Things to do in Meteora Greece

Meteroa is one of the most special places in the world and a good reason to visit Greece. Located in the Thessaly plain, Meteora is a group of rocks that were formed under the sea 30 million years ago and were exposed when the sea level dropped. Discover the fascinating sights to see in Meteora and get to know its incredible monasteries located in a completely unique spots in the world.

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Things to do in Meteora Greece

The monasteries of Meteora Greece

If there is something more surprising than the natural formations themselves, it is the monasteries that crown some of the crags. The morphological structure and perhaps their proximity to the sky made many monks consider this an ideal place for meditation. Today 13 of the original 24 monasteries are still standing, 6 of which can be visited.

Moni Megalou Meteorou

A monk named Athanasios founded the first monastery, Megalo Meteoro, in 1336. It sits on top of a 536 metre-tall rock. This Orthodox Christian monastery is the largest and most visited monastery in the whole complex.

Founded by Sant’Athanasius in the 14th century, it became very rich after the generous donation of the Serbian emperor Symeon Uros, who decided to abandon his privileged position to become a monk. Don’t miss the frescoes in the katholikon depicting the persecution of Christians by the Romans. Also, before the entrance you can see the cave where the monk first lived.

Moni Varlaam

The Varlaam monastery, dating back to 1500, is the second largest and around 700 metres from the main monastery. Tourists come here to see one of the ropes used until the 1930s to lower commissions and monks. But perhaps more interesting are the late Byzantine frescoes by the artist Frangos Kastellanos, the small museum or the grandiose wall painting showing Alexander the Great as a humble skeleton.

Moni Agias Varvaras Rousanou

Although it is one of the easiest to access, by crossing a small wooden bridge, the monastery of Roussanou seems to be one of the least touristic. One wonders why, seeing as this monastery is so beautiful. Its main church has splendid stained glass windows and two important frescoes, one dedicated to the Resurrection and the other to the Transfiguration.

Moni Agiou Nikolaou

The monastery of Saint Nicholas is another that is often overlooked by tourists, perhaps because of its proximity to the village of Kastraki. The stairs leading up to the monastery are only two kilometres from the town centre. This proximity to the secular world does not diminish its mystical atmosphere or its exceptional photographic appeal. You can also admire valuable works of art inside the monastery, such as the frescoes by the Cretan Theophanes Strelizas.

Moni Agia Triada

The Holy Trinity Monastery is the most difficult to reach, but if you’re willing to go down a vertical rock and then climb 150 steps, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning building and breathtaking views. Its remote and picturesque location has already been the backdrop for James Bond films in 1981. The 17th century church is also very beautiful, with its amazing frescoes.

Moni Agiou Stefanou

Built in 1798 and dedicated to St. Caralampo, the imposing monastery of Santo Stefano is often considered the most beautiful in Meteora. It is only 1.5 km from Agia Triada, but is much easier to reach: there are no steep steps to climb up or down; the monastery is connected to the main road by a small bridge.

Travel Tip: To organize your trip we recommend using Passporter totally free. You can be inspired by the experiences of other travelers, choose the places that interest you most, create the travel route with a geolocated map, upload all important documents such as reservations and invite your friends so that everyone can participate in the organization of the trip.

Things to see in and around Meteora

How to get to Meteora?

If you want to get to Meteora by train, book the direct service between Athens and Kalambaka. The price is between 15 and 20 euros each way and the journey takes just over 4 and a half hours. You can also travel by bus or rental car from Athens.

Where to eat in Meteora?

• Valia Calda Restaurant is a traditional Greek restaurant with a wide variety of healthy recipes, serving top quality products. With a price range of €3 – €12, this restaurant also offers vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.
• Meteora Restaurant Gkertsou Family is a Greek restaurant with a price range of €8 – €15. It features traditional recipes with vegetarian and vegan options.
• Greek Tavern Skaros is a Mediterranean and barbecue restaurant with a price range of €7 – €9. Great value for money, this restaurant enjoys a unique setting with plenty of greenery.

Where to stay in Meteora?

• The Pyrgos Adrachti is a hotel on one of the highest points in the village of Kastraki and offers fantastic views of the Pindus Mountains. It has spacious rooms with large windows at the foot of the Meteora Mountains. Prices tart from €90 per night for two people.
• Hotel Doupiani House is a three-star hotel offering breathtaking views of the Meteora Monasteries. It has spacious and well-equipped rooms and is priced at €90 per night for two people.
• Meteora Hotel at Kastraki is a four star hotel located at the highest point of Kastraki with breathtaking views of the Meteora crags. The hotel has been carefully designed and built, combining modern and minimalist aesthetics with local architecture. It is priced at €98 per night for two people.

Tips for your trip to Meteora Greece

• The best days to visit the monasteries of Meteora are Saturdays and Sundays. This is because these are the only days when you will see all 6 monasteries open.
• We recommend booking your flight and accommodation well in advance.
• If you go by car, know that there is a car park at each of the monasteries.
• Tap water is safe to drink.
• Remember to wear comfortable shoes.
• The opening times of the monasteries are quite restrictive: plan your visit carefully or you risk not being able to see them all.
• Remember that in autumn and winter the monasteries close earlier.
• The general price is €3.

How to organise your trip to Meteora?

Sign up or download the app to discover all of its useful features.

• Get inspiration from the experiences of other travellers.
• Create your own itinerary and add the app’s suggestions to it.
• Add the spots you are most interested in, as well as the restaurants and bars where you want to eat (you can use the points of interest listed in this post as a reference).
• Organise your itinerary by days and according to their location (you can take inspiration from the routes presented in the post).
• Check the travel budget that the app calculates for you based on your travel stops, restaurants, and leisure activities.
• Make the necessary modifications and you are ready for your trip.
• Finally, share your experience. Upload photos of each of the places you have visited to the app so you can inspire other users.

If you have any doubts about how to plan your itinerary to Metero Greece, you can read our post: How to create your travel itinerary with Passporter.

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