meteora rock climbing tour

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Meteora Rock Climbing

Meteora is a world-class destination for rock climbing! Climb on Meteora and reach out to the sky!

Whether you are new to rock climbing or an experienced climber, this rock climbing adventure is an activity in Meteora that you should not miss. Let one of the professional, experienced guides introduce you to the local climbing crags and climb some of the best routes that the Meteora area has to offer! This very popular tour is designed for individuals or groups looking for a fun-filled morning or afternoon of single pitch, top roped climbing.

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Departure: from Kalampaka or Kastraki

Tour Highlights

• Climb some of the best routes at Meteora
• Single-pitch or multi-pitch
• See the view from the top of the rocks

Useful Information

• Starting Time: 8:30am
• Duration: 3 hours
• Max People: 4
• Meeting Point: St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery Parking
• Availability: Daily Departures

Why to book the Meteora Rock Climbing with us

• Small size groups
• Quality & value for your money
• Best tour leaders
• You will go to secret local spots that the vast majority of other travelers will never experience.
• Professional climbing guide
• All necessary equipment
• Taxes and service fees

Not inclusions

• Gratuities (optional)
• Hotel pick up and drop off

Book with confidence

• 100% refund if you cancel your reservation up to 24 hours prior to the start time of the tour
• Rearrange your dates once with no change fee
• COVID-19 safety measures apply

Tour Details

This tour requires physical and mental health.

Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date, alternative activity or full refund.

Recommended Equipment/Items to bring:

• Comfortable casual clothing
• Flexible shoes; no open toes or flip flops
• Weatherproof shell jacket
• Water (at least 1 liter per person)
• Backpack to carry everything!

Cancellation Policy

• 100% refund if you cancel your reservation up to 24 hours prior to the start time of the tour​
• Unused features are non-refundable. No shows forfeit entire payment.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Tour

We cannot pick up clients from AirBNBs for our tours. If you are staying in Kalampaka then you can come by our offices here to start the tour. If you are staying in Kastraki then you can meet us at our offices there.

Trikala is a city about 21km away from Kalampaka. Because of that, we do not offer pick up from there. You can catch the local bus to Kalampaka, which runs regularly and come by our offices here to start the tour.

In case of rain, you will be offered either a reschedule or a refund.

The pick-up time for all our tours is the same as the meeting time, indicated on your vouchers and our website. Please note that there may be a slight difference of 5-10 minutes between that time and the actual pick up time, depending on the number of pickups we have scheduled. Please be ready 10 minutes prior to your trip in order to facilitate that.

You can make a booking with us literally at the last minute! Just keep in mind that there may be no seats left on the tour if you do that! We recommend booking at least one week in advance, in order to have the best chances of finding availability.

We have split our tours tom morning and afternoon ones. Furthermore, all our tours visit different places at Meteora. This way, you can combine any morning tour with any afternoon tour you wish! All all-time-classic combination is the Meteora Hiking Tour in the morning and the Meteora Sunset Tour in the afternoon.

What other tourists are saying about us

2800+ Excellent reviews on TripAdvisor See the reviews

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Further reading.

Conquering The Great Saint Via Ferrata In Meteora

10 Good Reasons to join the Hiking tour of Meteora

Join Meteora Adventures and Outdoor activities

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Meteora Rock Climbing

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Meteora Rock Climbing: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

( 8 reviews )

Meteora is located right in the heart of Greece, with its mystical and mythical rock formations proving alluring to many visitors each year. Rock climbing around here is a truly special experience.

Meteora is a spectacular rock formation in Central Greece, with its pillars shooting up in to the sky above the tranquil Greek countryside, looming large over the lush green vegetation and creating a striking scene. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Listed site. Rock climbing around Meteora is a memorable experience, with absolutely jaw-dropping and breath-taking views on every climb. Take a pick from our selection of rock climbing trips in Meteora, and prepare to be wowed!    

Top rock climbing trips | Greece

1+ day Rock climbing in Meteora, Greece

3-day rock climbing in Meteora, Greece

Intermediate

Rock climbing on the Meteora Rocks in Greece with a local guide

Need Assistance?

Our knowledgeable team is here to assist you at any moment throughout your adventure.

FAQs : Rock Climbing in Greece

What should I know about Rock Climbing Meteora?

The way of life in the Greek countryside retains many historic customs, traditions and cultures, and is much slower-paced than city life. Try and learn and understand a bit more about these cultures whilst visiting.

Why should I choose Meteora for my Rock Climbing adventure?

Not only is Meteora unique for the odd shape of its pillars and rock formations, but perched upon each one of these is a monastery. There are 6 in total, with nobody quite knowing how or why they were established there. There were previously many more in the area, and this historical quirk has led to many people visiting to catch a glimpse of their strange locations.

Stunning Views

Meteora contains some of the most superb and beautiful views out over the Greek countryside, with the sheer height of the rock formations allowing one to admire the lush green vegetation that stretches far out in to the distance. Rock climbing on the pillars enables everyone to take in these special panoramas.

Rock Climbing Playground

There is a wide variety of rock climbing routes and trails available at Meteora, with each catering to people of all levels of ability, from beginner to expert. Single pitched and top rope climbing are popular options, with more than 500 single and multi-pitch routes! You will never be bored of rock climbing here.

What can I expect from the weather during my Rock Climbing trip in Meteora?

Warm Summer, with temperatures averaging 24-27 degrees celsius, and relatively cool Winters, with temperatures averaging 8-10 degrees celsius.

Which language is predominantly spoken in the Meteora region?

What currency is accepted around Meteora?

How can I get to Meteora?

Fly to either Athens or Thessaloniki, and then either train, bus or car from there.

What's the country code for the Meteora region?

When is the best time to travel to Meteora for Rock Climbing?

April-October, when the weather is warmest and conditions driest.

What people are saying about Rock Climbing |

The climbing tour was a very nice experience. We discussed beforehand what difficulty we wanted to climb and our expectations were met. The guide is very professional and we were even picked up directly from the hotel.

I had a great day with Iraklis. We did Pillar of Dreams and he definitely knew the route. I felt safe the entire time and would climb with Iraklis again if I’m ever fortunate enough to make it back in the area. Meteora is amazing and well worth the trip

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Rock climbing at Meteora, world-renowned monastery landmark

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MOUNTAIN GUIDE

Meteora Rocks

You've seen these rocks while flippping though your travel agent's flyer, on flight magazines, as a backdrop of greek yoghurt ads.

This bucolic scenery in Central Greece is mostly known for the handful of monasteries decorating the conglomerate pillar formations .

An UNESCO World Heritage protected site, Meteora has been part of the modern climbing scene in Greece since 1970.

Rock Climbing in Meteora is unparalleled. The style and movement will captivate you.

Looking for protrusioning rocks to grab and step on, you will gradually find yourself on the next anchor point.

After a couple of pitches, the endless view to the valley will be rewarding and relaxing,

as Nikos will share stories about the local history and geological phenomena.

The small snack on the top will power you back up and prep you for a safe descent and a relaxing afternoon.

Nikos started climbing in Meteora in 1989 and hasn't stopped since!

The magnificent scenery, the strong ethics and the local climbing community are part of his climbing DNA.

Nikos knows the rock pillars like the back of his hand, after repeating old, opening new routes and guiding here year after year.

Are you ready for an experience in the rock forest of Meteora? !

#climbmeteora

Rock climbing in meteora.

Petzl RocTrip 2014 Video

visitmeteora.travel meteora-greece.com

Accommodation

ziogasrooms.com thaliarooms.gr hotelkastraki.gr hotel-adrachti.com

Camping campingkastraki.gr

Meteora (pronounced meh-TEH-o-ra) is an intriguing place. The word metéora means ‘suspended in the air’, for this cluster of massive rock towers rises from the verdant plain of Thessaly in an almost mysterious and magical manner. The conglomerate towers, which overlook the village of Kastràki and the town of Kalabàka, feature nearly 800 single- and multi-pitch routes on towers, pinnacles and pillars. In contrast with ‘ordinary’ sport climbing, the peculiar nature of the rock, the otherworldly surroundings, and the ending of each route on a summit truly make climbing at Meteora a singular experience. The first people to climb these majestic towers were hermits sometime in the 11th or 12th century, who sought answers to their existential quest on these summits between earth and sky. The unusual and primitive beauty of the rocky valley has always attracted humans like an invisible magnet.   Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the wider region belongs to the Natura 2000 environmental network of protected areas.   Geology : The characterful conglomerates of Meteora were laid down as far back as 60 million years ago. The materials were deposited at the border of the Thessaly plain when the prehistoric sea waters, which once covered the plain, receded. The rock pinnacles and their distinctive lines were then revealed and sculpted over the millennia, inch by inch, by the forces of earthquakes, water and wind.   Climbing : The texture of Meteora rock results from its unique mix of pebbles, cobbles and larger stones packed into a rock surface which feels like concrete but is, in fact, a mixture of sandstone and conglomerate. Oftentimes, cobbles have come loose from the rock to leave shallow holes in their place. At first it can be hard to trust these small, often downward-sloping pebbles as handholds and footholds, but you will gradually realize that they are solid – at least on popular routes, where rock is cleaner and more solid thanks to thousands of ascents. (Tip: don’t deviate from the line of the route!)   The climbing style is primarily balancy and slabby on crimpy pebbles. The only thing that changes as grades go up or down is the size of the cobbles and the angle of the cliff. Generally, the climbing is technical, pleasant, delicate, and not very athletic, except on very hard routes. Although most routes in Meteora are bolted face climbs, in many cases the character is mixed sport and trad. Pure trad pitches go up cracks or chimneys and require cams and nuts.

Sector: Adrachti Gordian Knot Silken Thread (Direct) Via Scorpion Sector: Alpha Spur Orchid Sector: Ambaria Southwest Ridge Sector: Bantovas Swiss Cheese Sector: Delta Spur Lightning Rod (Alexikeravno) The 4th Pillar Sector: Doupiani Daedalus Duett Green Light Icarus Isidora North Light Ostria Pantokratoras Ridge Pillar of Rain Sickle Slab of Doupiani Thick End Without Reservation Sector: Dragon's Cave Diagonian Devil Dragon Fighter Etsi ki Allios No Name Yet Sector: Grail Egg Dance Sector: Holy Ghost Οver the Dragon’s Tooth Action Direct Athena Corner of Madness Iphigenia Pillar of Dreams Way of the Water Sector: Holy Ghost Guardian Black Magic Southwest Ridge Sector: Mermaid's Heart Cracked Heart Dance of Fingers Dynamis Mermaid’s Ridge Sector: Sourloti Line of the Falling Drops Pebble in the Sky Sophocles Sector: The Bell Carillon of the Bell (Direct) Interamerican (Direct) Pathfinder Sector: Vulture Wall West Ridge Sector: Ypsilotera Rock Danae Stairway to Heaven West Ridge

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Rock Climbing in Meteora

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The Activity Climbing is a special outdoor activity as it gives us the opportunity to test our stamina and overcome our possible phobias. In the wider area of ​​Meteora, there are dozens of climbing routes of various levels of difficulty; our suggestion is the rock of Dubiani just above the village of Kastraki next to Kalampaka.

The area The area of ​​Meteora is an area of ​​unique natural and geological beauty. The rocks are mainly pebbled sandstones and cobblestones created 33 to 5 million years ago. The rocks are up to 200 meters high and some of them up to 300 meters wide. The area is located in the northwestern part of Thessaly where the plain meets the mountain range of Pindos and Hassia.

The History The area of ​​Meteora is closely connected with Christianity and monasticism. The first hermits came to the area in the 11th century AD (according to others, in the 10th century AD) and since then there is a constant presence in the area. The prosperity and development of Christianity – monasticism in the region historically followed its trends in every era with a prominent period in the 17th century AD when it experienced the greatest flourishing.

Nature and People Since 1988 the area of Meteora and the 6 remaining monasteries have been included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. But the area of Meteora is also a protected habitat of the NATURA 2000 network and includes the forests of oak and plane trees, the steep rocks, and of course quite a lot of birds and flora. Definitely, a very special place to visit and explore.

Rock Climbing Doubiani

From the meeting point (in the monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas) and after a short walk (500 meters of asphalt and 500 meters of an easy path), we will reach the rock of Dubiani which is one of the most beautiful rocks for climbing and introduction to this beautiful activity. The routes are already set and insured by our guides/animators.

The next stage is the acquaintance with the equipment that we will use (belts, helmets, ropes, climbing materials). There will be an introduction to the basic technique of climbing but also to the rules of safety and movement on the rock.

Under the careful supervision of our guides, the participants wear their personal equipment and, being always insured, start the effort to climb to the highest point where the fuses are. With guidance and safety, the participants reach high from where they can admire the unique view and the feeling of “I did it”!

Highlights:

• Learning some of the secrets of climbing.
• The sense of achieving of the different.
• The view from up high.
• Direct contact with the rock.

In the parking lot of the monastery “Agios Nikolaos Anapafsa” at a pre-arranged time.

Participation fee:

• 1 guest 80 €
• 2 guests 50 €
• 3 guests 45 €
• 4-20 guests 40 €

Experienced animator escort for climbing activity (Greek-speaking or English-speaking). All the necessary climbing equipment required (climbing belts, ropes, climbing materials). The selection and insurance of climbing routes. All Taxes. Liability insurance.

Tips for local guides (optional). Anything not clearly mentioned above.

Physical and mental health, basic physical condition, the fulfillment of participation document, prepayment of the participation fee.

What participants should have with them: Sports or light mountaineering shoes, Comfortable sports clothes (depending on the season), Windproof or warm jacket (and hat in winter), Water, Snack, Sun hat in summer.

Extra services: Transfer from Kalambaka or Kastraki to the meeting point and return 10 € / person.

Total program duration: 2-3 Hours

Suitable for ages: 8-70 years

• Is the climbing activity dangerous? No, climbing is a completely safe activity, as long as all safety standards and proper equipment are followed. Greek Adventure escorts guarantee you the safe implementation of the activity.
• I have not climbed again, can I participate in this program? This program is aimed at both beginners and advanced. Depending on the level of each participant, the escort/animator chooses a route of different difficulty… With our guidance, you will also be introduced to the secrets of climbing.
• Do I have to have any specific climbing equipment? No, you do not need to have anything specialized. All the necessary equipment for climbing is provided by Greek Adventure.
• Do I need to have water with me and how much? There is no water at the place where the climbing activity takes place, so it would be good to have water with you for 2-3 hours
• Do I have to have food with me? The duration of the meal is 2-3 hours so we would suggest having some light snacks with you (nuts, energy bars, fruits, etc.)
• How is the ground in this activity? From the point of our appointment (parking of the monastery of Agios Nikolaos) to the rock of Dubiani is about 1000 meters distance (500m asphalt and 500 meters path). The climb takes place on the rock of Dubiani, meteoric rocks made of sandstone.
• What shoes are good to have? For climbing there are specific climbing shoes… as you can easily do climbing (at a beginner level) and with sports or light mountaineering shoes.
• What clothes should I have for climbing? The clothes depend on the period of time you choose to make your trip In any season it is good to wear comfortable sports clothes (warm or light depending on the season) that allow you to make great movements. Warm clothes and jackets are recommended for the coldest days for the duration of your wait.

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Meteora Scramble hiking, Agia (Aia) Rock !

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Pulling pebbles on tall conglomerate towers crowned by monasteries

Description

If you have seen the James Bond movie "For Your Eyes Only" you may remember the stunning scenery in which 007 goes rockclimbing: Tall conglomerate towers with many abandoned or inhabited monasteries on top. Even tiny ledges and caves often hold relics of some hermitages.

The climbing is mostly adventurous; expect longer runouts, widely-spaced ringbolts that are sometimes easy to overlook and sometimes loose round pebbles that make gear placements challenging.

Some routes require a full trad rack, others can be climbed just with quickdraws. Thin slings for tying-off pebbles often come handy.

Most popular routes have two-bolt anchors but you can still find large ringbolt anchors. Learn to distinguish them from smaller intermediate ringbolts. When rappelling from a single ring anchor, make sure to rig the knot in a way that you will pull the side that goes UNDER the ring on retrieval. Otherwise the ring will block the rope like a belay plate.

Detailed german route database .

Access issues

Generally, rock formations with inhabited monasteries should not be climbed. Preserve all other historical remains.

You may reach Meteora easily from Athens, Thessaloniki, and most other parts of Greece by train and bus or of course by private transportation.

Where to stay

Two campsites in the villages of Kastraki and Kalambaka.

Traditionally, Meteora was in great parts explored by climbers with background from Saxon Switzerland (East Germany), translating to ringbolts, leadbolting and runouts. However, there is also some mainstream sport climbing to be found.

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Selected guidebooks more hide.

Author(s): Vangelis Batsios

ISBN: 9786180046649

A selective guidebook describing 206 of the best classic multi-pitch routes at Meteora, covering both traditional and modern routes.

• climb-europe.com
• climbing-guide.eu

ISBN: 9786180037999

A comprehensive guidebook describing the sport climbing found at Meteora, Theopetra, Sarakina, and Agia Paraskev, covering 319 routes.

• kletterfuehrer.net

Author(s): Thierry Souchard

ISBN: 9782952638876

A selective guidebook describing 180 multi-pitch routes from 7 areas around the world, covering Calanques, Verdon, Sardinia, Meteora, Wadi Rum, Tsaranoro, Red Rocks, and Zion.

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Meteora Thrones – Travel Center

Meteora Climbing

Experience an amazing adventure.

Be closer to the to top of the world with an unforgetable Meteora climbing experience.

Discover with our highly educated , professional climbing guide – instuctor an once in a lifetime adventure. Your climbing guide will be all the time with you to bring you on the top of the world.

Take advantage of the local climbing knowledge that we want to share with you and discover world-class Meteora rock climbing.

The pictures will be a souvenir for ever in your life.

• Climbing course for beginners – TOP ROPE
• Climbing coaching for intermediate climbers
• Climbing partner for advanced climbers

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Meteora: Ascending to Greece’s Spiritual Heights

Beyond the monasteries: more meteora experiences, the paths of greece, a miniguide to hiking and climbing around meteora.

Hiking trails in the superb and multifaceted natural habitat surrounding the legendary Meteora monasteries

BY STEPHANOS PSIMENOS

Translated by sophia velopoulos, published 02 may 2023, meteora/photo: unsplash, meteora: ascending to greece’s spiritual heights, honest vlach cuisine: dining around meteora, greece, bars & bites around kalambaka near meteora, majestic meteora: an overview of premier local accommodations, useful telephone numbers – meteora, getting there – meteora, your driving tips for meteora.

Meteora is a protected habitat in the Natura 2000 network (with the code GR1440005), a landscape that encompasses forested hills with impressive cliffs, the lush river valleys of Peneus and Lithaios, plane and oak tree forests, wild shrubs, and cultivated lands. Within this area, rich with varied flora, live a broad array of protected species.

Discover Meteora’s Environment

The significant flora here includes endemic species such as the Kalambaka Centaury (Centaurea kalambakensis), Milky Centaury (Centaurea lactiflora), and the protected Cretan Anthem (Anthemis cretica). The area is crucial for the breeding of birdlife and hosts populations of protected species such as the Egyptian vulture (Neophron percnopterus), owls, eagles, and other predatory birds. In the Meteora region, otters (Lutra lutra), wolves, bats (myotis and rhinolophus), turtles, dormice, tree frogs, pipistrelles, alpine newts, snakes, and lizards, among others, can also be found.

However, this habitat is threatened by the deforestation of oak forests, the expansion of the road network, illegal hunting, overgrazing, light pollution from giant spotlights, and the mass tourism that the monasteries attract.

The Joy of Hiking in Meteora

Whether you are a novice or a seasoned hiker, there is a path for everyone. The trails lead through lush forests, past babbling brooks, and over rocky terrain, taking you to ancient monasteries perched high atop the cliffs. You will also come across steep cliffs that offer a robust challenge to adrenaline junkies looking to push their limits.

As you hike, you’ll be rewarded with stunning vistas of the surrounding countryside, including distant mountains, valleys, and the sky. The natural beauty of this region is unrivalled, and it has inspired artists, writers, and photographers for centuries.

Preparing for Your Hiking Adventure

It’s a real shame that there is absolutely no signage on the paths of Meteora. This area could be the top destination for cultural hiking in Greece as it combines a unique natural landscape with impressive cultural wealth (the monasteries). The TERRAIN hiking map accurately captures all the well-trodden paths in the Meteora area, but you’ll need a good pedometer app on your phone to calculate distances, as well as a compass and a good sense of direction to avoid getting lost. Make sure you have water with you, and some nourishing power snacks.

Wherever you walk in Meteora , the landscape’s beauty is astounding, but we recommend these seven routes, which offer the best tried and tested hiking experience in this area.

Kastraki, Meteora/Photo: Unsplash

Best hiking trails to explore.

Kastraki – Rock of Holy Spirit – Varlaam Monastery – Transfiguration of the Saviour Monastery (Total distance: 2.4 km. Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes)

A scenic and relatively easy hiking trail that will take you to two of the most beautiful monasteries in Meteora. It starts from the eastern edge of the village, at the end of the cobbled road behind the Geological Formations Museum . The path rises upwards on the vertical southern side of the impressive rock called Holy Spirit. Built on top of it is one of the oldest hermitages in Meteora, and from below the rock, it’s impossible to conceive how the monks managed to climb up there. But after 500 metres (from the start of the trail), you’ll see the branch of the trail that leads up to the top, where you’ll be rewarded with a magnificent view. Note that this part has many exposed and dangerous points and requires a lot of attention.

Once you cross the main asphalt road, you’ll enter the most beautiful part of the trail, a stone path between the rocks of Meteora , surrounded by dense vegetation. About 400 meters after the road, you’ll see the intersection of the path that climbs to the right (east) and after 300 metres leads to Varlaam Monastery . The main path continues north and climbs between the openings of the majestic rocks to end after 200 meters at the Transfiguration of the Saviour Monastery.

Agios Stefanos monastery /Photo: Shutterstock

Kalambaka-Agiou Stefanou Monastery (Total distance: 4 km. Hiking time: 2 hours)

At the eastern entrance of Kalambaka, follow the central Trikalon road and immediately after the Divani Hotel, turn right onto Zacharias Pseira Street (northeast) until its end. From there, follow the dirt road towards the east. At approximately 1200 meters from the Trikalon road, you’ll see the hiking trail on your left, ascending towards the north. After 400 meters, you’ll reach the deserted chapel of Analipsi. Continue northwards along the dirt road, and after 50 metres from the chapel, turn left onto the hiking trail.

This section of the hiking trail, leading to Agiou Stefanou Monastery, is incredibly beautiful, especially in autumn, as it passes through a dense oak forest. The trail ends at the back garden of the monastery, where, unfortunately, the nuns have placed a large iron gate that prevents you from entering. Instead, you will have to climb up to the top of Pyrgos Hill , north of the monastery (offering an excellent view from above), and then descend to the monastery’s entrance from the asphalt road.

Kalabaka/ Photo: Shutterstock

The three hiking trail sections that continue north of Pyrgos Hill give you the opportunity to continue your hiking adventure on Route 5 towards other monasteries of Meteora. Another good option is to go to the Agia Triada Monastery and follow Route 3 from there to return to Kalambaka .

Great Meteoro-Grand Circular Hike (Total distance: 5.9 km. Hiking time: 2 hours and 15 minutes)

If you love walking through forests, then this is the most enjoyable hike in Meteora. Starting from the parking lot of Great Meteoro, follow the path that climbs up the rock towards the northeast. After 300 metres, you’ll reach a crossroad in five different directions. Take the one heading eastwards, and halfway through the hike, you’ll come across the charming chapel of Agios Athanasios , a perfect spot to rest and take in the view, just 400 metres off the path.

Ypapanti monastery/ Photo: Shutterstock

Great Meteoro-Vlachava Monument-Varlaam Monastery Outpost (Total distance: 2.1 km. Hiking time: 35 minutes)

This is a wonderful hike along the rocks of Meteora, with stunning views of the thickly wooded forest and the plane-tree-covered bed of the river Tranós Lákkos to the north. With a short detour, you can also visit the abandoned Monastery of Hypapante , the ruins of the Monastery of Agios Dimitrios next to it, as well as the peak of the Ftelia rock with its mesmerising views.

Monastery of Varlaam/Photo: Chousainov Iskander/Wikipedia Creative Commons

Panagia Kanaliotissa Circular Hike (Total distance: 3.1 km. Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes)

Take your vehicle towards the Metochi of the Monastery of Varlaam and about 300m before the monastery, turn right (east) onto the dirt road, all the way to the end. From there, a beautiful circular trail through the dense oak forest will lead you to the stone chapel of Panagia Kanaliotissa . After that, the trail ascends to the forested mountain slope towards the southwest and then follows the stream towards the northwest, until it brings you back to the starting point.

Great Meteoron – Small Circular Hike (Total distance: 1 km. Time: 20 minutes)

A short and very easy hike – more of a stroll – that will give you a great idea of the magnificent nature of the Meteora. You will walk through a small section of the oak forest, hike on top of a rocky peak, enjoy a breathtaking view towards the forests and streams to the north, see monasteries from above, all within a distance of a little over 1,000 meters.

Rocks of Meteora/Photo: Unsplash

Photo: Unsplash

Kalambaka – Kastraki Hike (Total distance: 2.1 km. Time: 1 hour)

The first part of this hike is a beautiful trail right at the foot of the majestic rocks of Bandova , Agia , and Amparia . In the second part, you will need to walk a little on an asphalt and dirt road, but the third and final part is also an exquisite trail in the shade of the rocks of Pyxari and Marmara . It is worth taking a small detour to visit the Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Kofinas , a large cave that has been transformed into a six-story hermitage.

Rock Climbing

The impressive cliffs of Meteora are a rock-climbing destination unlike any other in the world. The combination of limestone rock, stunning landscapes, and the culmination of every climbing route at the peak of these towering giants, with its spectacular views and deep cultural significance, is truly unique!

Nearly 800 climbing routes, across 15 climbing fields of all levels of difficulty, offer a one-of-a-kind climbing experience. For detailed technical information on the climbing fields of Meteora, check out the climbing guide “Sport Climbing Guide/Meteora and Theopetra” by local climber Vangelis Batsiou and “Greece Sport Climbing/The Best of” by Aris Theodoropoulos ( www.mountainproject.com ).

For Meteora , TERRAIN has just released a detailed hiking map ( terrainmaps.gr/en/maps/ ) on a 1:12,500 scale, which depicts all the trails in the area, hostels, temples, monasteries, museums, and all the attractions with the utmost accuracy.

The most famous climbing spot in Meteora and an ideal destination even for beginners is the rock of Doupiani . The meeting point is usually the camping area Vrahos in Kastraki , which is loved by climbers and rappellers alike, so a short hike before the rappelling is necessary.

Following the old path of the monks and hiking among monasteries and ancient hermitages, you will reach Doupiani. After receiving the necessary training in rappelling techniques, you will make the descent with a rope of about 20 meters in length.

Climbing the Meteora in Greece, where the Human Touches the Divine

Road trip to Meteora and the Mountains of Trikala: A Route for all Seasons

Kalabaka: Special museums, tavernas close to Meteora

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Moscow Metro

The Moscow Metro Tour is included in most guided tours’ itineraries. Opened in 1935, under Stalin’s regime, the metro was not only meant to solve transport problems, but also was hailed as “a people’s palace”. Every station you will see during your Moscow metro tour looks like a palace room. There are bright paintings, mosaics, stained glass, bronze statues… Our Moscow metro tour includes the most impressive stations best architects and designers worked at - Ploshchad Revolutsii, Mayakovskaya, Komsomolskaya, Kievskaya, Novoslobodskaya and some others.

What is the kremlin in russia?

The guide will not only help you navigate the metro, but will also provide you with fascinating background tales for the images you see and a history of each station.

And there some stories to be told during the Moscow metro tour! The deepest station - Park Pobedy - is 84 metres under the ground with the world longest escalator of 140 meters. Parts of the so-called Metro-2, a secret strategic system of underground tunnels, was used for its construction.

During the Second World War the metro itself became a strategic asset: it was turned into the city's biggest bomb-shelter and one of the stations even became a library. 217 children were born here in 1941-1942! The metro is the most effective means of transport in the capital.

There are almost 200 stations 196 at the moment and trains run every 90 seconds! The guide of your Moscow metro tour can explain to you how to buy tickets and find your way if you plan to get around by yourself.

Moscow Metro Tour

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Description

Moscow metro private tours.

• 2-hour tour $87:  10 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with hotel pick-up and drop-off
• 3-hour tour $137:  20 Must-See Moscow Metro stations with Russian lunch in beautifully-decorated Metro Diner + hotel pick-up and drop off. 
• Metro pass is included in the price of both tours.

Highlight of Metro Tour

• Visit 10 must-see stations of Moscow metro on 2-hr tour and 20 Metro stations on 3-hr tour, including grand Komsomolskaya station with its distinctive Baroque décor, aristocratic Mayakovskaya station with Soviet mosaics, legendary Revolution Square station with 72 bronze sculptures and more!
• Explore Museum of Moscow Metro and learn a ton of technical and historical facts;
• Listen to the secrets about the Metro-2, a secret line supposedly used by the government and KGB;
• Experience a selection of most striking features of Moscow Metro hidden from most tourists and even locals;
• Discover the underground treasure of Russian Soviet past – from mosaics to bronzes, paintings, marble arches, stained glass and even paleontological elements;
• Learn fun stories and myths about Coffee Ring, Zodiac signs of Moscow Metro and more;
• Admire Soviet-era architecture of pre- and post- World War II perious;
• Enjoy panoramic views of Sparrow Hills from Luzhniki Metro Bridge – MetroMost, the only station of Moscow Metro located over water and the highest station above ground level;
• If lucky, catch a unique «Aquarelle Train» – a wheeled picture gallery, brightly painted with images of peony, chrysanthemums, daisies, sunflowers and each car unit is unique;
• Become an expert at navigating the legendary Moscow Metro system;
• Have fun time with a very friendly local;
• + Atmospheric Metro lunch in Moscow’s the only Metro Diner (included in a 3-hr tour)

Hotel Pick-up

Metro stations:.

Komsomolskaya

Novoslobodskaya

Prospekt Mira

Belorusskaya

Mayakovskaya

Novokuznetskaya

Revolution Square

Sparrow Hills

+ for 3-hour tour

Victory Park

Slavic Boulevard

Vystavochnaya

Dostoevskaya

Elektrozavodskaya

Partizanskaya

Museum of Moscow Metro

• Drop-off  at your hotel, Novodevichy Convent, Sparrow Hills or any place you wish
• + Russian lunch  in Metro Diner with artistic metro-style interior for 3-hour tour

Fun facts from our Moscow Metro Tours:

From the very first days of its existence, the Moscow Metro was the object of civil defense, used as a bomb shelter, and designed as a defense for a possible attack on the Soviet Union.

At a depth of 50 to 120 meters lies the second, the coded system of Metro-2 of Moscow subway, which is equipped with everything you need, from food storage to the nuclear button.

According to some sources, the total length of Metro-2 reaches over 150 kilometers.

The Museum was opened on Sportivnaya metro station on November 6, 1967. It features the most interesting models of trains and stations.

Coffee Ring

The first scheme of Moscow Metro looked like a bunch of separate lines. Listen to a myth about Joseph Stalin and the main brown line of Moscow Metro.

Zodiac Metro

According to some astrologers, each of the 12 stops of the Moscow Ring Line corresponds to a particular sign of the zodiac and divides the city into astrological sector.

Astrologers believe that being in a particular zadiac sector of Moscow for a long time, you attract certain energy and events into your life.

Paleontological finds 

Red marble walls of some of the Metro stations hide in themselves petrified inhabitants of ancient seas. Try and find some!

• Every day each car in  Moscow metro passes  more than 600 km, which is the distance from Moscow to St. Petersburg.
• Moscow subway system is the  5th in the intensity  of use (after the subways of Beijing, Tokyo, Seoul and Shanghai).
• The interval in the movement of trains in rush hour is  90 seconds .

What you get:

• + A friend in Moscow.
• + Private & customized Moscow tour.
• + An exciting pastime, not just boring history lessons.
• + An authentic experience of local life.
• + Flexibility during the walking tour: changes can be made at any time to suit individual preferences.
• + Amazing deals for breakfast, lunch, and dinner in the very best cafes & restaurants. Discounts on weekdays (Mon-Fri).
• + A photo session amongst spectacular Moscow scenery that can be treasured for a lifetime.
• + Good value for souvenirs, taxis, and hotels.
• + Expert advice on what to do, where to go, and how to make the most of your time in Moscow.

Write your review

Claudia Looi

Touring the Top 10 Moscow Metro Stations

By Claudia Looi 2 Comments

Komsomolskaya metro station looks like a museum. It has vaulted ceilings and baroque decor.

Hidden underground, in the heart of Moscow, are historical and architectural treasures of Russia. These are Soviet-era creations – the metro stations of Moscow.

Our guide Maria introduced these elaborate metro stations as “the palaces for the people.” Built between 1937 and 1955, each station holds its own history and stories. Stalin had the idea of building beautiful underground spaces that the masses could enjoy. They would look like museums, art centers, concert halls, palaces and churches. Each would have a different theme. None would be alike.

The two-hour private tour was with a former Intourist tour guide named Maria. Maria lived in Moscow all her life and through the communist era of 60s to 90s. She has been a tour guide for more than 30 years. Being in her 60s, she moved rather quickly for her age. We traveled and crammed with Maria and other Muscovites on the metro to visit 10 different metro stations.

Arrow showing the direction of metro line 1 and 2

Moscow subways are very clean

To Maria, every street, metro and building told a story. I couldn’t keep up with her stories. I don’t remember most of what she said because I was just thrilled being in Moscow.   Added to that, she spilled out so many Russian words and names, which to one who can’t read Cyrillic, sounded so foreign and could be easily forgotten.

The metro tour was the first part of our all day tour of Moscow with Maria. Here are the stations we visited:

1. Komsomolskaya Metro Station  is the most beautiful of them all. Painted yellow and decorated with chandeliers, gold leaves and semi precious stones, the station looks like a stately museum. And possibly decorated like a palace. I saw Komsomolskaya first, before the rest of the stations upon arrival in Moscow by train from St. Petersburg.

2. Revolution Square Metro Station (Ploshchad Revolyutsii) has marble arches and 72 bronze sculptures designed by Alexey Dushkin. The marble arches are flanked by the bronze sculptures. If you look closely you will see passersby touching the bronze dog's nose. Legend has it that good luck comes to those who touch the dog's nose.

Touch the dog's nose for good luck. At the Revolution Square station

Revolution Square Metro Station

3. Arbatskaya Metro Station served as a shelter during the Soviet-era. It is one of the largest and the deepest metro stations in Moscow.

Arbatskaya Metro Station

4. Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station was built in 1935 and named after the Russian State Library. It is located near the library and has a big mosaic portrait of Lenin and yellow ceramic tiles on the track walls.

Lenin's portrait at the Biblioteka Imeni Lenina Metro Station

5. Kievskaya Metro Station was one of the first to be completed in Moscow. Named after the capital city of Ukraine by Kiev-born, Nikita Khruschev, Stalin's successor.

Kievskaya Metro Station

6. Novoslobodskaya Metro Station  was built in 1952. It has 32 stained glass murals with brass borders.

Novoslobodskaya metro station

7. Kurskaya Metro Station was one of the first few to be built in Moscow in 1938. It has ceiling panels and artwork showing Soviet leadership, Soviet lifestyle and political power. It has a dome with patriotic slogans decorated with red stars representing the Soviet's World War II Hall of Fame. Kurskaya Metro Station is a must-visit station in Moscow.

Ceiling panel and artworks at Kurskaya Metro Station

8. Mayakovskaya Metro Station built in 1938. It was named after Russian poet Vladmir Mayakovsky. This is one of the most beautiful metro stations in the world with 34 mosaics painted by Alexander Deyneka.

Mayakovskaya station

One of the over 30 ceiling mosaics in Mayakovskaya metro station

9. Belorusskaya Metro Station is named after the people of Belarus. In the picture below, there are statues of 3 members of the Partisan Resistance in Belarus during World War II. The statues were sculpted by Sergei Orlov, S. Rabinovich and I. Slonim.

10. Teatralnaya Metro Station (Theatre Metro Station) is located near the Bolshoi Theatre.

Teatralnaya Metro Station decorated with porcelain figures .

Taking the metro's escalator at the end of the tour with Maria the tour guide.

Have you visited the Moscow Metro? Leave your comment below.

January 15, 2017 at 8:17 am

An excellent read! Thanks for much for sharing the Russian metro system with us. We're heading to Moscow in April and exploring the metro stations were on our list and after reading your post, I'm even more excited to go visit them. Thanks again 🙂

December 6, 2017 at 10:45 pm

Hi, do you remember which tour company you contacted for this tour?

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