora.

What should men wear in Meteora Monasteries? At least a t-shirt and long pants. In some monasteries, you can enter while only wearing shorts. But if you want to make sure to get in, then you should wear long pants.

What should women wear in Meteora Monasteries? The official dress code for women is actually a skirt that goes below your knees. You can also wear a t-shirt and long pants, however, you will be asked to cover up your butt… So wear a long skirt/dress or have a scarf ready to tie around your pants.

The 6 Monasteries of Meteora – A Complete Visitor Guide

In this part of the blog post, we’re going to talk about all the monasteries in Meteora. So here are some historical facts, information about opening hours and price, and pictures of the 6 monasteries in Meteora.

1. Saint Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery

The Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas (also known as Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas) is the first monastery, which you have the opportunity to visit on your trip to Meteora. It’s located in the beginning of the Meteora loop, right after you leave Kastraki Town.

Like all the other monasteries, it’s beautifully situated on top of a cliff. So it’s hard not to spot it when you’re working your way up the mountain of Meteora.

Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas was founded in the late 14th century, and it’s still unknown exactly how many monks used to live here. Today, Agios Nikolas Anapafsas is only home to one monk.

It’s also unknown what the name “Anapafsas” refers to. But the theories suggest that the monastery was either named after its founder or a benefactor, or maybe because it was a resting place for the pilgrims, who wanted to make it up the hill to some of the higher monasteries. “Anapafsas” supposedly means “to rest” in Greek.

2. Roussanou Monastery

The Holy Monastery of Roussanou is the second monastery you’ll find on your trip around the circuit of Meteora. Roussanou is located on a tall rock pillar and is accessible by stairs and a small footbridge crossing.

The monastery originates from the 14th century and is dedicated to Saint Barbara. Why it’s named Roussanou is still a mystery, but a good guess is that it’s named after the first monk who established the convent and church.

Today, the Holy Monastery of Roussanou is actually a nunnery, and supposedly more than a dozen nuns live here.

Roussanou is smaller than some of the other monasteries, but it’s also less crowded, which of course has its benefits in a popular place like Meteora.

3. Varlaam Monastery

Together with the Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam is probably the most popular monastery that people visit. Why? Because it’s sooo beautiful!

Apart from the church, museum, and monastery itself, Varlaam Monastery also has a big terrace overlooking the incredible area of Meteora. We really liked Varlaam a lot , however, it was also very crowded with other visitors.

Varlaam Monastery was named after the first monk who ascended the massive rock pillar in 1350 and who afterwards established the chapel.

It still amazes me how these monks managed to climb the big rock pillars so many years ago without any help or safety equipment. I guess that you just need to have faith! ..and not be afraid of heights.

4. Great Meteoron Monastery

The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is rightfully named the “greatest” because it happens to be the biggest, the highest, and the oldest one of all the monasteries in Meteora.

Situated on a cliff above the Varlaam monastery, the Great Meteoron is overlooking most of the rock formations in the valley.

The monastery was established in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios, and it’s named “Meteoro”, which means “suspended in the air.”

So now you know why the whole area is named the Meteora Monasteries – basically because they’re all located high in the sky on top of big rock pillars.

The Great Meteoron Monastery really is a must visit on your trip to Meteora! However, make sure to arrive as early as possible since it’s very popular and overcrowded with fellow tourists most of the day.

5. Holy Trinity Monastery

The Holy Trinity Monastery (also known as Agia Trias) is one of the best monasteries to visit in Meteora. In fact, it was my favorite one!

It’s located a bit further into the circuit of Meteora. And it’s more difficult to get to because you have to climb 140 steps to the entrance, which means that you’ll naturally find fewer tourist in the Holy Trinity Monastery.

The monastery has some amazing viewpoints over the valley. From the top of Agia Trias, you can actually see the whole of Kalambaka city. It’s such a beautiful view!

Just like the other monasteries, Agia Trias was also founded sometime in the 14th century by a couple of monks who managed to conquer the steep cliff.

Apart from its beautiful interior and great viewpoints, the monastery is also known for being featured in the James Bond movie, “For Your Eyes Only”.

6. Agios Stefanos Monastery

The Holy Monastery of Agios Stefanos is the last functioning monastery, which you can visit on your trip to Meteora. It’s located at the end of the loop, just after the Holy Trinity Monastery.

Unlike the other monasteries, you don’t need to climb any steps to get here, instead you just need to cross a bridge. So, if you want to avoid walking up stairs, then this monastery might be the best one for you to visit.

We unfortunately never made it into this monastery, but from what we can find online, it’s supposedly built in the 15th century unlike the other monasteries that are built in an earlier century.

Just like Roussanou, Agios Stefanos is also a nunnery, which means that several nuns are living in a sisterhood here today.

It should be very beautiful inside and it has some great views over Kalambaka, so make sure to visit it on your trip to Meteora. I’ll have to save this one for my next visit!

Things to do in Meteora (apart from visiting monasteries)

All right! Now that we’ve covered things to know before your trip to Meteora and a small visitor guide to all the monasteries, it’s time to look at what else there is to do in this incredible area of Greece.

So here is a small guide on where to find the best sunset spots and hiking trails in Meteora.

Best sunset in Meteora

Meteora is located several hundred meters above sea level, which means you can find some incredible sunset spots in the area.

The 2 most popular places to watch the sunset are from two viewpoints located on the road between Varlaam Monastery and the Holy Trinity Monastery. You’ll find two massive rocks, which you can walk onto. From here you can find a spot to watch the sunset.

We watched the sunset on the big rock closest to The Holy Trinity Monastery, and it was just incredibly beautiful! (Though it’ll be a bit eerie if you’re afraid of heights like me…)

You can either do a sunset tour from Kalambaka or go by yourself. We went by ourselves on our rental scooter and arrived at the sunset rock about 50 minutes before the actual sunset. Please come early if you want to find a good spot to sit and watch the sunset.

The sunset in Meteora is among some of the best we’ve ever seen! So don’t miss out on this experience.

• Related blog post: How to watch the sunset in Meteora

Hiking trails in Meteora

There are several hiking trails in Meteora. So, if you’re a keen hiker, then you should really look into spending a day on the trails. You can either do a guided hiking tour from Kalambaka or try to navigate the trails by yourself.

We went by ourselves and did a mix of riding our scooter to trailheads and following the trails from a downloaded map on Maps.me. We eventually hiked two different trails in Meteora, both of which we can really recommend.

• Have a look at our hiking blog posts before your trip: Day hike packing list & Hiking for beginners

Meteora Hike 1: Great Meteoren Monastery to Ypapantí Monastery

On the first hike, we followed a trail starting from the parking lot of the Great Meteoron Monastery to the Ypapantí Monastery.

This hiking trail took us past a viewpoint of some great rock formations, then through a forest, and ended at the incredible Ypapantí Monastery. This monastery is a bit different than the 6 other ones in Meteora because it’s built directly into the cliff.

It was a great short hike that took a small hour to complete.

Meteora Hike 2: Agias Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery to Monks’ Prison Cave

The second hike we did followed a small trail which began just before the parking lot of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery and ended at the mystic cave named Monks’ Prison.

The Monks’ Prison was an old prison cave where the naughty monks got sent to if they did something bad or if they needed to be reminded of what was proper religious conduct.

We don’t know if you can go deep into the cave. We honestly didn’t try because it felt a bit… creepy. But surely any dark tourist enthusiast must visit this place.

This small hike took less than an hour to complete.

We really hope you found this guide to visiting the Meteora Monasteries useful. Meteora is honestly one of our favorite places in Greece, and we really want to go back someday and explore the last monasteries and more hiking trails.

If you have any questions about visiting Meteora, then please ask us in the comments below, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks for reading and happy travels!

Want to discover more of Greece? Check out:

• The sunset in Meteora
• Why visit Greece in 2023?
• 30 GREAT things Greece is famous for
• The 20 best things to do in Thessaloniki
• Things to do in incredible Skopelos Island
• 3 days in Athens: Affordable & easy itinerary
• Athens archaeological combo ticket review

Hi, I'm Cecilie! And I'm the writer behind our travel blog. I only write about places that we've personally been to and want to recommend to you. I'm passionate about creating truthful travel guides, which can help you plan your own trip. When I'm not traveling or writing, you'll find me on a hiking trail, in a coffee shop, or in a shoe store around Copenhagen.

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12 Comments

Hi. May I ask if visiting these monasteries would entail a lot of walking? Your pictures are beautiful and your blog is quite specific and helpful to us future travelers.

Hi Yvette Marie, thank you for your nice comment. Glad to hear my blog is of help! Visiting the monasteries do entail some walking. It’s not a lot, but it’s surely some. You’ll do most of the walking when climbing the steps to the monasteries. So if you’re having trouble with walking, then maybe just choose the easy accessible Agios Stefanos Monastery, so you don’t strain yourself 🙂 Enjoy beautiful Meteora!

I am not really fit, and me and my husband would love to do this. How many steps are involved to see most of the monasteries? I know one has 140 steps, which I don’t think I could do. Is that significantly more than the others or do you have to walk up a lot of stairs to see all of them?

Dear Kaitlyn, thanks for your question. Whether you can visit the monasteries or not, the road is still breathtakingly beautiful, so I’ll urge you to go anyways! Also make sure to visit during sunset when the landscapes are extra beautiful. You can definitely see Agios Stefanos, which has no stairs (it’s even wheelchair-friendly). The rest of the monasteries unfortunately requires you to walk the 140 steps or more. What you could do, is maybe just choose the Great Meteoron Monastery. Yes, there are a lot of steps involved, but once you get there, you have a lot of things to see (it’s the biggest monastery). So if you think you could manage walking up to one of the monasteries, then I would recommend this one. Of course, I don’t know your history and if it’s even possible for you. But I do know that nobody would mind you to stop and take breaks during the ascend. In fact, I saw many people having a hard time with the steps. Best of luck and enjoy Meteora!

Hello. How much time is needed to visit/see each of the monastery starting from walking/climbing up the stairs, seeing the interior, etc.? I’d like to calculate roughly how much time/day(s) I’d need to spend in Meteora. Thank you.

Hi Pauline, that’s a great question. However, I think that how long time you will need differs from monastery to monastery. For example Roussanou Monastery only takes 20-30 minutes whereas the Great Meteoron could take 1-2 hours. I would say that 2 days are enough to see them all without rushing through it. You could actually visit them all in 1 day but it might be a bit stressful. It’s such a beautiful place, so take your time if you can. Thank you for your question and enjoy Meteora! 🙂 Best, Cecilie.

Is there any chance of attending Mass, service, at any of the monasteries? Thank you, Olive

Hi Olive, great question. However, I don’t think I can be of help here. I haven’t seen or heard anything about being able to attend mass in the monasteries. All I can find online is something about attending the Easter ceremonies. My guess will be that you cannot attend mass at the monasteries, but maybe ask some of the locals in Meteora. Best of luck, Cecilie 🙂

The Great Meteoron Monastery… are the stairs very steep and are there handrails? If you cannot make the climb is there a place to sit by the parking lot so you could wait for friends who can make the climb? Thank you.

Hi Karen, the stairs can be a bit steep at times, but you can use the wall as a handrail. There is no particular handrail built into the walls surrounding the stairs. If you’re not up for it, then there is a great little spot to sit at by the parking lot where you can overlook the beautiful monastery. Plus, you can find a truck selling snacks and drinks here as well 🙂 Enjoy your trip! X Cecilie.

Hi Cecilie, thank you for writing this post! May I know if the trail from the Great Meteoren Monastery to Ypapantí Monastery is easy to follow? Are there route markers along the way?

Hi Joy, you’re much welcome! I hope you found it helpful 🙂 There are no markers, no. But we found it pretty easy to follow. You can always download an offline map over the trail. We found and followed the trail on the app Maps.me. Best of luck, Cecilie.

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An Easy Guide to Visiting Meteora Monasteries in Greece (2024)

Wondering how to visit Meteora independently? Here is my easy guide to visiting Meteora monasteries in Greece . 

This practical Meteora travel blog includes information on the best time to go, how to get to and around Meteora, which monasteries are worth seeing, where to stay, places to eat, and other handy tips and interesting facts. 

“The beauty of Meteora is intense”. These were the words of my Greek friend who traveled with me to visit the mysterious monasteries perched atop narrow pillars of rock. The otherworldly 60 million years old rock formations with ages-old buildings perched on top looks like a surreal drawing or a CGI of a fantasy movie. 

Indeed, you have to see Meteora to believe it exists. Yet it is hard to comprehend how on earth the monks back in the medieval ages came up with an idea and actually managed to build sacred homes atop hundreds of meters tall vertical rocks. The nature and human work involved are no less than mind-blowing. 

Read this Meteora guide for everything you need to know to efficiently plan your time in one of the most spectacular places on Earth. 

Disclaimer:  This post contains affiliate links, which means that I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). This helps to keep my blog running and growing by creating more awesome free content for you.

Everything you need to know before visiting Meteora monasteries in Greece

Meteora quick links.

• CAR HIRE : The most convenient way to get to and around Meteroa independently is by car. Browse the best rental car rates at Localrent or Discover Cars .
• The Best Meteora day tour : check out this top-rated day tour to Meteora from Athens on GetYourGuide .
• CHEAP FLIGHTS: Use Skyscanner to find the cheapest and fastest flights to Greece from your location.
• WHERE TO STAY: Psammites (budget); Dream Nest Meteora (mid-range); Hotel Meteora Kastraki (high-end); Divani Meteora Hotel (high-end).

Tips and FAQ for visiting Meteora

These Meteora travel tips will give you an overall idea of what to expect during your visit:

• There are 6 functional Greek Orthodox monasteries in Meteora that you can visit during their opening times (provided below in this post). 
• The entrance fee to each of the monasteries is 3 EUR per person. Budget 18 EUR if you want to visit them all. Greek nationals enter for free. 
• Each of the 6 monasteries in Meteora is closed on one day during the weekday in the summer season, and some of them a few days a week during the winter season. All of them are open during the weekend (Saturday and Sunday) all year round. 
• Mind the dress code when visiting Meteora monasteries: you must cover your shoulders and knees to enter monasteries. Ladies must wear a long skirt covering the knees (pants are not allowed for ladies and they are strict about it). All of the monasteries (except Varlaam) provide skirts free of charge at the entrances. 
• Meteora’s popularity grew exponentially during the past few years. Thus, expect lots of independent visitors and even more tour buses all year round from sunrise to sunset. Visit during winter months for the least amount of people. 
• Parking is available at each of the monasteries . When it gets full, people park alongside the main road, which is normal.
• Snacks, water, and soft drinks are available to buy at the entrances to the largest monasteries- Great Meteoron, Varlaam, and Saint Stephen. Yet, bring your own bottle of water if you are planning on visiting smaller monasteries or venturing off the beaten path.
• It is possible to visit all monasteries in one day on a weekend. However, it may feel exhausting and rushed. 
• If you can, spend at least one night in Meteora to experience the sunset and the sunrise – the most magical times for photography.
• It is possible to get around Meteora and visit monasteries by walking if you are game (and fit enough to handle at least 16km uphill and downhill). 
• 5 out of 6 monasteries are accessible via a number of steep stone stairs (minimum 140 to over 200, depending on the monastery). This should be taken into consideration if a visitor has mobility restrictions. Only St. Stephen nunnery has a flat path with no staircase making it easily accessible to everyone. 
• Frescoes inside the monasteries are beyond impressive. However, photography is not allowed inside churches (they will spot you through cameras if you try to snap a shot). Yet, there are a few places in a couple of monasteries, where you can take a picture of the beautifully ornated room.

• Located in Thessaly, the central region of mainland Greece, Meteora is reachable both from Athens and Thessaloniki by car, bus, train, or tour.
• Choose Kastraki over Kalambaka for a more peaceful stay. I found staying in Kastraki a better choice as this town is smaller and quieter than the popular and busy Kalambaka. Also, parking and driving around Kastraki were always easy. Meanwhile, access to monasteries by car is equally convenient.
• Guided tours from Athens and Thessaloniki are a great option if you are not willing or cannot travel independently. There are one-day , two-day , and even 3-day tours available from both cities. 

Just to give you a heads up, Meteora is one of the absolute best places to visit in Greece . After seeing Meteora every other location looks well, just ordinary. That being said, it might be worth leaving the best for the last on your Greece itinerary. 

Also Read: 10 Epic Photo Locations in Meteora .

A brief overview of Meteora and its “suspended in the air” monasteries

Translating as “suspended in air”, the uniqueness of Meteora is simply unmatched. It is hard to find a place on Earth that packs it all- unparalleled natural beauty intertwined with cultural and historical significance. No surprise that Meteora is a UNESCO-protected site since 1988.

The distinct rocks which you can see in Meteora today are a result of the tectonic shift process which took place over 60 million years ago. The clustered smooth soaring peaks of Meteora reach up to 550 meters and are all different in shape making the typography one of a kind. 

The cultural and religious aspect comes into play from the 9th century AD when the first monks moved to the area and sought solitude in the caves of Meteora rocks. Historical sources confirm that the first sacred houses atop the steep pillars of rock started to be built by monks in the 11th century.

The technology used back in the Middle Ages required years of scrupulous and hard work to finish each monastery. By the 16th century, there were two dozen Greek Orthodox monasteries. Today only 6 of them remain and are fully functional (2 nunneries and 4 male monasteries). 

Today bridges, staircases, and even funiculars (used by monks for transporting goods) allow easier access to each of the monasteries. Meanwhile back in the day ropes and baskets were the only means available to enter the sacred homes. 

Did you know that:

• In Orthodox Christian belief the body remains the temple of the Holy Spirit. Thus, relics of saints are venerated. In every Greek Orthodox church, you will see earthy remains (bone of feet or hand, or part of a scull) embedded in altar tables. 
• Orthodox Christians were widely persecuted during the Ottoman Empire. This cruel historical fact is reflected in detailed paintings of the frescoes inside the churches. 

Fun facts about Meteora:

• James Bond’s movie “For Your Eyes Only” was filmed in Meteora and The Holy Trinity appeared in some of the scenes making it the most photographed monastery.
• Linking Park’s album “Meteora” was named after Meteora in Greece way before it was discovered by many travelers. 
• Game of Thrones fans may recognize the scenery of the fictional city of Eyrie backdrop of which was inspired again by the same Meteora in Greece. 

How to get to Meteora

Positioned in central Greece, Meteora is not the easiest or quickest place to reach. The most convenient way to travel to Meteora is by car. Yet public transport (buses and trains), as well as tours, are also available:

• Trains offer the fastest connections from Athens and Thessaloniki.
• Tours offer a hassle-free journey but also limited flexibility.
• Buses are the most inconvenient way to travel to Meteora.

The closest airports to Meteora are Athens International Airport and Thessaloniki International Airport. 

Visiting Meteora by car

Once in Greece, the most convenient way to visit Meteora is by (rental) car . It gives you full control over your own schedule and also eases moving around the Meteora area. 

It takes 4 hours 20 minutes to drive to Meteora from Athens and 2.5-3 hours to drive from Thessaloniki to Meteora. 

Also read: Renting a car in Greece: 30+ Key Things to Know before Driving in Greece .

Good to know: there are many tolls on the way from Athens to Meteora and you can pay by card or cash at the toll gate. One way we paid around 20 EUR for the tolls between Athens and Meteora. If you are traveling from Thessaloniki to Meteora, expect to pay some tolls as well.

Are you looking for great deals to hire a car in Greece? I use the websites below to shop for the best car hire rates:

• Browse Greece rental car offers between local providers at  Localrent .
• Compare the best car rental rates in Greece with international car hire companies at  Discovercars .
• I also recommend cross-checking the offers with the biggest car search engine  Rentalcars .

Visiting Meteora by train

The following train connections are available from Athens and Thessaloniki to Kalambaka (one of the two base towns for visiting Meteora).

Train from Athens to Kalambaka (or Kalampaka)

• Once a day direct intercity train from Athens (Larissa station) to Kalambaka, departing at 7:57 AM and arriving at 12:03, trip duration 4:06 hours.
• Four times a day intercity and regional trains are available with change in Palaeofarsalos

Train from Kalambaka to Athens

• Once a day direct intercity train is available from Kalambaka train station, departing at 18:22 and arriving in Athens at 22:26.
• Three times a day intercity and regional trains are available with change in Palaeofarsalos

Athens-Kalambaka one-way ticket price is around 36 EUR, return of 57 EUR.

Train from Thessaloniki to Kalambaka

• There are 6 times a day intercity and slow regional trains with interchange in Palaeofarsalos town departing from Thessaloniki (Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos) to Kalambaka. The journey takes between 3 to 6 hours depending on the time of the day.

Train from Kalambaka to Thessaloniki

• There are 5 times a day intercity and slow regional trains with an interchange in Palaeofarsalos town departing from Kalambaka to Thessaloniki. The journey takes between 3 to 5 hours depending on the time of the day.

Thessaloniki-Kalambaka one-way ticket price is around 27 EUR, return is 34 EUR.

For up-to-date train schedules, ticket prices, and booking tickets to Meteora (Kalambaka) online, visit the national railway website .

Visiting Meteora by Bus (from Athens and Thessaloniki) 

The least convenient, and the most time-consuming option is taking a bus. 

• From Athens “Liossion” bus station you can catch a bus to Trikala town and then another bus to Kalambaka. This trip due to less convenient schedules can take up to 8 hours. 
• From Thessaloniki “Macedonia” bus station catch a bus to Trikala and then another bus to Kalambaka. Allow enough time to change buses.

Visiting Meteora by tour

If you do not have your own means of transport and prefer having a knowledgeable guide, and all the logistics sorted, joining a Meteora tour either from Athens, Thessaloniki or Kalambaka is a good idea. Even with limited time, it is feasible to join a day tour and experience the magic of this truly incredible place.

If I was to choose a tour to Meteora, these would be my top picks (based on the ratings and reviews of other travelers):

• From Athens: Full Day Rail Tour to Meteora – this is an award-winning top-rated day trip from Athens by train. Return train tickets are included in the price. You will be going around Meteora in a minibus with a small group. Check all Meteora from Athens tours here.
• From Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus trip to Meteora – if you are based in Thessaloniki, you can join one of the best-rated Meteora day tours with fantastic knowledgeable guides.
• Kalambaka: Majestic Sunset Meteora Tour – if you are already in Kalambaka or Kastraki, you can join a guided sunset tour which includes visiting a couple of monasteries and will bring you to the best lookout points for sunset- the best time to witness Meteora’s beauty.
• From Athens: Delphi and Meteora 2-Day Guided Tour – this tour includes a hotel stay in Kalambaka, and is a great option as you will also visit the other important historical site of Delphi.
• From Athens: 3-Days in Meteora & Delphi with Tours and Hotels – ideal option to experience Meteora at a slower pace, and also visit Delphi on the way back to Athens, accommodation included in the price.

How to get around Meteora

There are multiple ways to get around Meteora: car, scooter, taxi, electric bicycle, tour, and walking (or even hiking). 

When I was planning my trip to Meteora I couldn’t get a grasp of how big or small the area actually is. The logistics of getting between the monasteries was a mystery as the place itself.

It all became very clear, however,  when I got there and drove one loop from Kastraki over the main road ( Epar. Od. Meteoron-Kallitheas ) leading to monasteries and then back down to Kalambaka. Although Meteora is quite expensive, it is small enough to get around either by car, taxi, or even cycling and walking. 

Map of Meteora

Click here to open and save my Meteora map which shows the exact locations of each monastery and other points of interest mentioned in this Meteora guide.

• Getting around Meteora by car. The easiest way is to drive around Meteora on your own or in a rental car. There is only one main road with a couple of side roads winding above Meteora rocks and monasteries. Getting lost is impossible. The distances between monasteries are short thus you can drive between them in minutes. Parking is available at each of the monasteries as well as at several lookout points.
• Getting around Meteora by scooter. You can rent a scooter in Kalambaka and drive around monasteries easily(taken you are comfortable riding windy and hilly roads). Expect to pay around 18-30 EUR per day for a scooter. 
• Getting around Meteora by taxi. If you do not have your own transport, the other quick way to get to the monasteries and between them is to hire a taxi. One trip costs 5-7 EUR depending on where you are going. If you don’t mind and enjoy walking, you can limit your taxi rides to one or two. Ask the driver to get you to the Great Meteora monastery at the far end on the west side and then visit the remaining on foot. Call the taxi to bring you back to town (Kalambaka or Kastraki, depending on where you stay). Alternatively, return by walking downhill. 
• Getting around Meteora by e-bike. Another great transport option available for rent in Kalambaka is an e-bike. Rents are available for a duration of a few hours, half-day, to a full day (around 25 euros for a full day). 
• Getting around Meteora by walking or hiking – the distances between monasteries are relatively small, thus many people choose to walk along the main road or hike the foresty paths between monasteries. Nonetheless, it is around 16 kilometers distance if you do a circular route starting your walk/hike from Kalambaka or Kastraki. Thus, account for a full day if you aim to visit monasteries on walking. 

• Cycling around Meteora . It is also possible to cycle around Meteora but you must be quite fit to tackle all the uphills. Walking is much easier than peddling steep inclines. In fact, apart of one group of mountain bike cyclists venturing the verdant hills above Meteora, we didn’t see many people cycling around. 
• Getting around Meteora with a tour . For those of you who have limited time, require guidance, and/or aren’t keen on walking, there are plenty of tours available to book in Kalambaka (Meteora). For example, this Meteora sunset tour from Kalambaka is top-rated by travelers.

The best time to visit Meteora

• For best weather: the best time to visit Meteora is autumn (mid-September to November) and spring (mid-March to May) when the day temperatures are the most pleasant (15-25 °C/83-59 °F).

However, do not expect to be the only visitor. I traveled to Meteora on the last week of October hoping it to be empty, and it was far from that, especially on the weekend. Tour buses were unavoidable, arriving at the most popular viewing points for sunset and sunrise on the dot and then heading directly to the monasteries (which open quite late at 9 am).

• For the least crowds : the best time to go to Meteora is in winter (December-February). Yet, you can expect snow (it does freeze at night) and quite cold during the day (6-12 °C/42-53 °F)
• Avoid: summer is possibly the worst time to visit Meteora due to the heat and thousands of tourists. In June-August temperatures during the clear day are an average of 27-33 °C/80-91 °F. It can be way more on clear midday under the sun.

How many days in Meteora? 

I would recommend spending a minimum of 1 night in Meteora allowing yourself to experience sunrise and sunset over the Meteora valley. Those are magical times of the day not to be missed.

However, if you are planning on doing some serious photography and want to capture each monastery at its best light, or in general, spend more time properly exploring the area at a slower pace, plan at least 2-3 nights in Meteora .

You could easily spend more as the place is so beautiful and can keep you busy not only with visiting monasteries, but also hiking Meteora, and exploring the surrounding areas if you drive.

Visiting Meteora in one day is also possible but it is tiring and rushed. Even if you are arriving on a tour, try to include at least spending one night in Meteora.

Make sure to also read my post about 10 Epic Photo Locations in Meteora .

Meteora monasteries opening times

Meteora monasteries have longer opening times in summer (April 1 st to October 31 st ) and shorter in winter (November 1 st to March 31 st ). Refer to the monasteries’ opening times and hours both for summer and winter below.

Meteora monasteries opening days and hours in summer (April 1 st to October 31 st ):

• Great Meteoron Monastery: 9 AM – 3 PM, closed on Tuesdays;
• Varlaam Monastery: 9 AM – 4 PM, closed on Fridays;
• Roussanou Monastery: 10 AM- 4 PM, closed on Wednesdays;
• Holy Trinity Monastery: 10 AM -4 PM, closed on Thursdays;
• St. Stephens Nunnery: 9 AM-1:30 PM and 3:30 PM-5:30 PM, closed on Mondays;
• Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery: 9 AM – 5 PM, open every day.

Meteora monasteries opening days and hours in winter (November 1 st to March 31 st ):

• Great Meteoron Monastery: 9:30 AM – 2 PM, closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays;
• Varlaam Monastery: 9 AM – 3 PM, closed on Thursdays and Fridays;
• Roussanou Monastery: 10 AM- 2 PM, closed on Wednesdays
• Holy Trinity Monastery: 10 AM -4 PM, closed on Thursdays
• St. Stephens Nunnery: 9:30 AM-1 PM and 3 PM-5 PM, closed on Mondays
• Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery: 9 AM – 4 PM, and 9:30 AM – 4 PM on Sundays, open every day.

Which Meteora monasteries to visit?

Which of Meteora monasteries you shouldn’t miss and which ones should you skip? 

Great Meteoron and Varlaam are the largest monasteries, while St. Stephano nunnery is the easiest to access as it doesn’t have steep staircases. All three monasteries are very popular and most of the tour buses head to those.

After reading different opinions and then visiting the monasteries myself, below I share a short overview of each of the monasteries to help you get an idea and make your pick if you can’t visit them all.

Legend:  *** my favorite, **  good to visit, * if you have time.

Note that it is based on my personal opinion and you may agree or disagree with me at the end of your trip. Nonetheless, I hope it will still be helpful should you need to choose which monastery to go to and which one just to admire from afar. 

St. Nikolas of Anapafsas (14th century) Monastery Meteora ***

Rising up from a lonely pillar, at a lower elevation than others, St Nicholas Monastery is the smallest of all six. It is the first monastery you will come across when driving (or walking) a circular route from Kastraki. Or it will be the last when coming down the road from Kalampaka side towards Kastraki. 

Good to know:  

• St. Nikolas is the least visited monastery. Tour buses tend to skip it, which means it is quieter and less busy than other monasteries.
• There is a beautiful chapel with some of the best in Meteora 16th-century frescoes depicting Biblical scenes. 
• There are several viewpoints, with an amazing rooftop terrace.
• St. Nikolas has the steepest and longest climb out of all Meteora monasteries. Another reason why people tend to skip it.

St. Nikolas of Anapafsas was the monastery I was going to skip and ended up visiting twice! Yep, I did love it that much. While other people seem to neglect it for not being impressive enough, which I completely disagree with, I felt like Agios Nikolas monastery was the least commercialized and the most secluded. Even my Greek friend felt the same way.

Indeed, the climb to reach the monastery is quite steep with possibly the largest number of steps to tackle. For this reason, many tourists don’t bother climbing, and tour buses carrying big groups skip it. 

To me, the miniature, yet 3-floor monastery felt very homey. The katholikon (the church of the monastery where monks pray) has a special energy, while the rooftop terrace is open to fascinating close-up views of the rocks of Meteora, Kastraki town below, Russsonou, and Varlaam monasteries at a distance.

Roussanou (1529) monastery in Meteora Greece***

Situated within a green forest, beautiful inside out, Roussanou is a nunnery dedicated to Saint Barbara. According to the ancient story, for accepting and promoting Christianity, Agia Varvara (st. Barbara) was beheaded by her pagan father.

Today, 13 nuns inhabit Rousannou which is the second smallest monastery among surviving six. Although to reach Russanou you will have to tackle a few steep steps, it is one of the easiest to access. Nonetheless, many tour buses still skip it because due to its smaller size it cannot accommodate large groups of tourists. This makes Russanou a little less visited and it was my second favorite monastery out of six.

And did I mention that Roussannou is one of the most photographed monasteries as it is extremely photogenic and has a variety of wonderful angles to capture it from?

Make sure to also read my guide to The 10 best locations to photograph Meteora and its hanging monasteries .

Holly Trinity (Agia Triada, 1362) Monastery in Meteora***

Boasting captivating views over Kalambaka and surrounding Meteora rocks and valleys, Holly Trinity is a gorgeous byzantine monastery accessible through a sheer stairway cut into the cliff.

A windy stone path leads to the foot of the imposing lonely rock which made a base for the 14th century Agia Triada. Being featured in a popular James Bond film, today Holy Trinity is the other most photographed monastery in Meteora, especially by aerial photographers. 

Do not shy away from 145 steep steps and make sure to visit Holy Trinity. To me, Holy Trinity is unmissable, especially for the views over the Meteora valley. 

Great Meteoron monastery (14 th century)***

Established in the mid-14th century, the largest and one of the oldest, Great Meteoron Monastery holds a commanding position on the highest cliff. Due to its many red-roofed buildings, the monastery can be mistaken for a small fortified town rather than a holy place.

Visiting the Great Meteoron monastery and its museums will provide you with good insight into the story of the area and the life of the monastic community. Meanwhile one of the most interesting and rather spooky parts inside Great Meteoron is the sacristy where you can see hundreds of skulls of the monks who have lived there over the years. 

Tip: Great Meteoron monastery is one of the most popular hence it gets very busy during the day. Parking can be packed as well. Thus, it is a good idea to plan to visit the Great Meteoron monastery as soon as it opens. 

Varlaam Monastery in Meteora (1350) **

Located on a slightly lower elevation, just a few steps away from the Great Meteoron, Varlaam is the second-largest monastery in Meteora.

Varlaam has several great lookout points, including a beautiful courtyard overlooking Meteora valley with Roussanou in the distance. There is also a small museum that briefly introduces the history of the area and some interesting facts about monastic life in the old days.

Thus, if you cannot visit Great Meteoron, Varlaam is a good alternative to visit. 

To me, Varlaam, although undeniably beautiful, felt too commercialized (the same applies to Great Meteoron and even Saint Stephan).  The souvenir stalls at the entrance are a bit of a vibe killer. Let alone there are masses of people visiting.

Thus, in my humble option, it is enough to see one of the two biggest monasteries and spend some more time exploring the above-mentioned smaller ones. 

Good to know: Varlaam monastery does not provide free skirts for ladies. Thus, make sure to bring your own, or purchase one for 3 euros at the entrance (this is separate from the 3 euros entrance fee). 

Saint Stephen Nunnery (14-19 th century)*

At the southern edge of the Meteora cluster, and just a minute’s drive from Holly Trinity monastery, Saint Stephen’s nunnery was first inhabited by ascetic Jeremiah, in the early twelve century. Evolving through centuries, the whole complex was completed in the 19th century.

Due to the easy access over the small bridge, St. Stephen’s monastery is one of the most frequented and can get uncomfortably busy. For this reason, it was my least favorite, yet is worth visiting for its impressive frescoes.

The best lookout points in Meteora for sunset and sunrise

There are plenty of wonderful viewpoints of the monasteries available when following the main road. That being said, a couple of the spots for Meteora photography for sunrise and sunset watching are:

• Psaropetra lookout/ Sunset Rock (perfect for sunset)
• Main Observation Deck of Meteora (great for sunrise and sunset)

These two spots are amazing but also very popular. If you want to find out more of the best Meteora photo locations (including fewer known ones), make sure to read my post about the 10 best spots for Meteora photography.

Recommended places to eat in Meteora

• Meteora Restaurant in Kalambaka – yep, the name is simple and clear- this is a family-run taverna since 1925. The traditional slow-cooked Greek food was delicious (we ate there twice), service is excellent, and you get to choose between sitting in a garden with the views of the rocks during the day or dining inside the dining room excessively decorated with souvenirs and almost a centuries’ old remembrances.
• Taverna Gardenia in Kastraki – this is a popular and beloved dining spot in Kastraki serving traditional Greek foods.

Recommended coffee shop in Meteora

For the best coffee head to 14oz in Kalambaka. Set on the main road at the entrance to Kalambaka, 14oz had the best coffee I managed to find during my Greece road trip. I love my good coffee and I am very picky with it. I have to admit I struggled with finding great coffee during my fairly short visit, but this coffee shop in Kalambaka did not disappoint. If you love it a little bit chocolaty, try their hot Mochaccino. Don’t miss the homemade granola bar dipped in dark chocolate, yum.

What are the top foods to try in Kalambaka and Meteora?

Moussaka for meat lovers, saganaki for cheese lovers, and stuffed eggplants or stuffed peppers and tomatoes for vegetarians. Also, big white beans are one of the best vegetarian traditional dishes found all over Greece, also available in Meteora’s restaurants.

Where to stay in Meteora

There are two towns you can stay in Meteora:

• Kalambaka -a bigger, more popular town with plenty of restaurants, bars, pastries, and souvenir shops. It would be a more convenient place to stay for those of you who arrive by train or bus as the stations are located in Kalambaka. 
• Kastraki – a smaller, quieter, cozier, town which is easy to park at and also has a few fantastic places to eat, a great choice for those who drive. 

Nonetheless, both towns offer some great accommodation options and are equally convenient for reaching the Meteora complex in a matter of minutes (when driving). Also, Kastraki and Kalambaka are steps away from each other. Thus, if you drive, you can get between the towns quickly. 

Check my top picks of Meteora accommodation below.

Suggested accommodation in Kastraki

Dream Nest Meteora $$. We stayed in this cozy immaculately clean and tastefully furnished one-bedroom apartment. This family accommodation has two apartments located in beautiful surroundings at the foothills of Meteora. The host was kind enough to refund one night’s stay on my non-refundable booking when my flight got delayed for a day.

Hotel Doupiani House $$. Well-furnished rooms with balconies opening to fantastic views over Meteora, as well as a common terrace area to have excellent breakfast and a drink at an on-set bar in the evening. Saint Nikolas Anapafsas Monastery is located steps away.

Hotel Meteora at Kastraki $$$. Set at a higher point of Kastraki this hotel has killer views over Meteora and a large pool to cool off during a hot day. The rooms are clean and simple, but the views are what makes the biggest appeal. Fabulous breakfast is also included.

Suggested accommodation in Kalambaka

Psammites $. This affordable and brand-new minimalistic studio apartment offers a comfortable stay in the quiet surroundings of Kalambaka. It also has a patio, a terrace with a seating area, and a garden.

Monastiri Guesthouse $$. Located 200 meters away from Kalambaka town center and close to the train station, this guesthouse has a variety of expressively decorated rooms with frescoes and wooden floors, a big garden with a pool open to Meteora views. Great breakfast is also included, and room service is available upon request.

Divani Meteora Hotel $$$. This hotel offers a sophisticated 4-star stay experience: spacious rooms decorated by award-winning interior designer feature oak-wood furnishings and wooden floorings, and some rooms have large verandas. The recreational area includes an indoor and huge outdoor pool, sauna, and spa. Breakfast included in the room’s price is very good.

I hope you found this Meteora travel blog useful and that it has helped you to easily plan your visit to Meteora monasteries. If you are planning your trip to Greece, make sure to check out my Greece travel resources as well as browse other posts about Greece on my travel blog (scroll down).

Greece travel essentials & useful links

Here are links to essential travel resources and services I always use when organizing my trips.

• CAR RENT: The most convenient way to get to and around Meteroa independently is by car. Browse the best rental car rates at Localrent or Discover Cars .
• ACCOMMODATION: book your perfect stay using Book i ng.com .
• VISA: apply for a Schengen visa easily at iVisa . Use OneWayFly to reserve dummy flight tickets/hotels if required for your visa application.
• TRAVEL INSURANCE: get 5% off your insurance by using my link on Heymondo , a travel insurance provider.
• GUIDED TOURS: Find the best day tours in Greece on GetYourGuide .
• eSIM CARD: Stay connected before you land. Airlo offers eSIM card with data up to 10 GB (30 days) data package for Greece and Europe.
• FLIGHT GOT CANCELLED OR DELAYED? You may receive compensation of up to 600 EUR. Consult and get support from AirHelp or Skycop .
• AIRPORT TRANSFER: Book a private hotel transfer from Athens Airport .

More articles on my Greece travel blog

• Browse all of my Greece travel blog posts HERE .
• 10 Epic Photo Spots in Meteora , Greece.
• Planning on renting a car in Greece? Here are 30+ Key Things to Know Before Driving in Greece .
• Would you like to visit Greece off the beaten path? Check my  Guide to Kastoria: the most beautiful lakeside town in Greece.
• Have your travel to or from Europe been delayed or canceled? Read my guide on How to get compensation for your disrupted journey (my one-week Greece trip was delayed by 22 hours due to flight cancelation).

Hi! I am a freelance photographer & videographer as well the creator of www.theroadreel.com. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently for over a decade. I created The Road Reel to share my passion for travel and photography through detailed road trips and city itineraries, and hiking guides, along with regular and drone photogragraphy tips.

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A Super Efficient Guide to Visiting Meteora, Greece in 2024

The mountaintop monasteries at Meteora, Greece are a marvel of human creativity. Can you believe people saw these enormous sandstone pillars and thought, “I’m going to live up there!”? That’s exactly what happened centuries ago, and today you can visit the monasteries that are still inhabitied by 60 monks and nuns. Originally there were 24 monasteries, where today only six remain.

Read on for my guide to visiting Meteora, including when is the best time to visit, which monasteries are worth seeing, where to stay, places to eat, and many more tips to make your trip super efficient!

Before you go

Here are a few tips that will make your trip to Meteora in 2024 easier:

• Entry to each monastery is 3€ – This means that in total, you will spend 18€ per person to visit all six monasteries.
• Know the (dress) code – Women are required to wear a long skirt and cover their shoulders, whereas men are not allowed to wear shorts. In practice, I saw a few men in shorts but all women were enforced to wear a skirt (which, if you don’t have one, is provided at the entrance to every monastery free of charge).
• It’s not really possible to “beat” the tour busses – Most monasteries open at 9am, and by 9:30am there are already busses at their doorsteps. The easiest way to avoid the crowds is to travel in the off season or to spend your time at monasteries which are more difficult to access (learn about this below).
• This region of Greece is subject to a lot of rain! – In an instant, you can go from sunshine to pouring rain. Be prepared by checking the weather report, bringing an umbrella, and being prepared to keep your things (e.g. camera, bag) dry.
• Stay in Kastraki instead of Kalambaka for easier parking and driving – Driving in Greece can be a little fun and a lot of chaos. If you want an easier time, try booking a hotel or guesthouse in Kastraki. It’s just as close and convenient as Kalambaka with a fraction of the population.
• You can easily reach Meteora from Athens or Thessaloniki via guided tours . You can go for anything from a full-day trip to a four-day excursion. This particular train tour from Athens is a bestseller with over 150 positive reviews.

Sunrise in Meteora, as seen from our balcony at Hotel Meteora Kastraki .

Looking for a full-blown guide for Northern Greece? Check out my Northern Greece Travel Guide and Itinerary for things to do near Meteora. I’ve also written about how to spend three days in Athens if you’ll be arriving in Meteora from the south.

Interesting facts about Meteora

• It was used as a filming location for the James Bond movie, For Your Eyes Only .
• Meteora also inspired the backdrop for Game of Thrones when Tyrion is being held in the Eyrie.
• The Linkin Park album Meteora got it’s name from…well, Meteora.
• During World War II, the Germans occupied Meteora and burned down some of the precious artifacts. In Grand Meteora you can see images of people throwing a Nazi off a cliff from a monastery.

The more you know 🌈 Onto the itinerary!

Meteora Monasteries

Duration 2.5 days Dates visited June 18-20 Recommended accomodation Hotel Meteora Kastraki – Has an unbeatable view, good air conditioning, nice selection for breakfast, and a swimming pool you didn’t realize you needed. And affordable! Recommended dining We enjoyed Taverna To Paramithi in Kalambaka the most during our stay. They even had live, traditional music played by a pair of old Greek dudes with live instruments! Recommended guidebook This Greece travel guidebook was super helpful planning our entire trip through Northern Greece.

Opening hours

Every monastery is closed on a different day of the week, except Fridays where two monasteries are closed. This means that if you want to visit all of them, you need to visit over a two day period of time.

Suggested itinerary for visiting the monasteries

Legend   ♦♦♦ Must visit   ♦♦ Recommended   ♦ If time permits

Great Meteoron (mid-1300s) ♦♦♦

Great Meteoron is by far the largest and oldest monastery, the first to be founded. Like every monastery on this list, it has a katholicon (the part of the monastery where monks pray) with paintings of martyrs being tortured and of the final judgement. You should know that orthodox christians were widely persecuted during the Ottoman Empire, so many of the art references this fact. Some special features of Great Meteoron:

• Three distinct museums, including a library containing a copy of the Suda , a 10th-centry Byzantine encyclopedia that references many ancient sources that have since been lost.
• Gallery of art made by a contemporary artist who mimics the style of the period in which the monasteries are founded.
• Only squat toilets 👎 Head to Varlaam for modern ones!

Holy Trinity (1475) ♦♦♦

• This is the monastery that was featured in the 1981 James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only .
• The stairs to reach this monastery number over 130! You will definitely feel the burn after climbing all these stairs 🔥
• Has a great lookout point where you can climb and take some photos of monasteries in the distance.

Varlaam (1641) ♦♦♦

Varlaam is the second biggest monastery in Meteora, and considered one of the nicest. What I liked about this place is that you thought you were finished exploring it, and then you discover a new corner where something is still waiting for you! Here’s what you should know about Varlaam:

• Has a great, compact museum about the history of Meteora. It’s a great way to frame your trip by starting there and learning a bit about the history of the area and how the first monks came to dwell in the cliffs.
• First class toilets 👌 As I mentioned, we were surprised to find that Great Meteoron Monastery only had squat toilets and subsequently regretted not taking advantage of the fancy onces at Varlaam.

Roussanou (mid-1500s) ♦♦

Monastery of Rosanau is dedicated to St. Barbara, a women who dedicated her life to Christianity and was subsequently beheaded by her father. Today she’s the patron saint of coalminers, and this nunnery in her name has 13 nuns in residence. According to this blog post about the meteora monasteries , Roussanou is both the most beautiful and least visited of all the monasteries.

TIP : You can access this nunnery from both above and below. Above you get a great view over the valley, and it’s probably shorter to walk, however there is less parking available.

St. Stephen’s nunnery ♦♦

• This nunnery is one of the busiest we went to! Perhaps owing to how easy it is to access, St. Stephen’s was packed with people and perhaps one of the least comfortable to visit.
• Very impressive chanedlier and frescos. Lots of similar motifs appear between the different monasteries, including the final judgement and brutal torture of saints from the time of Christ to the Turkish occupation.

St. Nikolaos Anapfsas ♦

Of all the monasteries, I have to say that St. Nikolaos of Anapafsas is the most underwhelming. It’s quite small and for some reason, the stairs to get there were some of the most exhausting! That said, it’s not very crowded, as I’m guessing most tour busses tend to skip it.

Read my article about my travel photography camera kit , which I use to take all the photos you see on the blog!

Best lookout points in Meteora

Almost anywhere you look, there’s an awesome view to be had over the valley. That said, a few places stand out as the best spots to take photos – two main lookout points:

• Psaropetra lookout
• Lookout near Varlaam

Both of these lookpoints are marked in the map at the beginning of the article. We also found a great lookout point on our way to the lookout point, which isn’t a lookout point but you can pull over and block the road briefly while you take a photo 😉 That point isn’t on any map but is featured in the image above!

The photo below was taken at the Psaropetra lookout point.

When to go to Meteora, Greece

As I shared above, during the high season it’s practically impossible to beat the busses – they are out in force first thing in the morning. However, even with the tour busses, most monasteries didn’t feel cramped and I only really needed to wait in line for one.

For that reason, I do think that June was a good choice for when to visit Meteora. It’s hot but not sweltering, and the busses are there but they actually had a rather small impact on us.

There are also a lot of gorgeous photos of Meteora in Autumn , so I would certainly love to come back and see the valley in fall foliage.

Where to stay near Meteora

We booked Hotel Meteora Kastraki , which is located on its own road a bit outside of Kastraki. This made parking really straightforward, while driving into Meteora took something like ten minutes topcs. The room are rather basic, but the balcony is huge and you can book a room with a view of Meteora (which makes it really easy to get sunrise photos!). The price was also quite affordable at around 80€ per night when we booked.

Guided tours of Meteora, Greece

Even though we drove ourselves in Meteora, I could definitely see how it would be engaging to have a tour guide explain the history to you as you weave around these majestic rock formations. Sometimes you don’t realize how cool something is until you know the history. Adding a trip to Meteora is a feasible option is you’re planning to visit Athens or will be traveling in Northern Greece .

If you prefer to do a guided tour, perhaps because you won’t have a car in Greece or you just want that personal touch, here are three of the top-rated tours in Meteora.

From Athens: Full-Day Meteora Trip by Train – This is the top-rated and most-reviewed one-day trip from Athens. You get to take the train to and from Athens (included in the price), and then do a full-day tour of Meteora by mini-bus.

From Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora – If you’re traveling within Europe, you can get veeeeery cheap flights to Thessaloniki, making it a great place to start trips around Northern Greece.

Majestic Sunset on Meteora Rocks Tour from Kalampaka – Sunset in Meteora is something you MUST not miss out on. This certified tour goes to 1-2 monasteries interiors and then stops at the best lookout point in Meteroa for sunset.

If you’re considering Meteora as an Athens day trips , I would encourage you to see if it’s possible to stay overnight at least one night. Or, at least, ensure that you’ll be in Meteora for sunset .

Have you ever been to Greece? Where would you like to visit most?

I’ve got an upcoming guide to some off-beat parts of Greece and a northern Greece itinerary, so stay tuned!

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About the author

Hi there! I'm Monica, an American expat living in Germany for over six years and using every opportunity to explore the world from my homebase in Berlin. My goal is to capture my memories in photos and posts that show how easy it is to start from scratch and travel the world by working abroad.

Follow along on Instagram , Twitter , Bloglovin , & Facebook .

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How to Visit the Monasteries of Meteora, Greece

What to say about Meteora, Greece …

This is one of the most photogenic places I’ve ever visited—and I’ve visited a lot of places . The monasteries of Meteora—and those imposing rock formations peeking through the mist—are incredible. When you visit Meteora, you have the chance to see something unlike anything else in the world and this counts as one of my favorite experiences in Greece .

When people think of Greece, they often think of the Acropolis , or of white buildings on islands in the Aegean . The pillars and monasteries of Meteora should also be considered one of the most iconic images of Greece. This spot is one of the nearly 20 UNESCO World Heritage sites in Greece , recognized for its artistic achievement of extraordinary monastic construction in the 14th and 15th centuries.

Read on for a full guide to visiting Meteora—the best way to get there, history of the monasteries in the region, why monasteries to visit, navigating weather, and more. 

Table of Contents

Meteora is a cultural UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece. This property was added to the UNESCO list in 1988 and is located in Thessaly, Greece. This region’s rock formations are home to the largest Eastern Orthodox monastery in the region. Six monasteries that make up the Meteora UNESCO site—all of them are built on hill-like, rounded boulders and pillars that overlook the local region.

These unique columns of rock are located beside the Pindos Mountains in Greece and the rock columns rise from the ground and are among the most unique UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

 The World Heritage inscription for Meteora details more about why the monasteries represent such a fascinating and unique contribution to the world:

‘Suspended in the air’ (the meaning of Meteora in Greek), these monasteries represent a unique artistic achievement and are one of the most powerful examples of the architectural transformation of a site into a place of retreat, meditation, and prayer. The Meteora provide an outstanding example of the types of monastic construction which illustrate a significant stage in history, that of the 14th and 15th centuries when the eremitic ideals of early Christianity were restored to a place of honor by monastic communities, both in the Western world (in Tuscany, for example) and in the Orthodox Church. … The monasteries are built on rock pinnacles of deltaic origin, known as Meteora, which rise starkly over 400 m above the Peneas valley and the small town of Kalambaka on the Thessalian plain. Chemical analysis suggests that the pinnacles were created some 60 million years ago in the Tertiary period, emerging from the cone of a river and further transformed by earthquakes. The Meteora are enormous residual masses of sandstone and conglomerate which appeared through fluvial erosion. Seismic activity increased the number of fault lines and fissures and hewed the shapeless masses into individual sheer rock columns. Hermits and ascetics probably began settling in this extraordinary area in the 11th century. In the late 12th century a small church called the Panaghia Doupiani or Skete was built at the foot of one of these ‘heavenly columns’, where monks had already taken up residence.

History of Meteora & the Monasteries

Meteora is a nearly inaccessible UNESCO site that was built in the 11th century. These sandstone peaks are home to one of Greece’s most recognizable features and cultural sites. Monks have lived in the so-called “columns of the sky” since the 11th century, and 24 monasteries in total make up the site of Meteora. The geological difficulties of these rock columns are part of the indescribable challenge of building these monasteries.

Prior to the building of monasteries in Meteora, the caves were inhabited about 50,000 to 5,000 years ago. A stone wall that served to block the entrance to Theopetra Cave was the first known man-made structure in the region, constructed about 23,000 years ago. Many believed that the stone wall was built to protect the cave settlers from the cold winds.

The monks first made their way to Meteora in the 11th century and they occupied the caverns in Meteora during this time. The 24 monasteries that stood at the current UNESCO site were not built until in the 14th century. The monks needed a place to hide and live in the face of the Turkish attacks in Greece. During this time, the monks were able to access the monasteries through windlass or removable ladders. Today, steps make access to the monasteries a bit easier—the steps were built in the 1920s.

How to Visit Meteora Monasteries

There are 24 monasteries within the Meteora UNESCO World Heritage Site, however, only six of these 24 monasteries are still functioning today. Even that, however, is precarious as each monastery houses fewer than 10 people. I don’t recommend taking one of the day tours from Athens or Thessaloniki unless it’s absolutely necessary—you should instead spend a minimum of one night in Kalambaka. Once you’re in Kalambaka, day tours to the rock formations and monasteries is a good option here are three you should consider, depending on your interests:

• Private Meteora Tour with Transport from Kalambaka
• Group Hiking in Magnificent Meteora
• Sunset Meteora Photo Tour

Plan to spend at least one full day in the area visiting monasteries and taking photos. I spent three days taking photos, and it was well worth it. The weather was different each day, which made for great photography, and if you’re interested in seeing the range of beauty in different weather, you’ll need the flexibility a few days here will give you. If this is a once in a lifetime trip for you, consider our Travel Photography Academy , which teaches the basics and the advanced of taking better photos.

Below is a list of the six key Meteora monasteries that you will likely want to see and visit from Kalambaka:

Monastery of Great Meteoron

This is the largest of all the six monasteries that are still functioning in Meteora. As of 2015, this monastery only housed three monks. It was built in the mid-14th century and has undergone numerous restorations from the late 15th to the mid-16th century. One building in this monastery is open for tourists as a museum. This is the most popular of all the of monasteries in the area, and it’s surely one that you’ll want to visit. If you’re organizing the trip from Kalambaka, the Panoramic Meteora and all Monasteries Tour from Kalabaka visits the Monastery of Great Meteoron , as well as other key ones.

Monastery of Varlaám

Varlaámis the second largest monastery in Meteora and is just behind Great Meteoron in the number of tourists it receives. In 2015, this was the monastery that had the most number of monks in residence: seven. The monastery was built in 1541 and was decorated in 1548.

Monastery of St. Barbara

Established in the mid-16th century, the Monastery of St. Barbara ( Rousanoú ) was fully decorated by 1560. It’s used as a nunnery and serves as the residence of 13 nuns.

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas

The pretty Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas ( Áyios Nikólaos Anapafsás ) was built in the 16th century and it comes with a small church that was decorated by the artist Theophanis Strelitzas. As of 2015, only one monk resides in this monastery. This monastery is just a kilometer from Kastraki, so you could hike here in the morning one day for dramatic days.

Monastery of St. Stephen

This small church was founded and built in the 16th century—it’s one of the rare monasteries in Meteora that is built on a plain rather than on a cliff, making it accessible by a footbridge rather than steps. The Monastery of St. Stephen ( Áyios Stéfanos ) was turned over to the nuns in 1961 and has been reconstructed into a full functioning nunnery with up to 28 nuns residing here.

Monastery of (Holy Trinity)

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity ( Ayía Triáda ) is located on top of a cliff and was built in the late 15th century. It underwent remodeling in the 17th and 18th centuries. There are four monks that lived in this monastery as of 2015.

How to Get to Meteora

The town of Kalambaka (also spelled Kalabaka) lies below Meteora and this where most people stay when they visit. While cruise ship passengers do venture to Meteora by bus, this isn’t really an easy day trip from anywhere and I don’t recommend taking one. You should not travel to Meteora independently unless you plan to stay overnight, otherwise, it really saves you any money or hassle on a solo day trip, mostly because public transportation only gets you to Kalambaka, which is not Meteora, you will still have to get to the monasteries once you arrive. Meteora day tours from your town of choice are the best option, or you can drive yourself if you’re up for the challenge of driving in Greece.  

By Train from Athens or Thessaloniki

It’s easy to catch a train from Athens to Kalambaka —which is the closest train stop to Meteora—and the journey lasts about four hours and costs 25 to 30 Euros. Trains from Thessaloniki leave from the New Railway Station ( Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos ), or from If you simply can’t stay overnight in Kalambaka, then I highly recommend not trying to organize this day trip independently as you just won’t get as much out of the experience. Instead, this Athens to Meteora In-a-Day Rail Tour  offers all of the highlights with a guide who will ensure you see the very best on offer. 

By Bus from Athens or Thessaloniki

Buses are an easy way to get to either site, although the train is likely better from both cities (the journey is faster, safer, and easier). It’s three hours each way from Thessaloniki (you’ll have to take a bus to Trikala and switch there to a bus to Kalambaka) and nearly five hours each way from Athens. Again, if you decide to visit the monasteries of Meteora as a day trip then you really should book a tour, otherwise you’ll spend the bulk of your day just trying to figure out where to go: The Meteora All Day Tour From Athens and Meteora Monasteries Day Trip from Thessaloniki are both good options.

Where to Stay Near Meteora

Kalambaka and Kastraki have great accommodation for every budget level. Kalambaka is the main town and has the bulk of everything: accommodation, food, tours, and tourists. Kastraki is just two kilometers away and is a charming conservation village with breathtaking views.

• Grand Meteora Hotel : A gorgeous spot in Kastraki that won’t disappoint if you have a mid-range budget.
• Hotel Doupiani House : A mid-range option with a great breakfast buffet.
• Alsos House : A perfect option in Kalambaka for those on a budget. 
• Hotel Kosta Famissi : Another budget option full of charm and good views. 
• Pyrgos Adrachti : More of a splurge budget in Kastraki, but with just stunning views.

What to Pack

• Guidebook : Fodor’s Essential Greece is the best guidebook choice for most travelers. The Lonely Planet Greece is a go-to for most budget travelers, but the Fodor’s guide does a particularly better job in Greece. 
• Clothes : Women must wear skirts to enter the monasteries—you can use provided cover-ups if you’re not appropriately attired. Otherwise, bring sturdy shoes since you’ll need to hike to visit most of the monasteries.
• Travel Adapter : Don’t leave on your trip without a travel adapter. This Glamfield one is my favorite: It features three USB chargers, USB-C, and it works in Greece, and most other countries too! If you’re looking for a lower profile adapter, however, you can’t go wrong with this one (I usually carry both!). 
• Travel Insurance : Meteora is a remote area, as are many of the top sights you’ll visit when traveling throughout Greece — World Nomads is a top choice and covers medical evacuation, theft of belongings, and so much more.

Read next: Visiting the Archaeological Site of Delphi

View the complete list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece .

Gary began traveling the world in 2007. His travels have taken him to over 200 countries and territories and 400 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. He is a 3x Lowell Thomas Award winner and a 3x North American Travel Photographer of the Year.

1 thought on “How to Visit the Monasteries of Meteora, Greece”

It is one of the few places that I don’t mind going back to again and again. It’s hard to choose a word for it. I think breathtaking is the one. I have never used this word before.

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The Ultimate Solo Travel Guide to Meteora Greece

This post contains references to tours and experiences  from affiliate partnerships.  We may receive compensation when you click on those links.  Tours and experiences explicitly discussed and posted on this site have been carefully vetted.

The word, meteora, quite literally means “suspended in the air”. Once you visit, you’ll understand exactly why. I spent three days in Meteora, which I found to be a solid amount of time to see what this region of Greece is most famous for: the Meteora Monasteries.

Meteora, Greece

While some may plan their trip to Greece around a visit to Athens and the islands, Meteora provides a very different view of the country that shouldn’t be overlooked. If you appreciate nature, love to hike, and are looking to add a UNESCO World Heritage Site to your travel bucket list, I highly recommend adding Meteora to the itinerary.

Where is Meteora?

Meteora is a breathtaking spectacle located in Thessaly, Greece. This geological marvel is nestled just north of the quaint town of Kalabaka (also spelled Kalampaka or Kalambaka), south of the village of Kastraki, and east of the Pindus Mountains, in the valley of the Pineiós River.

Meteora History

As you peer out at miraculous peaks rising into the sky, you’ll see elaborate monasteries built right into them.  These have been home to monks for centuries, who sought complete isolation.  To read more about the history of the Meteora Monasteries, click here .

Best Time to Visit Meteora

While Meteora can be visited year-round, the summer months are sure to be busy with tourists. If you're seeking a quieter experience, consider visiting outside of the peak tourist season. I visited in mid-May and was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t very crowded and the temperature was perfect, especially for hiking.

How to Get to Meteora

Meteora is easily accessible by both train and car.  If you’re coming from Athens, you can use the Hellenic Train site to search for all possible train options or read more about how to get to Meteora by train .  

I had rented a car during my stay in Greece and was able to get from Meteora to Athens in approximately four hours.  Keep in mind, there are a lot of tolls on the highways in Greece, so be prepared to pay.  Luckily, they take credit cards.

Meteora Travel Guide and Tips

Where to stay in meteora.

There are two main towns in Meteora:  Kalabaka and Kastraki.  You can find many hotel options as well as apartment rentals .

I had the pleasure of staying at The Grand Meteora Hotel , which was a little more serene and removed from the towns.  I awoke to stunning views of the cliffs each morning and was still able to easily make my way to some of the more populated areas for dinners and tours.

Solo Travel in Meteora

If you’re a solo traveler, you’ll feel incredibly safe in Meteora. The locals are kind and there are so many tour options you can select from that will allow you to meet others while you explore. This is the perfect place to visit if you’d like to get out of Athens for some time with nature.

Dining in Meteora

Meteora is known for its Vlach cuisine, which offers an array of traditional dishes that are cherished by the locals and a gastronomic adventure for visitors. 

From delectable meze options like leek-infused sausage, kokoretsi, and kebab, to mouthwatering pies filled with wild greens, cornmeal, and feta cheese, you’ll definitely leave the tavernas pleasantly full. 

As for desserts, Thessaly is not only known for its Farsala Halva but also for a delightful delicacy known as spatula – a pie filled with walnuts, cream, and almonds. This dessert, with its distinctive combination of tastes and textures, is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth. 

I had two delicious dinners during my trip here.  

At Yamas Taverna , I enjoyed a refreshing glass of their local house wine along with a pork tenderloin, flanked by french fries and a salad.  

I pulled out all of the stops when I dined at  Taverna Gardenia .  I started with a very simple, but tasty, green salad to offset the fried cheese (called saganaki) that I had as an appetizer.  For a main course, I ordered chicken souvlaki, accompanied with a side of fries.  My favorite detail was the lemon slice that showed up on each dish, adding a bit of sweetness to each savory item that I devoured.  To close out the meal, I was treated to both a piece of portokalopita (a dense orange piece) and a glass of ouzo to cleanse my palate.  This meal was my idea of perfection.

Things to Do in Meteora

Meteora monasteries.

Visiting one of the six active Meteora monasteries should be at the top of your list on your Meteora itinerary. You can find out more information about the monasteries on Visit Meteora’s website along with their schedules . I was lucky enough to visit the Great Meteoron Monastery on a hiking tour as well as St. Stephen’s Nunnery during a sunset tour . Both of them were quite a spectacle and absolutely beautiful from both afar and the inside. I even saw several monks at the Great Meteoron Monastery.

Meteora Guided Tours

There are so many various tours and experiences that you can book for your visit to Meteora.  Visit Meteora has everything from multi-day rail tours to individual experiences including hiking, sunset tours, monastery tours, and wine tastings.  You can find their full list of tours here .

Hiking in Meteora

If you’re into the outdoors, I highly recommend the hiking tour that I went on with Visit Meteora .  It was the perfect combination of physical activity and history that kept me engaged the entire time.  

My guide, Evan, was delightful, knowledgeable, and also funny as he told us the origin of the name “orchid”, which (naturally) comes from the Greek language.  You can google that one if you want to know.  Haha!  

We spent a couple hours making our way uphill, stopping every so often for Evan to give us some historical information about the region (and for some of us to catch our breath).  My favorite stop was at a large area that had an endless view of the countryside below, the cliffs, and even a monastery clinging to the side of one of them.  

Once we got high enough, we stopped at The Great Meteoron Monastery, where we had an hour to visit inside.  I was amazed at how updated and well-kept every inch of it was.  After we explored, it was time to make our final trek; this time it was all downhill and a bit more steep.  

Overall, this hike was the highlight of my time in Meteora and I have to give a huge shoutout to Evan for his enthusiasm, knowledge, and kindness to all of us.

Sunset Tour of Meteora

The second tour I had the pleasure of experiencing was a sunset tour . This was much different from the hiking tour in that it required a lot less physical activity. We had a small bus with a guide, Maria, who told us an in-depth history of the area and monasteries. She was so much fun and I loved her energy. We made several stops to take photos and see some impressive landmarks.

In the middle of our tour , we were given time to visit St. Stephen’s Nunnery, which was just as beautiful and well-kept at the Great Meteoron Monastery that I saw the previous day. 

The tour concludes at sunset with a stop at a large cliff that has a remarkable view of Meteora. This was the highlight of the tour for me because it was peaceful, relaxing, and made for some epic photos. We didn’t have the best sunset view because of the cloudiness, but that didn’t take away from the experience at all. I highly recommend going on the sunset tour .

If you’re in the process of planning a trip to Greece, I can’t recommend a visit to Meteora enough.  Along with its natural beauty that has added it to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Meteora is a fantastic destination for those looking to enjoy the outdoors.  This historical region, that is much less crowded than the ever popular islands and capitol, is ideal for solo travelers looking for a break from the masses.  I hope you consider adding it to your Greece travel itinerary.

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About the Author

Hi! My name is Terry and I'm a former elementary school teacher. After 13 years in the classroom, I decided to take my side hustle of creating educational resources full-time. Now, I work remotely and have the time and flexibility to do what I've always wanted to do more of: TRAVELING. I've created an online space where I can share my adventures along with tips for anyone who has had the desire to seek adventure, but may have things holding them back. Whether it's financial reasons, or you simply don't have anyone to go with - I'm here to help you get inspired to just go for it and book the trip! If you're looking for that push/motivation, follow along with me! Make sure you check me out on TikTok and Instagram, too!

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A Complete Visitor’s Guide To Incredible Meteora, Greece

27 March 2019.

My phone ticks over to 6 a.m. and I set off through the deserted backstreets of Kalambaka beneath a blanket of stars and the brilliant gleam of a crescent moon.

It’s my second day here and after being overwhelmed by the heat and crowds the previous day, I’m intent on enjoying the tranquillity of this humbling place without the hoards of summer tourists that descend during the day.

Nearing the outskirts of the city, the dim cobbled streets and pastel buildings hung with washing give way to dense scraggly forest where I find the snaking trail that will lead me to the viewpoint far above.

The soft purple light of dawn is just beginning to wash across the valley bringing with it the pleasant twitter of birds emerging from their nests and the sweet scent of honey and vanilla that wafts across the still air between the trees. Climbing higher, I look up to see the imposing sandstone monoliths towering overhead. Still cloaked in darkness, their sheer sizes gives the impression of swaying against the inky blue sky. 

It’s hardly daybreak yet and the stifling summer heat is already beginning to catch in my throat and send beads of salty sweat trickling down my spine.

After an hour of trudging uphill and a few wrong turns, I finally emerge at the roadside.

In the distant shadows, I glimpse a tiny ant trail of twinkling lights snaking slowly up the rocky pillar beneath the Monastery of St Nicholas Anapavsa; a group of monks making their way to morning prayer, I muse.

A band of glowing pink is already creeping slowly down the mountains that form the spectacular backdrop to Meteora and I find my seat amongst the rocks to drink it all in.

As the sun peaks over the horizon, vibrant sunlight washes over the treetops, casting off the shadows and illuminating the ancient monasteries in rich copper tones. It feels like a momentous moment and a small stifled gasp bursts from my lips, but there’s nothing to mark the occasion. This is simply nature putting on a tremendous show and the most I can do is bear witness as it unfolds before my eyes. In the waning darkness below, thick forest fills the valley with vibrant greens that spill down to the maze of terracotta and white that marks Kalambaka.

I’m not a religious person, not in any sense of the word, but gazing out across pinnacles of Meteora now bathed in glorious morning light, there’s an unmistakable power that clings to these otherworldly landscapes. A peacefulness, a deafening silence and a wonderful sense of still .

I can only imagine what it must have been to look out across the valley when monastic activity was at its peak and some 24 monasteries peppered the rocky outcrops. Today, just six remain with the rest having fallen into ruin.

In an hour or two, these rocks will be crawling with visitors craning their necks for the best possible view. The throng of tour buses, cars and scooters all jostling for position will erase any lingering tranquillity and the monasteries now bathed in halos of golden light with fill with curious visitors ready to catch their first glimpse of these ancient structures.

But for now all is calm and quiet and I breath in the fresh mountain air for a moment longer. It’s safe to say, this is not a morning I’ll be forgetting in a hurry.

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In a setting such as Meteora, simply wandering the monasteries and taking in the fabled landscapes is a more than enough to enjoy the place, but there are a few unique experiences that will certainly add to you visit.

Watch Sunrise Over Meteora

My mornings spent watching Meteora being bathed in golden sunlight were pure captivating magic and the kind of memories that will stick in my mind for a long time to come. Unsurprising, Meteora can become disgustingly crowded, especially in summer, but in the small hours when barely a handful of visitors grace the craggy viewing platforms is when Meteora is truly at its best.

Get There  |  Staying in Kalambaka without any transport, I chose to hike up along the steep track that winds through the forest and emerges either beneath the Monastery of the Holy Trinity or at the lookout a short way to the left depending on which route you take. It’s a fantastic walk that weaves through the scraggly forest directly beneath the towering pinnacles of rock. From the centre of Kalambaka, it takes around 50-minutes to reach the top so try to leave at least an hour before sunrise.

Visit The Meteora Monasteries

Most likely the main reason you’re visiting, you simply can’t visit Meteora and not set foot in at least a few of its monasteries. Ultimately you don’t need to visit them all, but taking the time to explore at least three should give you a feel of the place. See below for a break down of each monastery.

Get There  |  Bus, drive or walk from Kalambaka up to the monasteries and move between them throughout the day.

Join A Tour  |   This top-rated Half-Day Meteora Tour visits the three monasteries and delves into the history, lifestyle and location of these monastic communities.

Explore On Foot And Visit The Caves

Set amidst a bowl of craggy mountains, the scenery surrounding Meteora is simply spectacular and exploring on foot is one of the best ways to escape the crowds, view the monasteries from different vantage points and better explore the countryside. Aside from hiking, there are also a number of great opportunities for outdoor adventure such as mountain biking, rock-climbing and via ferrata, as well as a number of caves which are worth exploring.

Get There  |  I explored virtually everywhere on foot, including the rocky climb between Kalambaka and the monasteries, a dusty trail which veers left off the road to Vlachava and weaves through the forest emerging at Great Meteoron, the leafy path between Great Meteoron and St Nicholas and the backroad to Kastraki which all offer up a different perspective on these unique landscapes. There are also a number of caves in the area, monastery ruins and a series of enormous rocks north of Kastraki which offer up excellent views. Have a look on Maps.Me and you’ll quickly find the various trails on offer.

Join A Tour  |   This 5-hour Hiking Tour Of Meteora winds through the forests around Kastraki and the monastery ruins that lie hidden here, followed by a tour of the Great Meteoron Monastery. Or for something more adventurous, consider a Scramble Tour (like a via ferrata) or Cave Tour also run by Visit Meteora.

Catch the sunset over Meteora

Missed sunrise? Sunset is meant to be even better, although there’ll be plenty more people about to enjoy it with. The main lookout on the upper road (marked as Observation Deck 1 on Google Maps) is the best place to catch the show.

Get There  | You can follow the same sunrise hiking route, just remember that you’ll have to make your way down in the dark so be sure to bring a torch.

Join A Tour  |   Meteora’s most popular tour takes in one or two monasteries before hunkering down for an unforgettable sunset across the valley. This tour and this tour are both excellent value and have become two of Meteora’s bestselling experiences.

|  SHORT ON TIME? JOIN A METEORA TOUR INSTEAD  |

From athens: full-day meteora trip by train, from kalambaka: majestic sunset on meteora rocks, from kalambaka: 5-hour hiking tour of meteora, from kalambaka: half-day meteora morning tour.

The reason so many travellers venture to this pocket of mythical landscapes in the north of Greece, whether on a spiritual pilgrimage or simply to tick it off their bucket list, is without a doubt the hallowed chambers of Meteora’s monasteries.

Dating back to the 12th century with the founding of Great Meteoron, the rocky towers provided the monks sanctuary from the growing conflict in the region. As the monastic community expanded, these lofty perches continue to be particularly difficult to access with goods and people hoisted up the cliffs by a system of ropes and nets that can still be seen in action today.

Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron

The oldest and most expansive of the monasteries, Great Meteoron is also the most popular and is often the very first stop for visitors arriving in Meteora. The sprawling complex includes the holy cathedral adorned with 16-century frescoes, an interesting museum of folklore though unfortunately the inscriptions are not translated into English and the old kitchen. With plenty to see, you can spend around an hour exploring.

If you’re visiting on foot, there’s a great forested trail that leads directly down from Great Meteoron toward St Nicholas below and is far more pleasant than walking along the road.

Monastery of Varlaam

Impossibly beautiful Varlaam was perhaps my favourite of the Meteora monasteries with its charming open-air balcony that gazes over the valley the most magnificent spot of all. Be sure to catch the video in the museum which illustrates how the monks were hoisted up to the monastery using the large rope net.

Monastery of the Holy Trinity

Holy Trinity has one the most dramatic settings, perched high on a slender free-standing spire of rock. Its position means it requires a steep climb up the rock face and most of the monastery itself is reserved for monastic activity and so is off limits to visitors, but the views over the valley are fantastic.

Monastery of St. Stephen

With peach coloured spires and a spectacular mountain backdrop, St Stephens makes a striking first impression. The fresco embellished church, the museum, beautiful courtyard and balcony are all worth a visit. This is also one of just two monasteries inhabited by nuns.

Unfortunately, I arrived here at the same time as about eight tour buses and so quickly found myself squeezed in with an enormous crowd. The views are great and the garden very pretty, but I didn’t get to spend all that much time here to enjoy it.

Monastery of Rousanou

Careening off the cliff between the trees, Rousanou’s location is quite unique making it one of the most heavily photographed monasteries as it appears to hover amongst the trees. This is the second of Meteora’s monasteries inhabited by nuns, though the site itself is fairly small and can become very cramped when the crowds swell. If you’re very short on time, this is probably the one I would skip.

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapavsa

The steep, sweaty climb leading up the rock face to St. Nicholas means it’s one of the least visited of the monasteries of Meteora. Crowding out the narrow plateau of rock, however, its location is rather special. There’s not a great deal to see inside, but there’s a lovely garden area that boasts excellent views.

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There’s a €3 entry fee for each monastery payable at the door.

In general, if you feel the need to return later in the day when the crowds have abated or the lighting is better, you can show your ticket at the door for readmittance without having to pay again.

Opening Hours

Most monasteries are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with at least one day a week where each monastery will close its doors to visitors.

Try to plan your trip around the days of closure and arrive around opening time or just before they close for the day to beat the crowds.  Check the current opening hours for both summer and winter here .

Getting Around Meteora

Many people visit Meteora by car or by renting a scooter down in Kalambaka. While this makes getting around relatively easy, it also makes parking something of a nightmare as the tiny roads and limited space are just not built to accommodate the summer crowds. Add in a few dozen buses trying to turn around, give way and wait for their guests to return and it’s not long before the roads become completely choked.

An alternative is to take the Meteora bus which runs from April to October and makes it easy to reach the monastery complex without the having to battle the congestion. There are just three buses each day which can drop you at any of the monasteries, but from there you’ll have to make your way between each site. Given the monasteries are quite close together though, if you plan it well, you shouldn’t have to walk too far and it’s actually a rather a pleasant way to get around, though it can get incredibly hot.

From Kalambaka, the bus loops through all the monasteries, before beginning the return journey an hour later from St. Stephens Monastery. Tickets are €1.60 one-way, slightly less for return.

Otherwise, it’s about an hour’s walk between Kalambaka and Meteora, either along the forest trail which emerges near the Holy Trinity Monastery or via Kastraki. Most days I would hike up to experience the place at sunrise, visit a few of the monasteries and then take the bus back down, or vice versa.

Bring snacks + plenty of water  |   There’s not all that many places to eat up around the monasteries, just a few food trucks selling ice-creams and basic snacks, so it’s definitely a good idea to bring a packed lunch if you intend to spend all day around Meteora. There are a few bakeries and supermarkets in Kalambaka where you can find supplies. In summer, temperatures are also scorching so be sure to bring plenty of water, especially if you’ll be exploring the area on foot.

Dress modestly  | Modest dress is essential for visiting the monasteries and is just a basic sign of respect. Knees, shoulders and cleavage should all be covered up and at each entry point, visitors will be provided with a wrap skirt or cape to cover anything deemed inappropriate. This includes pants/trousers that are considered too fitted. Men wearing short shorts may also be asked to don some loose pantaloon-like items. But don’t worry, most visitors end up looking slightly ridiculous in their billowy, mismatched monastery garb.

Get there early  |  The early bird gets the monasteries all to themselves. Well, not exactly, but you’ll certainly have fewer crowds to contend with than if you arrive later on. Plan out your route for visiting the monasteries each day and try to arrive when they open the doors. Alternatively, late afternoon in the hour or so before the monasteries begin to close is also a good time as the crowds have begun to dissipate.

You don’t have to see every monastery  |  If you’re short on time, don’t feel like you need to run yourself ragged trying to squeeze in every single Meteora monastery. Best is to focus on 3 or 4 while also allowing time to explore the wider area – following the walking trails through the forests or across the hillsides, visiting the caves and enjoying the lookout points are just as rewarding.

Plan around open hours  |  Everyday, at least one of the monasteries is closed to visitors. This means that the following morning, all the overnight tours will be clamouring to be the first to enter that monastery so as to complete the set and essentially complete monastery mayhem ensues. If you plan to visit all six Meteora monasteries, keep on eye on when each is open and perhaps don’t put one first on your list for the day if it was closed the day before.

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Where to stay in meteora.

For visiting Meteora, most people stay at either Kalambaka or Kastraki. Though I much preferred the former for its choice of restaurants and easy access to both the train station and the hiking trails, Kastraki is much more peaceful and boasts the best views of the rocky towers.

Meteora Central Hostel   |   I stayed at this excellent hostel in the heart of Kalambaka on the recommendation of a fellow traveller and was not disappointed. Rooms are clean and spacious and each bed is equipped with a night light, locker and storage pocket. There’s also a guest kitchen and plenty of chill-out space in the next door cafe/bar of the same owner.

Check rates and availability on Hostelworld or Booking.com .

Pyrgos Adrachti   |  Set on the fringes of Kastraki amongst the towering pillars of Meteora, the fantastic views offered at this 3-star hotel are hard to pass up. Guests also love the rustic design, spacious rooms, friendly staff and traditional Greek breakfast.

Check rates and availability here.

Meteora View Apartments   | This bright, modern apartment receives excellent reviews and looks to be perfect for larger groups looking to self cater. Includes all the comforts of home like a fully-equipped kitchen, coffee machine and Netflix.

Olive Grove Rooms and Guesthouse Vavitsas are two other reasonably priced guesthouses in Kastraki that boast Meteora views and have excellent reviews online.

Where To Eat In Meteora

Admittedly, I was fairly underwhelmed by the food in Kalambaka. Even Greek staples like the humble moussaka had me pining for the far superior versions I had eaten in southern Albania just the previous week. After one too many disappointing experiences with poorly reheated meals, I thankfully stumbled upon the delightful Valia Calda a short walk from the town centre which turned out to be my best meal in the area.

The menu is original, portions are generous and prices are reasonable. The staff are also wonderfully welcoming. In fact, the owner came around to every table to personally check in and relay the story of how each chosen dish fitted into his childhood and found its way onto the restaurant’s menu. Don’t miss the baked fetta with walnuts – it is to die for!

Athens To Meteora

By Train  |   There is just one direct train each day from Athens to Kalambaka, leaving at 8:20 a.m. and returning from Kalambaka at 5:32 p.m. Other daily services require a transfer in Palaeofarsalos. The trip takes around 5 hours (longer with a transfer) and may cost anywhere from €15 to €40 depending on how busy the service is and how far in advance you book. Tickets can be purchased at the station but if you’re travelling during peak season, it’s definitely best to buy them in advance as tickets do sell out. Check the current timetable here .

By Bus  |  There’s a bus that travels between Athens and Trikala, where you’ll need to change to a bus for Kalambaka. The train is far more straightforward and pleasant and the stations at each end are much easier to reach so honestly, I’d recommend just sticking to the train.

By Tour  |   Short on time and don’t want the hassle of organising a tight trip? It’s possible to take a jam-packed day or overnight trip from Athens to Meteora. Check rates and availability here.

Thessaloniki or Ioannina to Meteora

From Thessaloniki, it’s possible to arrive by both bus or train. Read this guide for more information.

If you’re coming from the north of Greece, Ioannina is the best transfer point with two buses daily to Kalambaka.

Albania to Meteora

This was how I arrived in Meteora, on a very long, winding journey from Albania’s historic town of Berat , but there are also services available from Gjirokaster and Saranda .

I organised the trip through my guesthouse with a local travel agent for around €20. The trip was a long 9+ hour ordeal including at least 3 hours at the painfully slow border crossing and a short lunch break about 10-minutes out from Kalambaka. After crossing the border, there’s also a long winding section of hair-pin bends that drivers tend to fly around causing half my bus to desperately start reaching for the plastic bags. If you’re someone who gets motion sick, consider taking either a bag or a pill to help you out.

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Meteora in Greece: the complete travel guide

• April 20, 2024

Meteora is a very distinctive rock formation found in central Greece. In this guide, I explain how to plan your trip there and what to see.

A quick guide to Meteora

Best time to visit: during Spring or Fall

How long: a couple of days is enough to visit the area and relax for a while

Why it is worth visiting: it’s a unique place. There’s no other places like it in the world

A quick tip: each monastery has a different closing day. If you are interested in a particular one, check its opening days.

Where to stay: if you choose to stay one night in Meteora I recommend this hotel

Nothing is more strange and wonderful than this fantastic region, unlike anything I have ever seen. In . . . all the mountainous regions I have been to, there is nothing that compares to these extraordinary pillars. Robert Curzon, English traveler, 1849

Curzon’s words summarize the feelings you’ll get when observing these incredible rock formations for the first time in Thessaly, Greece.

Welcoming the tourists, there is an imposing stone “forest” composed of over twenty huge rocky pillars towering into the sky, hundreds of meters high. But the most incredible thing is the monasteries built on top of these rocks.

This is Meteora, a unique and extraordinary combination of rock formations and human labor. The name “Meteora” – from a Greek word meaning “things that stand on high” – refers to this group of isolated rocky pillars and the more than 30 monasteries built on them. The average height of these rocks is 300 meters, but some exceed 550 meters.

Geology of Meteora: how were these rocks formed?

A shallow sea once covered the region of Meteora. Over time, the sea receded, exposing the area to the elements. The sandstone that makes up the pillars was formed from sediments deposited on the sea floor.

As the years passed, the forces of wind and water eroded the sandstone, slowly shaping it into the towering pillars we see today. The elements have further sculpted the pillars over time, creating the unique and striking landscape we see in Meteora.

In addition to the natural forces of erosion, the monasteries built on top of the pillars have also contributed to their formation. The monks who built the monasteries carved steps and pathways into the pillars, allowing people to reach the top and access the monasteries. This has helped to shape the landscape of Meteora and has made it possible for people to explore the area.

Meteora: top things to see

Monks from the 11th century onwards built the monasteries of Meteora. These monks sought solitude and a place to practice their religious beliefs, and they saw the towering pillars of Meteora as the perfect location.

Building the monasteries was no easy task. The pillars were tall and steep, and there was no easy way to reach the top. The monks had to use a series of ladders and ropes to access the top of the pillars, and then they had to carve out steps and pathways to make it possible to move around and access the monasteries.

Once they reached the pillars’ top, the monks began building the monasteries. They used natural materials, such as stone and wood, and carefully crafted each monastery by hand. The result was a series of beautiful and unique structures now a major attraction in the region.

Despite the challenges, the monks persevered and built several monasteries in Meteora. Today, only six of these monasteries (two of which house nuns) are still in use, but they continue to be a significant draw for visitors to the area. The monasteries are a testament to the determination and skill of the monks who built them, and they remain an essential part of the history and culture of Meteora.

Holy Trinity Monastery was built in 1475 and renovated several times in 1684, 1689, 1692, 1741.

The first hermits to climb Meteora were Barnabas, between 950 and 965 E.V., and Andronicus of Crete, in 1020. Other monks from all parts of the Byzantine world joined him, so the number of rock-top monasteries reached 33. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the communities reached the height of their importance, but from then on, their decline began.

Nuns now occupy St. Stephen’s Monastery.

Today, according to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization, the Meteora monasteries represent an invaluable cultural heritage. In recent times, the Greek government has been taking care to preserve Meteora’s cultural heritage, and partly because they have appeared in several films, Meteora is increasingly visited by tourists.

How to get to Meteora

There are several ways to get to Meteora, but none are very fast. Here are a few options to consider:

• By car: Meteora is located in central Greece and easily accessible from nearby cities and towns. The region is well-served by highways and roads, and several car rental agencies are there if you need to rent a vehicle.
• By bus: if you are traveling by bus, there are several options for getting to Meteora. One of them is to take a bus to Trikala and change there for Kalambaka.
• By train: the nearest train station to Meteora is in the town of Kalambaka, which is at the base of the pillars. There are regular trains from Athens and other major cities in Greece, and Kalambaka; you can take a local bus or taxi to reach Meteora.
• By plane: the nearest airport to Meteora is in Ioannina, about an hour’s drive from the region. You can rent a car or take a bus from Ioannina to reach Meteora.

If you want to visit Meteora, I recommend staying in Kastraki, a pretty village near Meteora. You can find some good deals on Booking.com. If you prefer Trip.com, here you will find some discounts.

How to get around Meteora and opening times of the monasteries

Once you arrive in Meteora, there are several options for getting around the region and exploring the monasteries and other attractions. Here are a few suggestions:

• By car: if you have a car, this is the best option for exploring the area. The region has good roads and is easy to navigate; having your vehicle gives you more freedom.
• By bus: only from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, which stops at the various monasteries and then returns to the city
• By taxi: taxis are widely available in the area and can be a convenient way to get around. You can either hail a taxi on the street or call a local company to arrange a pick-up.
• On foot: Meteora is a great destination for hikers, and several trails offer beautiful views of the region. If you enjoy hiking, this is a great way to explore the area and see the sights. Keep in mind that it can be pretty hot in summer.
• With a Tour: Finally, you can consider booking a guided tour like this one. It’s not very expensive, and you will learn a lot more than on a self-guided tour

One important thing to keep in mind if you want to visit the monasteries are the opening hours; some are open only in the morning. These are the closing days instead:

• Moni Agiou Stefanou: Monday
• Moni Megalou Meteorou: Tuesday
• Moni Varlaam: Wednesday
• Moni Agias Varvaras Rousanou: Wednesday
• Moni Agias Triados: Thursday
• Moni Agiou Nikolaou Anapafsa: Friday

When I was there, admission to each monastery was about 2€.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, visiting Meteora in Greece is an unforgettable experience. The monasteries offer a glimpse into the history and culture of the area, and they are a must-see for anyone visiting Greece. Whether you’re interested in history, and culture, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the area, there is plenty to see and do in Meteora for everyone.

You can find more photos taken in Meteora here and here you can read an article about Lake Kerkini also in Greece. If you want to visit North Macedonia, don’t miss this travel guide.

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The Practical Guide to Visiting Meteora and its Hanging Monasteries in Greece

Add the Meteora monasteries to your bucket list, pronto!

Meteora in Greece is hands down the most jaw droppingly unreal and otherworldly destination I’ve ever visited. Hands. Down. Its name means “suspended in the air”, and once you have explored the area you will understand how that came about.

Located in the central region of Greece, Meteora is home to 6 UNESO World Heritage Site monasteries and nunneries precariously perched atop massive rock pillars.

What’s truly amazing is that these 6 monasteries are still active sites of worship, and while car parks and stairways now replace baskets and ropes, visiting Meteora feels like taking a giant leap back in time. If you’re visiting Greece, Meteora is one destination that shouldn’t be skipped.

If you’re short on time, it is possible to spend 1 or 2 days in Meteora exploring the hanging monasteries and sunset viewpoints. Is it exhausting? Yes. Is it doable? Also yes. Can you visit Meteora without joining a tour? Heck yes.

Read on for practical travel tips including the Meteora dress code and where to stay to help plan your trip to the hanging monasteries of Meteora!

What you need to know about visiting Meteora in Greece

All the practical information you need to organize your trip to Meteora and the hanging monasteries, including the best time of year to visit, the location of Meteora and how to get there, what to bring, how to get around and what to see in Meteora.

1. The best time to visit Meteora

The best time to visit is in late spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the crowds are less hectic. However, Meteora is manageable in the summer months if you start early and visit the largest monasteries before the tour buses arrive.

2. How to get to Meteora

Where is Meteora in Greece? Meteora is located near the town of Kalabaka, bam smack in the middle of mainland Greece. Most visitors travel from major cities such as Thessaloniki to Meteora or from Athens to Meteora. Meteora is approximately 230 KM or a 3 hour drive away from Thessaloniki, or roughly 350 KM or a 4 hour drive away from Athens.

Because of the way we designed our Greece road trip itinerary we actually drove to Meteora after a night in Olympia and that was the easiest, most pleasant way for us to stick to our own schedule; the drive was fairly leisurely and took approximately 7 hours, but as you approach Meteora the roads become more narrow as you make your way through the mountains.

In general, driving around Greece is extremely easy (if I can do it, so can you) and cities are well-connected by brand new highways and plenty of rest stops. Just don’t be surprised if every other car zooms past you at 20 km/hour over the speed limit!

Looking for the best prices for rental cars around the world?  Click here to book your rental car ahead of your trip.  Bookings can be cancelled or amended if your plans change! We rented our car in Greece from Kosmos for approximately 50 Euros per day.

If you don’t plan on renting a car, there are public transportation options from Athens and Thessaloniki but I would recommend staying at least 1 night in Kastraki or Kalabaka ( sometimes also spelled Kalambaka or Kalampaka ). Click here for more information on how to get to Meteora from Athens by public transportation.

3. How to get around Meteora

Once you are in the area, you can self-drive a car (like we did) or rent a scooter from Kalabaka to visit the various monasteries, or alternatively there are plenty of day trip operators that can drive you around to see the monasteries of Meteora in a private car if you do not have access to your own transportation. If you do not plan on driving and would prefer to walk/trek between the sites, I would recommend giving yourself a full 2 days in Meteora.

You could choose to walk to get between the monasteries, but it is sweltering hot in the summer months and there is a lot of ground to cover between the different sites – do not underestimate the distance between the monasteries of Meteora, as well as the trek back into Kastraki or Kalabaka.

I remember driving past some poor souls who were schlepping up the hilly roads in the heat and thinking, “I’m so glad that isn’t me right now”. I would recommend that you do a mixture of driving and hiking to make the most of your time in Meteora.

Each monastery has (limited) space for parking on the side of the road, and it only takes a few minutes to drive between the monasteries. There are also a few different gas stations in the area so make sure you compare prices as they vary a fair bit.

Looking to visit other incredible historical sites in Greece? Click here for my mainland Greece road trip itinerary!

4. Where to stay in Meteora, Greece

We spent 2 nights at the family-run Pyrgos Adrachti hotel in Kastraki. The hotel is only 1 kilometer from St. Nikolaos should you wish to walk, or a 5 minute drive away from where the monasteries are located. If you make your way to Meteora by car, there are plenty of parking spaces at Pyrgos Adrachti but I would recommend hiring a small sedan as there are some tight corners and narrow pathways to navigate in order to get to this hotel.

The rooms are spacious and comfortable, and the owners are helpful – they are the ones who told us about the Psaropetra look out! The best thing about staying at the Pyrgos Adrachti is the view from the balcony – make sure you ask for a room with this view. Click here to book your stay at the Pyrgos Adrachti hotel or click here to see other highly rated hotels in Meteora and the surrounding areas!

Looking for more options for where to stay in Meteora? Here are some other alternatives that we seriously considered during the extensive accommodation research process : The Storyteller : This boutique hotel in Kalabaka is a stylish retreat for anyone traveling to Meteora. The rooms are modern and tastefully decorated, and there is parking available for those who are self-driving. Click here to check rates and availability at The Storyteller Boutique House . 1951 Suites : If you’re after a view, check out the rooms and suites at this renovated traditional house in Kalabaka. Reviewers love the location, helpful host and easy on-site parking. Some rooms also have a small terrace. Click here to check rates and availability at 1951 Suites . Tsikeli Boutique Hotel : This adults-only hotel in Meteora offers easy access to the monasteries from Kastraki. Perfect for couples and special occasions, some of the cozy and modern rooms are equipped with hot tubs and private balconies. Parking is also available on-site. Click here to check rates and availability at Tsikeli Boutique Hotel .

5. What to bring and the Meteora dress code

Bring: Sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, water, a snack, a good camera that can capture photos in low light as the sunsets are spectacular. However, you should know that you cannot take photos within the interiors of the monasteries, and that you shouldn’t take photos of any of the monks or nuns without their explicit permission. Also bring cash as you will need to pay €3 to enter each monastery.

Wear: Good walking shoes. The Meteora monasteries have strict dress codes so women will need to wear a long skirt, dress or sarong. It’s not enough to keep your knees covered so no trousers or shorts. However, all the monasteries have wrap skirts and shawls at the entrances that you can borrow. Shoulders should also be covered but I noticed that they are far more strict about the long skirt.

Men should wear a t-shirt or long sleeve shirt (no sleeveless shirts) and pants but I saw a few people who got away with wearing long shorts that hit just below the knee. Remember that the monasteries are places of worship , so be respectful and conduct yourself properly.

The hanging monasteries of Meteora

In this central region of almost inaccessible sandstone peaks in Greece, monks settled on these “columns of the sky”, and “Meteora” became the name the monks gave to the monolithic columns that seemingly pierced the clouds and sky. The name, “Meteora”, roughly translates into “suspended in air”. In its heyday, there were a total of 24 monasteries.

Today, there are 6 still standing: St. Nikolaos Anapafsas, Great Meteoron, Roussanou, Holy Trinity, Varlaam and St. Stephen’s. They all vary in size and have different visiting hours that change depending on season. If the map below doesn’t load then click here for a map of the monasteries in Meteora .

They are also closed on different days of the week, so it’s important to check the schedule ahead of your visit . The largest and most popular monasteries (Great Meteoron and Varlaam) fill up quickly with busloads of tourists, so its best to start your day early.

Wondering which monastery to visit in Meteora? Here is the rough order in which I would recommend seeing the monasteries: Great Meteoron and Varlaam, Roussanou, Holy Trinity, St. Nikolaos and/or St. Stephen’s.

1. Start by visiting Great Meteoron monastery and Varlaam in the morning

Here’s where the walking and hiking part kicks in. Skip St. Nikolaos (the first monastery you will hit on your way up) and drive past the monastery by around 100 metres and park the car on the side of the road. This is where the trail begins to hike up to the Great Meteoron and Varlaam (look for a small, unmarked wooden bench).

The hike to Great Meteoron will take approximately 45 minutes and is mostly shaded, but the path is uneven and uphill. About 3/4 of the way through you will reach a fork in the road – take the left path to head up to Great Meteoron.

The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is the largest and oldest monastery remaining in Meteora, founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite. Within the monastery you’ll find a museum and main church, but take some time soaking in the breathtaking views across Kalabaka from its courtyard.

Tour the Great Meteoron and after you’re done there, walk a few steps over to Varlaam , the neighboring monastery. Founded in the 14th century, Vaarlam is the second-largest monastery in Meteora and was reputed to house the finger of St. John and the shoulder blade of St. Andrew.

You can easily spend 30-40 minutes wandering around each monastery and exploring the chapels, courtyards, cellars and so on.

Once you have explored Varlaam, take the path on your left (as you’re exiting) to walk back down to where you parked your car. Bonus points for buying a popsicle outside Varlaam to cool yourself off.

Ready to book your Meteora trip? We loved our stay at the family-run Pyrgos Adrachti hotel in Kastraki. The low-key boutique hotel is a 5-minute drive away from the Meteora monasteries. Click here to book your stay at the Pyrgos Adrachti hotel or click here to see other highly rated hotels in Meteora and the surrounding areas! Looking for more Meteora hotel options? You might also want to consider checking out at The Storyteller (an elegant boutique hotel with modern rooms), 1951 Suites (a renovated traditional house offering rooms with a view) and Tsikeli Boutique Hotel (an adult-only Meteora hotel with tastefully-decorated rooms).

2. Drive on to Roussanou and Holy Trinity

Next, drive over to Roussanou (also known as The Monastery of St. Barbara), a nunnery dating back to the 16th century. Today, it is still a working nunnery with more than a dozen nuns who reside there and tend to a church and reception halls. Compared to the other monasteries in Meteora, Roussanou is relatively easily accessible due to its lower elevation.

Holy Trinity dates back to the 14th century and is not easy to get to as it sits high up on a cliff, so pace yourself as it is only reachable by hiking up nearly 150 steps. Because of its location and inaccessibility, few tour buses stop here so it may be perfect for those looking for a more peaceful opportunity to explore the grounds. In the past, the Holy Trinity also relied upon pulleys and baskets for supplies, but a small funicular is now used to carry supplies to the main building.

Once you have visited these two monasteries, head back towards Kalabaka for lunch as St. Stephen’s is shut from 1:30-3:30 pm (1-3 pm in the winter months). On your way back, you can stop at The Monastery of St. Nikolaos as it shuts earlier than the other monasteries. St. Nikolaos dates back to the 14th century and features detailed frescoes painted in the early 1500s; today, it houses just one lone abbot.

3. Next, head over to St. Stephen’s

St. Stephen’s is the most accessible monastery as all you have to do is cross a bridge. If you have any mobility issues or are traveling with young children or elderly family then you may want to consider heading straight to St. Stephen’s. It suffered a lot of damage during WWII and was abandoned until the 1960s when it was restored as a nunnery – today, it is home to more than two dozen nuns.

As you drive from point-to-point, there are plenty of lookout areas that you can stop and take pictures at, just make sure you park safely and out of the way of other vehicles.

Ready to see this incredible place with your own eyes? Click here to book your stay at the Pyrgos Adrachti hotel or click here to see other highly rated hotels in Meteora and the surrounding areas!

My ultimate tip for visiting Meteora

End the day with a stunning sunset at Psaropetra sunset view point in Meteora. Most people swarm to watch the sunset in Meteora from another viewpoint next to Varlaam, so this one tends to be relatively uncrowded. Even when there are more visitors there is still room for everyone to spread out.

Psaropetra is just past the Roussanou nunnery parking lot. On a clear night you can expect the most mind blowing colours – see why this is probably the best sunset viewpoint in Meteora?

“Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world.”

I hope this guide helps you to visit Meteora more efficiently and make the most of your time in Greece. Have you visited Meteora? What are your tips to travelers visiting the area?

Ready to book your trip to Meteora in Greece? I recommend staying at the family-run Pyrgos Adrachti hotel in Kastraki. The hotel is only 1 kilometer from St. Nikolaos should you wish to walk, or a 5 minute drive away from where the monasteries are located. Make sure you ask for a room with a view! Click here to book your stay at the Pyrgos Adrachti hotel or click here to see other highly rated hotels in Meteora and the surrounding areas! Looking for more options for where to stay in Meteora? We would also seriously consider staying at The Storyteller (a stylish boutique hotel with modern rooms), 1951 Suites (a renovated traditional house offering rooms with a view) and Tsikeli Boutique Hotel (an adults-only hotel in Meteora with cozy and tastefully-decorated rooms).

Planning a trip to Greece? Check out my other destination guides!

• If you are short on time (like we were) you should check out this  mainland Greece road trip itinerary
• Wandering what to see in Athens?  Here are 7 archaeological sites and museums not to miss
• Immerse yourself in the history and origins of the Olympic Games.  Read on for what to do in Olympia, Greece
• Once considered to be the centre of the world, the  ancient sanctuary of Delphi  is a great day trip from Athens
• Planning a trip to Santorini? Here are the  best things to do in Santorini and tips on where to stay
• No DSLR camera? No problem. These photos were all taken using my iPhone! Here are my  best tips for taking photos with your smartphone
• Check out all of my Greece travel tips and guides here

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80 Comments

Hi, just out of curiosity why do you suggest a private tour to get around the monestaries?

Just like section 3 I was planning to hire a car and drive to Meteora then presumably drive to the monestaries.

However, you suggest getting a private tour from there. Is it because the roads are difficult to drive? Or you wanted to leverage the tour guides local knowledge?

Hi Lance, we hired a car and drove to/around Meteora so it’s not absolutely necessary to join a tour. That is an option for people who don’t have access to their own transportation (either a car or scooter), apologies if that wasn’t clear. You may have issues finding sufficient parking at the various monasteries if you plan on visiting during the peak season. Enjoy your trip!

Thanks so much. I’m looking forward to being there this summer. I was thinking originally of the train, but now I’m thinking of driving there (from Athens) and maybe renting a scooter (or maybe that’s not necessary with the car). Are the roads good for driving after dark? Was thinking of getting there in the evening and staying in a hotel and getting an early start the next day, then driving back after sunset.

Hi Roger, the roads and freeways are generally in good condition/well-lit, though in my experience you will need to be careful as many drivers do not abide by speed limits in Greece. I would probably recommend that you drive back to Athens during daylight hours, rather than in the evening. Safe travels!

Hi! I am going to Meteora beginning of June with some friend and I am not sure if we should take the scenic train ride or a rental car to Meteora. What would you recommend? Do you know if the train ride is worth it?

We rented a car so I can’t compare it to the train, sorry! However, it was much easier to get around with our own car. Otherwise you’ll have to walk.

Thank you for this post! It reassured me that we can do Meteora on our own & in 2 days. Also really helped me organize and plan. Your photos make me even more excited for the trip!

Hi Erin, thanks so much for taking the time to read this and I’m so happy to hear that you found it to be a useful resource! Have an amazing time in Greece – we loved it!

Hey Flo, Greece is on my bucket list but have kept it after I get hitched 😉 Pictures have turned super fantastic. Flo, have you visited those white houses with blue strips all around which we usually see in pictures. I really love it. Hope to get there soon 🙂

Hi Aanchal, thanks for checking this out! Are you referring to Santorini?

Meteora is just unreal — such a unique destination. Glad you experienced and had amazing weather to take great photos.

The weather was perfect! Cool in the mornings and evenings 🙂

Hola! I’ve been following your blog for a long time now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Huffman Tx! Just wanted to tell you keep up the fantastic work!

Hi Amy! Thank you so much for your encouragement and support! 🙂

Guess I gotta add Meteora to the list as well. Such spectacular shots and that view at Psaropetra look out is absolutely unreal. Ughh so many awesome places that you’ve shared that I wanna travel to. Now if only I had more vacation days lol!

You have to! Also add Delphi to the list 😉 A post is in the works!

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Meteora: The Ultimate Guide

Key Takeaways:

• Meteora is famous for its unique rock formations , which were formed millions of years ago by erosion and weathering. 
• It is home to several historic monasteries , which were built on rocky outcrops starting in the 14th century. 
• Meteora is a photographer's paradise , with stunning views and dramatic lighting at all times of day. 
• Meteora has been a spiritual center for Orthodox Christianity for centuries, and the monasteries are still active today. 

Wanna taste a different side of Greece? Even though Greece is well-known for its deep blue sea and long-stretched beaches, it is also a country of diverse landscapes, satisfying the taste of every traveler.

In case you want to have a 'northern' experience in Greece and discover places of great historical and archaeological importance, Meteora is the place to be!

The geographic region of Thessaly, which has also been mentioned in our Greece travel guide , hosts a site so unusual and awe-inspiring that it has always served as a place of isolation and seclusion. It is the rock formation of Meteora, a geological wonder located in the northern part of the Trikala region close to the modern city of Kalambaka .

Meteora belongs to the most important monastic communities of Christianity's Greek-Orthodox dogma and was always regarded as a sacred place of worship. That's why they're often referred to as 'holy Meteora.'  

Follow us on a journey to this mountainous region and discover why the natural landmark of Meteora and the Meteora monasteries is a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Prepare to discover ancient monasteries and other sites of great importance, even regarding human evolution!

A little bit about Meteora, the 'elevated' rocks

The region of Meteora in Greece is found right next to the dominant mountain range of the  Pindus , which consists of the backbone of Greece's mainland . The bizarre-looking vertical rock formations of Meteora were always a place hard to approach and familiar just to locals.

The fact that it is not mentioned in ancient Greek Mythology , despite our knowledge about the people that used to reside in the area, proves the inaccessibility of the location and adds to its mystic nature.

Since Byzantine times, these rock formations of Meteora were chosen by monks as an ascetic retreat, mainly due to their inaccessibility, suitable for their isolation from the secular world and therefore facilitating their focus on their quest for God.

Meteora is a word originating from the ancient Greek word μετέωρος (meteor, meteorite, etc. relate to that word), which means ' lofty' or ' elevated.'  They are a group of imposing rocks, reaching a height of over 300 meters, with steep, vertical smooth walls.

Contrary to popular belief, they do not fit the case of a volcanic plug, a result of magma cooling and hardening, but they mostly consist of sandstone and conglomerates.

This type of geological profile outlines the creation of this natural landmark as a result of fluvial activity in combination with tectonic earth movements and environmental erosion. Geologists date the beginning of those processes 60 million years ago during the Paleogene period!

The soft texture of the rocks in Meteora helped the formation of numerous caves in the area. One of these caves is called Theopetra , some 4km away from the modern city of Kalambaka, and constitutes one of the most important sites regarding human evolution.

During excavations in the cave, archaeologists found evidence that shed more light on specific problematic time periods of human evolution. Namely, they discovered evidence regarding the replacement of the Neanderthal occupation with the Homo Sapiens , and evidence of the transitional period from hunter-gatherers to farmers after the end of the last Ice Age . The earliest findings of the cave date back some 130000 years ago! 

The Meteora monasteries

Although it is quite bizarre why Meteora was omitted not only from  Greek Mythology but also from  ancient Greek literature , the region of Meteora (more accurately, the Meteora rock formation) is not mentioned in any text available so far to researchers.

The existence of Meteora, however, did not seem to be unknown during antiquity and especially during early Christian and Medieval times.

During the  9th century (others push that date even before that) early-Christian hermit monks chose Meteora as their place of seclusion and asceticism, and Meteora quickly came to be the second most important monastic Eastern Orthodox community after the monasteries of Mount Athos in Halkidiki .

The numerous caves and narrow fissures on the walls of the rocky towers of Meteora operated as ideal monastic cells, and their summits hosted more than 24 Meteora monasteries . Today, only six Meteora monasteries survive, including one nunnery dedicated to St. Barbara.

The Meteora monasteries consist of important examples of Byzantine architecture and bear priceless murals, icons, and artifacts covering a wide time span of the evolution of Byzantine iconography.

These monasteries were built on the top of the rocks -or stone forest- of Meteora, following the architecture of a castle, which made access to them extremely difficult.

During past decades, hermit monks and visitors had to use human-powered systems of baskets and ropes to ascend the Meteora monasteries. Later on, steps were carved onto the walls of the rock towers, and wooden bridges were constructed.

During World War II, the region of Meteora was bombarded, leaving behind ruined monasteries and resulting in a wave of plundering of the valuable and holy relics of those monastic complexes.

The six remaining monasteries are as follows:  The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron , the biggest monastery and oldest of them all, has three chapels and a library of books and manuscripts. The Varlaam Monastery  is the second-largest and has been turned into a museum. In the museum of Varlaam Monastery, you can find impeccable religious icons that will steal your breath.

The  Roussanou Monastery  is arguably among the most impressive but lower than the rest, thus more accessible along with other monasteries, such as the St. Stephen Monastery and the monastery of  St. Nikolas . The St Stephen Monastery is the only monastery that has no steps.  

Last but not least, the Holy Trinity Monastery  is the hardest to reach when you visit Meteora, but it is most definitely worth the effort. The panned view from the Holy Trinity Monastery is truly exceptional.     

Why Meteora should be on your bucket list

The jaw-dropping rock formations of Meteora are believed to have begun evolving 60 million years ago; the exact explanation for the shape and height of the rocks is yet to be verified by geological experts or scientists.

One theory, however, is that the area was once covered by the sea, and a combination of a withdrawing seabed with extremely strong winds led to the shaping of these pillars.

According to legend, the first inhabitants of Meteora climbed the colossal pillars with their bare hands and feet, despite the ruthless weather conditions. For hundreds of years following, the only means of transferring goods up or down was to use nets and rope and haul them up!

Although maintaining a living close to the sky may have been treacherous at the time, it also provided safety from invaders and raiders.

Furthermore, it is believed that during the Turkish occupation, the monasteries of Meteora safeguarded the Hellenic culture and traditions as they became religious, artistic, and academic centers. Thus, if it were not for the monasteries, modern Greece would look far more like Turkey, as her roots would have been forgotten. 

The exquisite monasteries of Meteora at the top of these mammoth pedestals are a result of hermit monks’ inspiration to be closer to god, and once you get to the top, you will understand why. The feeling you get looking over one of nature’s grandest views could be easily interpreted as divine.  

Pictures truly cannot do Meteora justice. The smells, sounds, and fresh breeze all contribute to the magical feeling you get at the crown of the rocks.

The Meteora monasteries were first built in the 11th century, and today, 6 monasteries are up and running. They can be visited all year round with the exception of a few national holidays, but pay attention to the  visiting hours . 

Things to do in Meteora apart from visiting a holy monastery

Aside from visiting the enthralling Meteora monasteries of the holy trinity, there are a handful of other things to do in the tiny town of Kalambaka, situated at the foot of the pillars, that are not deeply religious.

One activity you have to add to your to-do list when visiting Meteora is a hike. Multiple hiking trails will lead you up to the most spectacular views: be sure to bring a good-quality camera with you! 

Just 3 hours south of Meteora, you will find another part of Greece that visitors from all over the world come to see up close: Delphi . Situated on the mountain of Parnassus, this archaeological complex was the religious and cultural center of the country during antiquity.

This famous sanctuary was home to an oracle established by Apollo, the Greek god of future-telling. People from all over the Mediterranean used to gather here bearing gifts and seeking prophecy.  

Delphi was also home to the most important athletic event in Greece after the Olympics: The Pythian Games. Every 4 years, athletes would travel from all over the country to the Ancient Stadium (still there today) to compete in dedication to the god Apollo. 

Meteora's one-day itinerary (including a visit to the Holy Trinity Monastery)

Once visiting Meteora , start your exploration by following one of the organized trails leading you to the walls of the Meteora rocks .

On your way, enjoy your walk through the forest that surrounds the rocks, and discover medieval ruins that vividly reflect how life used to be in the past. One of those spots is the abandoned but restored holy monastery of Ypapanti .

This small monastery belongs to the holy monastery of the Grand Meteoron, and it was founded during the 14th century.

The monks built directly onto the walls of the giant sandstone rock pillars, exploiting every little gap and small cave they could to form a fully functional monastery able to host dozens of monks.

During its lifetime, the holy monastery flourished and got renovated in the 18th century after the decision of a pious local named Athanasios Vlahavas .

Unfortunately, some years later, the forces of the Ali Pasha of Ioannina destroyed the holy monastery, which led to its final abandonment.

Today, the visitor has the chance to wander around the well-preserved ruins of the monastic cells and the restored church of the monastery, all in a pristine, spectacular natural environment.

Continue your walk to the closeby holy monastery of Rousanou . This nunnery was built during the 16th century, and it is one of the six still operating monasteries of Meteora . The building complex occupies the whole plateau of the rock, making it an impenetrable fort.

During past years, the entrance to the monastery was allowed through the crossing of a retractable wooden bridge and a staircase carved into the natural bedrock. This monastery is not dedicated to the holy trinity but to St. Barbara, and it is open all week except for Wednesdays.

For more information, click here .

Your last stop should be the most impressive and largest monastery of them all, the Great Meteoron Monastery .

Located at the highest point of this unique landmark, the Great Meteoron Monastery has a history of several centuries. Initially founded in the 14th century, this monastic complex faced numerous phases of expansion and wealth.

Access to the holy monastery was literally impossible because of the high vertical walls of the geological formation. Therefore, the monks came up with another idea, and they built a tower that hosted a winch mechanism designed to carry people and supplies into the complex.

Today, a staircase is carved on the walls of the rock, making it easier for both monks and visitors to enter the monastery.  

Some of the things you should not miss when you visit Meteora are the Ossuary where the bones of generations of monks were put to rest, the old kitchen, the medieval cellar, and of course, the church of the Transfiguration of Jesus Christ and the chapel of St. Constantine and St. Helen .

Final Thoughts

Nowadays, Meteora belongs to the network of sites protected by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites .

Each year, more and more visitors choose Meteora and all the monasteries as it is one of the most up-and-coming authentic travel experiences in Greece ; a Meteora tour will leave no doubt in your mind!

If you want to see the unique natural landmark of Meteora, experience the religiosity of the monasteries of the holy trinity and other saints, and discover ancient sites from prehistoric occupied caves to wonderful surviving Byzantine churches, then visit Meteora, it is the place for you!

Plan your own trip to Meteora, book a Meteora tour, or check out one of our Greece tours .

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to climb meteora.

Our estimate is that the average time to hike Meteora is about 4 hours.

That being said, it will take much longer to visit the monasteries of Meteora and photograph them, but that shouldn't deter you from your plan to visit Meteora and all the monasteries.

Is Meteora the oldest place on Earth?

The Theopetra Cave, situated at Meteora limestone rock formations of Thessaly in the Central Greek area, may have been inhabited in 130,000 BC and has a history dating back over 130,000 years.  

While it isn't the oldest place on earth, it is one of the oldest, which is why we highly recommend you visit Meteora during your trip to Greece

The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Meteora, Greece

• Last Updated On: September 8, 2023

In the middle of the mountains in the heart of the Greece lies the world famous monasteries of Meteora. These iconic buildings perched up on a rocky cliff have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1988 and are among the most fascinating monasteries in the world.

Whether you’re here to embrace your spiritual aura, take breathtaking picture, or to just soak up the amazing views like the monasteries forefathers intended, think no further about planning your trip. The pictures here will give you serious FOMO, but don’t worry as everything you need to know about visiting Meteora will be covered in this post!

Greece is my favorite country in Europe and I traveled extensively through the country. If you need inspiration for other parts of Greece, make sure to read my Ultimate Greece Travel Guide that details everything yo need to know about Greece and the places I’ve been to.

History of the Meteora Monasteries

The Meteora monasteries emerged from hermitages in crevices, which according to tradition go back to the 10th century. The first monastery, called Doúpiani, dates back to the early 13th century, but only a chapel remains, which is still used and preserved.

The religious bloom of the monasteries did not take place until 1334, when the monk Athanasius fled from the monastic republic of Athos to the Meteora monasteries before the Turkish rule. At that time he founded the largest monastery to this day called Metamórphosis and wrote the first rules of monastic life. The monks in the Meteora monasteries lived in the coenobite system, that is, without possessions, in community and isolated from the outside world.

In the following decades, more monasteries were built, most of the founders of which have not been recorded by name. Due to their difficult accessibility, the wealthy monasteries were never looted or raided and the monks were able to go about their business in peace.

How to get to Meteora

Meteora is in the northern part of Greece located roughly 2.5 hours outside of Thessaloniki. As it is such a popular part of Greece, it is easily reached from Thessaloniki and there are even multi day tours from the capital city of Athens.

Meteora really goes to show how diverse and amazing Greece is. Having spent months traveling through the beautiful Greek Cyclades and Ionian islands , I couldn’t pick a more different looking place in Meteora!

The easiest and quickest way to reach Meteora is to fly to Thessaloniki and rent a car. Car rentals are very cheap in Greece and I was able to rent a car for only 10 euros a day (manual of course).

From the airport, you will drive west past the city of Thessaloniki until you hit the main freeway. You will pass through stunning mountsinous terrain with mount Olympus along the way. The trip in total is 2.5 hours. Keep in mind Greece has a lot of tolls and there are a few on the way to Meteora. Thankfully, they all accept credit card.

There are daily bus services from Thessaloniki and Athens to Meteora. These buses are not direct but go via Trikala. This means that you have to go from Athens to Trikala and then take another bus to Kalambaka. Buses depart from Trikala to Kalambaka almost every hour. From Kalambaka, you can go to the Monasteries of Meteora by taxi or by bus (bus works only in summertime).

The bus from Athens to Trikala/Kalambaka departs from Liossion KTEL Bus Station. To go there, passengers have to take the metro line to Attiki Station and then take the bus/taxi to KTEL Liossion. The walking time from Attiki to KTEL Liossion is about 30 min. The bus trip from Athens to Trikala lasts for 5 hours and the trip from Trikala to Kalambaka for 30 min.

There are also daily buses from Thessaloniki, Volos and other Greek towns to Trikala. After you arrive in Trikala, you have to take another bus to Kalambaka/Meteora. The bus trip from Thessaloniki to Trikala is 3 hours and from Volos to Trikala 2 hours.

By Day Trip

There are countless day trip options from Thessaloniki that will take you to Meteora. The day normally starts early in the morning around 6:30am so you can arrive at the monasteries for the first opening hours (9:30am). These tours are usually conducted in big charter buses to keep costs low but there are other options for smaller groups.

The downside to these day trips are that you will miss the sunset since you need to leave around 4pm to make it back to Thessaloniki at a respectable hour.

Getting around Meteora

Once you are in Meteora, how do you actually visit the monasteries? They are located up on mountains far from the main town after all.

Thankfully, there are easy ways to get to and from the Monasteries without a car. There is a bus that goes from the city center in Kalambaka and will drop you off in front of the Grand Meteoron. From here you can walk to the other monasteries nearby like Vaarlam.

Meteora is not as big as you think. The area from the Great Meteoron monastery in the west to the st Stephen’s monastery on the east. There is a nice paved road trip that connects all monasteries. It is roughly 5km or about one hour to walk this entire road. Of course you’ll want to stop at the other monasteries around but it can totally be done on foot.

The monasteries themselves are all easy to enter. For some reason I had thought these monasteries are located on standalone rock peaks but they are in fact all connected to the main road. Most monasteries will require climbing a few stairs but it is not like you are starting from the ground and climbing up hundreds of meters!

Bus from Kalambaka to Meteora

Buses  depart from Trikala to  Kalambaka  almost every hour. From  Kalambaka , you can go to the Monasteries of  Meteora  by taxi or by  bus  ( bus  works only in summertime).

Booking a Bike tour to see Meteora

A great way to see Meteora is by bike. I saw many people riding bicycles around the roads connecting the monasteries. This is a great way to get exercise and with the distances being relatively short, a very convenient way to do it.

From Kalambaka, there are a few bike rental shops that will rent regular and electric bikes. The bike ride from Kalambaka up to Meteora is hilly, but not that difficult for normal bikers. WIth an electric bike, no problem at all.

I ended up booking an Airbnb experience for a sunset electric bike ride. My guide was incredibly informative about the history and details of Meteora that I learned more than I ever could have otherwise. The bike ride was also very enjoyable on the e-bike and in the end, the views for the sunset were superb.

Where to eat in Meteora

Meteora has no shortage of amazing restaurants. Like the rest of Greece, which I have experienced so much of, the food here is superb and you can expect the freshest ingredients when dining at the many tavernas nearby.

It’s the one cuisine that I can eat for weeks and months on end without tiring of it. My consistent regimen of Greek salads, souvlaki, Tzatziki, lamb chops, moussaka, feta etc. is one of the main reasons I come back to Greece.

Skaros Taverna

For grilled meats, come to this place in the main Kalambaka town. They have a open grill and the souvlaki style meats are roasting on a horizontal spit over charcoal. Their lamb souvlaki was to die for.

Taverna Bakaliarakia

Located right at in the heart of Kastraki town, this little taverna is situated right underneath the cliffs of Meteora. The views from the terrace are fantastic and the food is absolutely delicious.

Fortounis Tsipouradiko

This restaurant is located in the main street in the Kalambaka town. It offers small Greek meze type meals which is a change from the typical taverna fare. It was packed with locals on a weekend evening so you know it’s good.

Where to stay in Meteora

Meteora is not an actual town in Greece. It’s just the name of the area that encompasses all of the historical monasteries, mountains, and beautiful terrain that you have seen. The towns nearby to Meteora are  Kalambaka  and  Trikala.

Kalambaka is the main town at the base of Meteora where you will find all the grocery stores, shops, restaurants, hotels, bars etc. It’s not particularly charming but it is also not that busy. It was mostly destroyed during WW2 and even the “old” part of the town is relatively new.

Trikala is located further up the mountain and is about half way between Kalambaka and the monasteries of Meteora. It is a charming old town that did not get destroyed during the way. It is very small, with only a thousand residents. It’s home to many tavernas and bakeries which service the many tourists that visit the area.

I chose to stay in Kalambaka in the old part of town. I got an apartment that had dead on views of the mountain side and the Holy Trinity Monastery. It was very close to the walking path to hike up to that monastery which I took advantage of during my stay.

Best time to visit Meteora

Meteora is open year round. The monasteries have different opening hours depending on the time of the year but it is open for you to visit regardless. Different times of year will mean different types of views and landscapes. Most people visit in the summer as it is warmer.

However I think the best times to visit Meteora are the shoulder seasons of April to May, and September to October. Not only is the temperature more bearable,albeit still warm, but you won’t see huge crowds of people. I was told thst Meteora has become a sort of mega tourist spectacle in recent years and I don’t doubt it.

I’ve also seen some otherworldly pictures of Meteora in the winter months with snow on its peaks which would just be out of this world. I wouldn’t hesitate to visit Meteora in the colder months as well.

How many days do you need in Meteora?

Meteora is not a crazy big place where you need a week to explore. It’s essentially just a 5km stretch of road with 6 different monasteries along the way.

I think for the average tourist, you won’t need more than two days to explore all the monasteries. Of course, if you are a devout Orthodox Christian or just revel in Medieval monasteries, then you may way to spend more days here and really explore the monasteries.

However, I think two nights is more than enough. You can spend one full day visiting 3-4 monasteries, and the following morning visiting the remaining. You could feasibly visit  all the monasteries in one day if you started early.

Of course, if you want to just relax, soak in the views, and enjoy your time, then 3-4 nights is perfectly acceptable as well.

When are the Meteora monasteries open?

There are six monasteries in Meteora for you to visit. They all have different opening hours and days that they are open. Some monasteries are closed on certain days so you will want to plan your trip accordingly. Thankfully, no monasteries are closed on two consecutive days so if you have at least two days, you’ll be able to see all of them.

Keep in mind that they can change their hours without notice at any time. On my visit, the most iconic Holy Trinity monastery was closed due to construction!

So without further ado, here are the opening hours for each monastery. The three bold entries are my favorites and must sees.

The hours are slightly modified during the Winter months (November 1 to March 31):

How much does it cost to visit Meteora

The cost for visiting the monasteries is 3€ each. This means if you want to visit all the monasteries, you will need to pay €18 in total. Payment is cash only so make sure to visit the ATMs in the main town.

Each ticket is only good for the day so if you really like a monastery and want to return be next time, you’ll have to pay again.

Dress code in Meteora

The dress code in the Monasteries of Meteora are the following:

• Women must wear dresses and cover the shoulders
• Men must wear pants

If you don’t have a dress, the monasteries usually have clothes you can wrap around your legs so you won’t be turned away. For men, I saw some people wearing shorts at times so it’s not as strictly enforced. Nonetheless, make sure to wear pants (even if the weather is hot!)

Best Photo Spots in Meteora

Meteora is the ultimate photography lovers spot. Literally everywhere you look is a picture beckoning to be taken. Whether it’s taking a photo of the surrounding landscape, the beautiful views of Kalambaka town, the dramatic meteors, or the monasteries themselves, you’ll have no shortage of options.

I consider myself a photographer but not a professional one. Nevertheless I still found a few photo spots better than others.

• The road between Vaarlam monastery to holy Trinity has a few very amazing view points. At the beginning of this road you will have a beautiful view of the Rousseanou monastery surrounded by other mountain peaks.

Further down this road are the two sunset spots. These viewpoints face west and is where everyone comes to enjoy the sunset. From here you can see the sun magically setting over the mountains and with three monasteries in the distance. You can come here and take pictures at all times of the day however.

After this, you’ll come close to the Holy Trinity. Before you get there, there are areas where you can get a picture looking dead on to thr monastery perched up on the rock like it’s floating in space. I think this is actually the most unique and stunning part of Meteora. It was certainly the first picture I saw that really drew my attention.

Can you fly a drone in Meteora?

The best photos and videos must be from drones in my opinion. There’s no other way to really capture the breathtaking and unique beauty unless it’s from a drone that can fly into the air above it.

Drones are totally allowed in Meteora and there are no restrictions (yet). I flew my drone on multiple occasions. I even flew the drone from inside the monasteries and no monks gave me a hard time.

The Monasteries of Meteora

Those six monasteries, in which monks and nuns still live today, are open to visitors. The monasteries are closed again and again, but all on different days, so that some of them can certainly be visited during a visit.

If you are short on time and can’t (or don’t want to pay to) visit all the monasteries, here are my favorites in order.

• Holy Trinity

Great Meteoron

• St Stephen’s
• Agios Nickolas

Of course these are just my opinions and you might feel differently. If you have the time, just go ahead and visit all of them and decide for yourself!

One thing to note is that the bathroom situation in the monasteries are old school drop toilets. Some are nicer than others but the only monastery with a modern toilet is the Varlaam monastery. If you are scared of drop toilets like many Westerners are, then plan accordingly!

With an area of ​​60,000 square meters, Metamórphosis is now the  largest monastery on the Meteora cliffs  . The monastery, which was built in 1334, lives up to its name “Floating”, because until 1923 it could only be reached via rope ladders or a net that could be pulled up.

A stone staircase with 143 steps now leads into the interior of the monastery to make it easier to visit the founding monastery. The  hermit cave of the monastery founder Athanasius  can still be seen at the monastery entrance and in the monastery church you can admire ornate frescoes from 1552.

Agia Triáda – Holy Trinity Monastery

The spectacular Holy Trinity Monastery was built in the middle of the 15th century and, like the Megálo Metéoro, could only be reached via winches and rope ladders. Here, too, a staircase was built in 1925, which requires quite a bit of stamina.

In addition to the  centuries-old frescoes  , the main church of Agía Triáda is impressed by a  silver-  wrapped  gospel  from 1539. The real reason for the worldwide fame of the monastery, however, is its role in the  James Bond film  “On a Deadly Mission” as the fortress of the villain .

Agios Stéphanos – St Stephen’s Nunery

The first hermit allegedly lived on the spectacular cliff as early as 1192 and the monastery was founded around 1400. His nickname “The Royal” recalls the visit of Andronikos III, King of Byzantium, who was so enthusiastic about the hospitality of the monks that he made generous donations to them.

Agios Stéphanos has been a women’s monastery since 1961, can be reached by car with almost no sidewalk and is primarily worth seeing because of its mother-of-pearl decorated church lecterns.

A monastery was built here in 1518 after a hermit had lived on the rock for many years. At that time, the place was not accessible to women. Today it is the  second largest of the Meteora monasteries  and the only monastery church with two domes. Remnants of the elevator, which consisted of rope and net, can still be seen.

Varlaam is probably my favorite monastery. It is the most beautiful in my opinion as the monastery grounds are superly maintained. To me, it’s the “poshest” monastery in Meteora with the most upscale decorations. You can definitely tell this monastery is well funded by the Orthodox church.

Agios Nikólaos Anapavás

The monastery merges directly into the rock and is one of the most impressive buildings on the Meteora cliffs. It can be reached via the nearby village of Kastraki. The complex is, so to speak, the  crypt of the Meteora monasteries  , because the skulls of former monks are kept in the Church of John the Baptist. The frescoes and paintings are also worth seeing.

It is not known exactly when the Rousánou Monastery was founded. Its peculiarities are also in the artistic wall paintings. The monastery was renovated in the 1950s and is now exclusively reserved for nuns. Rousánou offers a spectacular photo opportunity from a rock in the valley.

Most of the remaining monasteries have fallen into ruins. Also worth mentioning are  Filakaé Monakón  , according to tradition, a rock cave into which monks who did not  obey  the monastery rules were sent, and  Moní Ypsilotéra  , also called Kaligráfon because of the manuscripts he wrote there. The ascent to the uninhabited monastery ruins is very difficult and in some places dangerous. Entering the ruins is prohibited due to the risk of collapse.

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Dave's Travel Pages

Greek Island Hopping | Greece Travel Ideas | Bicycle Touring

Meteora Monasteries Greece – Legendary landscapes and majestic monasteries

The Meteora Monasteries are a must see when visiting Greece. This guide will help you visit Meteora Greece, and make the most of your time in this mesmerising place!

Visit Meteora Monasteries in Greece

Greece is a country rich in amazing destinations, and the legendary landscape of Meteora is certainly one of my favourites. I've been fortunate to visit Meteora several times now, and each time it never fails to amaze!

Meteora consists of an awe-inspiring landscape. Tectonic activity, aeons of weathering, and geological change have all left their mark. Today, enormous rock pinnacles emerge from the ground, reaching out into the sky.

The perfect combination of the Meteora monasteries perched on top of fantastically eroded rock formations is certainly a sight to behold. Throw in a sunrise or a sunset, and you too will come away from Meteora as smitten with it as I am!

Meteora Guide

This Meteora blog post aims to give you all the information you need to both inspire and plan your own trip. It also pulls together my other posts about Meteora Greece which go into key areas in more details.

Here's my guides to help you plan which monasteries to visit in Meteora.

Visit Meteora Monasteries Guide

A complete guide to visiting the monasteries of Meteora, Greece.

How to get to Meteora from Athens

Most people choose to visit Meteora from Athens. Whether you want to visit Meteora monasteries on an Athens day trip, or include it on a road trip itinerary, here's how to get to Meteora from Athens by car, train and bus.

Where To Stay Near Meteora

If you are planning to stay overnight in Meteora, this guide to the best hotels will help you narrow down your Meteora hotel selection.

Meteora Hiking Tour

Meteora Greece is a wonderful area to go hiking in. In this Meteora blog post, I share my hiking experiences near the Meteora monasteries.

Majestic Meteora Photos

A selection of photos taken when visiting Meteora, Greece. It really is one of the most amazing landscapes in the world!

The Meteora Sunset

Finish your day of visiting the Meteora monasteries the right way by seeing a sunset. Here's all you need to know about choosing the best Meteora sunset spot.

Where is Meteora in Greece?

Meteora is situated in the Thessaly region of Greece, nearby to the town of Kalambaka (spelt multiple ways). The area of Meteora is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site , and is largely owned and/or controlled by the Greek Orthodox Church.

How to get to Meteora

You can reach Meteora by train, bus, car, or organised tour. It's just about possible to visit Meteora on a day trip from Athens. Personally, I think it's better to stay longer in the area.

I've got a deep dive article mentioned above which explains each option to get to the Meteora monasteries in more details.

How many monasteries are there in Meteora?

Originally, there were over 20 monasteries in the Meteora area. Today, only 6 monasteries remain, and these are opened to the public on a rotating basis. The 6 monasteries of Meteora are:

• The Monastery of Great Meteoron
• Monastery of Varlaam
• The Monastery of Rousanou
• The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
• Monastery of St. Stephen
• The Monastery of the Holy Trinity

What's the history behind the Meteora Monasteries?

During the 9th century, a group of monks began to live in the area, carving out place to sleep at the top of the mountains. Even to this day, you can see some of the hollows they created.

As time went on, monasteries were slowly built on top of the mountains, often quite precariously! This was to give the monks solitude, offer a degree of protection, and perhaps even to bring them closer to God!

During the time of the Ottoman occupation, monasteries such as those at Meteora kept the Greek Orthodox religion alive through persecution. They are also credited with having kept vital parts of Greek cultural identity intact.

The Monastery of Great Meteoron / Holy Monastery of Metamorphosis of Christ

The Monastery of Great Meteoron is the biggest and oldest monastery in Meteora. If you only have time to see just one of the monasteries in Meteora, make it this one.

The monastery was founded in the 1340s by Saint Athanasios Meteorites, and kept increasing in size and importance over the years. In the mid-16th century, around 300 monks used to live here, and you can see some of their skulls on display in the monastery. Today, only three monks live here.

The monastery consists of the uniquely decorated katholikon (the main cathedral) with several unique carved wooden icons, a hospital-home for the elderly, a cistern, the old refectory, a kitchen, a tower, monk cells and several small chapels.

There is also an amazing library hosting hundreds of manuscripts, documents and books, as well as fascinating collections of gold-embroidered cloths, mitres, epitaphioi and silverware.

Skulls in Great Meteora Monastery

Be prepared for the slightly macabre sight of the skulls of former monks when your visit Grand Meteoron. I'm sure there's a very good reason why they kept them…

Pro tip: Allow at least a couple of hours in the Great Meteoron Monastery. When you are admiring the view, look out for the rock climbers!

Holy Monastery of Varlaam

Varlaam monastery was founded in 1350 by a monk named Varlaam, and remained abandoned for almost 200 years after the death of its founder. It was re-established in the 1540s, when around 35 monks moved there. If you visit today, you can meet seven monks.

Originally, getting to the monastery was only possible through wooden ladders hanging from the rocks, and monks often risked their lives trying to ascend. In the 19th century, steps were carved into the rock to facilitate entry to the monastery.

If you visit Varlaam monastery you will see several important frescoes in the main cathedral and the small adjacent chapel of the Three Ierarchs. Furthermore, there is a unique collection of around 300 manuscripts, texts and other written materials.

Pro tip: Do not miss the huge barrel with a capacity of 12 tons which was originally constructed to store rainwater. These days water is collected in tanks.

Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen

It is not exactly certain when the monastery of St. Stephen was founded, but it was likely in the 15th or 16th century. Although it started as a male monastery, it was converted to a convent in 1961, and is nowadays home to no less than 28 nuns. In the 1970s, a small orphanage was established in the monastery, with nuns being the teachers.

Apart from the katholikon, the monastery consists of the old refectory / museum, the kitchen, a guest house, a library and workspaces for painting, decoration and other artistic endeavours. The buildings have all been renovated. As for the frescoes in the main cathedral, the original ones have been restored, while others are currently under construction.

The monastery of Saint Stephen is home to unique manuscripts and rare books, printed as early as the1400s. You can also see important post-Byzantine icons, textiles and silverware.

Pro tip: Do not miss the iconostasis of the new church of St. Charalambos, constructed in 1814, as well as the gold-embroidered iconostasis of the main cathedral.

Holy Monastery of Holy Trinity

Perched literally on the top of a very steep rock, the monastery of Holy Trinity was likely founded between 1438-1476. Until 1925, when a staircase of 140 steps was carved in the rock, entrance to the monastery was only possible by rope ladders and nets. Today, four monks live here.

Apart from the main church, which has few windows and is quite dark, you can check out the refectory and reception halls, as well as the water tanks. Also, do not miss the chapel of St. John the Bapist, a small church carved in the rock.

There are currently no manuscripts in the monastery of Holy Trinity, as they were moved to the monastery of St. Stephens. Furthermore, a collection of rare books and other precious church items, including the monastery bell, were unfortunately lost / stolen during the Second World War.

Pro tip: If you are brave enough to climb the 140 steps, make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy the view!

Holy Monastery of Roussanou

Roussanou monastery was founded around 1388, or, according to another story, around 1530. It was plundered during the Ottoman period and almost destroyed during the Second World War, but it survived, and was restored and renovated in the 1980s. Today it has been transformed into a convent where thirteen nuns live.

The monastery is built on a steep, narrow rock and is very impressive from a distance. These days access is through a cement staircase, but in the past monks either climbed or used rope ladders and nets, similarly to the Monastery of Holy Trinity.

The frescoes in the church date from around 1560 and are some fine examples of post-Byzantine art. Make sure you check out the composition of the Assumption of the Virgin and the Resurrection of Christ.

Pro tip: Some of the frescoes have been further destroyed because of moisture produced by people visiting the monastery!

Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholaos Anapafsas

The monastery of St Nicholaos Anapafsas was built in the beginning of the 14th century on a very narrow rock. As a result, three floors, rather than one, had to be constructed.

The monastery was abandoned in the early 1900s and was restored in the 1960s. Since 1997, only one monk has been living here. Much like the other monasteries, the first monks could reach it with the help of ladders and nets, but more recently steps were carved in the rock.

Because of the limited surface, the katholikon is on the second level, below the refectory, which is on the third floor along with the ossuary and a small chapel. As for the first floor, there is another small chapel as well as a crypt.

Pro tip: The frescoes in St. Nicholaos Anapafsas monastery were painted in 1527 by the famous Cretan artist Theophanis Strelitzas, and are very special as they are his only works he has ever signed.

Monastery opening times

Great Meteoron 1 April – 31 October: 9.00-17.00, closed on Tuesdays 1 November – 31 March: 9.00-16.00, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays

Varlaam 1 April – 31 October: 9.00-16.00, closed on Fridays 1 November – 31 March: 9.00-16.00, closed on Thursdays and Fridays

Saint Stephen 1 April – 31 October: 9.00-13.30 & 15.30-17.30, closed on Mondays 1 November – 31 March: 9.30-13.00 & 15.00-17.00, closed on Mondays

Holy Trinity 1 April – 31 October: 9.00-17.00, closed on Thursdays 1 November – 31 March: 10.00-16.00, closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays

Roussanou 1 April – 31 October: 9.00-18.00, closed on Wednesdays 1 November – 31 March: 9.00-14.00, closed on Wednesdays

Saint Nicholaos Anapafsas 1 April – 31 October: 9.00-15.30, closed on Fridays 1 November – 31 March: 9.00-14.00, closed on Fridays

How long to spend in Meteora?

Many people spend only one day at Meteora, which personally I think is a bit short. However, if the choice is between one day and not at all, visit Meteora for the one day!

I would suggest two full days is a better amount of time to spend in Meteora. You can see the Meteora monasteries at a more relaxed pace, take a hike, and even visit the Meteora Mushroom museum!

Travel Tips for Visiting Meteora

Meteora is best visited from the nearby town of Kalambaka. This town is sometimes translated Kalabaka and Kalapaka just to make things simple!

Where to stay in Meteora – Take a look here for the best places to stay in Kalambaka, Meteora .

Hiking in Meteora – There are various hiking trails which lead from monastery to monastery, but plan ahead, and take plenty of water.

Getting around Meteora – Alternatively, those with a car may find it more convenient to drive around the area and enjoy the views, as we did. For non-drivers, it's  possible to hire a taxi for the day. There are plenty of organised tours of Meteora that can be booked.

Meteora Tours and Activities – A look at the best Meteora tours from rock climbing to hiking.

Visit Meteora in Greece

Regardless of how you travel, Meteora is another Greek gem, and one that shouldn't be missed when visiting the mainland.

Additional – I visited Meteora again in 2016. You might like to read the full article here – Majestic Meteora .

Further reading about Meteora Greece

• How to get from Athens to Meteora
• Where to stay in Meteora
• Hiking in Meteora
• Meteora sunsets
• Photos of Meteora

11 thoughts on “Meteora Monasteries Greece – Legendary landscapes and majestic monasteries”

Hi Dave May I know how to go to Athens Railway station, also known as Larissa station (correct me if I am wrong) from Monastiraki area? Can I take a metro from Monastiraki station to Larissa station, where I will take the train to Meteora? Thank you

Hi, From Monastiraki you’d take the metro to Syntagma, and then swap lines to go on to Larissa station. Once there, you’d just need to ask what platform the train to Kalambaka leaves from.

You just made me want to go back to Greece!

Men running the “tourist face” in monasteries are not volunteers but employeers. Some of them work only for the summer season.

I did not know this place existed in Greece! Looks so lush and green! My memories from Greece are from the sun burnt island of Paros, beautiful but really different landscape!

It’s amazing to think how people from hundreds of years ago could actually build places like this!

By the way, do you know if it’s quite a walk and climb from where the buses drop off the tourists?

This is one place I missed last year when I was in Greece. I saw a lot of photos and it looks like somewhere I would love to visit. Great post and inspiration to go back. The skulls are very weird!

It is such an amazing place. The Monasteries, the mountains and everything else in Meteora is breathtaking.

I loved Greece when I went there in 2000. It is about time to visit again, this time, I will definitely add Meteora to the list of towns to visit. Those monasteries are incredible feats of architecture.

That building is mighty impressive and the skulls… strange!

Beautiful! The formations remind me of Montserrat, which we recently visited. I am always amazed at how things get built in seemingly impossible places.

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METEORA, GREECE: Travel Guide & Budget Itinerary

The first hermits arrived in hopes of finding seclusion and spiritual peace. Centuries later, Meteora is now swarmed by tourists, gawking at the beauty of the surrounding landscape and splendor of its monastic tradition. But even amid the the busyness within and around the monasteries, it is apparent why, of all places, it is here that the first occupants chose to dwell. It takes little imagination to see that Meteora, at least back in the day, was as serene as slumber and as solemn as a prayer.

It’s not difficult at all to be captivated by Meteora. I had my first glimpse of it through a viral Facebook video that features the monasteries perched atop lofty rocky pillars. At that moment, I knew I had to set foot in it and see it for myself. There’s this old saying immortalized in memes: If you want something badly enough, the universe will make conspire to make it happen. I’m not one to rely on the wisdom from memes, but it turned out to be true in this case. I didn’t think I’d be able to visit Meteora this soon, but a series of fortunate events led me to this.

WHAT'S COVERED IN THIS GUIDE?

Understanding Meteora

The name “meteora” means “high up in the air,” referring to the towering pillars that make up this rock formation, overlooking the plains of Thessaly in Greece. Since the first hermits took shelter in its caves, these sandstone columns have seen 24 Eastern Orthodox monasteries, making it one of the faith’s most important sites, second only to Mt. Athos. Because the monasteries were built on the summit of these rocks, they offer complete isolation. For most of its history, the only way to reach them were by long ladders, ropes, and nets.

Today, only six of these monasteries remain standing. Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Meteora has been drawing tourists from all around the world for its historical, cultural, and geological significance as well as breathtaking scenery.

Here’s more info about Meteora.

• Language : Greek. However, English is widely spoken.
• Currency : Euro (EUR, €). €1 = 1.14 USD, SGD 1.6, PHP 61 (as of October 2018)
• Modes of Payment : Cash is still the most common.
• Electricity Info : 230 V, 50 Hz. Power sockets are Type F, which also accept Type C plugs.

Best Time to Visit Meteora

April to June and November , when the weather is comfortable and the crowd isn’t that big.

July to October is high season, so rates in Greece in general are higher and the site is overrun by tourists. July and August are the driest and the hottest months.

December to March is winter. It’s not just the coldest, it’s also the wettest period. It doesn’t mean though that it rains every day. We visited in December, but it didn’t rain at all, not even a slight drizzle. Maybe we just got lucky. One important thing to note when traveling in winter is that there is no public bus service to Meteora from Kalambaka or Kastraki, which limits your transportation options significantly.

Where to Stay in Meteora

There are two towns lying at the foot of the Meteora cliffs: Kalambaka and Kastraki . To get to Meteora, you need to find your way to any of these.

Most independent travelers and backpackers prefer to stay in Kalambaka, which offers more lodging, dining, and tour options than Kastraki. In Greek, the official name of the town is Kalabaka, but it is also often called Kalambaka or Kalampaka. Don’t be confused. They all refer to the same town.

Here are some of the top-rated hotels in Kalambaka and Trikala, as scored by Agoda users.

• Epavlis Meteora Suites Hotel , Kalampaka, Greece. Check Rates & Availability .
• Hotel Galaxy , Kalampaka, Greece. Check Rates & Availability .
• Chrysorama Rooms , Kalampaka, Greece. Check Rates & Availability .
• Meteora Hotel at Kastraki , Kalampaka, Greece. Check Rates & Availability .
• Hotel Panellinion , Trikala, Greece. Check Rates & Availability .
• Hotel Lithaion , Trikala, Greece Check Rates & Availability .

Search for more Meteora Hotels

How to get to meteora.

The nearest airport is Nea Aghialos National Airport (aka Volos Central Greece Airport or Volos Nea Anchialos Airport), located in Central Greece, south of Thessaly.

But most tourists come from Athens. If you’re coming from Manila or Singapore, the most cost-efficient way to reach Athens is to fly with Scoot. Scoot fares to Athens start at PHP10,403 from Cebu, PHP10,704 from Clark, PHP11,198 from Kalibo and PHP10,754 from Manila. These can still go lower when there is a promo. Look:

All flights from the Philippines will have a layover in Singapore. You can take this opportunity to also tour SG while you’re at it. From SG, the travel time to Athens is 11 hours and 10 minutes. Scoot uses a new Boeing 787 Dreamliner, so you can expect the cabin to be spanking clean and well-maintained.

If you want to score ATHENS PROMO FARES, keep a lookout for Scoot’s monthly Take-off Tuesday promotions, which happens every first Tuesday-Thursday of every month, available on their official website !

Athens to Meteora by Train

It’s easy to reach Meteora by train. Kalambaka has its own train station and is connected to Larissa Train Station, which is the central railway station in Athens.

• Take the Metro Red Line to Larissa Station. If you’re coming from Syntagma, it should be easy because Syntagma is also along Red Line, just four stations away. Fare: €1.40. If you’re coming from Athens Airport, you must first take the Blue Line to Syntagma Station and then transfer to Red Line to Larissa Station. Fare: €10.
• At Larissa Station, board the train to Kalambaka. There is only one direct train per day, scheduled to leave Athens at 08:20am and arrive in Kalambaka at 01:18pm. Fare: €18.3 – €25.6. If that’s not an option for you, you may travel to Paleofarsalos first then switch to another train bound for Kalampaka. See the schedule below.
• Alight at Kalambaka Station. This is the last stop.
• From Kalambaka Station, take the bus to Meteora. From March to November, there’s a bus leaving Kalambaka at 9am, 12 noon, and 3pm. Fare: €1.80 one-way, €3.30 round trip. No public buses in winter. You can either take a cab instead or just hike, which is great and very scenic.

For the train timetable, visit: Athens-Kalambaka Train Schedule .

Athens to Meteora by Bus

There are no buses that go directly to Meteora or Kalambaka. Instead you will have to travel by bus to Trikala, the city closest to Meteora, and then transfer to another bus to Kalambaka.

• Make your way to LIOSION 260 BUS STATION. This is the terminal where buses bound for Trikala are stationed. It’s at 260 LIOSION STREET. – If you’re coming from other parts of the city center, you may take the metro. The nearest Metro Station is Kato Patisssia Station, which is 900 meters away. If you take the metro, make sure you have enough time allowance for walking. You can also just take a cab. – If you’re coming from the airport, board City Bus X-93 and alight at Liosion Street Bus Station. Travel time: 55 minutes.
• Take the bus bound for Trikala or Kalambaka. A bus leaves at 7:00am, 10:30am, 1:30pm, 3:30pm, 6pm, and 9pm daily. An extra 5pm trip is added every Friday and Sunday. Travel time: 5 hours.
• In Trikala, transfer to another bus bound for Kalambaka. There’s one every hour. Travel time: 30 minutes to 1 hour. Total fare from Athens to Kalambaka is €31.50.

Things to Do in Meteora

Monasteries tour.

Six ancient monasteries remain standing to this day, and they’re all open to visitors. From Kalambaka, you can take the bus to the monasteries. The bus will stop in all six monasteries. Here’s the bus schedule for March 16 to November 30, 2018. This may change in the coming years so make sure to call your hotel to confirm the schedule. No bus service in winter.

Fare: €1.80 one-way, €3.30 round trip.

As you can see, there are only a few buses per day, so you won’t be able to see all the monasteries if you’re relying on the bus. What most tourists do is they take the bus going up and then they just explore the place on foot, then they take the last bus back to Kalambaka. Ideally, you should be able to visit 2-3 monasteries in a day. Although it is possible to see more than 3 in a day, the pace may be too fast or stressful.

Note that these monasteries are not open all week. Each has its own closing day. We indicated the operating days and hours for summer 2018 and winter 2019 below. However, please note that these change every year and every season so double check with official sources before your trip.

• Great Meteoron Monastery Summer hours: 9am-4pm (Closed: Tuesdays) Winter hours: 9am-3pm (Closed: Tue-Wed)
• Varlaam Monastery Summer hours: 9am-4pm (Closed: Fridays) Winter hours: 9am-3pm (Closed: Tue & Fri)
• St. Stephen’s Monastery Summer hours: 9am-1:30pm, 3:30pm-5:30pm Winter hours: 9:30am-1pm, 3pm-5pm Closed: Mondays
• Roussanou Monastery Summer hours: 9am-5pm Winter hours: 9am-2pm Closed: Wednesdays
• Holy Trinity Monastery Summer hours: 9am-5pm Winter hours: 9am-4pm Closed: Thursdays
• St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery Summer hours: 8am-4pm Winter hours: 9am-4pm Closed: Fridays

All monasteries above charge a €3 entrance fee . Kids 12 and below can enter for free.

These monasteries offer not just stunning views. They also house important historical artifacts. For example, the Great Meteoron Monastery also showcases the role of the Orthodox Church in key events in Greek history including World War II. St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery displays frescoes created by Theophanes in 1527.

The Great Meteoron Monastery and the Varlaam Monastery are the biggest and the two most popular. St. Stephen’s Monastery and Roussanou Monastery are the easiest to access.

You can do it on your own, but because of the site’s immense historical importance, joining a guided tour will make your trip not just enjoyable but also enlightening.

Half-day tours usually cost €25 to €35.

Great Saint Scrambling Tour

The Great Saint Rock is one of the most iconic in Meteora. If you’re up for an adventure and you’re in great shape, this is right up your alley. This is a guided tour that will lead you to the tallest rock in the area, around 400 meters above the ground. There will be some climbing, abseiling, traversing, and lots of hiking, so be prepared physically and mentally.

You MUST have a guide to be able to do this because it’s a bit dangerous. Tours start at €60.

Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

Built in 7th century AD, this is one of the oldest churches in Greece. This Byzantine church is often overlooked by tourists even though it’s centuries older than the monasteries perched on the Meteora rocks. It has three aisles and features frescoes that can be traced back to as far as 14th century. Don’t miss the relics of an older Green temple can also be found inside.

If you’re staying in Kalambaka, you can easily make your way to this church.

Kastraki Village

Kastraki is one of the two villages at the foot of Meteora. Although Kalambaka harbors more hotels, restaurants, and tour agencies, Kastraki is quieter and more picturesque. Even if you’re staying in Kalambaka, Kastraki is worth a stop too. The village lies in between two colossal rocks, ensuring an unforgettable view from the base. The 19th-century houses along its streets are well-preserved, too!

Sample Meteora Itinerary

Here’s a sample overnight Meteora itinerary. It assumes you’re arriving in Kalambaka before 2pm. We’ve indicated the entrance fees if you want to explore on your own as well as the usual tour rates if you want to join a guided tour.

DAY 1 – SUNSET TOUR

• Arrival in Kalambaka
• Hotel check-in
• Meteora Sunset Tour: €30
• St. Stephen Monastery. Entrance fee: €3
• Dinner in Kalambaka

DAY 2 – MONASTERIES TOUR

• Early check out
• Sightseeing Tour: €30
• Great Meteoron Monastery: €3
• Varlaam Monastery: €3
• Roussanou Monastery: €3

If you’re exploring Meteora DIY-style and on foot, Meteora is going to be one of the cheapest trips you’ll have in Greece. But if you’re joining guided tours, prepare to shell out around €100 for the tour fees, entrance fees, and gratuities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is meteora safe.

When it comes to crimes, yes, Kalambaka and Meteora are very safe generally. But as in other places, follow the rules and don’t leave your things unattended.

If you’re not physically fit, don’t join some of the hiking tours, especially the Great Saint Scramble. It is a physically demanding activity.

Because of the rugged terrain and lofty cliffs, there’s always danger especially when it rains, so be extra careful. Don’t go too close to the edge. Wear shoes that have a good grip.

Should I explore Meteora on my own or should I join a guided tour?

It is possible to explore Meteora on your own. As mentioned, from mid-March/April to November, there are buses that can take you to the monasteries. It is also accessible if you just hike. However, having a guide will make you have a better understanding of the history and significance of the place. If you’re hiking, the trail isn’t always well marked, so a guide can be a great help.

What to wear inside the monasteries? Is there a dress code?

Knees and shoulders must be covered. Men need to wear long pants (trousers) that cover the knees. Women must wear skirts that cover the knees. There are wraps and long pants that can be borrowed by the entrance.

Are there restaurants near the monasteries?

None. No restaurants or cafes. There are small stalls selling snacks nearby, but that’s about it. It’s best to bring your own water and easy-to-eat food.

What is tipping policy in Kalambaka?

Tipping is NOT mandatory or expected in Santorini. You can just round up the bill. If your bill is €23.5, they usually just pay €25. But if you’re very happy with the service, 10% of the bill should be fine.

Do I need a visa to visit Greece?

Greece is part of the Schengen Agreement. For short visits, a Schengen Visa is required for most nationalities except for nationals of 62 specified countries which include Singapore, Malaysia, and the United States.

If you’re a Philippine passport holder, you will need a Schengen visa. We have a separate post discussing the visa application process in detail.

Read: Schengen Visa via Greek Embassy

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• 1.1 History
• 1.2 Modern day Meteora
• 1.3 Climate
• 1.4 Information Office
• 2.1 By train
• 2.4 By plane
• 3 Get around

Meteora ( Greek : Μετέωρα, Metéora ) is one of the gems of Greece . Near the town of Kalambaka (Καλαμπάκα, Kalabáka ) (Population: 21,991 (2011)) in northwestern Thessaly , it consists of a number of rock pinnacles topped with a total of 24 monasteries, 6 of which are still in use and open to visitors, while the others are abandoned.

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

Emerging about 25 million years ago as the elevated seabed material that was the outcome of strong tectonic movements, the Meteora rocks became a shelter of humankind. The first hermits arrived in this area to seek spiritual isolation and inhabited the caves of the rocks, with the sole aid of ropes and ladders.

Common existential needs and strong religious faith compelled them to live united in the first monastic communities, their common drive of faith guiding them towards the unrepeated construction of monasteries of highest architectural and artistic value.

The 24 monasteries emerged on the countless summits of the rocks from the 14th until the 16th century, 6 of them remaining to be explored and admired by all. These monasteries became the centers of the Orthodox creed in the Byzantine era, having produced some of the best pieces of religious art and craft and still possessing a collection of precious manuscripts, which today are on display in their museums.

Modern day Meteora [ edit ]

The Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia region has been officially declared a Natura 2000 Ecological Zone by the Greek Ministry of Environment, for the protection of rare species of birds and flowers.

Climate [ edit ]

The mountain range to the east and north of the site experiences a wide climatic variation from baking heat in summer to severe cold in winter with heavy snowfalls. Summer is the driest time, storms occurring all year round especially at higher altitudes.

Information Office [ edit ]

• 39.70711 21.62303 1 Public Tourist Information Office , Patriarchou Dimitriou 1 . ( updated Nov 2015 )

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

From Athens you can take either a train or a bus up to Meteora train station (Kalambaka). The trains servicing the northern part of Greece leave from the "Larissa station" in Athens, while the buses serving that part of the country leave from Terminal B, at Liossion Street. Train schedules can be obtained from TrainOSE and buses usually leave once every two hours. Both rides are long (about 3.5 to 4.5 hours by train and 5 hours by bus) so make sure to bring a good book. There are also train connections from Thessaloniki (about 3 hours), Volos (about 2 to 3.5 hours) and from Larissa (about 1 to 3 hours). Usually you change trains at Paleofarsalos station. If the train to Paleofarsalos is delayed, they often make the train to Meteora wait.

By bus [ edit ]

There are daily bus connections [dead link] ( Travel agency [dead link] ) to/from Kalampaka from/to Trikala and Larissa . From Athens , Thessaloniki and Volos you can take the bus to either Trikala or Larissa and then take a bus to Kalampaka.

There are also buses from Athens that allow you to visit Meteora as a day trip. They depart at 7:00 and arrive at noon and return at 17:15 arriving around 22:30.

Timetables from Athens and Thessaloniki .

By car [ edit ]

The monasteries are well served by good roads and are safe and well sign posted. There are various lay-bys and free parking spaces around the area and near monasteries.

By plane [ edit ]

You can fly from Central Europe to Volos , Central Greece airport [1] [dead link] which is in Nea Anchialos and then travel by car for approximately two hours to Meteora. You can also take the train or bus from Volos to Kalampaka, but it will take much longer.

Get around [ edit ]

For those not willing to make the climb on foot there are local buses ( €1.60 ) that depart Kalampaka bus station at 9:00, 10:45, 12:15 and 14:45 and go to Great Meteoron, you can board this bus in Kastraki near the church. It's a relatively easy walk to most of the other monasteries from there. You can also buy an all day ticket ( €5.50 ) which with some planning would allow you to ride the bus between monasteries.

Bus info - (+30)2432022432

From St Stephen's they depart at 11:20, 13:20 and 16:00 via Meteora and then return from there to Kalambaka via Kastraki.

See [ edit ]

The following monasteries can be visited and are located nearby the road circuiting Meteora. The largest museums with the most comprehensive exhibits can be found at Great Meteoron and Varlaam monasteries. The largest, most frequently visited monasteries are Great Meteoron, Varlaam, and St. Stephen. Rousanou, St. Nicholas, and Holy Trinity are smaller monasteries in more rugged locations and do not have museum exhibits. No restaurants or food vendors are available at the monasteries, except for food trucks that serve food outside Great Meteoron and Varlaam during opening hours. Unfit people and those with mobility issues will not be able to make it up the hundreds of steep steps.

Each of the monasteries has a gift shop with books, souvenirs, and religious items. The entrance fee is €3 at each of the six monasteries. Long pants are required for men, while women are requested to wear skirts or sarongs not pants; sarongs can be borrowed at the entrance fee collection stations. Photography and video are not allowed instead the inner church sanctuaries but are allowed elsewhere. Clockwise you'll find:

• 39.721431 21.631926 2 St. Barbara of Roussanou ( Αγία Βαρβάρα Ρουσσάνου ). Summer: Th-Tu 09:00-17:00; winter: Th-Tu 09:00-14:00 . The Holy Monastery of Roussanou has received the name of the first probable hermit who settled on the rock. The main cathedral, celebrating the memory of Santa Barbara, was founded at the end of the 16th century and was decorated 30 years later. The monastery can be accessed via a stairway that leads from a parking area above, or alternatively can be reached via a short uphill cimb from a parking area below. €3 . ( updated Nov 2018 )
• 39.725046 21.630167 3 Varlaam ( Βαρλαάμ ). Summer: Sa-Th 09:00-16:00; winter timetable: 09:00 to 15:00 . The Monastery of Varlaam is the second largest monastery of Meteora. The name Varlaam comes from a monk named Varlaam who scaled the rocks in 1350 and began construction on the monasteries. Varlaam built three churches by hoisting materials up the face of the cliffs. After Varlaam’s death, the monastery was abandoned for two hundred years until two monk brothers, Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades, came to the rock in the 16th century and began to rebuild the churches in October 1517. The two brothers from Ioannina spent twenty-two years hoisting materials to the top of the rock formation, however, the building only is reported to take around twenty days. Monks have been present since the 16th century, however, there has been a constant decline in their presence since the 17th century. Today the monastery is accessed through a series of ladders that scale the north side of the rock. The museum is open to travelers and contains a wide array of relics and ecclesiastical treasures. As of 2015 that there are seven monks remaining in Varlaam. €3 . ( updated Nov 2018 )
• 39.726234 21.626691 4 Great Meteoron ( Μεγάλο Μετέωρο ). Summer: W-M 09:00-17:00; winter: 09:00 to 14:00 . The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is the oldest and largest of the monasteries of Meteora. The monastery is believed to have been built just before the mid 14th century by a monk from Mount Athos named Saint Athanasios the Meteorite. He began the build with a church in dedication to the Mother of God, the Virgin Mary. He later added small cells so that monks could concentrate and live atop the rock formations.The Monastery thrived in the 16th century when it received many imperial and royal donations. Being the largest among all the monasteries allows it to have a particular layout filled with many buildings. The katholikon is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus and was the first church of the monastery. The hermitage of the first founder of the monastery is a small building carved in rock. The kitchen or what is commonly referred to as the hestia is a domed shaped building near the refectory. There is also a hospital, with its famous roof of the ground floor made of brick and supported on four columns. The three old churches or chapels include: The Chapel of Saint John the Baptist which lies next to the katholikon sanctuary, The Saints Constantine and Helen Chapel which is an aisle-less church with large vault, and finally the chapel of Virgin Mary situated in the cave €3 . ( updated Nov 2018 )
• 39.713245 21.636003 5 Holy Trinity ( Αγία Τριάδα ). Summer: F-W 09:00-16:00; winter: F-W 09:00-16:00, closed on Thursdays . The Monastery of Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) is the most difficult to reach, but once you get to the very top, the panoramic view of the surroundings is simply captivating! €3 . ( updated Nov 2018 )
• 39.709168 21.638964 6 St. Stephen ( Άγιος Στέφανος ). Summer: Tu-Su 09:30-13:30 and 15:30-17:30; winter: 09:30-13:00 and 15:00-17:00 . This is the most accessible monastery, where instead of steps you simply cross a small bridge to reach the entrance. It is ideal for visitors who cannot use the steps and yet they wish to have a real experience of a Meteora monastery. It is a nunnery today, although in the past it was a male-only monastery. €3 . ( updated Nov 2018 )

Inexpensive, mass produced icons may be purchased in the monasteries for as little as €1 .

In the high season, the monasteries can become incredibly crowded with large groups virtually filling the chapels and other areas within the monasteries. If possible, visit early in the day! The monasteries were not built for tourism. Tourism, though essential to the monasteries' survival, has also destroyed their character. They are no longer contemplative.

There are two main travel agencies organising guided tours around the monasteries. Visit Meteora and Meteora Thrones . The tours are generally well reviewed, offer hotel pick-up and most cost between €22 and €35 , excluding €3 entry prices for the monasteries. (Updated september 2021). Tours can be booked online, both companies also have an office in the center of Kalampaka. Very few tours have guides licensed to enter the monasteries so you may want to check that. If you can work out the public bus then the tours are not really worthwhile.

Do [ edit ]

Hiking [ edit ].

Meteora offers more than 20km of hiking trails, ranging from easier to more challenging ones. Most of them can be completed in less than 4 hours and almost all of them lead to the monasteries. Most of the trails are not marked, so some experience or GPS tools might be necessary. On 2021, a project to map the entire trail network of Meteora began, which now consists of 14 interconnected trails covering the entire area. Many of the trails are marked with red "MTR" (Meteora Trail Running) signs.

• Watch the sunset from one of the many vantage points.
• Climb the rocks. There are more than 170 peaks and 600 bolted climbing routes in the area. You can buy the 2 guidebooks containing almost every route from the local bookstores. It is to be noted that there is no option for renting equipment so one should either bring his own or get a climbing guide.
• Drive the road connecting monasteries.

Eat [ edit ]

Kastraki has a number of restaurants, but if you are looking for a light meal, the ouzeri on the main road slightly downhill (towards Kalambaka) was excellent and cheap. Live music when the owner's friends come along at night.

• Meteora Panorama is a good choice with open wifi and view to the mountains and the valley.

Sleep [ edit ]

The nearby towns of Kalampaka and Kastraki both offer different kinds of accommodation. Choose Kastraki if you want to stay close to the rocks, and also for the village atmosphere.

• Dellas Boutique Hotel - meteora experience , Kalambakas - Kastrakiou Street, Kalambaka [Kastraki], Meteora | Trikala, Thessaly - Greece , ☏ +30 24320 78260 , fax : +30 24315 00000 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . This hotel is in the shade of the rocks of Meteora. from €50 . ( updated Nov 2018 )
• San Giorgio Villa - meteora's budget accommodations , Kalambaka [Kastraki], Meteora | Trikala, Thessaly - Greece , ☏ +30 24320 75255 , fax : +30 24315 00123 , [email protected] . Check-in: 14:00 , check-out: 12:00 . San Giorgio Villa is small budget accommodation property, the so-called "Meteora's Budget Accommodations", on the road to the holy rocks, in Kastraki village. from €35 . ( updated Nov 2018 )
• Also's House , 5 Kanari St. 422 00 Kalampaka ( Head towards the back of town with the footpath to Meteora. It is there alongside two other places, Elena and Koka Roka ), ☏ +30 2432024097 . A quality establishment at decent prices, cheaper than most places in the area. If it is not busy, price may be reduced if you don't want breakfast or AC. Great view of the rocks, free internet and Wi-Fi. Clean, comfortable, and nice. You will get your money's worth here. The owner is a great guy as well, speaking excellent English and offering good advice. single private is €35 .  
• Archontiko Mesohori , in Kastraki , ☏ +30 24320 77125 , +30 6936786418 (Mobile) , fax : +30 24320 77164 , [email protected] . In the old habitation of one of the most impressive picturesque villages of Greece, this old mansion of the 19th century has been renovated to become a most attractive luxury small hotel. €110 per suite . ( updated Nov 2018 )
• Theatro Hotel Odysseon , Kalampaka , ☏ +30 2432022320 , fax : +30 2432075307 , [email protected] . Check-in: 12:00 , check-out: 12:00 . Just on the foothills of Meteora with panoramic view to the rocks, you can find this charming and cheap hotel on the way from the center of the town towards Meteora and Kastraki Village just before you exit the town. 50.00 euro for a double room breakfast included .  
• Hotel Rex , Patriarhou Dim St 7 , ☏ +30 2432022042 , [email protected] . 3-star hotel in Kalampaka . Don't forget to take your coffee or drink at the rooftop bar with views over the Meteora. All rooms have A/C and there is free breakfast and Internet Singles: €40, twins: €55, triples: €75 .  
• Toti ( Totis Theano ) ( a few blocks off the main square, towards the Meteroa footpath in the back of town ). Clean, comfortable, close to the centre of town. Some rooms have partial views of the monasteries. There been complaints about the behaviour of the owner. Double without/with breakfast from €30/45; triple with breakfast from €36 . ( updated Mar 2019 )
• Tsikeli Hotel , Kastraki ( Kalambaka - Thessali ), ☏ +30 2432022438 . Excellent hotel. Comfortable. Air condition (silent and efficient). Amazing view to the Cliff of Meteora. Warm and friendly atmosphere. the hotel provides personal care, good breakfast in a beautiful garden. Wi-Fi access. Near cafes and restaurants.  

Respect [ edit ]

While visiting the monasteries, women are required to wear skirts covering the knees and have their shoulders covered, too. Most of the monasteries do provide wraps for women who come unprepared, but if you bring your own, especially one with bright colors, you'll get a smile from the monk or nun at the entrance.

Along the same line, men are required to wear trousers covering the knees. This too can be borrowed from the stock at the entrance but that clothing isn't washed after every user so you may not feel comfortable wearing these skirts. One size fits all for men!

Go next [ edit ]

• Thessaloniki , 238 km, about 3 hours by car
• Vergina , 174 km, site of UNESCO listed Ancient Aigai site of ancient tombs of Philip II of Macedon

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World Wild Schooling

26 Famous Landmarks in Greece Beyond the Acropolis

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

Greece, a country rich in history and culture, has numerous landmarks that tell stories of ancient civilizations and myths. The Parthenon in Athens stands out as a masterpiece of classical architecture.

There are several other famous landmarks in Greece, such as the Meteora Monasteries, showcases a unique blend of nature and human ingenuity atop towering rock formations. The Delphi, once considered the center of the world by ancient Greeks, offers insights into their religious beliefs and practices.

These landmarks and others, like the Palace of Knossos in Crete and the Theatre of Epidaurus, provide a fascinating glimpse into Greece’s past, shaping its identity as a cradle of Western civilization.

1. Acropolis of Athens & Parthenon

The Acropolis of Athens is a symbol of ancient Greek civilization and one of the most famous landmarks of Europe. It is a remarkably preserved archaeological site situated on a 512 feet (156 meters) high hill in the city’s center. Its name, derived from the Greek “akron” (highest point) and “polis” (city), signifies its status as the “High City.”

Central to worship in ancient Athens, the Acropolis was dedicated to goddess Athena and other deities, reaching prominence in the 5th century BCE during the golden age of democracy. Notable structures include the Parthenon, Erechtheion, Propylaea, and the Temple of Athena Nike. Despite historical damages, including during the Morean War, it has been protected as an archaeological site since 1833.

After exploring the ancient citadel, a visit to the nearby Acropolis Museum is highly recommended to further delve into ancient Greek history through its extensive collection of artifacts and exhibits. Additionally, the Ancient Agora of Athens, a short walk from the Acropolis, offers a captivating glimpse into the public and political life of Athens in antiquity. Some of the most important archaeological sites of the ancient city are the Temple of Hephaestus and the Panathenaic Stadium.

Easily accessible by car or public transport from Athens’ city center (the closest metro stop is called Acropolis), it offers guided tours that encapsulate Athens’ rich history, from the Neolithic era to Roman times.

Read also: The Ultimate Guide to Athens’ Hotels & Neighborhoods

2. Syntagma Square

Syntagma Square, also known as Constitution Square, is a historic landmark in the capital city and one of the most famous Greek landmarks. It is named after the Constitution King Otto granted following a popular uprising on September 3, 1843. It features the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, guarded by the elite Presidential Guards, with the Changing of the Guard ceremony at 11 am on Sundays. The square is a central point for city demonstrations, concerts, and public events, making it a hub of activity.

The square also houses the Syntagma Metro Station Archaeological Collection, showcasing antiquities found during its construction. This station frequently hosts public events, including concerts and lectures. Surrounding the square are key landmarks like the Greek Parliament, enriching the cultural and historical landscape of the area.

Easily accessible, Syntagma Square is a central hub for Athens’ public transportation, making it convenient for visitors to reach by metro, bus, or car. It’s an ideal starting point for sightseeing, within walking distance from Athens’ major attractions like the National Garden and the Numismatic Museum. The square’s vibrant atmosphere and rich history make it a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Athens.

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3. Temple of Olympian Zeus

The Temple of Olympian Zeus in Athens, dedicated to Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, is a monumental structure from ancient Greece. It was the largest temple in the ancient world, measuring 377 by 360 feet (115 by 110 meters).

Initially started in the 6th century BC by Peisistratus and his sons, its completion was delayed by political turmoil until Roman Emperor Hadrian finished it around 132 AD. The temple, made of limestone, originally featured a massive Doric colonnade with 104 columns, yet today only 16 of these impressive columns stand.

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4. Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion

The Temple of Poseidon , a crowning jewel of ancient Greek architecture, stands on Cape Sounion, overlooking the sea from a 70-meter high cliff. Built in the 5th century BC during Athens’ Golden Age, this temple is a prime example of the hexastyle design, featuring six Doric columns on its front. Of the original 38 columns, each 20 feet tall, 16 still proudly stand today, all crafted from radiant white marble.

Dedicated to Poseidon, the god of the sea, the temple holds significant historical value and offers breathtaking views of the Saronic Gulf, particularly at sunset when the marble glows in the waning light. This site has captured the imagination of many, including the British poet Lord Byron, who was so enchanted that he left his mark, quite literally, with his name carved on one of the pillars.

Today, the Temple of Poseidon at Sounion remains a magnet for tourists and photographers, eager to experience a piece of ancient history and the stunning vistas it provides. It is not only a historical marvel but also one of the easiest day trips from Athens. This proximity offers visitors the unique opportunity to combine a journey through ancient Greek history with the pleasure of a refreshing swim in the nearby sea.

Read more: How to Visit the Temple of Poseidon

5. Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus, renowned as the highest mountain in Greece and the mythological abode of the Greek gods, stands tall at 9,566 feet (2,918 meters) with its highest peak, Mytikas. Straddling the border between Thessaly and Macedonia, it is anchored by the tourist village of Litochoro at its base, approximately 163 miles (263 km) from Athens and 48 miles (78 km) from Thessaloniki.

Rich in biodiversity, Mount Olympus hosts over 30 mammal species and 100 bird types. Established in 1938, it holds the distinction of being Greece’s first national park and is also a protected biotope. Mount Olympus caters to a wide range of activities, from trekking and paragliding to canyoning, rafting, mountain biking, and jeep safaris. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in its natural splendor, historical significance, and mythological legacy.

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6. Delphi Oracle Sanctuary

The sanctuary of Delphi, nestled on the slopes of Mount Parnassus in central Greece, holds a special place in ancient Greek history as the site of the Oracle of Delphi. Revered as the center of the world, it was where people sought divine guidance. The site features the Temple of Apollo, a theater, a stadium, and the Tholos among its key structures.

The Archaeological Museum of Delphi, part of the site, showcases many artifacts, including the renowned Charioteer of Delphi. Located around 112 miles (180 km) from Athens, Delphi is reachable by car, bus, or train.

Read more: Best Day Trips from Athens

7. Ancient Olympia

Ancient Olympia, the revered birthplace of the Olympic Games, is an archaeological treasure in Greece and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The archeological site of Olympia was established as the original venue for the games in honor of Zeus from at least 776 BCE.

The Archaeological Museum of Olympia is a highlight with the famous Hermes statue by Praxiteles and remnants from the Temple of Zeus. Visitors can explore ruins dating back to the 4th century BCE, including the Temple of Zeus, the original racetrack, and the gymnasium.

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8. Epidaurus Theater

The Ancient Theatre of Epidaurus, a marvel of ancient Greek architecture and engineering, was designed by Polykleitos the Younger in the 4th century BC. Known for its exceptional acoustics, the theater allows even the softest sounds to be heard clearly, a feature often tested by visitors. With a 66-foot wide circular orchestra, 55 rows, and a seating capacity of up to 14,000, the theatre remains a testament to ancient design.

Apart from the theater, the archaeological site includes the Sanctuary of Asclepius, Temples of Artemis and Asklepios, the Tholos, Enkoimeterion, and Propylaia. The theater still hosts special events, including the Athens and Epidaurus Festival, which showcases a mix of ancient dramas, modern plays, music, and dance, continuing its legacy as a living cultural venue.

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Mycenae, a pivotal archaeological site in Greece, is located near Mykines in the Argolis region of the northeastern Peloponnese, about 120 kilometers southwest of Athens. Flourishing during the Late Bronze Age (circa 1700-1100 BCE), it reached its zenith between the 15th and 13th centuries BCE. Once ruled by the legendary King Agamemnon, Mycenae was a central hub of the Mycenaean civilization.

Notable for its formidable city walls, constructed from massive limestone boulders in the Cyclopean masonry style, Mycenae’s architectural prowess is evident. Key sites within the city include the Lion’s Gate and the North Gate, integral parts of its defensive structures. Mycenae’s cultural significance is further highlighted by its connections to classic literature, including Homer’s Odyssey and Iliad.

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10. Meteora Monasteries

The Meteora Monasteries rise majestically above central Greece, anchored on towering rock pillars. These monasteries, perched on a rocky outcrop, testify to the blend of man-made structures and stunning natural landscapes. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Meteora Monasteries are an important Greek cultural and historical treasure you can’t miss.

Built upon natural limestone formations, these spiritual havens date back to the 14th century when monks sought seclusion and safety from invaders. The monasteries of Meteora offer breathtaking vistas. Accessible by staircases carved into the rock or modern cable cars, the journey up is as spectacular as the destination. Of the original 24 monasteries, only six continue to operate today, with four inhabited by monks and two by nuns with fewer than ten individuals each.

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11. Knossos Palace

The Minoan Palace of Knossos, near Heraklion on Crete’s north coast, is a crucial historical and archaeological site dating back to between 2000 and 1350 BC. Believed to have been the residence of the legendary King Minos, the palace is famed for its labyrinthine layout, full of intricate passageways and rooms.

This remarkable site boasts a variety of structures including banqueting halls, religious shrines, a throne room, and a central courtyard. Notable structures within the complex include the 14th century BC Royal Villa with its pillar crypt, the Little Palace, the ornately decorated House of Frescos, and the Villa of Dionysos from the Roman period. The palace faced partial destruction around 1500 to 1450 BCE.

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12. Corfu’s Old Fortress

Corfu’s Old Fortress is a majestic structure that offers a dip into history and stunning coastal views. Located at the eastern end of the citadel on a rocky peninsula with two hills, this fortress is now an island, separated from the mainland by a wet moat. It offers a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Ionian Sea and the UNESCO-listed Old Corfu Town.

Key attractions within include the Latin Chapel, Clock Tower, and Lighthouse, alongside a rich historical archive with the Corfu Byzantine Collection. The fortress, accessible year-round, also features the ancient barracks and the 1840-built church of St. George, adding to its appeal as a significant tourist destination. After wandering through the site, take a moment at the café to enjoy the view.

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13. Rhodes’ Medieval Town

The Medieval Town of Rhodes , a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the island of Rhodes, is a historic and architectural marvel. In the city’s heart, it is known for its enigmatic Middle Ages ambiance. Established by the Knights of Saint John of Jerusalem in 1309, this town is a blend of Gothic and Renaissance styles with Byzantine and Ottoman influences.

The town’s fortifications, shaped like a defensive crescent, were influential in the eastern Mediterranean during the late Middle Ages. Preserving its medieval architectural character and urban layout, Rhodes is a prime example of the Gothic period’s urban ensembles.

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14. Mykonos Windmills

The Mykonos windmills, iconic to the island of Mykonos, Greece, are a symbol of its rich history and early manufacturing innovation. Built by the Venetians in the 16th century for milling wheat, these windmills are a striking feature of the Cyclades islands, with Mykonos’ mills being the most renowned. Originally numbering 28, only 16 remain today.

These windmills are strategically placed on a hill facing north to capture the island’s strong winds. While they ceased operation in the mid-20th century, many have been repurposed as museums or private residences. Notably, the Bonis Windmill has been converted into a museum showcasing the history of Mykonos’ windmills and local agriculture. A spectacular sight, particularly during the golden hour at sunset, the windmills overlook the Aegean Sea.

Read also: Best Greek Islands for Beaches, Ranked

15. Zakynthos Blue Caves

The Blue Caves, a natural wonder and popular tourist attraction, are situated along the northwest coast of Zakynthos , between Agios Nikolaos port and Cape Skinari. These stunning caves, forming a series of natural arches that culminate in the large Megali Spilia, are renowned for their mesmerizing blue reflections, similar to the Blue Grotto of Capri .

Accessible only by boat, with numerous boat tours available around the island, these caves offer an extraordinary experience. Small boats allow visitors to enter deep into the caves and swim inside. As one of Zakynthos’ most famous attractions, the Blue Caves draw thousands of visitors yearly. The best time to witness the caves’ full splendor is in the morning when the sunlight enhances the reflections on the blue waters. However, checking weather and sea conditions before visiting is essential, as rough seas can make cave entry impossible.

Read also: Family Accommodations in Zakynthos

16. Santorini Caldera

As you gaze upon the Santorini Caldera, you’re witnessing the remnants of a volcanic eruption that reshaped the Aegean landscape. The breathtaking panorama in front of you is where the once-mighty Thira volcano stood until around 1620 BC. Its tremendous eruption caused the center to collapse and the sea to rush in. It is believed to have triggered the downfall of the advanced Minoan civilization and is also speculated to have inspired the Atlantis legend. It sits about one thousand feet above sea level and extends a similar distance below.

Within the caldera are two small volcanic islands, Nea Kameni and Palea Kameni, often called the “volcano islands.” The caldera’s landscape is marked by rugged cliffs, some as high as 300 meters. Picturesque villages like Oia, Imerovigli, and Fira provide captivating vistas of the caldera with blue domes and the surrounding area. The area is a favored destination for tourists, with many hotels offering panoramic views of the caldera.

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17. Nafplio Palamidi Fortress

Palamidi Fortress in Nafplio is a testament to Greece’s Venetian-influenced military architecture. Rising high above the town, the fortress offers breathtaking panoramic views that are well worth the climb. But don’t worry if you’re not up for the challenge of over 900 steps; you can always go to the top.

The Palamidi Fortress, perched on a 708-foot (216-meter) high hill in Nafplion, Greece, is a significant historical and architectural site. The Venetians constructed the fortress between 1711 and 1714 during their second occupation of the area. From its vantage point, the fortress offers spectacular views over the Argolic Gulf and the city of Nafplion.

Its history saw a change of hands several times, with the Turks capturing it in 1715 before the Greek Revolution in 1821. Interestingly, from around 1840 to the early 20th century, Palamidi served as a prison – also for Theodoros Kolokotronis, a hero of the Greek War of Independence. Today, the Palamidi Fortress is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its rich historical narrative and breathtaking panoramic views of Nafplion and its surrounding waters.

18. Lindos Acropolis

The Acropolis of Lindos, situated in the town of Lindos on Rhodes , Greece, is a notable archaeological site perched on a cliff 381 feet (116 meters) high, overlooking the sea. This natural fortress has been used and fortified by a succession of civilizations including the ancient Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Knights of St. John, and Ottomans.

Steeped in Greek mythology and history, Lindos is said to have played a role in the Trojan War and is believed to have been founded by Danaos. The Acropolis is home to significant ancient monuments, with the Doric Temple of Athena Lindia being a standout. Other notable structures include the Propylaea and a Hellenistic stoa dating back to 200 BC, 285 feet (87 meters) long.

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19. Samaria Gorge

The Samaria Gorge, a highlight of the National Park of Samaria in West Crete’s White Mountains, extends over 9.9 miles (16 kilometers). Formed by a river between the White Mountains and Mt. Volakias, this gorge within the Chania region is both a natural spectacle and a biodiversity haven, housing over 450 species, 70 unique to Crete.

The gorge, prone to closure during rainy days and winter months due to safety concerns, houses the deserted village of Samaria, abandoned in 1962 for the park’s establishment. Reaching the end of the gorge, the quaint coastal village of Agia Roumeli welcomes you with its serene beaches and crystal-clear waters—a perfect reward after the day’s hike.

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20. Chania Venetian Harbor

The Venetian Harbor in Chania, Crete, with origins in the 14th century, is not only a beautiful sea promenade but also a testament to the rich history of the Venetian era. Built for commerce and protection, it was a pivotal naval base during Venetian rule when Chania served as the capital of Crete. Remarkably, it could accommodate over 40 galleys, playing a significant role in Eastern Mediterranean trade.

The harbor’s Venetian architectural legacy continues to exude charm, lined with colorful homes, lively tavernas, and a striking 70-foot (21-meter) lighthouse. In 1965, Chania’s fortified area, including the harbor, was declared a protected zone to preserve its historical beauty. The western basin is vibrant with cafés, restaurants, shops, and hotels, while the eastern basin serves as a marina for pleasure and fishing boats. Visitors can find fish tavernas along the harbor, especially near the Venetian arsenals.

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21. Milos Sarakiniko Beach

Sarakiniko Beach on Milos Island, Greece, is renowned for its striking white volcanic rock formations, creating a surreal, lunar-like landscape. Located on the island’s north shore in the Aegean Sea, the beach’s greyish-white rocks and crystal-clear waters make it a distinctive and highly photographed destination. Often likened to a moonscape, the white beach stands out as one of Greece’s most beautiful beaches .

The beach is unorganized and lacks natural shading or nearby facilities, preserving its natural environment. However, it’s a haven for sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, and even diving, thanks to its unique underwater terrain. Nestled between white rock formations, the beach features thin white sand with a few trees offering limited shade at the back.

Delos, a small island near Mykonos, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of historical and archaeological significance. As one of Greece’s most significant archaeological sites, Delos was a sacred center in ancient times and is often likened to an open-air museum due to its wealth of discoveries. Visitors can explore the site between 8:00 and 20:00 during the summer months, with tickets including access to the Archaeological Museum.

The island, devoid of hotels and mainly inhabited by caretakers and archaeologists, offers no facilities for those with disabilities. Visitors are advised to bring their own water and snacks. Key attractions include the iconic Terrace of the Lions, the Kynthos Cave, and the museum housing remarkable artifacts.

23. Thessaloniki White Tower

The White Tower of Thessaloniki is one of the most important landmarks in Northern Greece. Built in the 15th century by the Ottomans, it originally served as a fortress, garrison, and prison. The tower stands 111 feet (33.9 meters) tall and features six floors constructed in early Ottoman architecture.

Initially known as the Tower of Blood due to its history of executions during the Ottoman era, it was later renamed the White Tower following a whitewashing in the early 20th century. Today, the tower functions as a museum, showcasing Thessaloniki’s history across its six floors, and has become a key tourist attraction. Visitors can ascend to the top for panoramic views of Thessaloniki Bay and the city.

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24. Patmos Monastery of Saint John

The Monastery of Saint John the Theologian, founded in 1088 on the island of Patmos, is a significant Greek Orthodox monastery named after St. John of Patmos, author of the Book of Revelation. This fortified complex, resembling a polygonal castle with towers and crenellations, reflects over 900 years of monastic life adapting to varying political and economic conditions.

Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the monastery is not only a place of pilgrimage and Greek Orthodox learning but also houses an impressive collection of manuscripts, icons, and liturgical items, including the skull of Saint Thomas the Apostle. It’s a treasure trove of religious art and history.

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25. Heraklion Archaeological Museum

The Heraklion Archaeological Museum in the heart of Heraklion city on the island of Crete is a preeminent institution in Greece and Europe, famed for its extensive collection of Minoan artifacts. Renowned for its display of Minoan art, the museum spans a historical timeline from the Neolithic era to Roman times, emphasizing the richness of the Minoan civilization.

Visitors can marvel at the museum’s array of vibrant and intricately designed Kamares Vessels, dating from the 7th century BC to the 3rd century AD. One of the highlights of the museum is the Phaistos Disc, a fired clay disc with a text in an undeciphered language. Not far from Heraklion, you can visit the Spinalonga Island, a former leper colony.

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26. Myrtos Beach

Myrtos Beach, nestled on the north-west coast of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea, is celebrated for its striking beauty and recognition as one of Greece’s most impressive beaches. Known for its dazzling white pebbles and clear turquoise waters, the beach presents a breathtaking and picturesque landscape.

Often hailed as “one of the most dramatic beaches in Greece,” Myrtos Beach has earned the accolade of being the best Greek beach several times. Its allure is enhanced by the surrounding steep and winding roads, lush green cliffs, and a forest of pine trees.

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