which monasteries to visit in meteora

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.

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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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Meteora Monasteries – Your Guide to the Most Sacred Site of Greece

Last Modified: July 31, 2024 //  by  Anda //   Leave a Comment

Only a few hours from Athens , in the Valley of Thessaly near the town of Kalambaka, lies one of Greece’s most astonishing religious sites: the Monasteries of Meteora! Second in importance only to Mount Athos , this UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the most unusually built monastic complexes in the Eastern Orthodox Church .

Whether you visit Meteora for religious reasons or simply because you like to travel, the monasteries will leave a long lasting impression on your heart. So join us as we uncover the wonders of this extraordinary place.

Table of Contents

The Rock Formations

The ‘monasteries in the clouds’, from solitary life to organized religion, the first monks arrive in meteora, the building of the monasteries in meteora, great meteoron monastery, varlaam monastery, holy monastery of roussanou in meteora, agios stefanos monastery, holy trinity monastery in meteora, agios nikolaos anapafsa monastery, agios georgios mandilas cave, the byzantine church of panagia, interesting facts about meteora monasteries, useful information for visiting the monasteries of meteora, where to stay when you visit meteora, best time to visit meteora, a final word, what makes meteora special.

The utter immensity of Meteora’s towering rocks gives you a sense of grandeur that is hard to put into words. As you wind your way up through narrow paths or climb steep steps carved into rocks, you will feel a sense of adventure and anticipation. This mystical landscape has an atmosphere that feels almost surreal and gives you a sense of peace and tranquility.

From a geological standpoint, Meteora is the result of earthly movements that must have occurred ages ago. But no matter its origin, the landscape you see today is a feast for the eyes! For wherever you look, you will be enchanted by the sweeping views of the valleys below and the distant mountains that stretch out as far as the eye can see.

But even more amazing than the rocks of Meteora are the six monasteries perched on top of them. Clinging precariously to their rocky pedestals, these structures seem to be floating up in the air, almost defying gravity. The name itself – Meteora– (meaning “suspended in the air” ) perfectly describes the monasteries’ strange allure.

They seem to have been placed on these rocks by a divine hand, as it is indeed hard to believe that a mere handful of monks could have built such wonders. Yet they did! And therefore, the Monasteries of Meteora serve not only as sacred places of worship, but also as living testaments to human tenacity and determination.

Beyond their architectural value, these monasteries hold invaluable treasures within their walls. Like intricate frescoes, wooden icons, old codices, manuscripts, and precious relics. Stepping inside one of these holy sanctuaries offers a glimpse into Byzantine history and spirituality.

The History of Meteora Monasteries

Religious life in Meteora can be traced back to about 1000 AD, when hermits seeking solitude found refuge in the natural caves of these rocks. The hermits believed that by spending their life in prayer and meditation they will achieve a closer connection with God. Therefore they never climbed down from the caves. So how did they survive?

The Christians in the nearby village of Kastraki thought of these hermits as living saints, as mediators between them and God. So they used to approach the base of the rock to offer them food and water. The hermits pulled up the food with baskets and ropes and this is how they survived for centuries.

Traces of the hermit caves are still visible today near the village of Kastraki, between two large rock formations named Pyxari and Amparia. The locals call this area Badovas , hence the name – the Caves of Badovas . Old wooden ladders and other scaffolds from those times still remain perched high up on the cliff.

Around the year 1160 AD, the next generation of hermits decided to build a small chapel under one of the rocks of Meteora. Every Sunday morning they used to climb down from their caves to have a common service and a common meal.

As they organized their first monastic community, the hermits elected spiritual leaders who established laws and traditions. There was also a common weekly schedule that every hermit had to follow. This marked the first phase of an organized monastic life in Meteora, which took place two centuries before the arrival of the first monks.

The first monks arrived in Meteora at the beginning of the 14th century from Mount Athos, the oldest, largest and most important monastic community in Greece. But unlike the hermits who came strictly for spiritual reasons, the monks came to Meteora for practical reasons: to stay alive. They were running from the Ottoman persecution and also not to get affected by civil wars and uprisings in the Byzantine Empire, which was about to collapse.

As they arrived in Meteora, the monks began building small monasteries within the caves of the rocky walls. Two great examples of such monasteries can be seen today in the valley of Panaghia, next to the Hermit Caves.

One is the hermitage of Agios Antonios of Badovas, which was partially built inside a large cavity. In the old days, this small abbey was accessible only through a cave that existed right below it. Only one single monk lives here today, and he is 94 years old!

The other is the nearby small monastery of Agios Nikolaos of Badovas, which dates back to the 14th century. The monastery, which is today abandoned, was built into a natural cavity existing on the side of a cliff.

These two monasteries as well as the Hermit Caves are not on the route of the tour busses, so make sure you add them to your list if you visit Meteora on your own.

When you look at the angle of these old constructions, you can’t help but wonder how did the monks mage to build them on such inaccessible sandstone peaks?

Building the monasteries of Meteora was a long and difficult process. Sometimes more than two different generations of monks worked for 80-90 years, and yet never lived to see the monastery completed!

With no climbing experience, the first monks had to find a way to climb these stone walls. So they started by digging small holes in the rock with a nail and a chisel. For a short period they would pour white vinegar in the small holes. As white vinegar is acidic and causes an artificial erosion in the limestone rock, the holes became larger. This made it easier to start fixing wooden platforms that will help them reach the top of the rock.

But once they reached the top, the monks had to solve another problem: water. So they began carving the rock in order to make artificial wells where they would collect the rain water. In order to preserve it for longer periods, the monks would store the water in huge barrels and add lemon to it, to keep it from spoiling.

The building process was also very difficult. The monks had to gather wood, stone and other building materials and hoist them to the top of the rocks. Even though they had the will and determination to sacrifice their life in order to gather building materials, they didn’t have the skills to build the monasteries themselves. So for that task they hired local builders.

The first monastery was built in 1340. But Meteora reached its prime between the 15th and 17th century, with the arrival of many monks from other monasteries. After the 17th century its prosperity began to fade away. Raids of thieves and conquerors caused the destruction and abandonment of many monasteries.

6 Awe-Inspiring Monasteries to Visit in Meteora

Today, only six monasteries remain in operation out of the twenty-four initially built. Four of the six active monasteries are run by monks and only two (Agios Stefanos & Roussanou) are convents with nuns. Even so, there are approximately 50 nuns and only 18 monks living in the monasteries of Meteora today.

Perched on the highest rock in Meteora, the Great Meteoron Monastery is the oldest and most imposing of all the monasteries. The abbey was founded in the first part of the 14th Century by Saint Athanasios, the Meteorite. Together with 14 other monks, he carved out holes in the cliff, raised scaffolding and managed to raise a monastery around 1340 AD. He organized the first systematic monastic community in Meteora.

In the past, the only access to the monastery was through rope ladders. Then, in the year 1520, the monks created a system with a net at its end that they use even today for some tasks.

From the 1920s the ascent is through a narrow staircase that spirals all the way to the entrance of the monastery.

The monastery created several beautiful museums for the presentation of its valuable religious treasures. Here you can admire some outstanding wood icons, gold-embroideries, manuscripts, codices, incunabula, and liturgical utensils. 

In the narthex and the chapel are some remarkable frescos that have been attributed to a student of Theophanes the Cretan (also known as El Greco ). The Great Meteoron is more of a museum than a monastery, although they say it’s an active convent.

This is one of the most difficult monasteries to visit in Meteora. There are over 300 steps to climb to the entry, so it might not be suitable for people with mobility issues. 

Perhaps the most beautiful monastery you’ll visit in Meteora is Varlaam, which is a male monastery. It is also the second largest one, after the Great Meteoron. The monastery was named after its founder – the austere monk Varlaam – who lived in a cave as a hermit and built a small chapel on top of this rock.

In the 16th century, two brothers, Theophanis and Nektarios Apsaradas who were both monks, enlarged the chapel built by Varlaam and built a monastery. Therefore, they are celebrated today as the two founders of the monastery of Varlaam. 

The monastery was decorated in 1548 by Frangos Kastellanos, an important Byzantine iconographer, who painted some beautiful frescoes in the church of Agioi Pantes. To the north side there is another church which was built much later, in 1627. This is known as the Chapel of the Three , and has a square-shaped cross on the roof.

Varlaam Monastery has beautiful gardens and terraces that offer exceptional views of the valley below. There is also a beautiful museum where they exhibit many of the monastery’s valuable relics, art, and manuscripts.  

The male monastery of Varlaam can be accessed through a small bridge from the main road, but there are 195 steps carved in the rock to climb.

Opposite the Monastery of Varlaam, towards the south, lies one of the two female convents in Meteora: the Roussanou. The monastery, which is dedicated to St Barbara, was built on a vertical pillar that rises 60 meters high above the ground and covers the entire surface of the rock (about 500 m 2 ).

Initially founded by monks, the monastery became a convent relatively recently (in 1988) and today more than 15 sister nuns live there. Because the space is really small, the monastery was built on two levels. At the bottom of the rock are the nuns’ headquarters, surrounded by a beautiful garden, which is private.

From the small terrace at the top of Roussanou you can see the ruins of the monastery of Pantokrator St. John the Baptist.

The second convent with nuns in Meteora is Agios Stefanos. The first church ever built on this site dates back to the beginning of the 12th century, when the first hermit monks settled on the cliff. The present church is the result of a big reconstruction that took place during the second part of the 15th century and the beginning of 16th century.

The monastery is pretty big and quite beautiful. It includes gardens and terraces and two outstanding cathedrals. One from the 16th-century which is smaller, and one from the 18th century which is dedicated to Agios Charalambos and includes the saint’s holy relics.

Of all the Monasteries of Meteora, Agios Stefanos is the only one that has an easy access. It is therefore ideal for people with mobility issues. Instead of steps carved in the rock, access is provided through a bridge that starts next to the main road.

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is perhaps the most famous of all the Greek monasteries in Meteora. And it’s not for religious or architectural reasons, but rather for being the filming location of the James Bond movie ‘For Your Eyes Only’ starring Roger Moore. Until watching the James Bond movie, not many people outside of Greece knew about this curious “monasteries in the sky.” But after seeing Bond ascending the rock cliff followed by the KGB , everybody became intrigued by this site.

The monastery, which was founded by a monk in 1476, is carved into a rocky precipice. Like most other monasteries in Meteora, the only access was via a rope-ladder and the traditional net. That was until 1925 when 140 steps were carved into the rock.

The interior contains outstanding frescos, especially in the chapel of St. John the Baptist, a small circular church hewed on the rock. The monastery had many valuable relics, such as crosses, priestly vestments, old codices, manuscripts, and sacred vessels. Unfortunately, during the German occupation the monastery was looted many times and even the monastery bell was stolen.

Sadly, only 26 old icons about 120 manuscripts have been preserved. These manuscripts are in the custody of Agios Stefanos Monastery, for safety reasons.

Of all the Meteora Monasteries, the Holy Trinity is the one with the most walking, assuming you arrive here by car or by bus. From the main road, there is a paved walk downhill about a few hundred meters long, followed by 180 steep steps to the entrance.

Built in the 16th century at the initiative of Dionysius, who was the Abbot of Larissa Town, Agios Nikolaos Anapafsa Monastery is the first on the way to Meteora. The monastery probably served to the pilgrims as a resting place before continuing on. Hence its name Anapafsa , which in Greek means “the one who rests.”

Because the surface of the rock on which it sits is very small, the monastery was built vertically, on more levels. Access to the different floors is done through an inbuilt staircase.

The main church of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsa is famous for its well-preserved wall paintings, made by the renowned painter Theophanis of Crete, also known as El Greco . Despite this, at the beginning of the 20th century the monastery was abandoned and began to decay. But in the 1960s, the Archeological society of Greece renovated and restored it.

The road leading up to the monastery passes through a beautiful forest, then climbs up through a set of stairs carved in the rock. Although it is the lowest of the six monasteries, it still provides great views and backdrops.

Other Places to Visit Around Meteora

Perhaps the most popular local cave in Meteora is the one dedicated to St. George, located high up on a vertical rock, just outside the village of Kastraki. Because of the many colorful scarves inside, the locals call it “Agios Georgios Mandilas,” which in translation means St. George with the Scarves .

The story says that a Muslim man from the nearby village suffered a deadly injury as he was chopping down a tree. Advised by the villagers and desperate to save her husband, his wife began praying to St. George for a miracle.

Soon after that the man recovered completely, so his wife was convinced that St. George responded to her prayers. In gratitude, the Muslim woman removed her headscarf and placed it below the cave. And so a new tradition was born.

Since then, every year young men from the village climb up to the cave and bring with them a bunch of scarves that were left at the base of the rock by the village women. When they descend, they bring down with them the ones that were brought up the previous year. People believe that the scarves that stayed in the cave have been sanctified. So they gathered around the climbers trying to grab at least a small piece of a scarf that will help them to stay in good health throughout the year.

Not many people coming to visit Meteora are aware about the existence of this interesting church. Located in the old town of Kalambaka, the Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, as it is also called, is an important monument of the Byzantine period.

The current structure was erected between the 10th and 11th century on the ruins of an early Christian basilica from the 4th century, which in its turn was also erected upon an Ancient Greek Temple of Apollo. The structure is a three-aisled basilica with an elevated middle aisle.

The amazing frescoes inside are a match for any murals you’ll see in the Meteora Monasteries! They have been painted between the 12th to 16th century by renowned iconographers. Among them is also Neofytos, the son of Theofanis from Crete (also known as El Greco ).

On the southern wall of the church you’ll see some built-in marble sculptures from the pagan Temple, as well as from the early Christian Temple.

But perhaps the most impressive is the marble Pulpit standing in the middle of the nave. This is the world’s only Orthodox church that has a free-standing pulpit at its center.

• For a very long time, the monks at Meteora accessed the monasteries by climbing up long ladders or by using large nets pulled by ropes. They also used nets and baskets o hoist goods up to the monasteries.
• Until 1955, there was no running water in the monasteries or Meteora. So for 615 years the monks had to rely on rainwater, or carry water from the river on mules.
• Many movie productions used Meteora as a filming location. But the one that made the monasteries known to the outside world was the James Bond movie, For Your Eyes Only , filmed in 1981.
• Women could not enter the Monasteries of Meteora until 1920, when they were allowed inside only because they came to help put out a fire!
• In 1921  Queen Marie of Romania  visited Meteora, thus becoming the first woman to ever enter the Great Meteoron Monastery. By then the monks had already cut steps on the side of the rocks. They also built a bridge from the nearby plateau.
• During World War II, the Germans occupied Meteora and stole many of the precious artifacts. In  Grand Meteora  you can see images of people throwing a Nazi off a cliff from a monastery.

• All monasteries charge a small entrance fee of 3€ /person (children 12 and under enter free)
• Filming or photographing the interiors of the churches or the murals inside the monasteries is prohibited. You can however take pictures outside, in the courtyards.
• There is a strict dress code for the monasteries. Women have to wear a long skirt and cover their shoulders. Men have to wear long pants. Some monasteries provide skirts for a cost at the entrance.
• It’s difficult to “beat” the tour busses (but not impossible) – Most monasteries open at 9:30 am and busses arrive around 10 am. If you are at the gate a few minutes before the opening time, you’ll be able to visit at least two monasteries before the masses arrive.
• With the exception of Agios Stefanos, all the other monasteries in Meteora involve a lot of stair climbing. The steps leading to the monasteries can be slippery, so wearing comfortable walking shoes with good traction is important.
• Each monastery in Meteora closes on a different day of the week. Therefore, you should plan your visit around their schedule which you can check here .
• Many people choose to visit Meteora as a day trip from Athens , or from other big cities in Greece. If you plan to do that, there is a great day trip from Athens to Meteora by train which I can recommend. But if you want to visit all six monasteries you’ll need two full days in Meteora.
• You can easily visit the monasteries on your own, but before you do that I strongly encourage you to take at least a half day tour of Meteora . These tours provide lots of information about the site which will be very useful for your visit.

The two towns closest to Meteora are Kastraki and Kalambaka, so most people who visit the monasteries will stay in one of these two places. As a result, you’ll find plenty of hotels, guesthouses and tourist facilities, from which to access to the monasteries by car, bus, tour shuttles, or taxi. There are also plenty of hiking trails that lead up to the monasteries, if you are up to it.

We stayed at Oikia Guesthouse , which is a little outside downtown Kalambaka, on the border with Kastraki. We were very happy with our lodging facilities! The main advantage of this place is the location: within walking distance from shops and restaurants, yet in a quiet place on the road to the monasteries.

The tiny hotel which has been recently renovated, features rooms with balconies, junior suites, and standard rooms. But perhaps the most impressive feature of this guesthouse is the huge terrace at the top. From up there you can see the the rock formations of Meteora and the beautiful town below.

There are of course hotels for any taste and budget, like Divani Meteora, Archontiko Mesohori, or Tsikeli Boutique Hotel. So, if you are planning to visit to the Monasteries of Meteora, you can check hotel prices here.

READ NEXT : 2 Weeks in Greece – the Ultimate Peloponnese Road Trip Itinerary

Meteora is a year-round destination and can be beautiful at any time of year. Even in winter. But if you come in summer, expect to walk shoulder to shoulder (literally!) with hundreds of other tourists. The best time to visit Meteora is in spring (April-May) or fall (October to mid-November). After November the weather changes dramatically and you can get a lot of fog.

That being said, keep in mind that weather can be very moody in this part of Greece, so clouds and even some rain may appear at any time. Especially if you visit off season. Even so, I’d rather take a chance with the atmospheric conditions than wait in line for two hours on the road up to the monasteries!

READ NEXT : The Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Ionian Islands in Greece

Spiritual experiences come in many forms, from the religious and intellectual, to those centered in art and nature. In centuries past, these monasteries were places of worship and spiritual retreats. They brought the monks not only solitude, but also protection from unwanted trespassers.

Today however, the Orthodox Monasteries of Meteora are one of the most popular destinations in all of Greece. With over 2,000,000 visitors a year, it’s pretty difficult to find peace and tranquility in this place. So one question still remains: is the popularity of these monasteries defeating the very purpose for which they have been created?

If you found this information useful, please pin it to help others discover this unique place!

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Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

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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.

AFFILIATE LINKS DISCLOSURE: Dear Reader, this blog post contains affiliate links. If you click on them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Learn more here .

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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9 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do at the Metéora Monasteries

Written by Jane Foster and Carri Wilbanks Updated Dec 26, 2023

Rising from the Plain of Thessaly in mainland Greece, Metéora is a mesmerizing group of vertical rocks, reaching up to 300 meters high, which time has twisted into bizarre and beautiful formations. And perched atop these rocks are the monasteries of Metéora, constructed from 1356 onwards, which appear to hang in the air above the rocks, and are some of the most fairy-tale, magical places to visit in all of Greece.

There were once 24 monasteries, but that number has dwindled over the centuries, and today there are just six monasteries that are still occupied.

One of the best ways to explore these sacred sites, which have been proclaimed a UNESCO World Heritage Site , is on foot, hiking between them. Just remember, while this experience may be one of the top things to do in Greece for tourists , for the monks, these structures are places of peace, prayer, and meditation, and respect is paramount. Plan your experience touring these unique attractions with our list of the top things to do at the Metéora Monasteries.

The Great Meteoron Monastery

Monastery of varlaám, monastery of ayía triáda (holy trinity), monastery of áyios nikólaos anapafsás (st. nicholas), monastery of rousanoú (st. barbara), monastery of áyios stéfanos (st. stephen), hiking the meteora monasteries, where to stay in metéora for sightseeing, map of attractions & things to do at the metéora monasteries.

The biggest and most visited of the remaining monasteries, The Great Metéoron was founded by Athanasios the Meteorite in 1356 and enlarged in the second half of the 14th-century by his disciple and successor Ioasaph, son of Serbian King Simeon. It is in a wonderful setting, with stunning views across the surrounding landscape. The tombs of both Athanasios and Ioasaph are in the frescoed church here.

There is also an on-site museum, which besides displaying religious icons and books, highlights the role of the Orthodox church in Greece's struggle for freedom from the Turks. It also illustrates the Greeks' resistance to the Germans in WWII.

Perched atop a 373-meter cliff and reached from the other side by climbing 195 steps, Varlaam is the second biggest monastery, after the Great Metéoron . The monastery was founded in 1517 on the site of the old hermitage of the hermit Varlaam (from whom it takes its name).

The monastery was built by two brothers, Theophonais and Nektarios Apsaradas, who were monks. They also enlarged the original chapel, and in 1548, Byzantine iconographer Frangos Kastellanos decorated the monastery.

Inside, you can visit the serene 16th-century church complete with frescoes, many of which were painted by Kastellanos, and the old refectory, which houses a small museum. There is also a second church on the north side of the grounds that is dedicated to the Three Bishops and is referred to as the Chapel of the Three. It has a square-shaped cross on its roof and was constructed in 1627.

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is probably the most visually dramatic monastery and is approached by climbing up 140 steps. If it looks familiar, it was featured in the hanging-basket scene of the James Bond film, For Your Eyes Only (1981). It's one of the most difficult to access of the Meteora monasteries due to the steepness of the trail and the steps. But once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with stunning panoramic vistas over the Plain of Thessaly and Kalabaka about 300 meters below.

Founded in 1438, its main church is much newer, dating from 1798. In 1909, a group of Greek archaeologists surveying the grounds discovered a crypt with 47 rare parchments and ancient codes. The monastery was heavily damaged during WWII but extensively renovated in the 1970s.

The closest monastery to the village of Kastraki at just one kilometer away, St. Nicholas makes for another super dramatic photo. It is approached by climbing a steep hill, followed by a flight of steps. Founded in 1368 and enlarged in 1628, it is much-loved for its tiny church, decorated with incredible frescoes painted by the Cretan artist Theophanes in 1527, the most memorable depicting "Adam naming the Animals."

The Monastery of Rousanoú stands boldly perched upon a slender pinnacle of rock. Dedicated to the "Transfiguration" but honored to Saint Barbara, Rousanou was probably built in 1288 and renovated as a monastery in 1545. The monastery was heavily damaged in WWII fighting but restored in the 1980s. It became a convent in 1988, and is inhabited by nuns who tend its lovely, small garden.

The monastery is comprised of one main building that takes up the cliff's whole surface area, giving it the impression of being carved out of the rock. In an effort to increase interior space, the building was built in three levels.

The most accessible of all the monasteries, St. Stephen's is approached via a footbridge and requires no climbing of steps. In an awesome setting, with spectacular views over the valley (from the balcony), it stands close to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. The nuns who live here are welcoming and keep it in perfect order, with a beautiful chapel adorned with frescoes and ornate golden details.

The best way to explore Metéora is on foot, hiking from monastery to monastery. This allows you to really immerse yourself in the scenery and experience of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll want to wear sturdy walking shoes and bring water.

If you aren't up for hiking on your own, or you want to get some perspective on what you are seeing from a local guide, join an organized hiking trip. Companies like Visit Meteora Travel offer small-group, half-day guided hiking adventures to the monasteries that include transport.

The most convenient base for visiting the Metéora monasteries, thanks to its choice of sizeable hotels, guest houses, and restaurants, the town of Kalambáka (Kalampaka) (Kalabaka) caters to groups of tourists and pilgrims, and thrives primarily on tourism.

More authentic than Kalambáka (which lies just two kilometers away), the unspoilt village of Kastraki is built into a hillside below two massive rocky pinnacles and is an attraction in itself. Made up of mid-19th century cottages with terra cotta tile roofs and wooden window shutters, Kastraki is a conservation village, so new building is restricted. From here, a marked footpath leads up to the monasteries.

There is accommodation in the villages around the Metéora monasteries, like Kalambaka and Kastraki, although options are limited – you aren't going to find any five-star hotels here. That said, the guesthouses and hotels recommended here offer easy access to sightseeing in this magical destination.

Luxury & Mid-Range Hotels :

• There are no true luxury hotels here. But for amazing views from large balconies in comfy rooms, friendly owners, and an excellent free breakfast, try the 3-star Pyrgos Adrachti in Kastraki.
• The family-run Hotel Kastraki , with comfortable rooms and beautiful views, is another excellent option.
• Also try the mid-range choice, Doupiani House Hotel , in larger Kalambaka, which features old-world style, panoramic views, a wonderful breakfast buffet, and comfortable beds.
• The Delles Boutique Hotel is another mid-range option, which is popular with families. Breakfast is included.

Budget Hotels:

• Alsos House offers budget-friendly rates in a traditional guesthouse. It has great customer service and a friendly house cat, and rooms with kitchenettes are available.
• Also in the budget price bracket is the Kosta Famissi Hotel , which offers clean rooms with great views.

More Related Articles on PlanetWare.com

Greek Islands : A visit to a couple of the 6,000 Greek Islands is definitely a highlight of a holiday in Greece. One of the most popular islands, especially if you want to splurge, is Santorini , which is as beautiful as its reputation leads you to believe. Another gorgeous Greek isle destination is Kefallonia. Learn more about it with our piece on the Top-Rated Tourist Attractions on Kefallonia .

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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.

Meteora Monasteries: A Fascinating Place (+ Photo Guide)

Have you ever heard about the Meteora Monasteries ? No? Don't worry, neither did we!

But this was a mind-blowing experience and one that we absolutely wanted to share with you!

So here it is: our guide for a visit to the fascinating Meteora Monasteries.

Find out how to visit Meteora, how to get to the monasteries, which monasteries are the best to visit and where to experience the most magical sunsets and sunrises .

We even show you the best photo-spots in Meteora!

Where and what is meteora.

In Kalabaka , next to the Pindos Mountains in central Greece, there is this one particular area where giant rock columns seem to rise from the ground: Meteora .

The name means ' lofty ' or 'elevated' and stems from the fact that the area hosts the Meteora Monasteries , built on top of these natural boulders.

As this place is so surreal (look at that satellite view on Google Maps below!!), we spent a total of five days driving up and down the rocks because every single view was incredible .

So incredible that Linkin Park named one of their albums after this place 🙂 

I think I haven't been blown away by a place like this ever since I've been  road tripping through Patagonia a year ago or when I visited my bucket-list-item Easter Island !

Meteora in a nutshell

• The Meteora Monasteries are on UNESCO'S World Heritage List since 1989
• There were once 24 monasterie s and hermitages built on several of these rock pillars, formed by water, wind and extreme temperatures
• Only six monasteries are still in use today
• Hermits had been using the pillars to isolate themselves since the 9th century
• Dreading attacks from invading Ottomans in the 14th century, several monks chose to build their monastery in that area
• The stairs to access the building have been carved in the 1920s ; up until then, the only access was by means of collapsible stepladders and windlasses with nets to haul up people and goods

Where to stay when visiting Meteora?

The town of kalabaka: the popular one.

The rock formations are located in the town of Kalabaka and this is essentially where everyone will stay and from where the tours will start.

While it is strategically the best place to be, especially since some of the tours can't pick you up elsewhere, expect the prices to be accordingly.

There are several options, though, in different price ranges. Take a look at the deals below*:

The village of Kastraki: the better option

We stayed in the little village of Kastraki , right next to Kalabaka. There are only a few small shops and restaurants here.

But the prices are a little better as you get more value for your money and it's a lot quieter than Kalabaka.

While we stayed at this cute little AirBnB run by a family from Kastraki and would have loved to link it to you, they are unfortunately not on Booking. 

But here are some deals that could be interesting in that same area*:

The hosts were so sweet , they came to drop off breakfast every morning on the terrace without waking us. 

And they brought us tomatoes and cucumbers from their own garden .

AND they showed us the best sunset-spots on Meteora!! Read on to get a map and our personal recommendations for these epic sunset-photo-spots !

Our cute little balcony with views of the sunset, at the foot of the Meteora Monasteries

*Disclaimer: this post contains affiliate-links which means that we earn a tiny commission if you book through our link at no additional cost to you at all - you're just helping us 🙂

How to visit the Meteora Monasteries

Bus, hike or car.

There are three possibilities to visit the monasteries*:

• Prepare yourself for a hike , either on your own or check out this 5-hour hiking tour
• Visit them by car at your own pace and follow our guide for the best photo-spots

Or, if you like adventure , take a look at this Scramble Tour which leads you over a via ferrata to the highest point of the rocks!

We didn't have time to do this tour, despite having our own climbing-set from Edelrid in the car!

*Disclaimer: these are affiliate-links which means that we earn a tiny commission if you book through our link with no additional cost to you at all

Important things to know before visiting the Meteora Monasteries

You really want to be prepared to dive into that fascinating world

Get there early

Although we were travelling in Covid19-times , there were still quite a lot of people appearing after 10 am.

Apparently, in normal times, long queues form on the roads leading to the monasteries and the parking spots are full pretty early.

So we would recommend, if the monastery you choose to visit opens at 9.30 am for example ( read on to know why this is important!), get there at 8.30 at the latest.

You won't mind waiting around for a bit as the general scenery surrounding the monasteries is so breathtaking , you won't notice the time passing by.

You probably know by now that we are always early, be it to get the best photo-lighting at the amphitheatre in Pula or seeing the Namib Deadvlei without people spoiling the pictures.

In this case, it's the same thing, haha.

Bring water, snacks and sunscreen

If you plan on staying the whole day, it is essential that you pack lots of water (especially if you hike), something to eat and sunscreen .

While there are little souvenir -trucks outside of every monastery selling water and snacks as well, they are generally totally over-priced .

So get your supplies down in Kalabaka or Kastraki before heading up.

Oh, and in summer it gets super hot up there! And you tend to forget that you're in the blazing sun when gazing at the marvelous scenery: sunscreen all the way!

Dress modestly: no shorts at all, no pants for women

This is something I honestly always struggle with when travelling and visiting 'holy' places.. I'm a scientist and a little feminist .

So yeah, when I hear things like 'women are not allowed to wear pants' (you know, like in pre-Vatican II - times), it always makes me cringing my teeth.

But well, those are the rules they set. So I'm abiding by them. 

In Meteora, this means:

• Men: no shorts and sleeveless shirts
• Women: no sleeveless shirts and no pants , skirts below the knee are required

Good to know :

In regular times, they have large scarfs at your disposition at every monastery to cover up your shoulders and legs.

In Covid19-times, though, not all the monasteries distribute them.

Opening hours and closing-days are different for each monastery

This is very important, especially when your time is limited and you have a few top-monasteries you absolutely want to visit!

Each monastery has their own opening hours , some even close during lunch-time.

And then there are different closing-days as well. While one might be closed on Thursdays, the other one is on Tuesdays for example. 

Be sure to get all the information at visit-meteora.travel . 

The info on internet is not always up-to-date : be sure to check out the information boards displayed at the entrance of each monastery for the correct information.

And sometimes the monks decide to close the monastery for a few days for whatever reason: you won't find this on the internet either but on a piece of paper at the entrance of each monastery.

The best monasteries to visit in Meteora

Great meteoron or megálo metéoro or metamórphosis.

This is the biggest and most popular one. It's also the oldest monastery, founded in the 14th century by Athanasios the Meteorite .

Being the largest one doesn't mean the most populated one: in 2015, only three monks were registered as residents. 

Transformations occurred in the 15th and 16th century and it hosts a museum with religious artefacts and icons of different eras.

Unfortunately, we encountered the problem I was talking about earlier: while we made sure to check the opening hours on the board at the entrance of the monastery and chose the right day to visit it, we didn't get in.

This was the day the monks decided to spontaneously close for the rest of the week. Exactly the days we were in Meteora.

Oh well, this gives us another reason to come back and check out that monastery! 

The biggest monastery at Meteora

The Monastery of Varlaam

Built in 1541, it is the second largest of the monasteries. And also the one with the greatest number of monks: seven (also counted in 2015). 

It's foundation dates back to the 14th century, though. Only back then, it was an hermitage , not the monastery it is today.

The museum is very interesting not only because of the artefacts but because it's located in the old refectory (if you like old architecture-styles).

Varlaam Monastery seen from one of the sunset-spots

Inside the Varlaam Monastery

The Monastery of Roussanu or St Barbara

Founded in the 16th century, the monastery had been abandoned by 1940.

In the 1950s, renovation works began and it was converted into a nunnery , the most active today with 13 nuns in residence (counting of 2015, I think I heard something about 15 in 2020).

Very friendly ones, too!

Roussanu Monastery from above

View on the elevator

View from Roussanu

The Monastery of St Stephen

It is known as the ' royal ' one, as the byzantine emperor Andronikos III visited it in 1333 and gifted them lands and money because he was so touched by their sympathy.

Founded in the 14th century, this monastery is also a nunnery today with 28 nuns in residence in 2015. 

This monastery/nunnery is actually the only one that's accessible to people with disabilities as there is a bridge crossing from the parking to the entrance. 

The whole site has been adapted accordingly with elevators at every level-change.

Views on the valley from St Stephen Monastery

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity

The 15th century Monastery of the Holy Trinity is the least accessible of the inhabited ones.

You actually have to walk down a path several hundred meter, before climbing up the 146 steps (I counted!) to the entrance of the monastery.

It has several icons on display and they kept the windlass with the net in place which shows how the monks used to be hauled up before there were stairs.

This is also the most famous one in Hollywood , as it served as a set for the 1981 James Bond 'For Your Eyes Only' with Roger Moore (I must admit, not a huge fan of these JBs - give me Sean Connery!!).

This is the windlass with the net they used to haul up people and goods at several 100 meters high!

The views from Holy Trinity Monastery are epic as well

Monasteries that are closed to the public

There are a few monasteries that have been restored in the last few years but serve as true hermitages nowadays.

If you google them, the official info will probably be that they are still in ruins . That's because even Wikipedia hasn't updated their page yet...

They are closed to the public but we wanted to cite them nonetheless as it is worth checking them out from the outside.

Monastery of Saint Nicholas Badovas

Founded in the 14th century, this monastery is officially known as still being in ruins although it has been renovated. 

It is not inhabited , though. Anyone up for some isolation-time? The views from up there must be incredible! 

The monastery is located in the canyon between Kastraki and Kalapaka and has been built into a cave in the rock. 

We didn't get closer than this as the path to get there seemed to be private

Ágios Andónios Monastery

Located right next to Saint Nicholas Badovas, this monastery is a dependency of the Holy Trinity Monastery.

It is said to be in ruins and uninhabited but we did see people on the balconies...

See? There's someone sitting on the balcony... it looks pretty inhabited

Ypapanti Monastery

While the official site states that it is indeed open to the public while being the least accessible one, we were standing in front of closed doors after the 30 minute long walk .

And the information board actually stated that the monastery would remain closed . No opening days anymore.

This monastery founded in 1367 has also been restored to its original state but remains uninhabited .

It belongs to the Great Meteoron Monastery and would have been really cool to visit...

Too bad this one was closed, that would have been super interesting!

The best photo-spots in Meteora

Photography-gear.

We usually take pictures with our Iphones and our dsrl , the Nikon 5600 . All pictures were taken with the AF-S Nikkor 18-105mm lens and for the couple shoots, we used this tripod *.

Check out what other travel gear we packed for our road trip through Europe!

Our AirBnB-host gave us great tips in where to find the best spots and his parents were so kind to lead us to the best one and indicate the other - this is great hospitality!

Just like we did for our Dubrovnik-guide , here's a map with our best photo-spots in Meteora!

We did both sunsets and sunrises and tried several spots at different times.

So here's our personal ' Meteora sunset tour ': click on the yellow photo-icons on the map to see the sunset -views you get from each spot.

The two red spots were our favourites for the sunrise . This meant getting up there at 6 am but it was obviously far less crowded and the lighting totally different.

Plus: we brought our mugs and a jar of coffee , so this was pretty cool.

And here are the pictures in full quality (okay, slightly resized for upload-purposes):

Sunset-spots

This is the most famous one and, naturally, the most crowded one as well. Especially at sunset!

It is still the best spot to get the full view of the valley with several of the Meteora Monasteries in sight!

One of the absolute best views

This is what people call the ' sunrise-rock ' although we didn't actually take pictures at sunrise as the view was not THAT great.

It's still beautiful, though! But I'd say this is a good alternative if Spot 1 gets too crowded at sunset.

Looking to the East from spot 2

Looking to the West from spot 2 (you can see spot 1 on the far right)

This is a very cool one as well as you get a great view on the Holy Trinity Monastery , perched on a lone pillar with the town in the valley behind.

It really looks like it's floating ! 

The Holy Trinity Monastery floating above the valley

We did this spot twice, once at sunset (pictured here), another time in the morning .

It gives you a beautiful view on the Varlaam Monastery and there's usually nobody there. 

Us taking in the grandeur of the site

This is from the parking lot at the foot of the Roussanu Monastery . 

It gives you an impressive view from below to the two biggest monasteries but also a nice one on the St Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery , the only one we did not visit.

The sun going down behind St Nikolaus Anapafsas Monastery

Sunrise-spots

It's the exact same one as the first of our sunset-spots.

Only the light in the morning is so different and there's nobody here!

So we couldn't help taking a few silly pictures on the rocks as well, haha!

Okay, this was already later in the morning - but you get the idea, right?

This is the mood on Meteora at sunrise

And this is almost the same as the Sunset-spot nr 4 only a bit further down below.

Sebi had to climb a pretty high rock to get that angle! So that's only for the daredevils among you, haha.

That morning glow is pretty spectacular as well

Another view on Meteora

If you drive past St Stephen Monastery to the East, you get some really nice views on the surrounding area besides the rock pillars!

There's not much more to see except for a few restaurants that advertise 'magnificent views ' (it's true, though! But we didn't eat there so we don't know about the food quality) but it's worth the little detour as it gets you another view on Meteora.

Can you spot the rock pillars in the distance?

And here we are again: this is it!

Our guide on how to visit the magnificent Meteora Monasteries !

We hope you had fun reading and found it useful .

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chalkandcheesetravels

Love the post Thanks for sharing Chalkandcheesetravels.com

cyn.colling

Thank you so much!! This place is truly amazing!

Things to Do in Meteora Monasteries in Greece

The Meteora Monasteries are located in mainland Greece, in the region of Thessaly, 347 km from Athens. Meteora is an extensive complex of gigantic sandstone rocks shadowing the local town of Kalambaka.

On top of the megalithic rocks, an average of 300 meters above ground, the awe-inspiring Meteora Monasteries are built. There used to be 24 Monasteries founded and built by Greek Orthodox monks in the 14th and 15th centuries. Today, only 6 of them are working as Monasteries and accept public visits on specific days and times.

The Meteora Monasteries has been a UNESCO World Heritage Monument since 1988 and it is today the second most important monastic complex in Greece after Mount Athos Monasteries in Chalkidiki.

*Some of the links below are affiliate links. That means I may make a commission if you click and buy. The commission comes at no additional cost to you.

Meteora Post Info

Find in this post information about the 6 Meteora monasteries, the operating hours and the cost to enter each monastery, and the dress code . I have also added info for people with mobility difficulties , to choose the best monastery to visit, and practical info such as my favorite hotels in Meteora and Kastraki , how far are the monasteries from Athens, and how to get there.

The Six Meteora Monasteries

The monastery of great meteoron.

The Monastery of Great Meteoron or Metamorphosis Sotiros is the largest and oldest Monastery in Meteora. It was founded in 1340 AD by Saint (Osios) Athanasios the Meteorite and it houses monks at 534 meters in height.

The main church (Catholicon) of the monastery of Great Meteoron is very impressive with beautiful 16th-century post-Byzantine frescoes.

The dining room (Trapeza) is considered an exceptional sample of architecture, built in 1557. Find time to go through the main Museum of Meteora with invaluable exhibits on display such as handwritten codes from the priests, with the oldest dated manuscript being one from the 9th century, the oldest in Greece.The oldest Byzantine icons of Meteora date back to the 13th century.

How to Visit Great Meteoron

• Summer timetable (April 1st – October 31st): Visiting Hours: 09:30 to 15:00. Closed on Tuesdays
• Winter timetable: 09:30 to 14:00. Closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays
• Extra Days that the Monastery is closed: 5,6,7 of August, 30th September, October 1st
• Contact Number +30 24320 22278, Email:  [email protected]
• Entrance ticket: €3 per person. Kids up to 12 years old don’t pay entrance fees

Greek Local Wine Tip: The Great Meteoron Monastery has a 25-acre vineyard and produces 4 different Greek varieties of excellent wine. Ask them, how you can taste/ buy a bottle of unique wine made by the monks.

The Monastery of Varlaam

The Monastery of Varlaam, set on a rock across the Great Meteoron at 370 meters, was founded by monk Varlaam in the 13th century but was renovated in 1542 by priest monks and siblings Theophanes and Nektarios. Today just 7 monks live permanently in the Monastery. The Church is dedicated to All Saints and one of the most impressive things to see is the magnificent Catholicon.

The post-Byzantine frescoes that depict the Virgin and Child, the Liturgy of Angels, the Crucified, and the Pantocrator on the dome are masterpieces of art.

Like the Great Meteoron, don’t miss visiting the Clerical exhibits, the old manuscripts, and the other complementary chambers.

How to Visit Varlaam Monastery

• Summer timetable: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 16:00. Closed on Fridays
• Winter timetable: 09:30 to 15:00. Closed on Thursdays and Fridays
• Contact Number +30 24320 22277

You may also enjoy: 30 Best Destinations in Greece

Roussanou Monastery

The Roussanou Monastery, a nunnery, was founded during the 14th century but the main Church was built in 1545 and was dedicated to Saint Barbara. The entire plateau of its rock peak is covered by its building complex with a beautiful garden. This is a small monastery, compared to the others but the views are incredible, as you can see 3 other monasteries in one direction.

During WWII all the Meteora Monasteries suffered looting and many invaluable objects were taken or destroyed. However, a priest from Kalambaka, Christos Mpentas, (1883-1979) contributed substantially to the rescue and preservation of the manuscripts, hiding them in crypts or transporting them to safe places.

You can visit the museum inside the Roussanou Monastery with icons and manuscripts from the 13th century. The manuscripts have been transformed into digital docs from Kalambaka Library and you can see them here .

The small group of dedicated nuns, besides their monastic work of keeping the Monastery running, welcoming visitors from all over the world, and exercising their religious duties, are also busy with candle handcrafting, sawing, icon painting, and olive oil production.

How to Visit Roussanou Monastery

• Summer timetable: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 16:00. Closed on Wednesdays
• Winter timetable: 09:00 to 14:00. Closed on Wednesdays
• Contact Number +30 24320 22649

Agios (St) Stefanos Monastery

This is the second nunnery of the Meteora Monasteries and the only Monastery visible from Kalambaka due to its lower elevation. It is not certain when exactly Agios Stefanos was founded but it is considered the most peaceful and spiritually uplifting Monastery and offers a sense of tranquility in spite of the crowds.

You really shouldn’t miss this monastery as the chapel frescoes are incredibly done! The exhibits include calligraphed manuscripts, rare vessels, gold-plated amphorae, silver-bound, and carved crosses, as well as the impressive Deposition by Emmanuel Tzane, a work of 1670.

St. Stephen’s Monastery also has two cathedrals; the old 16th-century chapel and the 18th-century main cathedral that is dedicated to Agios Charalambos and includes his holy relics.

How to Visit Agios Stefanos Monastery

• Summer timetable: Visiting Hours: 09:00 to 13:20 & 15:30-17:30. Closed on Mondays
• Winter timetable: 09:30 to 13:00 & 15:00-17:00. Closed on Mondays
• Contact Number +30 24320 22279

Agia Triada (Holy Trinity) Monastery

The Agia Triada Monastery is built northwest of Agios Stephanos, on a high rock with beautiful views of Kalambaka, the Pinios River, and the high mountains of Koziakas and Chasia.

The Monastery was founded by a few brave monks – like all Meteora Monasteries – in the early 14th century. The Monastery was built in 1438 and the building materials were carried on top for more than 70 years! The main church was built in 1475-76 and today only 4 monks live in it. 

The Monastery of Agia Triada became famous as it was featured in the James Bond film, ‘Four Your Eyes Only’. Unfortunately, the monastery was looted during WWII but there are still many valuable objects to see.

Don’t miss the chapel of St. John the Baptist, a small circular church with a vault, hewed on the rock, or the old copy of the Gospel with the silver cover printed in Venice in 1539.

How to Visit Agia Triada Monastery

• Summer timetable: Visiting Hours: 09:00-17:00. Closed on Thursdays
• Winter timetable: 10:00-15:00. Closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays
• Contact Number +30 24320 22220

Agios Nicholaos (St) Anapafsas Monastery

Driving up the road from Kastraki towards the Meteora rocks you will find on the left side the monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas built on three-level vertical planning.

The first monks made it to the top of the rock early 14th century and the monastery was renovated in the early 16th century by St Dionysios Metropolitan Bishop of Larissa.

The best things to see are the chapel of St Antonios with spectacular old murals, a crypt, and the Catholicon of St Nicholas, from its windows, the visitors can admire murals of unbelievable beauty.

The Catholicon, with the strange shape of the rock, was painted by the famous Cretan painter Theofanis Strelitzias.

How to Visit Agios Nicholas Anapafsas

• Summer timetable: Visiting Hours: 09:00-17:00. Open every day
• Winter timetable: Visiting Hours: 09:00-16:00. Open every day
• Contact Number +30 24320 22375

Where Best to Stay in Meteora Monasteries

There are hotels with Meteora rocks views in Kalambaka town and the nearby village (2.7 km from Kalambaka) of Kastraki. If you wonder whether it is better to stay in Kalambaka or Kastraki I would say that Kastraki offers more charm and Kalambaka has more commerce.

As I love charm and peaceful villages myself I have singled out my favorite hotels and houses in Kastraki:

Hotel Doupiani House is in a spectacular location in Kastraki, with a panoramic view of both Meteora rocks and the valley. Doupiani House is a very highly rated hotel .

  Archontiko Mesohori Suites & Apartments is another gorgeous 4-star accommodation in Kastraki surrounded by the imposing Meteora rocks.

If you prefer self-catering and houses then you should stay at the exceptional (9.8 in Booking) Zosimas House great for a group of up to 6 persons.

The house under the rocks of Meteora is a fantastic choice for a group of up to 5 persons.

I highly recommend visiting the  Museum of Geological Formations  in Kastraki to learn more about the natural processes shaping the rocks of Meteora. Entry is free of charge.

Best Lookout Points in Meteora

Besides visiting the monasteries, one of the top things to do in Meteora is to discover the best lookout points and take some epic photos! Two great spots to check out are:

• Psaropetra lookout – near Holy Trinity
• Main Observation near Roussanou

If you are not sure how to find the lookout, there are guided tours that will show you the best photo locations around Meteora, some of which are known only to locals as they are not on the map.

Meteora Monasteries Dress Code

All the monks and nuns of Meteora Monasteries have the vision to keep Orthodox monasticism alive and to hand it over to the next generation of monks and nuns. In this effort, adapting visitors to the rules of entry to the monasteries (modest dress, decent behavior) is particularly important to them, which is not only a matter of discipline but generally of intellectual culture, respect, and politeness of a civilized visitor.

You will not be allowed into the Monasteries if you wear shorts, and have uncovered shoulders. Please wear blouses and T-shirts with a sleeve. For the women, some of the monasteries may provide wrap-up skirts or shawls. No need to cover your head with a scarf.

• Please reduce the volume of your cell/mobile ringtone, keep your voice down, and avoid touching the artifacts.
• Photos/videos are strictly forbidden .

How to Get to Meteora

There are no direct flights from Athens to Meteora or a nearby town. The most scenic way to see the beautiful route to Meteora Monasteries is a road trip in your rental car . If you are not confident about driving in Greece – although the national roads are in fantastic condition, and very easy to navigate – you can take the Trains (OSE) or the KTEL buses.

Alternatively, you can book a guided tour for a 2 or 3-day tour to Meteora, to combine it with visiting other fantastic places in Greece.

How Long do you Need in Meteora Monasteries?

Many visitors stay for at least one night in Kalambaka, the town at the feet of Meteora Rocks. They often combine the tour with a stop at the Delphi archaeological site on a 2 to 3-day trip from Athens.

Others make a one-day trip to Meteora from Athens or from Thessaloniki. It may be doable and you may only have one day but:

• You will spend most of your time in the car, driving
• You will have time to see 1 or 2 max of the Monasteries and that in a hurried fashion because most of the monasteries close by 3 or 4 pm, especially if it is during winter

If possible, put aside 2-4 days for the Meteora Monasteries, for hiking opportunities, sunset watching, and photography, and exploring other beautiful sights such as the Paleolithic Cave of Theopetra, Trikala town, and Elati village.  

The visit to Meteora can also be combined with a trip through Zagorochoria, Ioannina towards the western part of Greece and the Ionian Islands ( Corfu , Zakynthos , Kefalonia , Paxos , Lefkada ).

How Best to Visit Meteora Monasteries if you are Mobility-Challenged

• Most of the Monasteries have an ascending path that starts from the parking area to the stone steps which have been carved into the rock and take you to the Monastery entrance
• To get to the Great Meteoron Monastery you will need to walk up 300 steps, and it is one of the less accessible Monasteries. There is no lift.
• For the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, you can either walk up more than 140 steps or take the cable car that you can use to go up

• The Monastery of Roussanou’s main access is from its northwest side where you get by car. Then you have to walk up about 200 steps and cross a bridge but there are benches for rest.
• The Monastery of St Stefanos is the most accessible one. There is a small solid bridge leading straight to the entry from the car park and only a couple of wide steps to enter the main complex.
• Varlaam and Saint Nicholas Anapafsas Monasteries have an average number of 140 steps.
• Many people who can’t walk up the stairs, enjoy driving the loop around Meteora and stopping for pictures. Park as near as possible to each monastery entrance as they are good vantage points and fun to watch the hordes of tourists climbing up and down the many stairs, like lines of ants.

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Did you visit the Meteora Monasteries? Let me know what you think about visiting Meteora in the comments, I’d love to hear whether I managed to get it onto your bucket list! Till next time, Evgenia❤️

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6 Awe-inspiring Monasteries in Meteora

By Fiona Fiorentino · Last updated on October 3, 2023

Perched on the peaks of towering sandstone pillars formed millions of years ago stand the monasteries of Meteora, most of which were constructed during the Middle Ages. The Greek word meteora means “suspended in the air,” and this phrase aptly describes these remarkable Greek Orthodox monasteries. As one of the most spectacular sights in Greece, the Meteora monasteries not only offer incredible views of the surrounding landscape but a unique perspective of medieval monastic life as well.

Six of the original complexes are still inhabited by clergy who welcome visitors from all over the globe. The picturesque town of Kalabaka situated at the foot of the peaks serves as a comfortable base camp for treks to the top.

6. St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery [SEE MAP]

The relatively small Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas is often overlooked during tours of the monasteries, but the easily accessible complex is definitely worth a visit. The 14th-century monastery boasts some of the finest frescoes in Meteora. The famed Cretan painter Theophanis Strelitzas adorned the main chapel with lively illustrations of Biblical scenes as well as depictions of 16th-century monastic life. The road from Kastraki takes visitors to the base of the peak where 150 steps lead to the monastery entrance.

5. Rousanou Monastery [SEE MAP]

Lower in elevation than the other six major monasteries in Meteora, the Holy Monastery of Rousanou is one of the easiest to access, and a newly restored bridge makes the trek over its sheer cliff walls considerably less frightening too. Founded in the 16th century, the monastery became a nunnery in 1988. The friendly nuns who greet visitors at the door stand in stark contrast to the gruesome scenes of martyrdom depicted in the main chapel’s well-preserved frescoes. The pretty courtyards and gardens outside are much more cheerful, and they provide the perfect backdrop for picture-taking.

4. St. Stephen Monastery [SEE MAP]

The only monastery in Meteora visible from Kalambaka, the Holy Monastery of St. Stephen has been a place of pilgrimage since the 14th century when Byzantine emperor Andronicus Paleologos visited and subsequently funded the original church. Built in the 1500s, the present church features the skull of St. Charalambos, which is believed to have miraculous healing powers. The monastery suffered much damage in the 20th century: it was bombed in World War II by the Germans while most of the frescoes were defaced by Communist rebels during the Greek Civil War. St. Stephen’s was virtually abandoned until 1961, when it became a nunnery. The 15th-century refectory has been converted into a museum that displays finely embroidered robes and tapestries. The monastery is easily reached by a bridge from the main road. The nuns welcome visitors and sometimes offer their handmade embroideries for sale.

3. Varlaam Monastery [SEE MAP]

The second largest of the Meteora monasteries, the Holy Monastery of Varlaam offers a glimpse of the difficulties the monks encountered when building their hilltop sanctuaries. It took 22 years to bring all the building materials to the summit. The tower, receiving platform and rope basket used to hoist the supplies are on display in the refectory museum. Until the 20th century, the only way for visitors to reach Varlaam was to be hoisted up as well. Today, 195 steps carved into the stone cliff face lead visitors to the summit. Inside, frescoes cover the walls of the main chapel, including a harrowing depiction of the Apocalypse.

2. Great Meteoron Monastery [SEE MAP]

The oldest and largest of the Meteora monasteries, the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron is the highest too, rising more than 615 meters (2,000 feet) above the valley floor. Founded by St. Athanasios, whose disciples included exiled royalty, Great Meteoron has long been considered the most prestigious of the monasteries as well. Visitors who climb the more than 300 steps to the apex gain access to a grand complex that includes a large 14th-century church, a small museum, a wine cellar and a shaded courtyard. For many visitors, the most memorable display is at the sacristy where the skulls of the monastery’s former occupants are lined up neatly on shelves.

1. Holy Trinity Monastery [SEE MAP]

Featured as a setting in the 1981 James Bond thriller “For Your Eyes Only,” the Holy Trinity Monastery is perhaps the most recognizable of the Meteora monasteries. Situated atop a lone rocky pinnacle, it’s also one of the most challenging monasteries to reach. From the parking area, visitors first descend 140 steps down a steep ravine, and then climb another 140 steps up to the compound. Most visitors find the hike well worth the effort. With its domed chambers, fully restored 17th-century frescoes and picture-perfect vistas, the Holy Trinity Monastery rewards visitors with an experience that won’t be soon forgotten.

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Home | How To Visit the Meteora Monasteries in 2024 – Organized Tours or Self-Guided Visits?

How To Visit the Meteora Monasteries in 2024 – Organized Tours or Self-Guided Visits?

by Violeta Matei | Greece Travel Planning , Mainland Greece

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Majestic Meteora Monasteries Sunset Tour

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• ✔️ Round-trip door-to-door transfers from Kalabaka and Kastraki
• ✔️ Visit the Byzantine Church of Virgin Mary in the old city of Kalabaka, the Hermitages of Badovas and the secret caves
• ✔️ Duration: 4 hours
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Private Meteora All Inclusive 2-Day Tour from Athens by Train

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• ✔️ Learn how to get the most out of your camera with personalized tutorials and guidance
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Meteora monasteries are simply fabulous. Their architecture and the way they are perched on those giant rocks will impress any traveler, no matter how experienced. This religious orthodox complex, which is located in central Greece, boasts one of the most wonderful and intriguing landscapes on Earth. You can’t but admire these man-made constructions that defeat nature in such a way.

The Meteora monasteries complex is the second most important orthodox site in Greece, after Mount Athos. Unlike Mount Athos, though, Meteora monasteries can be visited by women. Well, for reaching some of them you have to be in good physical shape, as you’ll need to climb lots of stairs to get there.

The good news is that many of these monasteries are fairly easy to reach, even though they seem inaccessible at first sight. They are also highly photogenic. Pair your photos with some quotes about Greece and you’re set to amaze your friends and social media followers.

Meteora is a Unesco Heritage site in two categories: art and nature. This is one more proof that the natural landscape in majestic and surprising. These sandstone formations are amazing just as they are. When you add the beautiful monasteries on top of these rocks, the landscape becomes surreal. I’ve been fascinated with the seamless way the monasteries “grow” on these cliff tops as if they were natural and not man-made.

Contents of How To Visit the Meteora Monasteries in 2024 – Organized Tours or Self-Guided Visits?

• Where in Greece Is Meteora?
• What Is Meteora?
• How To Get from Athens to Meteora by Train
• How To Get from Athens to Meteora by Bus
• How To Get from Thessaloniki to Meteora by Train
• How To Get from Thessaloniki to Meteora by Bus
• What Is the Best Time To Visit Meteora?
• St. Stephen’s Convent (Agios Stefanos)
• Great Meteoron Monastery
• Varlaam Monastery
• Roussanou Monastery
• The Holy Trinity Monastery
• St. Nikolaos Anapafsas
• Where to Sleep in Meteora?
• Organized Tours to Meteora or Self-Guided Trips?
• Is Meteora Worth Visiting?

The monastic complex at Meteora is located in Thessaly, in Central Greece, very close to Kalabaka (other common spelling variants of this name are Kalambaka or Kalampaka) and Trikala. It is very close to the Pindus Mountains and the Pineios river.

The asphalt road that leads here is very good, although curvy and rather narrow. Nonetheless, you don’t need an off-road vehicle to get to Meteora. Any car would do just fine, as long as you don’t fear driving at high altitude on the edge of the abyss. You don’t even need a car, as you can get here by either train or bus. Public transport offers you the great benefit of not having to take a look to see where in Greece is Meteora, as you’d only need to take a train or a bus to get there.

If I didn’t have my own car, I would have chosen a private tour from Kalabaka to see the rocks in the sunset, during the golden hour , or this 5 hour hiking tour of Meteora .

According to the German geologist Filipson, the huge rock formations at Meteora are the result of natural erosion caused by the river which supposedly covered what is today the Thessaly plain. Orthodox monks were too smart to allow all sorts of enemy hoards spoil their serenity. After living in caves for a while, the ascetics built the 21 Meteora monasteries on top of the sandstone megaliths, thus securing a life free from intruders. Most of these rocks on which the Meteora monasteries were built average 1,000 feet (300 m) in height, but there are some that reach 1,800 feet (550 m).

You’ll feel very small as you’re going to stand there, on the edge of the road, looking up to the walls of those monasteries which seem to have been born from the rock itself.

How To Get to Meteora, Greece?

Getting to Meteora from Athens: you can take the train or the bus, or you can rent a car. If you go for a car rental, you may want to stop by Delphi on your way to Meteora, to see the ruins of this ancient temple. Make sure you have at least one hour for Delphi, because the site is huge and you’ll need to climb to get to the top of the hill. There will be tourist buses, so the place will get crowded. Nonetheless, only a small percentage out of all people climb to the ancient stadium on top of the hill. Get there for a cool panorama of the valley.

If you don’t want to drive, the train is perhaps the best option to get to Meteora from Athens. You need to take the Athens Metro Red Line to Anthoupoli, and get off at Larissa Station. If you come straight from the Airport, you’ll be on the Blue Line, and you’ll change at Syntagma. If you are in the center of Athens, just get to Syntagma Square and take the Red Line metro directly.

From Larissa Station, you have to take the train to Kalabaka. I’m not sure how they spell it in Greek, but you should know it is the same as Kalampaka or Kalambaka. Once you’re on the train, you can relax and even take a nap, because Kalabaka is the end of the line. Keep in mind that the train ride takes almost five hours each way, so make sure you have snacks and water with you. They should serve some refreshments in the train, but I’m not very sure, so you’d better be prepared.

Check out this full day train tour from Athens to Meteora Monasteries, and book it here at the price of today, [todaysdate]. You’ll travel by train by yourself, meet the guide and the other members of your group in the Kalabaka train station, and get on a luxury minibus for a 3.5-hour tour of the Meteora Monasteries. You’ll visit all 6 clifftops, but you have to keep in mind that not all monasteries are open every day, so you may only visit one or two inside. Anyway, the most spectacular thing about Meteora is the scenery with buildings on clifftops and huge rocks carved by water and winds.

If you want to take a bus to Meteora, you need to take the Metro (Green Line) to Kato Patissia station. You can take the Green Line Metro at Monastiraki, and you need to head towards Kifissia on the Green Line. At Kato Patissia station, you have to get off the metro and either walk or take a taxi to get to the Liossion Bus Station. The distance is of 1km, so walking shouldn’t be a problem, unless you’re in a hurry or you have physical constrains.

At Liossion Station  you’ll take a bus to Trikala, which is the big town nearby Kalampaka and Meteora. From Trikala, you have to take another bus to Kalampaka. All these are a bit tricky, as you need to change too many buses to have a comfortable trip. As there are over 400 km from Athens to Kalampaka, you can expect the travel to take 4-5 hours, without taking into consideration the waiting time.

If you are a group of maximum 7 people, you should check out this private tour from Athens to Meteora, here at the price of today, [todaysdate]. The driver will pick you up from your hotel, and you’ll embark on a full-day trip that includes also a delicious Greek lunch.

There are many flights from various cities in Europe to Thessaloniki. While Thessaloniki is a beautiful city, the best part are the day trips you can take from here. Getting to Meteora from Thessaloniki by train is easy. Trains depart from the New Railway Station, or “Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos” which you can reach by public bus or by taxi. You’ll need to take a train to Kalampaka, which is the last station on this line. As most trains from Thessaloniki to Kalambaka switch at Palaeofarsalos, you’ll need to stay tuned until you pass this point Also, the return train timetable in advance, so that you can plan your visit to the monasteries.

The bus is a great option to get to Meteora from Thessaloniki. You have to get to the KTEL bus station in Thessaloniki. There are many city bus lines that take you there, so you won’t have a problem with that. From this bus station, hop on a bus to Trikala, and then take another bus to Kalambaka. Should you be willing to spend one night in Kalambaka or Trikala, you can take an evening bus from Thessaloniki (I think the last one leaves at 9pm. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.

If you’re keen on traveling by train, you can buy your tickets in advance here . If you prefer the bus, you’ll pay your fare to the driver. If you are by car, keep in mind that some portions of the travel are on toll roads. I found it funny that they charge you 2 Euro every few kilometers instead of letting you go as far as you need and charge you the total amount when you exit the motorway.

Click here to book your spot on this bus tour from Thessaloniki to Meteora . You won’t have to bother with anything, just relax and enjoy your guided tour.

Peak season is between July and October. If you want to avoid the crowds, you can visit Meteora, Greece, in the beginning of June or mid-October. Nonetheless, you should keep an eye on the weather forecast, as it can get quite rainy during these months.

I’ve been to Meteora twice: once in June and the second time in September. I’ve been blessed with good weather both times. Although in June it was overcast, it didn’t rain a lot, so I had a great time visiting the monasteries. Unfortunately, most photos from that tour came out dull. However, if you’re lucky to get to Meteora on a sunny day, you’ll experience one of the most amazing sunsets you can imagine. Late fall could also be a great time to visit, as the foliage changes from green to a rainbow of warm colors, creating an epic scenery.

When I visited Meteora in September, I arrived just before the sunset. Watching the sunset on the rocks is a wonderful experience. The photos of the monasteries and of the mountains came off pretty good, as well.

This is the town of Kalambaka –  view from Meteora

As the winter opening hours are different from the summer ones, you should check the schedule before planing your trip to Meteora.

Here are a few photos I’ve taken on my second trip to Meteora, in early September, on a lovely weather.

The Meteora Monasteries

Out of the 21 Meteora monasteries, only six are still erect today. Two of them are nunneries, the other four being inhabited by monks. If you want to visit all of them, you’ll need 2-3 days. The trail between the monasteries is quite long. Besides, not all monasteries are open every day, so you won’t be able to see them all in one day, even if you forget about hiking and go by car. There are also other interesting landmarks in the Kalambaka area such as the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary and the prehistoric cave in Theopetra.

Located on the southern edge of Meteora, Agios Stefanos is the closest monastery to Kalabaka. The access is very easy thanks to the stone bridge that connects the monastery with the main road. Nowadays the bridge is permanent, as opposed to past times when it was mobile. The easy access, with no stairs to climb, makes the Saint Stephen Monastery accessible to travelers with walking problems.

The Agios Stefanos monastery is closed on Mondays.

The Great Meteoron is the biggest of the Meteora monasteries. Easily accessible by car and bus, it is almost always packed with tourists. I’d suggest you either get there before 9am or skip it altogether. We were there, on the mountain around 8:30 am and we already saw at least three buses stopping by the Great Meteoron.

The Great Meteoron Monastery is closed on Tuesdays.

For some reason, Varlaam is my favorite monastery in Meteora. Its history goes back in time to year 1350, when the priest and monk Varlaam built a small church and a few dwellings on top of this rock which served him as home. Unfortunately, after his death, nobody took care of those constructions, so they eventually collapsed.

About 200 years had to pass until the brothers Nectarios and Theofanis climbed this rock and built another church on the ruins of the old one. Today, Varlaam monastery has three churches. It shelters some beautiful frescoes, ancient pottery and various holy items. This Greek monastery also boasts a big library.

Water storage in Varlaam monastery, Meteora Greece. I was sure they used it for wine, but the books say it was water all the way.

The Varlaam Monastery is closed on Fridays.

If you want a station point for stunning images of Meteora and of Varlaam and Metamorphosis monasteries, Roussanou is the place to go. Located on a relatively smaller rock, this monastery is easier to access than many others.

If you get to the Holy Trinity monastery a few minutes before 9am, you’ll be able to see the cable car in motion (and take some cool photos). Unfortunately, the cabin is completely closed and made from metal, so there’s nothing spectacular about it other than the fact that it slides on those ropes. Nonetheless, this is one of the best places to start your tour from.

Although the monastery seems very difficult to get to, don’t let yourself intimidated by that. The stairway is carved into the rock and it isn’t too steep. If you don’t have any disabilities, you should be able to climb it without problems. I’ve seen a lot of seniors doing it.

The Holy Trinity is closed on Thursdays

As it is the first one to access when you come from Kalambaka, this monastery is hard to miss. If this is your first time to Meteora Greece, you’ll probably stop for photos, as you’ll be impressed with the dramatic scenery. I don’t have any good photos of Saint Nikolaos Anapafsas, but I’ll be there in less than one week. Meanwhile, keep an eye on my Facebook page where I’ll post photos from my road trip across mainland Greece.

This holy monastery is closed on Fridays.

If you want to have a good choice of hotels and restaurants, you should get accommodation in Kalambaka. If you want to be even closer to the monasteries, you should try to find accommodation in Kastraki (Kastrakion), the village nearby Meteora.

I’ve been reading on some websites that Kastraki caters mainly to those who love a rural style accommodation. However, I found it to be quite developed, so I’d say it is for all types of travelers. You’ll find accommodation with panoramic view to Meteora monasteries in both Kalambaka and Kastraki.

How would you like a room with a view like the one above? That was the view from my room in Kalambaka, hotel Kosta Famissi – find the current rates and book a room here .

If you want to stay in Kastraki, take a look at Kastelia , a guest house that offers room with kitchen and private bathroom. This is the perfect place to stay if you want to hike or get to some of the Meteora monasteries by foot.

This is a tough one. On one hand, getting to see the Meteora monasteries with a guide will enable you to find out lots of details and historical facts, while also enjoying the breathtaking views of this place. On the other hand, doing your own thing enables you to stop wherever you like and to customize your tour as you wish.

Here are a few Meteora tours you may want to take a closer look at. Even if you don’t book any of them, they can serve you as planning guide, as they can help you understand how much time you need to visit each monastery and what else to visit in the area.

My answer is a big YES. Meteora is one of the must-see places in Greece, even if you have to take a day trip from Athens. If possible, try to spend at least one night in the area, in order to enjoy the sunset on the cliffs.

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Your Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Monasteries of Meteora, Greece

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The Monasteries of Meteora are one of the world’s best kept secrets. Just five hours north of Athens you’ll find a real-life Game of Thrones location, with 6 working monasteries built on top of impossibly shaped rocks. This is Meteora, Greece.

The landscape may seem familiar, having served as the motivation for the fictional city of Eyrie, but very few people are actually aware that Meteora exists. This is because the resident monks are doing their best to keep the site a secret. After all, their numbers have gone from 24 working monasteries to 6, since it’s nearly impossible to live a monk’s lifestyle while dealing with an influx of 3,000 to 4,000 visitors a day.

There’s no escaping it–the secret’s out. And interest in the area has been growing exponentially since UNESCO declared the rocks a World Heritage Site in 1988.

Once I saw a picture of this place, I knew I had to visit. The decision was an easy one given that I visited Athens in January, so an excursion to the Greek islands was out.

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If you’re interested in seeing this amazing, once in a lifetime location, here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit!

How to Get to Meteora

You can reach Meteora by car, bus or train. The cheapest and only non-stop option from Athens is the train, which you can purchase online here . I highly recommend booking in advance as the trains sell out quickly and have limited departures. Trains leave from Larissa Station and arrive in Kalambaka, the town at the foot of the monasteries of Meteora.

You can choose your seat online, they’re all basically the same coach seating with space for your luggage overhead or in luggage racks at the entrance of the trolley. There are bathrooms on board but they’re not always well stocked so bring your own toilet paper and soap if possible.

I left from Athens at 8:27am and arrived at Kalambaka (the town at the bottom of the rocks of Meteora) at approximately 1:40pm, taking a little over 5 hours. Note that while the departure time is strict, the arrival estimate is usually delayed by at least a half hour.

Also, while a taxi into Larissa Station only cost me €4, leaving I paid €20, with the driver citing an alleged hike of prices for taxis leaving from the train station. Given the influx of other passengers disembarking and waiting for a taxi and my desire to check into my AirBnB apartment at then 11pm at night, I acquiesced to the price hike.

You also have the option of driving yourself to Meteora with a rental car, which allows you to see other stops along the way like Olympia and the Oracle of Delphi. This is the best option if you’re looking for flexibility since it’ll be hard to take public transport to those areas from Kalambaka.

Your last and least convenient option is the bus. You leave from Liossion bus station in Athens and connect in Trikala before ultimately arriving in Kalambaka. Tickets are purchased at the bus station with cash and the bus schedule can be found here .

Where to Stay in Meteora

There are two towns at the base of Meteora with options for lodging at all price levels–Kalambaka and Kastraki. Both are easily accessible and immediately adjacent to each other, with Kastraki being slightly closer to the rocks.

I stayed in the Grand Meteora Hotel in Kastraki for the view (pictured above), and I was not disappointed. Everything about the hotel was comfortable. Seemingly endless hot water, a plentiful breakfast buffet and the chance to snuggle up by the fireplace in the main lobby. Not to mention, the staff was polite and accommodating.

How to Get Around Meteora

Getting around here is easy. If you have a rental car, there’s really only one main road and a ton of signs so you can’t get lost, drive your heart out. If you’re on a budget, like me, there’s taxis for €5-7 a trip depending on where you’re going, and you can plan it out such that you don’t have to take more than 2 taxis a day.

Where to Eat

Panellinio. Panellinio. Panellinio ! I cannot say this enough, hands down the best food I had my entire time in Greece. The moussaka came straight from heaven and they served the most amazing, melt-in-your-mouth lamb I’ve ever tasted. I went back here twice, that’s how good this place was!

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They have an open kitchen, so you can see the chefs working away, and I had a chance to meet them. They are hands-on, no catered or frozen meals here. Everything is authentic and fresh, just trust me and go, your taste buds will thank you.

Visiting the Monasteries of Meteora

There are 6 working monasteries in total, 2 of which have nuns. Of course, the monastery run by females is the most decorative and well maintained of the bunch, so don’t miss a stop at St. Stephen’s monastery if you’re limited on time. You can’t see all 6 monasteries of Meteora in one day because they alternate day that they close, so if possible go for an overnight trip.

Women will need to wear skirts to enter the monasteries, and cover ups are they’re provided at the entrance if you are not appropriately attired. The fee to enter is €3 per person and is not included in most tours. It’s cash only and small change is highly encouraged.

The two biggest monasteries that draw the greatest number of visitors are Great Meteora and Varlaam. The names of all six working monasteries are as follows:

• St. Stephen’s Nunnery
• Great Meteoron Monastery
• Roussanou Monastery
• Holy Trinity Monastery
• Varlaam Monastery
• St. Nikolaos Anapafsas

Their schedules vary depending on the season (winter or summer) and they close on different days. You can see the full schedule here.

If you’re short on time I recommend the Great Meteora monastery, Varlam and St. Stephen’s nunnery to get a good mix of the highlights.  

Tours of Meteora

There are currently two tour groups operating in Meteora– Visit Meteora  and Meteora Thrones. Simply by means of having come across them first, I went with Visit Meteora and booked their winter special for two consecutive trips. Half price, as if you needed another reason to visit in the off season!

I don’t have anything to compare them to, but my experience was pretty out of this world in both instances.

First, I signed up for the sunset tour at 2pm. Recall that I told you the train arrived late at 1:40PM–by the time I got to the hotel to check in it was 1:55pm and they showed up early. So off I went without freshening up, hence my less than stellar appearance in some of these photos.

That said, these guys are experts at capturing the scenery of the location and know the best spots to pose given the light and time of day. Even better, they will gladly take dozens of photographs of you upon request. If you’re looking for social media friendly shots of the monasteries of Meteora, this is the tour for you.

I took all these photos in this post with an iPhone 6. While I wish I’d had a DSLR camera for the trip, I was amazed at the results on my camera phone alone.

In addition to being great photographers, the guides were also storytellers and regaled us with tales of the tradition behind a rock climbing competition in the city with a scarf as the prize. Up for grabs? The chance at eternal love. You’ll leave the monasteries of Meteora with not an appreciation not only for the nature and surroundings, but local culture as well.

Hiking in Meteora

If you’re even moderately fit, I recommend hiking the area in the morning. You can do this yourself as the trails are well carved out, but I would highly recommend going with a guide as they’re familiar with the rocks and can offer insight that going alone will not provide. Our guide grew up hiking and playing on these mountains and knew them inside and out. He showed us how the monks built the monasteries of Meteora with limited tools and manpower and even showed us a spot where we could step inside a 600 year-old hollow tree.

Unique Souvenirs

Don’t forget to support the monasteries and do a little shopping before you leave . There are so many reasonably priced items available, including handmade soap with Greek olive oil, hand-stitched linens and even rock jewelry so you can take home a rock from Meteora, all for under €1o.

Do you have questions or thoughts about the monasteries of Meteora? I’d love to hear from you.

Till next time, safe travels!

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Liked this post? Pin me below!

Wednesday 24th of July 2019

Hi Jen, OMG this is so useful and exciting. I will be there at the end of August/beginning of September and can't wait to see this place first hand. Thank you for sharing your experience and I already save the place to eat.

Hope J Smith

Monday 10th of June 2019

Is there an email where I can write to you? I have a few more questions on this trip I am going in August of this year.

Jen on a Jet Plane

Friday 14th of June 2019

You can reach me at [email protected] :)

Saturday 30th of June 2018

Brilliant piece on Meteora, best one I have read so far. Will definitely be following all your tips when we visit next year.

Tuesday 3rd of July 2018

Thank you Penny! I hope you have a great visit, let me know if there's anything else I can help with in your planning process!

Tuesday 18th of July 2017

Oh it looks so stunning! Greece us on the bucket list for sure thanks for sharing

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HOW TO VISIT METEORA MONASTERIES AND SURROUNDS IN 2024

updated January 2024

Are you ready to explore some of the most amazing and unique geography that Greece has to offer? Whether you’re on your first Greek holiday, or you’re now planning to visit after many years of Greek Island hopping , the mainland of Greece should not be overlooked. When you visit Meteora you will experience one of the most prized cultural and historical landmarks in the country, and in fact in all of Europe.

There is nothing quite like Meteroa anywhere in the world!

Often described as stunning works of architecture set in a landscape that is as unique as it is breath-taking, the six monasteries of Meteora are visited every year by many tourists yet still seem uncrowded and completely accessible.

They also represent an important part of Greek history and the link between the early formation of Christian doctrine and the Turkish occupation of Greece during the 11th century AD.

How to get to Meteora

There are two ways to get to Meteora: either by signing up for one of the numerous guided Meteora tours from Athens or Thessaloniki or by using your own means of transport and staying a night or two in the city of Kalambaka or the village of Kastraki, and visiting the monasteries at your own pace.

  Book a Meteora Tour

The great thing about joining a Meteora Tour is that you don’t have to plan much of anything, and the itinerary you follow takes into account when each of the monasteries is open.

There are a number of tours you can consider, such as the 3 day Rail Tour , the stunning Meteora Sunset Tour or the 3-day coach tour.  If you’re in a hurry, you can even consider a quicker tour like the Half-Day Sightseeing Tour which only takes about four hours plus travel time.

The tour we recommend the most involves staying overnight in the area. This means you can see Meteora at sunset (and sunrise if you are really keen) which really is the best time to see it in all its glory. The colours of the sky behind the extraordinary rock formations is truly something to behold!

This tour is done by a private driver who picks you up in Athens and includes a guide for your time at the Monasteries. You will also stop off at Thermopylae , the battlefield for the ‘ 300′ Spartans in their legendary fight against the Persians. The price is for two people and increases with more people. By using this link you will also  receive a 10% discount!  

Important tips for visiting the Meteora Monasteries!

1. Most of the Monasteries have a lot of stairs! The Grand Meteoron Monastery has the most with over 300 steps, so it does require a reasonable level of mobility and fitness.  Rousanou, Varlaam and Saint Nicolaos have an average number of 140. St. Stephens is the most accessible with only a couple of steps and a small footbridge over to the entry.

2. Not all monastaries are open every day – see the opening times further down in the article. Most people visit two or three monastaries, although they can all be admired from the outside of course.

3. It costs 3 euro per person to visit each one. Children under 12 are free.

4. It is a requirement of all religious sites in Greece to dress modestly. This means covered knees and shoulders. It is good to dress appropriately but if you forget they can rent you scarves/wraps to use for a small fee.

5. It is illegal to fly drones over religious sites in Greece without a permit.

Visit Meteora independently

It is also quite easy to visit Meteora yourself by driving or using public transport. Once there you can either drive yourself around the Monasteries or join a local tour such as this tour from Kalambaka.

Driving to Meteora

To get to Meteora from Athens, you have to travel northwest of the Greek capital and keep going through the Greek countryside until you reach your destination. The roughly 358km trip can be completed in 6-7 hours.

Hiring a taxi or renting a car is a popular choice among foreigners since it provides a more personalized approach to the trip and to the route that you can take. Although more expensive than a bus or a train, this is a good way to visit Meteora, especially if you want to stop at a few other destinations along the way.

If you wish to discover the country at your own leisure,the best option is to hire a car.

To get to Meteora from Athens by car, take the freeway E75 and head to   Lamia-Karditsa-Trikala-Kalambaka.   It will take around 4 hours and 30 minutes (375 km away).

Parking at Meteora

There is plenty of parking at each of the Monasteries and overflow parking at some of the bigger ones. It can get busy between April and October from about 11 am when tour buses arrive so try and get there early or late.

The ring road delivers you quickly and easily from one to the next and is very well kept and maintained. Far from being a hair-raising road experience as is sometimes the case in Greece, this is a very easy place to drive even for novices.

How to get to Meteora by Train 

If you plan on taking the train from Athens, the nearest stop to Meteora is Kalampaka ( see below).

This is a very long day with over 9 hours of traveling and limited time in Meteora. It’s a pleasant enough journey but you won’t be able to stop and see anything else along the way.

There are several trains that depart from Athens (Larissa Railway Station) to Kalambaka every day.   The direct train leaves at 8:20 am and takes 4 hours and 50 minutes. The price of a one-way ticket costs between €15 and €20. The direct train back to Athens departs at 5:22 pm and gets to the capital at 10:12 pm.

For more information check out the Hellenic Train Website (you can usually only book tickets about a month in advance).

If you do want to visit Meteora by train it’s a good idea to do an organised train tour as that way you are managed door to door. You will be picked up from your hotel and taken to the train station, assisted when changing trains, collected at Kalambaka train station, and taken up to see three Monasteries and then return again. 

Announcement! In 2023 many train tracks were badly damaged in the September floods and  some trains have been suspended until further notice. Part of a train trip to Meteora may involve a bus service instead.

Visit Meteora by Bus

It is possible to visit Meteora by bus from many locations including Athens, Volos, Ioannina, Thessaloniki or Patras as well as numerous small towns along the way.

For more information check out the KTel website.

E-Bike Tours of Meteora

This is a relatively new way of getting around the Monasteries and is great for people with some e-bike experience. Once you arrive by car, train, or bus you can rent a bike or join an e-bike tour. It’s especially nice to do this on a sunset tour when the weather is much cooler and the sunset is breathtaking. The Monasteries are still magnificent to see even when closed and the background is simply stunning.

Obviously, these can be weather affected, however.

Hiking in Meteora

Hiking up to the Monasteries is a popular activity. From Kastraki it is possible to do a short hike to two of the monasteries but a serious hike can get you to all of them, as well as the hermit caves. There are several routes and a number of guided tours you can do too. Be mindful of the dress requirements for the Monasteries as stated above.

Fly to Meteora

There is no airport at Meteora nor in the surrounding towns. Athens airport is over four hours away by car. You can however fly from Athens to Ioaninna and hire a car as we have done in the past. This is a very easy and pleasant drive that takes about 90 minutes and there is some stunning scenery along the way.  

Weather in Meteora

Summer is the driest time, storms occurring all year round especially at higher altitudes.

Average monthly temperatures are;  

Where to stay – which Meteora hotels are best?

Do NOT stay in Trikala or anywhere else many of the booking sites will have you believe are in Meteora. They are not. Don’t get me wrong they are nice towns and if you have a few spare days they are really worth some time but not if your objective is to stay near the Monasteries of Meteora.

Kalambaka Hotels

Kalambaka is a nice town of roughly 12,000 inhabitants. The city’s architecture, culture, and fascinating history make it worth a few days or even longer here.  There are a number of places of interest here including the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum as well as the Church of Dormition of the Virgin Mary ( see other Things to Do below).

Hotels in Kalambaka that we recommend are Hotel Kaikis and Epavlis Hotel.

If you don’t have a car you can join a tour from Kalambaka.

Kastraki Hotels

Kastraki is a small and quite charming Greek village that has a number of excellent tavernas and some really picturesque scenery.

It is quiet and peaceful and there are some truly stunning views from some of the hotels especially at sunset and sunrise. You can even walk up to the Monasteries from here if you are fit and adventurous.

We really enjoyed our stay at Doupani House which is a traditional hotel with very friendly service and absolutely breathtaking views. It’s a great choice for a Meteora Hotel. If this is booked out then we recommend Hotel Kastraki which is just around the corner or Tsikeli Hotel for an adults-only experience.

If you are travelling in a group and would like to stay in the area a while ( which I strongly recommend!) then then check out Zosimas House which has 2 bedrooms, can sleep 6 people and has amazing views. For something even bigger then Vista delle Rocce has 3 bedrooms and can sleep up to 8.

If you would like to join a tour to visit the monasteries this tour will pick you up from either Kalambaka or Kastraki.

Where to eat in Meteora

The fertile plains of Thessaly are the food bowl of Greece and grown a multitude of crops year-round that feed the country and other parts of Europe.

As a result, the food on offer at cafes and tavernas is first-rate and has to be some of the most delicious, and best priced, in the country.

If you are able to drive around the area you will see many food stalls selling fruit and vegetables such as berries, apples, walnuts, figs, and grapes as well as honey and smallgoods. Wine in this area is very good and it is possible to visit some local wineries.

Every meal we had in Kastraki and Kalambaka was excellent but these 3 places are exceptional; 

•   Tavern Ouzeri Pappas, Kastraki
•   Taverna Bakaliarakia, Kastraki
•   Meteoron Panorama, Kalambaka

Visit Meteora Monasteries

Each of the six Meteora monasteries have their own stories to reveal and are steeped in history and intrigue. They are all unique and impressive, filled with spiritual wisdom, serenity and the promise of a remarkable travel experience you will never forget.

Opening hours for Meteora Monastaries

Each monastery has its own visiting days and hours, and while one monastery might be open on a certain day, others might be closed. If you’re not following a tour, and you plan on visiting Meteora by taxi, by car or by train, it’s important to plan ahead and consider avoiding the times when the monasteries you are interested in are closed.

That said they are all good and you can still view all of them from the outside, which is arguably the best vantage point anyway.

In 2024 the opening hours for Meteora Monasteries are:

Great Meteoron   09:00-15:00 closed Tuesdays, and Nov 1 to March 31 09:00 – 14:00  closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Holy Trinity   09:00-17:00 closed Thursdays, winter is 10:00 to 16:00 Varlaam   09:00-15:00 closed Tuesdays, and Nov 1 to March 31 09:00 – 14:00 closed Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays Roussanou   10:00-16:00 from April 1 to October 31, and closed Wednesdays. November 1 to March 31st  09:00-14:00  closed Wednesdays St. Stephen   09:00-13:30 and 15:30-17:30 closed Mondays, 09:30 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 17:00 in winter St. Nicholas Anapafsas   09:00-17:00, closed Fridays and Nov 1 to March 31 closes at 17:00 with Sundays being 09:30 to 16:00

The Great Meteoron Monastery

The Great Meteoron Monastery is the oldest, largest and most famous of the monasteries. It is located at an impressive 615 meters above sea level, and it towers above the other monasteries atop a giant and highly imposing stone pillar.

More like a small village than a single Monastery the complex is made up of a series of different buildings.  There are numerous icons and artifacts dating back to the 14th and 15th centuries, as well as a museum, a kitchen and a wine cellar. 

The main cathedral in the central courtyard is embellished with beautiful 16th century frescoes. 

Roussanou monestary

The beautiful wall-paintings of the Catholicon were executed in 1560, when the priest-monk Arsenios was the abbot of the monastery.

Today the Roussanou monastery is inhabited by nuns and has been since 1988. It is set on a lower rock, so you can access it quite easily via a bridge, and inside you’ll find some interesting frescoes.

Varlaam Monastery

Founded around 1350 by a monk named Varlaam, the Varlaam Monastery has a fascinating history, having been abandoned at one time for more than a century. It is the second biggest Monastery and is located across from Great Meteoron.

The elegant monastery Catholicon was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades.

Renovated in 1512, it now houses a famous ecclesiastic museum and a barrel that could at one time hold up to 12 tons of rainwater. Varlaam gives you the best insight into the design, engineering and construction of the monasteries and how the Monks operated for many centuries without modern science or amenities.

You can still see the original winches and nets the monks used to haul goods and indeed, each other, up and down the rock face as well as original wine barrels and food storage.

Other buildings in the Monastery include a kitchen and a small hospital as well as a bibliographic workshop and workshop of equisite gold-embroidery

The word Anapafsis translates to ‘resting’ from Greek so it is thought this monastery is so named as a place to rest before the more arduous journey up to the other monasteries beyond.

The site is small and construction would have been very challenging.  At the entrance of the Monastery lies the Church of St. Anthony and the crypt where the codes and the monastery’s heirlooms were previously stored. Each level is them built vertically and is accessed by a narrow staircase.

Also, you’ll find some prized artwork inside, including the frescoes of the well-known painter, Theophanes Strelitzas.

St. Stephen’s monastery

If your accommodation is in Kalambaka, chances are you can see St. Stephen’s monastery all the way from there, as it’s the only monastery visible from the city.

This monastery is now also inhabited by nuns rather than Monks. Visiting St. Stephens is quite a treat as you will be greeted by the hospitality of the nuns and the unique pieces found in the religious museum inside the monastery, as well as their beautiful gardens. 

St. Stephen’s Monastery also has two cathedrals; the old 16th-century chapel which was severely damaged during WWII and the consequent Greek Civil War , and the 18th-century main cathedral that is dedicated to Saint Charalambos and includes his holy relics.

The monastery is the most accessible and is the best Meteora monastery for people with mobility issues . There is a small solid bridge leading straight to the entry from the carpark and only a couple of wide steps to enter the main complex.

The gardens are really quite impressive as are the amazing views of the entire Valley of Thessaly and the mountain ranges beyond.

Holy Trinity Monastery

Famous for being featured in the James Bond movie, Four Your Eyes Only, the Holy Trinity Monastery, also known as Agia Triada,  is set on a very steep rock and is the most difficult monasteries to access. Close to the Saint Stephen’s Nunnery it has been an organized Monastery since 1362.

Visitors have to follow a pathway that directs them initially to the foot of the rock before they climb 140 steps. Once upon a time, it was only accessed by ropes!

According to its tumultuous history, the monastery was looted during WWII by the Germans, and only a few of the once-prized treasures housed there still remain to this day.

Most popular is the chapel of Timios Prodromos (St John the Forerunner), a small circular church with a cupola, decorated with wall-paintings of fine art dating from 1682.

Other things to do in Meteora and surrounds  

Holy temple of dormition of the virgin mary.

Apart from the Monasteries of Meteora the Byzantine Temple of Dormition of the Mother of God is the most important monument in Kalabaka.

It was erected between the 10th and 11th century on the ruins of an early Christian Royal. It has a three-aisled basilica and, unique to Greece, a central Pulpit.

Part of the floor mosaic is intact whilst the walls are covered in restored paintings and frescoes from the 12th to 17th centuries.

Nowadays the church is still used as a place of worship although a small entry fee is charged for visitors outside service hours.

There are rarely many tourists and it is quite a remarkable place to see and feel the sheer age and gravity for yourself.

Trikala is the capital of Thessaly and is a pretty town less than an hour south of Meteora by car and centrally located on the Thessaly plains. It sits by the Lithaios River and has had a colorful history since antiquity.

There is quite a lot to see and do in the area and you can do many of them as a day trip from Kalambaka or Kastraki whilst visiting Meteora or stay a night or two to dig a bit deeper.

The main sites include:

• Trikala Byzantine Castle
• Osman Shah Mosque
• the archaeological site of Asklepieion of Trikke
• The Old City of Trikala – built between the 17th and 19th centuries 
• several Stone Bridges ( see below)

The stone bridges of Trikala

Sarakina Bridge

One of the largest of the Greek Stone Bridges at 123 meters long this bridge was originally built in 1520 and sits over the river Peneus near Trikala. It was built by Bishop Varrasion of Larisa and originally had six arches.

During the  famous battle in 1878 between local Chieftains and the Turks here there were several casualties in the Turkish defeat. The bridge of Sarakina is approximately 1 Kilometer north-west  from Sarakina village and served the transport  route to Diava. 

Because of its impressive shape and stability Sarkina Bridge is consider a significant monument, not only for the Thessaly Plain, but also for the wider Greek and Balkan area.

Palaiokarya Stone Bridge  

This bridge is quite hard to find and we almost gave up after several wrong turns. I’m very glad we persevered however as it is incredibly beautiful, and due to its hidden nature, devoid of visitors!

The bridge was built at the beginning of the 15th century by the owner of the nearby Dousiko Monastery, Saint Bessarion.

It was built on a rocky trough above the riverbed bridging the Palsiokarites River and aided the Pylis community with their farms and water supply. The dam behind it was not built until 1975  which better helps to irrigate the surrounding valley. As a result, there are two waterfalls that make the bridge quite unique and very special.

To visit Palaiokarya stone bridge you continue west from Pyli and Pyli Stone bridge to Stournareika. Just before you reach Stournareika village you will see a sign for Ropotos village, you continue straight. After a few meters, you will come across the signs for “Ano Palaiokarya”, “Mesi Palaiokarya” and “Palaiokarya”.

Continue on and you will come across the sign below and you turn left on a dirt road. You will come across the bridge in about 100 meters and there is plenty of room to park. There are no shops or facilities here however there are a few good tavernas in the nearby village of Ropotos.

Stone Bridge of Pyli

The Stone Bridge of Pyli is located two kilometers west of the village Pyli and about 20 minutes away from Trikala. It is fairly easy to find and is right on the main road that heads into the mountains. The bridge sits over the Portaikos River and until 1936 this bridge was the only way to get from Thessaly to Epirus.

It was built in 1514 by Saint Bissarion and is the second-largest arch bridge of Thessaly. It has a high stone semicircular arch that is 29 meters wide and 13 meters high and is constructed of limestone and sandstone. The total length is 65 meters.The bridge was restored in 1968 and 1983 and again in2006.

The area around the bridge is lush and green with many big trees and is a lovely spot for a picnic.

There is a large car park  and a number of small shops and stalls selling fruit, snacks, and drinks and is a great stopping off point if you are planning on heading up to the villages of Koziakas, Elati, Pertoyli, Neraidohori and the larger area of Aspropotamos including the ski fields.

The Cave of Theopetra

Considered to be one of the most important prehistoric sites in Greece this cave is home to the oldest known man-made structure in the world, a wall that is believed to be 23,000 years old. It is also where the oldest human footprints in Europe have been found, thought to be from four children.

The site is believed to be over 130,000 years old and numerous artifacts including tools, animal remains and other relics have been found here.

Archeologists believe this is where Modern Humans first evolved from Neanderthals and later transition to farmers after the Ice Age. This truly is the birthplace of farming!

The Cave can be found just outside the village of Theopetra which is 5 kilometres south of Kalambaka/Meteora.

Check the official page for opening hours. 

Final thoughts on visiting Meteora

As you can see there is a lot to see and do when you visit Meteora and it’s not just limited to the Monasteries.

Its a truly extraordinary part of the world and is one of the most most beautiful regions we have ever visited anywhere. The Monasteries are comparable to visiting somewhere like Petra for their sheer grandeur and impressive architecture and engineering and the geology of the area only adds to the awe.

The surrounding valley and mountains are lush, green and provide a real contrast to the dry and sometimes desolate islands many tourists will only see and the area provides great insight into agriculture, farming and other industries based on nature and the environment.

Many people rush this part of the world in a single day or perhaps an overnight trip but in reality, it really is a destination that will continue to impress you even more if you invest a few days into it.

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Visit Meteora And The Magnificent Monasteries In The Mountains

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Home » Visit Meteora And The Magnificent Monasteries In The Mountains

For many, visiting Greece is all about seeing the stunning islands in the Aegean Sea and the historical city of Athens.

But if you turn your attention to the center of Greece, Meteora, one of the nation’s most mesmerizing sights, will appear.

Meteora’s distinctive rock formations and monasteries make it a historically fascinating part of the Thessalia Highlands.

The six monasteries of Meteora are frequently called “beautiful pieces of architecture placed in an environment that is as unique as it is breathtaking.”

They get numerous visitors yearly yet maintain an air of openness and accessibility.

You’re in for a wonderful treat when you visit Meteora Mountain in Greece. You’ll see the incredible sight of old monasteries perched precariously on slender rock pillars.

Using our Meteora guide, you won’t miss a thing on this part of your Greece travel .

Is Meteora Worth Visiting?

There are many best cities to visit in Greece , so is Meterora worth the visit?

Meteora is one of the most unbelievable places on earth ! This area is one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited. It is easy to include on your Greece itinerary from Athens or from Thessaloniki.

The Monasteries’ significant scale, magnificent architecture, engineering, and geology, make them an absolute standout among others.

When you visit the Meteora mountains, you might experience an unsettling feeling of deja vu because it has appeared in several media, including James Bond and Game of Thrones.

Linkin Park also got the name for their Meteora album from Meteora.

We stand by the fact that Meteora is well worth a visit and we recommend anyone visiting Greece for the first time should include at least a day here.

Ideally, you can go for a night or two, but it’s also a fantastic day trip from places like Athens for those who are short on time.

However, if you take your time, it is a place that will continue to astonish you.

Best Monasteries in Meteora

Each of the six monasteries in Meteora has a unique, mystery-filled past.

They are all distinctive and stunning, brimming with spiritual wisdom, calmness, and the promise of an unforgettable vacation experience.

There is an entry fee at each of the major monasteries. Choose a few monasteries to see if you’re on a tight budget.

Also, check the schedule in advance of your visit because they are closed on some days of the week.

We recommend you start your day early because the biggest and most visited monasteries, Great Meteoron and Varlaam, quickly fill up with busloads of people.

Let’s take a look at these beautiful monasteries.

1. Great Meteoron Monastery

The Monastery of Great Meteoron is the largest and oldest of the Meteora monasteries and it’s a striking structure.

A monk from Mount Athos established it in the 14th century AD.

The Great Meteoron Monastery is perched atop a massive stone pillar at a stunning 2,017 feet above sea level, towering over the surrounding monasteries.

The complex comprises numerous structures, and 300 steps and resembles a small village rather than a single monastery.

It has murals of tortured martyrs and depictions of the last judgment in its Catholicon, which is the monastery area where monks pray.

Even if you are not a believer, you will be able to feel the power of the monasteries.

We liked to say a quick prayer ourselves whilst in the churches of the monasteries. There are many reasons why prayer is important .

Inside the church of the Transfiguration, fine frescoes and icons from the 14th to 16th century can be found, as well as golden frescoes of saints and a museum detailing Meteora’s past.

Great Meteoron has three independent museums, including a library with a copy of the Suda. The Byzantine encyclopedia from the 10th century alludes to numerous forgotten ancient sources.

There’s also a gallery of modern artwork created by an artist who emulates the aesthetic of the time when the monasteries were constructed.

Opening days and hours:

From April 1st to October 31st, the visiting hours are 09:00 – 15:00. The monastery is closed on Tuesdays.

From November 1st to March 31st, the visiting hours are 09:00 – 14:00. The monastery is closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

2. Roussanou Monastery Meteroa

The first hermit who made a home on the rock where the monastery is located inspired its name, the Holy Monastery of Roussanou.

When priest-monk Arsenios served as the monastery’s abbot in 1560, exquisite wall paintings known as the Catholicon was created.

At the end of the 16th century, the main cathedral was built, which underwent decoration in the 1930s.

There’s a good reason Roussanou Monastery is Meteora’s most photographed structure: It roughly sits in the middle of all the monasteries.

It also sits on a cliff up 140 steps that stand out the most against the surrounding scenery compared to other areas of Meteora.

The monastery was severely damaged during World War II, but it was reconstructed and is currently a functioning convent.

St. Barbara , a woman whose life was devoted to Christianity and who was later killed by her father, is honored at the Monastery of Roussanou. She is now the patron saint of coal workers, and the nunnery that bears her name is home to 13 nuns.

From April 1st to October 31st, the visiting hours are 09:30 – 17:00. The monastery is closed on Wednesdays.

From November 1st to March 31st, the visiting hours are 09:00 – 14:00. The monastery is closed on Wednesdays.

3. Holy Trinity Monastery Meteora

The Holy Trinity Monastery, known as Agia Triada, is renowned for appearing in the James Bond film “For Your Eyes Only.”

It’s located all by itself on a stone peak and is the most remote and rugged to get of the Meteora monasteries.

This monastery, accessible through a 140-step stairway, has undergone numerous repairs. It’s hardly unexpected that it was utilized as a filming site for the 1981 James Bond film because it’s picturesque and has impressive views of Kalambaka.

Since it was constructed in the fourteenth century, only rope ladders have been used to enter the monastery, and baskets have been used to transport supplies since 1925. It became more accessible after 1925 when 140 steep stairs were cut out of the rock.

During World War II, the Germans ransacked it and took its riches. The frescoes from the 17th and 18th centuries are worth viewing, and the looters left behind a Gospel Book printed in Venice in 1539.

From April 1st to October 31st, the visiting hours are 09:00 – 17:00. The monastery is closed on Thursdays.

From November 1st to March 31st, the visiting hours are 10:00 – 16:00. The monastery is closed on Thursdays.

4. Varlaam Monastery Meteora

Varlaam, a monk, established this monastery in 1350. Since he was the only person who inhabited the rock, the monastery was left in ruins after his death. In 1542, the wealthy monastery

Catholicon was built by priest brothers Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades in memory of Agioi Pantes.

It is incredible how they completed the structure in just 20 days after spending 20 years using ropes and baskets to collect all the materials on top.

Inside the monastery, you can see beautiful murals, an exhibit of religious artifacts, and a great water barrel that formerly held 12 tons of rainfall.

Varlaam is the second-largest monastery and is not far from Great Meteoron. You go up approximately 140 steps to reach the monastery, which has the most monks of any Meteora monastery and a church, refectory, and chapels filled with sacred symbols.

Varlaam gives you the most information about the architecture, engineering, and building of the monasteries and how the monks managed for many centuries without modern technology or facilities.

The ancient wine casks, food stores, and winches and nets the monks used to transport supplies are still visible.

From April 1st to October 31st, the visiting hours are 09:00 – 16:00. The monastery is closed on Fridays.

From November 1st to March 31st, the visiting hours are 09:00 – 15:00. The monastery is closed on Thursdays and Fridays.

5. St. Nikolaos Monastery Meteora

The St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery, one of the oldest, is well known for being the only monastery managed by a single monk. It is the nearest monastery to the settlement of Kastraki, so it is conveniently accessible on foot from there.

The St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery looks almost like it sprang from the stone pillar it sits upon, making it the lowest-lying of the great monasteries.

The Greek word anapafsas, which means “resting,” is supposed to have given this monastery its name from its past use. It was a relaxation point before making the more strenuous ascent to the other monasteries beyond.

Construction would have been challenging due to the site’s modest size. The crypt, where the monastery’s ancient artifacts and codes were once kept, and the Church of St. Anthony, are located at the monastery’s entryway. Each level is constructed vertically, and a short stairway leads to it.

Inside are numerous priceless works of art, including frescoes by renowned painter Theophanes Strelitzas and Theophanes the Cretan.

If you keep going, you’ll come to a small bell tower and rooftop terrace with views that are limited to Kastraki and the Roussanou Monastery because of their low vantage points.

From April 1st to October 31st, the visiting hours are 09:00 – 16:00. The monastery is closed on Fridays and Sundays.

From November 1st to March 31st, the visiting hours are 09:00 – 14:00. The monastery is closed on Fridays.

6. Monastery of St. Stephen’s Meteora

The Monastery of St. Stephen is the best monastery for those with mobility challenges because it is the most accessible. A few wide stairs separate you from the main complex, and a modest, sturdy bridge connects it to the parking lot.

It was built in 1400 and is the only monastery seen from Kalambaka. Nuns now reside in this monastery instead of monks. St. Stephens is a special place because of the nuns’ warm welcome.

The unusual artifacts in the monastery’s religious museum and the lovely grounds also add to its charm.

Additionally, St. Stephen’s Monastery contains two cathedrals. The main 18th-century cathedral is dedicated to Saint Charalambos and houses his holy relics. The old 16th-century chapel was severely damaged during WWII and the Greek Civil War.

St. Stephen’s is known for the stunning vistas of the entire Valley of Thessaly and the surrounding mountain ranges. It also has a breathtaking garden area that you can easily get lost in due to its beauty.

From April 1st to October 31st, the visiting hours are 09:00 – 13:30; 15:30 – 17:30, Sunday 9.30 – 13.30, and 15.30 – 17.30. The monastery is closed on Mondays.

From November 1st to March 31st, the visiting hours are 09:30 – 13:00; 15:00- 17:00. The monastery is closed on Mondays.

Where Is Meteora?

In the heart of mainland Greece, close to the town of Kalabaka, you’ll find Meteora.

It isn’t the most accessible destination because it’s located in the middle of Greece.

Most people arrive in Meteora from big cities like Thessaloniki or Athens.

Thessaloniki is about 142 miles from Meteora, and Athens is about 217 miles from Meteora.

Since there are no nearby airports, you can only travel to Meteora by bus, car, or train.

How Many Days Do I Need In Meteora?

You can visit the monasteries in Meteora in one day.

However, to get the whole experience, we advise staying for three to four days in Meteora .

We stayed in Meteora for three nights and two full days. We loved that we could explore everything at a slower pace.

If you are strapped for time, you can take a  day trip from Athens . The traveling can be a bit exhausting, though .

So we only recommend it for travelers who want to pack everything into their trip quickly.

Also, the monasteries are closed on different days of the week, so you won’t be able to visit them all in one day.

Tip: If you are staying in Athens and doing a day trip to Meteora, you might be interested in checking out our list of the best Athens hotels with rooftop pools . Yes, they have a view of the Acropolis too.

Can You Visit Meteora Monasteries On Your Own?

Yes, you can. Of the original 24 monasteries, only six are still in operation, but they accept visitors.

Cost To See Monasteries

There is a €3 ($2.95) entry fee for each monastery. To visit all six monasteries, you will pay €18 ($17.73) per person.

You will also need cash to pay the entry fee, as the area’s card facilities are scarce.

Meteora Monasteries Dress Code

Women must wear long skirts, dresses, or sarongs because the Meteora monasteries have strict dress requirements.

Shorts or pants are inappropriate as they are not long enough to cover your knees. However, you can borrow wrap skirts and shawls from the monasteries’ entrances.

We noticed they are stricter about long skirts and that shoulders should also be covered.

Men should wear a T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt (no sleeveless shirts), jeans, and shoes.

However, we did see a few men who got away with wearing long shorts that ended just below the knee.

Keep in mind that monasteries are places of religion, so you have to act appropriately and with respect.

How Do You Get Up To The Meteora Monasteries?

You can get to and from Meteora in Greece by car. Some roads wind their way around the breathtaking environment across Meteora.

However, during the summer’s peak travel season, parking spaces are often scarce outside monasteries.

Getting up to the monasteries is a different story. You will climb several stairs to get up to most of them.

Visiting the monasteries in Meteora will ensure you catch up on all the leg days you have skipped because you wanted to sleep in.

How Hard Is It To Climb Meteora Monasteries?

It’s not too bad. We’d say it’s around medium difficulty. We are pretty unfit, and we had a six-year-old with us.

However, we all managed to get to the monasteries just fine (albeit wildly out of breath).

When visiting the monasteries, remember to bring water and wear decent walking/climbing shoes.

We have a list of fantastic sling backpacks to keep your water, clothes, money, etc., while traversing the mountain.

Also, go at your own pace and take breaks when necessary. Trust me, if we can make it, so can you.

Final Thoughts On Visiting Meteora, Greece

Meteora is a natural wonder in Europe and a gorgeous area of Greece that can sometimes be overlooked due to the sparkly flair of Athens or Mykonos.

Visiting this magnificent spot is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, as nothing is quite like it. You definitely won’t regret coming here.

Now that you’ve explored all the majestic monasteries in Meteora and feel ready for a new adventure, perhaps look at some of our other Europe travel guides .

Additional Information for Greece Vacation

Check out what else we have about Greece here:

• Book a Day Trip from Athens
• Zakynthos Greece in 3 Days
• Where to go in Kefalonia
• Top Things to see in Corfu
• Family holiday to Crete
• Parga information for first-timers
• Things to do in Mykonos in September
• Things to do in Santorini in September

Andrzej Ejmont

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2 Facts That Will Make You Want to Visit the Meteora Monasteries in Greece

Meteora is home to six mountaintop monasteries and is home to adventure-seeking monks. They’re worth a visit even if you’re not religious. I found them absolutely fascinating.

The Monasteries of Meteora are a site that is about so much more than just travel, it is all about a complete experience. An experience that will have you coming back for more. Meteora Monasteries has an otherworldly appearance. It doesn’t look as if it belongs on this earth, and perhaps it doesn’t.

The name  Meteora  comes from the word  Meteor  that means suspended, which is what the monasteries atop the natural sandstone massifs appear to be.

Recommended Reading:  Hiking in Greece: The Top 9 Places https://youtu.be/xE3q1ObhZ3k

Here are 22 Meteora Monasteries Facts You Probably Don’t Know About:

1) Meteora is the second most important site in Central Greece. The Acropolis is first!

2) It’s on UNESCO World Heritage list under two categories – nature and art.

It’s one of only a few UNESCO World Heritage site(s) in the world that qualifies for more than one category!

3) Long time ago, at the top of meteora rocks, there were 24 active monasteries. Now there are 6. There are now only 20 monks living a monastic life and four nuns remaining. The decrease in monastic communities is due in large part to the increase in tourism, which is not a great place for a monastic life. Me feeling very small in front of the huge sandstone towers at Meteora.

You can  book your tour to Meteora here .

4) Hermit Monks came to ancient monasteries in the 14th century searching for a safe place. Back in the day, there were only two ways to reach the monasteries: by rock climbing the vertical sandstone columns or being hosted up 373m in a basket made of rope.

Seriously, what a choice!  Regardless either qualifies as an adventure, don’t you think?It’s either this or rock climbing (ideal for rock climbers of course), either way, it’s over 300 vertical meters! Brave volunteer Zim demonstrated how it worked but only made it 1 meter.

5) There were no staircases in the  Holy Monastery  of the  Great Meteoron  until the 1920s! This Meteora Monasteries fact alone makes me believe that the monks were thrill-seekers, especially after seeing for myself how high the monasteries are.

6) Meteora Monasteries is the second-largest monastic community in Greece. The first is Mount Athos.

7) A typical day for the monks and nuns involves waking at 4:00 am. Then it’s 3 hours of praying. Both in private and in church. Then the monks and nuns carry out their assigned duties in the Meteora Monasteries.

8) If you get lost in Meteora Monastery, you can find your direction by looking at which direction the altar is facing.

It always faces east to meet the rising light.

9) Everyone is welcome to attend religious services in the monastic community in Greece. However, if you’re not Greek Orthodox, you can only attend the pre-temple. You also won’t be able to take part in communion.

10) There are two types of monasteries in Meteora –  communal and living as a hermit. Which would you prefer?

The communal ones all seem to have cats, so that would be my choice, but feel free to choose the latter!

11) There are 41 hermitage spots in Meteora, but they are difficult, too impossible to find on your own as there are no signs. I highly recommend going with one of the fantastic guides from Visit Meteora.

You can  book one of their tours here . Pictured above is one of the long-abandoned hermit caves on the Rock Forest Hike!

12) There was even a monk jail in the Meteora monasteries. Each monk had his own separate “cell”. You can see what a  monk jail looks like here .

13) St. George is the most famous hermitage site in Meteora. According to  Visit Meteora …  In the 17th century, a local Muslim landowner cut some trees from the sacred forest that was dedicated to Saint George. 

The Saint then caused the paralysis of that man’s hand, but he was cured after he offered to the Saint his wife’s veil, a most valuable gift according to the Muslim religion.

To symbolize that act of donation honoring Saint George, believers hang colorful scarves once a year on a rope supported by trees, near the cave’s entrance. 

Young men from the neighboring village participate in an annual climbing competition and carry down the old scarves which they then keep at home as a token of good health.

Recommended Reading: Greek Cyclades Islands of Tinos and Naxos Hiking Tour

14) Women were not allowed in the Meteora monasteries until the 1920s. And that was only because local village women helped put out a fire!

15) Queen Marie of Romania was the first official woman visitor of Meteora Monasteries in 1921!

16) Meteora is a land of legends! One of my favorites happened in the 15th century. The monks were at service, and when they came back, a family had moved into their monastery.

It’s believed that the monks were unable to recapture it because it was a large family with lots of boys and weapons. The family remained in the monastery for 87 years!

Finally, the monks were able to take it back, but nobody knows how. There was no law and order back then!

17) Meteora appeared in the James Bond film,  For Your Eyes Only . Look familiar?

18)  Meteora  means  suspended in space .

19) Every rock in Meteora has a name. It made life easier for the locals, just as street names do today.

Meet me under the Spindle? Or should we say Devil’s Tower?

20) Meteora has a 35 km long hiking trail network that includes great views of hermitages. I LOVED my hiking tour to  Holy Spirit Mountain  (pictured above), which also included a visit to a monk jail.

There are no signs, so you do  need to go with a guide , but you’ll also want to.

Storytelling is alive and well in Meteora.

Be sure to check out this  video  of hiking in Meteora by my friends Dave and Deb, from The Planet D.

21) Do you know the song,  Sweet Home Alabama ? In Meteora, it’s  Sweet Home Kalambaka !

22) Many visitors think a half-day is enough to visit Meteora. They couldn’t be more wrong. I know, because that’s what I did on my  first visit to Meteora .

Yes, the Great Meteoron Monastery is incredible, but so are the other hermitages and those you can only visit on foot. Give yourself 3-4 days in Meteora to let the legends come alive!

23) There are number of monasteries that are still in use today, are the Monastery of Great Meteoron, along with the Holy Monastery of Roussanou/St. Barbara, Varlaam Monastery, Holy Monastery of St. Stephen, St. Nicholas Anapausas, and the Monastery of Holy Trinity.

Travel Tips for Visiting the Meteora Monasteries

• While it’s possible to drive or take a bus up, for a truly special experience hike up at dawn to catch the sunrise. It’s safe to do on your own without a guide.
• Every Meteora monastery has its own opening hours. Many close for 2-3 hours in the afternoon during summer, so ask your hotel in Kalambaka (the closest towns) for the schedule of all the monasteries.
• The Holy Monastery of Varlaam (the one I visited).  It’s the second-largest found at Meteora and was built in 1541.
• The Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas (built in the middle of the 16th century)
• Holy Monastery of Rousanou (founded in the middle of the 16th century)

FAQs About Meteora Monasteries

Where to stay in meteora.

Top Pick:  Divani Meteora Hotel

I stayed at the  Divani Meteora Hotel.   It’s a contemporary luxury hotel with views of Meteora, located in Kalambaka! I especially loved the lobby. There were so many cozy spaces, including one with a fireplace. I spent a lot of time hanging out there.

Where to eat in Meteora?

I enjoyed each of the restaurants mentioned below. I’m a sucker for saganaki and didn’t think it could get any better, but it did.

Restaurant Meteora Here your eyes do the choosing! Guests meander to the kitchen and choose the dishes. Each day they vary. It’s been run by the Gertsou family since 1925. At the time of writing it’s ranked the #1 restaurant on Trip Advisor in Meteora. Address: Town Hall Square, Kalambaka.

Taverna Gardenia Taverna Gardenia is where the Greeks go to eat! It’s known as one of the best places in Meteora to experience authentic Greek cuisine. Address: Near the church, Kastraki, Kalambaka.

Meteoron Panorama Meteoron Panorama may be the most romantic restaurant in Meteora. It has a large terrace offering the best views in town. It is slightly on the expensive side, but it’s a restaurant that I would return to over and over again for the ambiance. Reservations recommended. Address: 54, Patr. Dimitriou, Kalambaka.

Archontariki Restaurant Friendly service where staff is happy to recommend Greek dishes to you. Both indoor and outdoor seating is available at this Greek tavern. Address: Trikalon 13 | Riga Fereou Square, Kalambaka.

Taverna Panellinio A traditional Greek tavern that serves delicious food at reasonable prices in a comfortable atmosphere. Address: Vlachava 3 | Town Square, Kalambaka.

Paramythi Tavern A family classic Greek tavern where you can listen to traditional live Greek music and possibly even learn how to dance Greek-style – SO much fun – Opa! Address: Patriarhou Dimitriou 14, Kalambaka

Mushroom Meal You won’t find this mushroom meal on the internet because it’s so new. The Mushroom Museum in Meteora in conjunction with Neromilos Restaurant can arrange a museum tour, along with foraging for mushrooms, AND a meal made entirely from mushrooms.

I confess to not particularly enjoying mushrooms before this experience, but this meal was a  game-changer. I couldn’t believe all the creative ways you could cook with mushrooms.

It was one of the most memorable meals of my life and that’s saying a lot consider all the food I sample when traveling.

What tours can you take in Meteora?

You’ll find a  list of tours that you can do here . Most of the hiking paths are unmarked, so you’ll  need a guide to  find cool places. Greeks are incredible storytellers, and there are so much history and folklore that you’ll want a guide even if you’re not regularly a  guide person .

Where is Meteora located?

You’ll find Meteora near the middle of Greece, just north of Trikala.

How do you get from Athens to Meteora?

It’s easiest if you drive or take the train. It’s 355km and takes just over 4 hours when driving. Alternatively, you can fly into Thessaloniki, and either drive or take the train. It’s located 229km away and takes just under 3 hours.

You can also  take a train from Athens , then meet your guide in Meteora. Be sure to check out these  Greek quotes  that are perfect for a road trip to Greece!

Have extra time?

Consider exploring  Mount Olympus National Park  or the mountains of  Epirus ! Both of these regions are stunning and not what I expected from Greece.

The Meteora Monasteries are definitely a recommended visit if you love mountains, hiking and a little bit of mysterious history.

Note:  Many thanks to Visit Meteora for making my visit possible. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. They did not require me to rock climb or take a basket to visit the monasteries, they kindly drove me.

• Visit Meteora – Home
• Top Rated Meteora Tours
• Meteora Outdoor Activities
• Meteora Half-day Tours
• Train Tours to Meteora
• Meteora Private Tours
• Transfer Services
• The Monastery of Great Meteoron
• The Monastery of Varlaam
• The Monastery of Roussanou
• The Monastery of Agios Stefanos
• The Monastery of Holy Trinity
• The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos
• 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
• Lake Plastira
• Athens to Meteora
• Thessaloniki to Meteora
• Getting to Meteora by Train
• Getting to Meteora by Bus
• Getting to Meteora by Car

Meteora: What to See

Where is meteora greece.

Meteora Greece is a place of immense beauty located at the center of the Greek peninsula. How could anyone describe this astonishing geological phenomenon and the breathtaking landscape of the Meteora region? The inspiration and spirituality felt, the awe of man’s achievements to express his religious drive by building monasteries on the picks of these sandstone cliffs.

Those are only a few of the emotions travelers experience when visiting this phenomenal land! Take a moment to skim through our website to find out what there is to see in Meteora Greece! Let us convince you why you shouldn’t miss out on a visit to Greece’s most unique and spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here you could find;

• How Meteora formed
• History of Meteora

What to see in Meteora

Planning for a visit to Meteora?

Then, check here to find out more about the things to do here. Discover day trips from Athens by train, multiday, or half-day tours, and the best outdoor adventure activities of Meteora!

When did Meteora formed?

These immense, solid rocks, split by earthquakes, weathered by water and wind over millions of years, are nature’s authentic masterpiece. Around 50 million years ago, the whole area of modern-day Meteora Greece was on the seabed of a great ancient ocean called Tethys. 30 million years before present, Meteora was the shores of that ancient ocean with long sandy beaches stretching for tens of km! In this long shoreline, a river delta formed, accumulating vast quantities of sentiments.

The river delta had formed on the steep edges of a huge underwater basin with an estimated depth of over 1 km. This deep basin began collecting the river deposits and eventually layers upon layers of deposits at great heights filled the seabed basin with gobbles, mud, sand, and small rocks. Dissolved limestone from the surrounding mountains, was also deposed among the rest of the river deposits. The limestone acted as the “glue” that cemented the rest of the deposits forming the conglomerate rock of Meteora. 

How was Meteora formed?

11 million years ago during the Miocene Period, tectonic activity began to push the whole seabed upwards substantially raising elevation. As the earth kept rising Meteora region rises above sea level. Erosion is now starting to take place, washing away the soft soil. This process gradually exposed the cemented depositions that used to be buried in the seabed basin of this ancient sea. 

This cemented conglomerate mass of rocks, as the earth began shifting and rising it followed that movement. Because it was able to better resist erosion, gradually the hard part began emerging from the earth as the softer soil was washed away by erosion. It’s hard to imagine nowadays that some of the highest picks of Meteora cliffs, 20 million years ago used to be the seabed of an ancient ocean. 

The final touch was placed on the cliffs by the weather elements and the erosion they produce. The rain, the wind, and the ice gave the distinctive pillar-like forms of Meteora Greece.

Why To Book With Us

• Visit Meteora, is a local company.
• Is fully committed to the principles of sustainable tourism.
• We are aiming through our tours and experiences to effectively communicate to all our visitors Meteora’s rich cultural heritage and natural environment while bringing economic benefits to local people.
• We offer a wide range of outdoor activities, cultural tours, and local accommodation, such as family-run guesthouses and reliable local ground transportation.
• You will learn about the culture and history of the place on a deeper level from a local’s perspective.

Read the Code of Ethics of Meteora for responsible tourism

By choosing to visit Meteora you’ve made a choice to visit above all a holy place! A centuries-old monastic community with monks and nuns who still practice their faith and ancient rituals. It is one of the most important monastic centers of the Greek Orthodox Church and Eastern Christianity. Below we give the code of ethics one should follow while visiting Meteora and the monasteries.

Meteora beauty: Meditating on the awe of creation and life.

The Meteora Monasteries

Serene, spiritual, magical, mystical, extraordinary, breathtaking, immense, inspiring, impressive. These are only some of the words people very often use in an effort to describe the Meteora phenomenon. Visit Meteora, even if your interests are not deeply religious. It is the only way to enrich your feelings of spirituality that this area already exudes, no matter how long or brief your sojourn in our beautiful land.

Ruins and Hidden Gems

Today at Meteora Greece, apart from the well-known 6 monasteries, a number of hermitages and small abandoned monasteries have also been restored. Our goal and wish is to try and acquaint visitors with some of these less popular – but not at all less interesting – historical and religious monuments.

Archaeological Sites and Museums

The area of Meteora has a very long history of thousands of years. Find out about this rich historical and cultural heritage that spreads 130.000 years back in time, from the dawn of mankind before the beginning of the last ice age, all the way to our modern times.

Pindos Mountain Range

Pindos is the biggest mountain range of Greece, stretching from the Greek-Albanian borders (NW) to the northern Peloponnese (SE). It is roughly 160 km long (100 miles) and is considered the backbone of mainland Greece.

Where to Stay

How could anyone describe this astonishing geological phenomenon, the breathtaking landscape, the inspiration and spirituality felt, the awe for man’s achievements in an effort to express his religious drive, when these are only some of the many things a traveler experiences when visiting this phenomenal land!

Frequently Asked Questions About Meteora

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Parking space is quite limited outside the monasteries. Especially during the high season its impossible to find parking near the popular monasteries like Great Meteoro. Our advise is to start early, before 09.00am so you can have better odds to park near the monasteries entry. Even better let your car at the parking lot of your Hotel and consider joining the half day tour or the hiking tour. 

Yes, they are open on Sundays. Actually all the monasteries are open on Sundays. 

Its almost impossible and not recommended to try to visit all the six active monasteries in one day. If you have to select a couple of monasteries try to visit the less crowded monasteries which is the Saint Nicholaos and Holy Trinity. If you wish to see the most important with a lot of intresting thing to see inside then visit Great Meteoro and Varlaam. If you have to consider the difficulty level with the staircases then choose Saint Stephen. 

Find Things To Do

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Keep reading more about meteora.

The Hermits of Meteora

How to travel from Meteora to Delphi

Meteora Code of Ethics

10 Good Reasons to join the Hiking tour of Meteora

Athens to Meteora by train

5 things to know before you visit meteora.

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