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Where to Stay in Meteora and How to Visit the Monasteries

One of our favorite places in all of Greece is Meteora , in Thessaly. The geological formation is in itself magnificent. Fortunately and once again thanks to the Greeks, the monasteries are equally beautiful.

These isolated architectural masterpieces date back to the 14 th century and offer unforgettable views. Interiors are equally impressive: medieval frescoes line walls and ceilings.

Take note that Meteora is a sacred site, revered in Greece second only to Mount Athos in Khalkidhiki. So plan well where to stay in Meteora and enjoy your visit!

Where to Stay in Meteora: Best Hotels and Locations

Kalambaka (kalabaka or kalampaka).

The charming town of Kalambaka is the main gateway to Meteora. Unfortunately, Kalambaka was savagely damaged and looted During World War II. What we see today is all modern, including infrastructure for tourists.

A roundabout where the tourist info office is marks the center of town. To the west of the Tourist office, you will find Trikalon, the town’s main drag lined with taverns, shops, and cafés.

Walk to the east on Patriarchou Dimitriou Street for a couple of blocks to reach the Digital Projection Center of Meteora. They project 3D films of the area.

Places to Visit in Kalambaka

Walk north towards the rocks until you reach the byzantine Holy Temple of Dormition of the Virgin Mary. If you think the outside of the 14 th century church is cool wait until you see the exceptional mural inside.

Keep walking next to the pillars to get to the ascent trail of the Holy Trinity Monastery. Continue towards the rock to access the Ermitage , a couple of cells high up on the pillar. Do not worry; you decide for how long and how fast to walk.

To the south of the town, you will find the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum .

Hotels in Kalambaka

Most hotels in Kalambaka are small family-owned. There are also a couple of big chain hotels. Obviously, the whole point of staying in Kalambaka is the views. To be surrounded by nature, stay in Alsos House , close to the rocks. The views from this quiet traditional Greek hotel are spectacular.

The Divani Meteora is a big hotel part of the Divani Greek chain. It’s located in the heart of downtown and has a spa with an outdoor and indoor pool.

On the other hand, the Dellas Boutique Hotel is on the road to Kastraki. It’s a great place to stay if you want to be away from the fuss, yet pretty close to the center.

If Kalambaka is a town, Kastraki is just a village. While the rock formations are north of Kalambaka, in Kastraki they are in the middle of the village.

The tiny village is completely authentic with houses made of stone and clay roofs, a church, a museum, and a couple of restaurants. Kastraki is closer to the monasteries. What’s more, there are a couple of interesting hermit cells next to the village.

All you have to do is walk around admiring the views. Though there are many hotels and restaurants in Kastraki, most close during low season.

Hotels in Kastraki

The best hotels in Kastraki are right next to the rocks. Most are relatively small family-owned hotels and guesthouses. The Pyrgos Adrachti Hotel is like a tower overlooking the rocks. Consequently, the views are incredible.

The lovely Hotel Meteoritis is downtown and offers rooms with balconies overlooking the area.

Located on the road that leads to the monasteries, Hotel Kastraki excels in privacy and service. Of course, the views are superb too.

Other Hotels near Meteora

To stay in the middle of nature and with the best views possible, book a room in a hotel outside of Kastraki. The Hotel Doupiani House is within walking distance to the village and has tastefully decorated rooms with big balconies overlooking the rocks.

The Grand Meteora Hotel , as its name says, is big. There are no houses around, so the views are great.

Finally, stay at the Meteora Hotel at Kastraki in summer. This luxury hotel with all modern-day conveniences has a huge outdoor pool with unobstructed views of the rocks. It is one of the best hotels near Meteora.

Our Opinion on Where to Stay in Meteora

You can’t go wrong with any of the abovementioned options. Kalambaka and Kastraki are both nice quaint towns. On the other hand, staying a bit off urban areas allows for a deeper connection to nature.

If visiting during high season, stay in Kastraki . The village is lively, and you can walk to the monastery of St Nicholas. If visiting off-season stay in Kalambaka since nothing is going on in Kastraki. From Kalambaka, you can hike to a couple of monasteries too.

Those of you with a bit more time should stay outside of Kastraki in any of the large hotels and explore the entire area.

Monasteries of Meteora

Monastery of great meteoron.

The Monastery of Great Meteoron , also known as the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of Jesus, is the oldest and grandest of them all. The only monastery most sacred than this one is Mount Athos.

Not only that, but the 50,000 square meter monastery stands on the biggest rock in Meteora. Athanasios, the Meteorite, came up with the idea of monastery life up on the rocks and founded the monastery in the middle of the 14 th century.

To reach the monastery, you have to go up 300 stairs carved into the rock, including an incredible tunnel. What awaits you is incredible museum distributed throughout the monastery. Yes, the views are breathtaking.

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas

The first monastery you will encounter on your way from Meteora town is the Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas , founded at the end of the 14 th century. The first thing you will see when you get there is the Church of St. Anthony.

Pop in and check the incredible 14 th century frescoes that cover the walls. As you will notice, since the rock formation is small, the monastery was built on three levels. On the second floor, you will find the Church of St. Nicholas.

The frescoes inside the church are the most famous ones, attributed to the best Cretan iconography painter, Theophanes Strelitzas. The former Table, now a reception hall, occupies the top level.

Monastery of Holy Trinity (Agia Triada)

You will have to make a bit of an effort to get to this one. In old times you had to use ropes to get to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity . In 1925, 140 steps were carved into the stone facilitating the access.

Movie fanatics will recognize it from the 1981 James Bond Movie For Your Eyes Only. The monastery is considered the third oldest, built in 1438. However, the main church built in 1475 has frescoes completed in 1741. On the other hand, the paintings in the chapel of Saint John Babtis date from 1682.

Arguably, this monastery offers the best views. To the east, the Monastery of St. Stephen up close. Then the valley of the Peneus, Kalambaka River, the Chaia Mountains, the Monastery of Varlaam, and the Great Meteoron.

Monastery of Rousanou

The Monastery of Rousanou is arguably the most visually impressive. Rousanou towers seamlessly above the most incredible rock formation. Thus, you get the impression that the monastery and the rock are one.

The Monastery dates back to the early 16 th century and sits over a former church. Though for centuries you had to use ropes to climb, thanks to donations, the monks carved stairs into the rock in the 1930s. Since the Monastery of Rousanou covers the entire rock, the views of the cliff are unforgettable.

Once again, the monastery has three levels. The Church of the Transfiguration of the Saviour from 1530 is on the top floor. Go in and prepare to be dazzled by delicate frescoes from 1560.

Monastery of Varlaam

The Monastery of Varlaam (according to many Barlaam) is the second largest in Meteora. The monastery is named after the monk Varlaam. He built the first church on top of the hill in the 14 th century. However, when the monk died, the place fell into oblivion.

In 1542 two monks and brothers built the first church and revamped the monastery naming it after the original monk. The frescoes that cover the walls are amongst the oldest and most celebrated ones in Greece, done by Franco Catalano in 1548.

The other church in the monastery is from 1627, with post-Byzantium paintings done in 1637. Once done admiring the buildings, take a look at the pulley system that hangs from the tower used by the monks to lift food.

Monastery of St. Stephen

We left the easiest for last. You don’t need to climb! To get to the Monastery of St. Stephen , all you have to do is cross a bridge. The monastery has two churches. The oldest one is from the 16 th century and was heavily bombed during World War II. The other one is from 1798.

However, St. Stephen has a special place in the heart of Greeks due to its importance during the so-called Macedonian Struggle. As you may recall, Serbs, Bulgarians, and Greeks fought over Ottoman Macedonia.

The Greek Orthodox Church organized guerrilla efforts from the monastery. The museum within St. Stephen has an impressive collection, including relics from the 14 th century.

How to Visit the Monasteries

It all depends on how much time you have. You can go on an organized tour , hire a private car with a driver , drive to the monasteries yourself , or walk (there are even walking tours ).

We don’t do organized tours unless necessary. Therefore, we walked to one monastery and then hired a cab with a driver to visit the rest.  Since we stayed in Kalambaka, we were able to walk through Kastraki to the St Nicholas Monastery. It’s a pleasant short walk.

The next day it was fairly cloudy with light showers. Our driver Giorgos took us safely to the Great Meteoron and the Holy Trinity Monasteries. We stopped at the right spots for pictures and chatted all through the journey. Thank you!

Tips for Visiting Meteora

Each monastery has different opening hours , so check beforehand. Also, bear in mind that they all charge a small fee.

Cover your knees and shoulders to enter the monasteries. You can borrow skirts or trousers in most monasteries.

Saint Stephen and the Holy Trinity monasteries are just above Kalambaka. Hence, you can walk to both.

To enjoy the best views of Meteora, stop at Psaropetra viewing point. Sunsets are gorgeous!

If you want to organize a private tour, ask the locals at shops, restaurants, and taxi drivers on the street. Everybody is friendly and straightforward.

What to Do in Meteora (Other Than Visiting Monasteries)

We loved getting lost in Kalambaka and Kastraki and hiking to the surrounding hills. In Kalambaka, we walked between the rocks on its northern end. In Kastraki we walked near the hermit cells and climbed a hill just north of the village.

We had delicious Greek food in front of Kalambaka’s City Hall while enjoying views of the rocks.

We had coffee and cakes at the traditional Vavitsas Bakery. The charming ladies working there helped us organize our private tour to the monasteries. Naturally, we tried the local pudding called Spatoula .

Other Sites and Excursions

The 6 monasteries are undoubtedly the stars of the area. However, you have loads of interesting things to see and do on around Meteora. Take the local road that begins in Kastraki village. You will pass two large rocks to the east and reach the small chapel of Panaghia and the Hermit Caves of Saint Nicholas Badovas .

To the north of Kastraki and St Nikolaos Monastery lies the late 14 th century Ypapanti Monastery . Unlike the mentioned 6, it was built entirely inside a large rock cavity.

The city of Trikala is just 12 miles (20 km) from Kalambaka. Go for the day and visit its ancient sanctuary, Byzantine fortress, authentic old town, mosque, and the museum inside a former Turkish bath.

How to Get to Meteora

Athens to meteora.

We took a 4-hour morning train from Athens to Meteora and enjoyed the whole journey. Trains are our favorite means of transport. Not only they pollute far less, but you can stretch your legs during the journey. Eitan says he can read on trains but not on buses.

From Athens to Meteora there is one daily train early in the morning. Another option is to take any of the daily trains to Paleofarsalos . Five trains go from there to Kalambaka in an hour.

Take metro line 2 to Athens train station Larissa. Meteora’s train station is the center of Kalambaka town.

If you short on time you can even take a one day organized tour from Athens .

Thessaloniki to Meteora

Though Thessaloniki is a bit closer, there are no direct trains. Instead, take a train to Paleofarsalos, where you have to change to a train to Kalambaka. Depending on your connection you can be there in 2,5 hours to 10 hours. So, be sure to plan your journey well.

If you rather take a bus , go to Trikala and hop on a connecting bus to Kalambaka. The entire journey takes just over 3 hours.

Thessaloniki’s Train Station is northwest of the city center. Buses leave from bus station Macedonia, further northwest.

If you short on time you can take a one day organized tour from Thessaloniki .

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7 Responses

It’s nice to see a focus on places in Greece other than the islands and this definitely looks like a more ‘off the beaten path’ destination! Cheers!

happyfrogtravels

Surprisingly enough it’s still somewhat off the beaten path. We loved it!

Lourdes Emmerich

Hi, I just came across your post and I love it. So much information!! Wow, so enjoyable to read, cause its now Oct 29 and I am debating if I should go to Greece. Is winter a good time, I checked many hotels and I found your page, since you love going to Santorini in winter I bet I would enjoy it too. I have not finished all your posts but I am going to continue after I write this to tell you how much I enjoyed reading. I will be searching for all your posts. Love Barcelona too, btw

Hi Jeannie, Thank you for your comment. Winter is a great time to visit Greece. Athens is full of life and so are the big islands like Crete or Rhodes. The weather is decent and there are no crowds. You should definitelly go! Cheers, Milos

Nicola Hill

How many days would you recommend in Meteora?

Hi Nicola, Three days would be ideal, but if you can have two full days that’s still ok. If you can spend more, go for it. There are plenty of nice hikes around the area. Safe travels! Milos

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Are you looking for your next trip destination or you need some help to choose one? Here are the three main reasons why you should definitely visit Greece and especially to explore the place of Meteora at least once in your lifetime: 1. One of the most unique UNESCO […]

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METEORA THRONES

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

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

Understand [ edit ]

History [ edit ].

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

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

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

Modern day Meteora [ edit ]

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

Climate [ edit ]

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

Information Office [ edit ]

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

Get in [ edit ]

By train [ edit ].

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

By bus [ edit ]

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

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

Timetables from Athens and Thessaloniki .

By car [ edit ]

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

By plane [ edit ]

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

Get around [ edit ]

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

Bus info - (+30)2432022432

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

See [ edit ]

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

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

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

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

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

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

Do [ edit ]

Hiking [ edit ].

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

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

Eat [ edit ]

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

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

Sleep [ edit ]

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

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

Respect [ edit ]

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

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

Go next [ edit ]

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

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

Written by Jane Foster and Carri Wilbanks Updated Dec 26, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

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.

1. The Great Meteoron Monastery

2. monastery of varlaám, 3. monastery of ayía triáda (holy trinity), 4. monastery of áyios nikólaos anapafsás (st. nicholas), 5. monastery of rousanoú (st. barbara), 6. monastery of áyios stéfanos (st. stephen), 7. hiking the meteora monasteries, 8. kalambáka, 9. kastraki, 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.

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

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

Comments are closed.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Frequently Asked Questions About Meteora The Monasteries

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

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.

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.

Yes all the monasteries are open on weekends

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.

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

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

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

Meteora is an area of few square km, encompassing a rock forest with over 100 giant rock pillars of different shapes and sizes, some of them 400 meters above the ground. The monasteries are built on top of those pillars like a natural extension. The best way to explore such a unique site is by spending quality time here and by combining walking and driving. That will allow you to explore deeper the region and get out the most of your visit here. Make sure to allocate at least 2 days here to have the best experience.

Kalambaka is fairly easy to reach by train or bus. There are two convenient direct trains from Athens, as well as several trains connecting with the main Athens-Thessaloniki line at Palaiopharsala. You may also find buses from Athens, or Metsovo and Ioannina, two beautiful areas towards the Pindos mountains. There are frequent local buses from Kalambaka to Kastraki and to Trikala, which is the principal town of the area, 20 minutes from Kalambaka. Trikala also has a big bus station for a wider range of bus connections. Find more info on how to get to Meteora here.

There are public buses between April and October starting from Kalambaka at 09:00 in the morning and every 2 hours till 17:00 in the evening. So it’s not very convenient if you wish to use it from monastery to monastery like a hop-on, hop-off bus. Mostly serves as a one way trip to reach the monasteries and then you will be on your own. You can check the buses timetable to Meteora here .

The mountain range to the east and north of the site experiences a wide climatic variation from very hot summers to cold winters with heavy snowfall. Summer is the driest time, storms occurring all year round especially at higher altitudes.

Yes, there are few labs at Kalampaka town where you can have a test. For more details you can send message.

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Of course, you can always contact us for booking assistance or send us an inquiry if you need.

You will receive an email that acknowledges that we have received your order as well as a receipt for your payment (if paid by card). 

If you have book a trip that includes train tickets or hotel, we will send you the train tickets via email approximately one month before your trip date. Make sure to search on your spam e-mail folder before you contacts if you can not find the e-mail.

We encourage our clients to book as far in advance as possible to ensure that your preferred travel dates, accommodation class and additional activities are available.

This is because it takes time to make all the arrangements for a complete travel package. Your travel consultant must book or reserve each included service individually with each supplier and personalise your itinerary accordingly, all before your arrival.

Frequently Asked Questions About Payments

We accept payment by credit card and electronic bank transfer. Also we accept Alipay, Sofortüberweisung, Apple pay and Google pay.

Please contact us as soon as possible if you must change or cancel your travel plans.

Cancellation requests must be submitted by email. The cancellation fee generally depends on the length of notice and type of booking and refund policies of our local providers. 

For more information on our cancellation policy, please visit our Terms and Conditions page

If a scheduled activity during your stay is cancelled due to weather conditions, we will offer alternatives at no additional cost. 

Should your activity be cancelled, you should contact your travel consultant as soon as possible during your stay to make alternative arrangements.

We offer discounts for children for most tourist services published on our website. The discount depends on the age of the child and on the type of service being offered.

If children of a certain age are prohibited from a particular tour or activity, it will be stated in the package details. Please contact us if you have other questions about travelling with children.

If we have issued a refund to you and you can not find it on your bank statement, please search for refunds under the name of our payment provide “trekksoft” or “trekpay” or “payyo. If you still can not find it, please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our Services

Apart the circle road route which is 20 km there is a total of 40 km network of different hiking trails 40 km in total. Not all of them are well marked. Some of the trails are in a very poor condition in terms of navigation while some other trails will end up in a serious drop off. So please be extremely careful when you decide to explore those trails on your own. While these walks can be done independently, a knowledgeable guide can greatly enhance your safety and experience and can choose your path carefully. If you don’t trust your sense of direction, then let us guide you by joining one of our hiking tours!

If you don’t have much time and you are here for couple of days only then a knowledgeable local guide can lend a laser focus to any sightseeing visit, and this may never be as valuable as when you have very little time in one place like Meteora. Meteora is a site which is exceptionally rich in historical or cultural significance; an educated tour guide can offer a depth of experience and knowledge that goes beyond guidebook snippets or plaque-reading. A good tour guide will always know the best hours to visit attractions, which places you can skip, how to avoid rush hour, what is closed or under construction, and any number of tricks and tactics that will help you get the most out of a heavily visited location.

Around the monasteries, there are no restaurants or cafes, only canteens that serve few quick snacks and beverages, so it is always a good idea to take some snacks and a bottle of water or refreshments with you. Don’t forget the appropriate clothing and your camera!

We organise all the travel arrangements in our tour packages in close cooperation with trusted local suppliers in each of our destinations.

After booking a tour package, your designated travel consultant will arrange all included services:

accommodation day tours (if included) car rental (if self-drive) train, cruise and ferry tickets (as applicable) any other custom services requested

We will send you the train tickets, vouchers and any other document via email approximately one month before your trip date.

IF YOU NEED ANY HELP, GET IN TOUCH WITH ONE OF OUR TRAVEL EXPERTS

Privacy Overview

Comfort plus hotels.

Hotel Doupiani House

Hotel Archontiko Mesochori

Hotel Kastraki

Hotel Dellas Boutique

Hotel Meteoritis

Hotel Kaikis

Alsos House

• USE DISCOUNT CODE "EarlyBird24" FOR A 10% DISCOUNT ON SELECTED TOURS!

The extraordinary rock formations of the Meteora region would be an unmissable tourist attraction even if they weren’t crowned by Byzantine monasteries. However, the sheer spectacle of those monasteries – somehow glued atop slender stone pinnacles by medieval masons and now collectively listed as a World Heritage site – makes this one of the most visited attractions in all Greece. This strange and beautiful landscape also offers wonderful opportunities for walkers and climbers.

Leave the planning to a local expert

Experience the real Meteora. Let a local expert handle the planning for you.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Moni Agias Triados

Of all the Meteora monasteries, Moni Agias Triados, which featured in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only, feels the most remote. A long down-then…

Moni Agias Varvaras Rousanou

Dramatically perched atop a steep pinnacle and accessed via a high narrow wooden bridge, Rousanou convent has an intimate atmosphere. Its small community…

Moni Agiou Nikolaou

The 15th-century Moni Agiou Nikolaou is the first monastery you reach from Kastraki, 1km from the village square. Many visitors, keen to press on to the…

Moni Megalou Meteorou

The Meteora’s largest monastery looks down on Kastraki from the highest rock in the valley (613m). Founded by St Athanasios in the 14th century, it grew…

Moni Varlaam

Beside the road a few hundred metres short of Moni Megalou Meteorou, Moni Varlaam was first occupied by the hermit Varlaam around 1350. It’s now…

Moni Agiou Stefanou

High above Kalambaka, at the end of the road, Moni Agiou Stefanou suffered considerable damage during and after WWII, and is less architecturally…

Psaropetra Lookout

For a panoramic break while visiting the monasteries, visit the clifftop Psaropetra Lookout, 650m south (right) from the fork in the road where continuing…

Doupiani Rock

Towering above the northern end of Kastraki, Doupiani Rock became home to the region’s first church, Panaghia Doupani, in the late 12th century. Hermits…

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Let a local expert craft your dream trip.

Latest stories from Meteora

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Jan 5, 2016 • 4 min read

As both religious and natural symbols of Greece, Meteora and its monastery-topped pinnacles are high on the list of the country’s most visited sites. Many…

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Get to the heart of Meteora with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.

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, comes into view.

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?

This genuinely remarkable part of the planet 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 short on time.

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

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 to get to because it’s located smack dab in the middle of Greece.

Most people arrive at Meteora via big cities like Thessaloniki or Athens.

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

Your only choices for transportation to Meteora are by bus, car, or train since there are no nearby airports.

How Many Days Do I Need In Meteora?

You can definitely 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 absolutely loved that we could explore everything at a slower pace.

If you are strapped for time, you can join a day trip from Athens . It seems a bit exhausting, though, due to the traveling.

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

Each monastery has a €3 ($2.95) entry fee. 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 pretty 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 it’s not enough to cover your knees. However, you can borrow wrap skirts and shawls from the monasteries’ entrances.

We noticed that they are stricter about the long skirt 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, there is often a shortage of parking spaces 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, the essential things to remember are to bring water and wear decent walking/climbing shoes.

We have a list of fantastic sling backpacks in which you can 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.

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.

It was established by a monk from Mount Athos 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.

I think 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 .

Fine frescoes and icons from the 14th to 16th century can be found inside the church of the Transfiguration, as well as golden frescos 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, and it underwent decoration in the 1930s.

There’s a good reason Roussanou Monastery is Meteora’s most photographed structure since it roughly sits in the middle of all of 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 difficult 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 had ever inhabited the rock, the monastery was left in ruins after his death. In 1542, the opulent 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 the top. Beautiful murals, an exhibit of religious artifacts, and a great water barrel that formerly held 12 tons of rainfall can all be seen inside the monastery.

Varlaam is the second largest monastery and is not far from Great Meteoron. You go up approximately 140 steps to reach the monastery. It has the most monks of any Meteora monastery and has 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 the benefit of modern technology or facilities.

The ancient wine casks and food stores, as well as the 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. Being the nearest monastery to the settlement of Kastraki, 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 point of relaxation 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, because of their low vantage points, are limited to Kastraki and the Roussanou Monastery.

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 to visit 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.

Final Thoughts On Visiting Meteora, Greece

Meteora is a gorgeous area of Greece that can sometimes be overlooked due to the sparkly flair of Athens or the 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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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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Book a 2-day tour to Meteora from Athens

The imposing Monastery of Grand Meteoron

Kastraki, a village under impressive rock formations!

TRENDING IN METEORA

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The area's villages

TRAVEL GUIDE TO METEORA

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

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

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

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OUR TRAVEL SERVICES IN METEORA

Book your trip in Meteora with Greeka! We help thousands of people every year to plan beautiful and trouble-free holidays. From tours to hotels and car rentals, we provide all the essential services to make your trip to Greece the most epic and smooth one. Our services are rated . Our guide and services won the Silver Award (2020) of the annual Tourism Awards in Greece . Read reviews about our services.

MORE ABOUT METEORA GREECE

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

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

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

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

Are you ready to discover Meteora?

PHOTOS OF METEORA / SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

Explore Meteora Greece through the lens of the talented members on Greeka community . Share your experience with us or tag us #greekacom on your favorite social media.

HOTELS & ACCOMMODATIONS

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

HIGHLIGHTS: BEST OF METEORA

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

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The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Meteora, Greece

• Last Updated On: September 8, 2023

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

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

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

History of the Meteora Monasteries

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

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

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

How to get to Meteora

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

By Day Trip

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

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

Getting around Meteora

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

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

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

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

Bus from Kalambaka to Meteora

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

Booking a Bike tour to see Meteora

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

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

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

Where to eat in Meteora

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

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

Skaros Taverna

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

Taverna Bakaliarakia

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

Fortounis Tsipouradiko

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

Where to stay in Meteora

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

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

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

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

Best time to visit Meteora

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

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

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

How many days do you need in Meteora?

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

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

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

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

When are the Meteora monasteries open?

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

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

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

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

How much does it cost to visit Meteora

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

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

Dress code in Meteora

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

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

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

Best Photo Spots in Meteora

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

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

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

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

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

Can you fly a drone in Meteora?

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

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

The Monasteries of Meteora

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

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

• Holy Trinity

Great Meteoron

• St Stephen’s
• Agios Nickolas

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

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

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

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

Agia Triáda – Holy Trinity Monastery

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

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

Agios Stéphanos – St Stephen’s Nunery

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

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

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

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

Agios Nikólaos Anapavás

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

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

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

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Meteora View Points: The Best 11 Photo Locations for 2024

M eteora is a stunning historical site in Greece that is home to six monasteries perched high upon the unique pillar rocks. When visiting, there are many incredible Meteora view points that will allow you to see the natural beauty of Meteora.

In fact, Meteora is truly a photographers dream as there are so many vantage points to capture stunning photos of the dramatic landscape and stunning monasteries.

Get Lost in Wanderlust contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of the links below, we may receive a very small compensation at no extra cost to you.

Travel Resources

Visiting Meteora?

Check out these resources.

Book a Hotel: Booking.com or Expedia

Find a Car Rental: Discover Cars

Take a Guided Tour: Viator or Get Your Guide

Best Tour: Meteora Sunset Tour

Where is the Best View in Meteora?

While there are many great viewpoints, the best view in Meteora is Sunset Rock. Sunset Rock offers a captivating, panoramic view over the unique pillar rocks that jet out from the lush green landscape. From Sunset Rock, you can also catch glimpses of the inspiring monasteries that are perched high upon the cliffs.

However, Its important to check out several Meteora photo spots to fully capture the essence of this incredible place. Therefore, you will find a list of the best 11 viewing spots in Meteora below.

Map of Meteora View Points

Many of the best photo locations are from the entry points of the monasteries, courtyards of the monasteries, or from various pull off spots along the road. Here is a map to give a visual of where the best photo locations are at.

The Best 11 Meteora View Points and Photo Locations

While there are many great viewing points throughout Meteora, the 11 locations below are sure to provide great opportunities to photograph the stunning landscape.

1. Sunset Rock

Sunset Rock is by far the best place to go in Meteora for sunset . The rock provides stunning, panoramic views over Meteora.

As the name suggests, sunset is the best time for amazing views at Sunset Rock. However, it does get busy here so make sure to go early to secure a good spot.

Sunset Rock is also worth stopping at during the daytime as you can still get incredible photos at this great vantage point over Meteora.

Photo Location: Sunset Rock is located at Kalampaka 422 00, Greece. You will see a small car pull off area where you can park and then walk directly onto Sunset Rock.

2. Meteora Main Observation Deck

The Meteora Main Observation Deck is one of the best places to experience the scenic views over Meteora. The view focuses on the astounding Meteora pillar rocks, but from certain angles you can see a monastery in the distance.

This is a great spot for sunrise or sunset , although it does get crowded so it is best to get there early. Its also important to be careful of your surroundings here and not go too close to steep cliff edges.

Photo Location: The Meteora Main Observation Deck is located at Kalabaka 422 00, Greece, just a short distance from Sunset Rock. There is a small parking area available, and from there you can wander around for sweeping views of Meteora.

3. View of Varlaam Monastery

Varlaam Monastery is the second largest monastery in Meteora. It was originally founded in the 14th century by a monk named Varlaam.

Today, it is open to visitors and provides incredible vantage points, and is also has a small museum that holds valuable relics, art, and manuscripts.

Photo Location: This view of Varlaam Monastery is taken from the Great Meteoron Monastery. From the steps of the Great Meteoron Monastary, you’ll experience incredible views such as this one.

4. View of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity

View from the Observation Area for the Monastery of the Holy Trinity

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is is perched upon a pillar rock that jets out an astounding 300 meters over the town of Kalabaka.

The Monastery of the Holy Trinity is easily one of the most photographed sites in Meteora, and for good reason. The views of this monastery are jaw-dropping.

It makes it hard to imagine how the monks who built this place once risked it all to climb to the top of this unique pillar rock.

Photo Location: There are several great photo locations to snap pictures of the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. Most of the best photos can be taken from the side of the road after parking your car or from the start of the pathway leading to the monastery.

5. View of the Great Meteoron Monastery

The oldest and largest of the Meteora Monasteries is of course the Great Meteoron Monastery . Visiting this monastery is a true highlight, so try to avoid coming on Tuesdays when the interior is closed.

The Great Meteoron Monastery was founded in the early 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite

Not only are the views from the Great Meteoron Monastery spectacular, but the views from the courtyards provide panoramic scenes over Meteora that are truly stunning.

Photo Location: This up close photo of the Great Meteoron Monastery is actually taken from the parking lot for the monastery. There is a small viewing deck here that is a perfect photo location.

6. View of Saint Stephen Nunnery

Saint Stephens Nunnery is also referred to as the Monastery of Agios Stefanos. Originally, it was built as a monastery in the 15th century. Since then it went through years of abandonment and was even partially destroyed in World War II.

It was later rebuilt and was transformed into a nunnery in 1961.

Saint Stephens Nunnery is the most accessible of the 6 monasteries in Meteora, because it only requires crossing a short bridge to enter.

Photo Location: A great photo spot to capture the beauty of St Stephens is at the one of the several vantage points from parking pull-off areas along the road.

7. Holy Monastery of Rousanou

Holy Monastery of Roussanou was built in the 14th century, and is believed to be named after a founding monk named Roussanou. However, this monastery is sometimes referred to a Saint Barbara as well.

This monastery has lower elevation when compared to the other monastaries, and so it is one of the easier ones to access .

Photo Location: Not far from Sunset rock is a small car parking area that you can pull off for this scenic photo of the Monastery of Roussanou.

8. Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas

Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas was built in the 14th century and remodeled in the 16th century. After that it went through years of abandonment before being refurbished in the 1970s as a historical monument.

It was one of the smallest monasteries and also has lower elevation compared to the others.

Photo Location: The best spot to capture a picture is from the road that goes down from the Roussanou parking lot.

9. Views of Kalabaka and Kastraki

Throughout many points of Meteora, you’ll catch glimpses of Kastraki, the small village at the footsteps of Meteora. You can also see distance views of Kalabaka, which is the larger town near Meteora.

The views of the town are incredibly scenic , with the red roofs playing a stark contrast to the surrounding greenery and mountains in the distance.

Photo Location: There are many great photo spots that have panoramic views of the town, from the monastery courtyards, observation areas, and even from some of the parking spots near the monasteries.

10. The Courtyards

Most of the monasteries have inner courtyards, as it provides a peaceful and secluded spaces for monks and visitors alike. These areas often have beautiful gardens and well-preserved architectural details, and are great photo locations .

The architectural style of the monasteries is reminiscent of the Byzantine heritage of Meteora . You’ll find elements like red colored dome-shaped roofs, Byzantine frescoes, and Byzantine religious icons throughout each monastery.

It is worth going inside the monasteries, as they are each unique. Some monasteries are rather bare and the stone walls give off a cold feeling, while others are adorned with intricate frescoes and religious iconography.

Inside some of the monasteries are paintings that depict religious scenes and tell the stories of the lives of saints. The frescoes are a significant part of the cultural heritage of Meteora.

Photo Location: The best courtyard photos can be taken at Varlaam and the Great Meteoron Monasteries. Keep in mind that photos are not allowed inside the monasteries, but you can take photos in the interior courtyards.

11. Dinner with a View at Meteoron Panorama Restaurant

There are also several places to get views of the Meteora rocks from the village of Kastraki, as well as the larger town of Kalabaka.

One unique viewpoint is from Meteoron Panorama, a restaurant just outside of Kalabaka. From the outdoor patio at Meteoron Panorama, you’ll get a close up view of the unique Meteora rock formations.

The View from the Outdoor Patio at Meteoron Panorama

In the rocks there are small caves. Prior to the formation of the monasteries, monks first came to Meteora to become hermits, and live a life of solitude. These hermits would live in the natural formed caves, until later on when the began constructing the monasteries.

The caves also have an interesting story from modern history , as they were used to hide both people and valuables during World War II when the German Nazi forces sieged Meteora and the monasteries.

The unique history that surrounds Meteora are one of the many reasons it is worth visiting.

Photo Location: From the left side of the outdoor patio at Meteoron Panorama, there are close up views of the unique rocks with small caves.

How to Get Around Meteora

When it comes to getting around Meteora to explore the amazing photo opportunities and the monasteries, there are a few ways to get around.

Driving in Meteora

Driving is the easiest way to get around Meteora. Driving allows you to go at your own pace, stop at various photo locations and different monasteries, and is super convieint.

To drive around Meteora, you will likely want to pick up your rental car in Athens . We did this and used Discover Cars to find the best deal for a highly rated rental car .

For information on the drive or what to see along the way, check out this guide on driving from Athens to Meteora . You can also stop at Delphi on the way from Athens , which is another incredible historical site in Greece.

Click Here to Check Prices and Book a Rental Car

Hiking in Meteora

Another way to get around Meteora is by hiking. If you plan to hike Meteora, you will want to stay a few days to ensure you have plenty of time to explore the sites. It is also best to stay in the village of Kastraki as that is the starting point for hiking.

Take a Guided Tour in Meteora

If you plan to arrive to Meteora without a car , I’d highly recommend taking a guided tour. A Meteora guided tour like this one that will take you to the monasteries while providing intriguing information on the area.

Check Prices and Book a Meteora Monasteries Guide Tour

To get amazing sunset photos , I highly recommend this Meteora Sunset Tour . A sunset tour which ensures that you visit all the best photo locations and get panoramic vantage points over the stunning landscape at sunset.

Check Prices and Book a Meteora Sunset Tour

If you want to visit Meteora from Athens as a day trip , this tour is a great choice. While it is a very long day, it might be worth it if you are on limited time and want to see one of the most incredible sites in Greece.

Check Prices and Book a Meteora Day Trip From Athens

Where to Stay in Meteora

It is best to stay at least 2 nights in Meteora . This gives you plenty of time to explore the monasteries, watch the sunset, and visit all the best photo locations and viewpoints.

Staying 2-3 nights gives you spare time in case of rain or fog, so that you have extra time to capture incredible photographs that will last a lifetime.

When visiting Meteora, you’ll choose between staying in the quiet village of Kastraki or the more lively town of Kalabaka . Either one is a great option and below are some recommended hotels for both.

Best Hotel with a View – Hotel Doupiani House

Experience stunning views at this highly rated hotel in Kastraki Village.

Best Hotel with a Pool – Divani Meteora Hotel

Especially in the summer there is nothing better than a refreshing swim after a day of exploring. This beautiful hotel in Kalabaka is also centrally located and a great option.

FAQ: Meteora View Points

How Long Does it Take to See Meteora?

It takes 2 days to fully see Meteora. Each monastery is closed 1 day per week and so staying for 2 days will allow you to visit each one. It also gives you ample time to visit all the incredible photo spots, go hiking, or watch the sunset.

Is a Day Trip to Meteora Worth It?

If you are limited on time, a day trip to Meteora is worth it. Meteora is one of the most unique sites in Greece, and is a must-visit destination. However, when possible it is best to stay 1 or 2 nights in Meteora to get the full experience.

The Wrap Up: Meteora View Points

There are so many Meteora view points that are worth visiting to capture pictures that will last a lifetime. From the scenic rock pillars surrounded by lush greenery to the impressive Byzantine-style monasteries perched high atop the cliffs, Meteora is filled with captivating scenery.

Meteora is a bucket list destination, especially for anyone interested in photography as this is one of the most uniquely beautiful sites in all of Greece.

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