Meteora Monasteries in Greece.
- Лилия Денисенко
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
The Meteora Monasteries rise between heaven and earth on mighty, dark rock peaks. These impressive structures in Thessaly, located in northern mainland Greece, are masterpieces of human ingenuity and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
"The magic of Meteora unfolds in the evening, when the bustle of the day gives way to the silence and solitude of this sacred place."
The name Meteora comes from the Greek word "meteoros," meaning "soaring high." Thousands of years ago, monks built these majestic monasteries on the bizarre sandstone cliffs to be closer to God.
Even the first glance evokes awe. The enormous stone columns housing the monasteries are too beautiful to stop here only briefly on your way to Athens. Set aside a few days to enjoy this breathtaking landscape.
1 History of the Meteora Monasteries
In the 9th century, hermits built the first sketes at dizzying heights in crevices and caves at the foot of the Pindus Mountains. These places of prayer served them primarily as a refuge.
Between the 12th and 14th centuries, the first monasteries were built on the clifftops. The monk Athanasios Meteoritis founded the first monastery, Metamorphoses (Megalo Meteoron), in 1356. He also gave the entire region the name Meteora.
Until the early 20th century, the Meteora monasteries were virtually inaccessible. People and goods were transported to the monasteries using winches and nets. Remnants of these transport systems can still be seen today in some monasteries. Currently, all inhabited monasteries have stairways for easy access.
In recent centuries, a total of 24 Greek Orthodox monasteries and sketes have been built in Meteora. Today, six Meteora monasteries are still inhabited and accessible to visitors. The rest are closed to the public and have partially fallen into disrepair.
Unlike the Athonite Monastic Republic, the Meteora monasteries are open to both men and women, regardless of whether they are monks or nuns.
Best Time to Visit Meteora
The Meteora monasteries are considered one of the most popular attractions in Greece. During the high season (July and August), they should only be visited early in the morning or in the evening. Especially on holidays, they are very crowded, and then the true magic of the Meteora monasteries is practically lost.
If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your visit to the Meteora monasteries in the spring (March – May) or fall (September – November). The winter months are also ideal for visiting. When the stone columns and monastery roofs are covered with snow, as if dusted with powdered sugar, the scenery is especially stunning! Meteora is usually quieter, especially early in the morning or late in the evening. Bus tours can also be avoided during these times. From November to March, the monasteries' opening hours are shorter, and there are more days off.
3 Tips for Travelers in the Meteora Region
If you're interested in spirituality and culture, you can certainly visit all six inhabited monasteries of Meteora. It's best to rent your own car to maintain flexibility and explore the monasteries at your own pace.
Is Meteora worth visiting on holiday?
Yes! I recommend spending at least two days in Meteora. Plan your trip wisely, as the monasteries are typically closed for one to three days during the week. All monasteries are open only on weekends (Saturday and Sunday).
However, the largest crowds are expected on Sunday. To get a good impression of Meteora, I only needed to visit two monasteries.
Most guided bus tours depart from the west, in the village of Kastraki. If you're traveling by car, we recommend starting your excursion to Meteora in the east in the morning, as the monasteries are beautifully illuminated at this time.
Meteora and the village of Kalambaka are quieter on weekdays. Numerous scenic hiking trails around Meteora and in the Thessalian highlands await active travelers. The region around Meteora is worth spending a few days in.
Dress Code at Meteora Monasteries
The Meteora Monasteries are sacred sites, and therefore, they have a strict dress code. Women are required to wear long skirts (not long pants) and cover their shoulders. Men are not allowed to wear short shorts, so long pants are recommended when visiting. Shirts that expose the armpits and strapless tops are also prohibited.
It's not uncommon to encounter tourists ignoring the dress code. Monks and nuns are generally polite and won't scold you for breaking the dress code. However, out of respect, you should adhere to the rules. Clothing can be rented at each monastery right at the entrance. A large scarf or sarong will also work as a skirt.
Sunset at Meteora
You can enjoy a magnificent sunset from two Meteora viewpoints, located between the monasteries of Roussanou and Agia Triada. Both offer fantastic views of several monasteries and Meteora's bizarre rock formations.
In the evening, the sunset viewing spot at Meteora quickly fills up, and you have to share it with many other people. There are no fences, and the cliffs are steep in places, so be careful, especially in the dark.
💡 Insider tip: Stay in the monasteries for a while after sunset. As darkness falls, when the tourists have dispersed, you'll hear the monks chanting and the sounds of pickguard playing in the distance, in complete silence. This is when you'll truly experience the magic of Meteora!
4 Opening Hours of the Meteora Monasteries
Each monastery in Meteora has its own opening hours, and they are generally closed at least one day a week. Visiting hours at Meteora vary seasonally, and sometimes without prior notice.
The summer season at Meteora runs from April 1 to October 31, and the winter season runs from November 1 to March 31. The current opening hours for Meteora can be found here:Monastery Schedule.
Currently, the entrance fee to all Meteora monasteries is €5 per person. Bring enough cash, as card payments are not accepted on site.
💡 Visit Meteora with a dog: Most Meteora monasteries prohibit dogs from entering or staying on the monastery grounds. This is due to the religious significance of these sites, strict sanitary regulations, and the protection of the historic buildings. Previously, visitors with dogs were either not allowed in or were required to keep them on a leash outside. Even small dogs in carriers were not allowed. Exceptions were made for guide dogs. On the other hand, the area around Meteora is ideal for walking and hiking with a dog.
5. Agia Triada Monastery (Holy Trinity Monastery)
On the eastern exit from Kalambaka, a road turns left, leading to the Meteora monasteries. At the fork, you will see the first monastery – Agia Triada. Even from afar, this masterpiece, perched on a high cliff, can be seen. The view is so impressive that it was already used as a set for a James Bond film (On Her Majesty's Secret Service).
When I visited Agia Triada Monastery in April, it was well-attended but not overcrowded. This may be due to the numerous steps leading up to the monastery. However, the magnificent view from the monastery courtyard overlooking the expanse of Thessaly and the Meteora rocks more than makes up for this.
Inside the Meteora Monastery, on the left, you can still see the old elevator winch, which used to lift goods and people into the monastery. There is also a small chapel with frescoes and an iconostasis.
Behind Agia Triada Monastery is an open area with a terrace. Behind sandstone cliffs, it leads to a cross. From here, there is a breathtaking view of Kalambaka. Not all areas of the terrace are fenced off, so exercise caution, especially with small children. There is also a restroom at the end of the open area.
There is a small parking lot in front of Agia Triada Monastery. If it is full, you can park along the side of the road.
Agia Triada Church opening hours (summer): 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed on Thursdays.
Agia Triada Church opening hours (winter): 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed on Thursdays.
6. Saint Stephen's Monastery (Monastery of Saint Stephen)
If you continue along the road from Agia Triada Monastery, you'll reach the last monastery on the east side of Meteora. Agios Stefanos is one of the oldest monasteries in Meteora, currently inhabited by nuns. Due to its secluded location, it is less visited than the other monasteries.
There's a large parking lot in front of the Monastery of St. Stephen where you can leave your car. A stone bridge leads into the complex. Here you'll find a frescoed church, a small museum, and a souvenir shop.
The monastery is in very good condition. The courtyard of the Monastery of St. Stephen has a beautiful garden, offering magnificent views of Kalambaka and the entire Thessalian Plain.
Agios Stefanos Church Hours (summer): 9:00 AM - 1:30 PM and 3:30 PM - 5:30 PM, closed on Mondays.
Agios Stefanos Church Hours (winter): 9:30 AM - 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM, closed on Mondays.
7. Roussanou Monastery (Agia Barbara Roussanou)
From the Monastery of St. Stephen, return to the fork and then keep left, heading west. The paved road passes several viewpoints offering magnificent views of the Meteora rocks. A stop here at sunset is especially worthwhile.
Roussanou Monastery offers one of the most beautiful photo spots in Meteora, and it's best captured from one of the aforementioned viewpoints. It's currently home to nuns and can be reached either from the upper parking lot or from the foot of the cliff via a staircase.
The well-preserved Agias Rousanou complex includes a church you can visit, as well as an open-air bench on the balcony overlooking the Meteora monasteries to the west. The nuns also sell handicrafts and souvenirs at the on-site shop.
There are several parking spaces at the second viewpoint of Meteora Monastery where you can leave your car. From here, steps lead down to the complex. Alternatively, you can take the road to Kastraki. There are also parking spaces at the foot of Rousanou Monastery, and from there you can climb the stairs.
Agias Rousanou Opening Hours (summer): 9:00 AM - 3:30 PM, closed on Wednesdays.
Agias Rousanou Shopping Center Opening Hours (winter): 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM, closed on Wednesdays.
8. Varlaam Monastery
From Meteora, we continue along the mountain road to Varlaam Monastery. Like the Monastery of the Transfiguration, the Monastery of Varlaam in Meteora has a large parking lot. Consequently, buses also stop here, making the monastery very busy. We recommend visiting early in the morning, before the tour groups arrive.
Visible from afar is the still-operating cable car, which still transports cargo to the Meteora Monastery. A recently constructed bridge and several steps lead inside the complex. The church inside, as well as the freestanding Varlaam bell tower, are particularly noteworthy.
Incidentally, the most beautiful view of Varlaam Monastery opens from the rocky plateau directly opposite. To get there, park near the Metamorphoses Monastery. A small path leads down to the dark sandstone cliffs. Enter at your own risk; the cliffs drop several meters into the valley, and there are no fences.
Opening hours at Varlaam (summer): 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, closed on Fridays.
Opening hours in winter: 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM, closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
9. Metamorphoses Monastery (Megalo Meteoron)
The largest monastery in Meteora is also the most visited, so hundreds of people flock to the impressive monastery complex of the Transfiguration, especially in the summer months. Directly in front of it is a large parking lot with kiosks selling snacks and souvenirs.
It's also worth visiting the Metamorphoses Monastery early in the morning, when you can leisurely explore the beautiful courtyard and the rest of the complex. From midday onward, this monastery in Meteora becomes crowded with tourists and pilgrims, and it's truly worth a visit.
Numerous steps lead into the monastery complex. Megalo Meteoron is ideal for a longer tour. Among other things, you can see the main church, the monks' dining hall, the former kitchen, the wine cellar, and the museum halls.
Metamorphoses Opening Hours (summer): 9:30 AM - 3:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays.
Metamorphoses Opening Hours (winter): 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM, closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
10. Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas
Just beyond Kastraki, on the far west, lies the small monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas. It stood abandoned for a long time in the early 20th century until it was restored in 1960. Today, monks once again inhabit the monastery.
There's parking in front of Meteora Monastery, and a steep climb leads into the complex. The platform, with its beautiful bell tower, offers magnificent views. The Monastery of Agios Nikolaos is less crowded than other monasteries, making it ideal if you want to escape the crowds of Meteora.
Agios Nikolaos Church Hours (summer): 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM, open daily.
Agios Nikolaos Church Hours (winter): 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM, open daily.
1. Kalambaka and Kastraki
The town of Kalambaka, in the heart of Thessaly, is the gateway to Meteora and is almost entirely dedicated to tourism. The main street is bustling with life. In addition to shops selling everything you need, you'll find numerous restaurants, taverns, cafes, and gyros kiosks.
In the northernmost part of Kalambaka, at the foot of the cliffs, lies the quiet old town. This is the best place to stay overnight, as the local hotels and apartments in Meteora are located away from the hustle and bustle.
There are plenty of places to eat. We especially enjoyed the delicious food at Fortounis Tsipouradiko taverna. This charming restaurant is located on a quiet side street of Kalambaka and is usually frequented only by locals.
The neighboring village of Kalambaka, Kastraki, is even quieter. Although this place has also become very popular with tourists in recent years, you can still feel the authenticity here. Around the square with the large church of St. Peter and St. Paul, you'll find several tavernas where you can stay. Kastraki also offers excellent accommodation options.
From Kastraki, there are several short walks and excursions. The view from Doupiani Rock in the north of Kastraki is especially stunning. Right next to Doupiani's house, you can climb the boulder, even without rock climbing skills. From the summit, you'll enjoy a magnificent view of Meteora's bizarre rocky landscape.
Also worth seeing are the hidden hermitages along the gravel road to the chapel of Panagia. The trail runs between Kastraki and Kalambaka, past caves and hermitages. In some places, rickety embroidery ladders and wooden balconies can still be seen. Only experienced climbers should dare to explore the uninhabited cliffs and caves of Meteora.
Hiking in Meteora
A wonderful way to enjoy the region's beauty in a tranquil setting is to take one of the many hikes to the Meteora monasteries. Anyone planning a hike around Meteora should set aside at least three days to visit the uninhabited monasteries in the area, including Ypapanti.
Popular hiking trails start from Kalambaka to the Monastery of Agia Triada or from Doupiani Rock in Kastraki to the monasteries of Ypapanti and Megalo Meteoron. The trails lead through beautiful nature, far from the tourist crowds. With a little luck, you might even spot a turtle.
Since the trails around Meteora are poorly marked, we recommend using a free hiking app on your smartphone to navigate. Unfortunately, between the Meteora monasteries to the west and east, you'll have to make do with the paved road. Alternatively, you can also check out one of the organized hiking routes in Meteora, which can be booked on GetYourGuide*:
Tips for choosing a hotel in Meteora
The two towns of Kastraki and Kalambaka offer a variety of accommodation options for every budget. Kalambaka's center is full of bars, cafes, and tavernas, but also has lively streets that can get a bit noisy at night. Those seeking peace and quiet are recommended to stay in accommodations right at the foot of the Meteora cliffs.
→ О Booking.com* You'll find plenty of other accommodation options near Meteora, and you can check prices here.
Here's a personal selection of wonderful accommodation options in Kalambaka, perfect for a one- or several-night stay near the Meteora monasteries (links to Booking.com*):
Guest House Oikia* (Self-checked, excellent breakfast, wonderful terrace!)
Meteora Sunrise* (modern apartments with stunning views)
Rock State View* (spacious apartment in the city center)
Boutique hotel Mirabilis* (a new boutique hotel in a quiet location)
We spent the night here in Meteora.
Rina's House, Kalambaka
A small, cozy cottage in the old town of Kalambaka, right at the foot of the enormous Meteora rocks. The friendly hosts, Lazaros and Dimitra, will ensure a peaceful stay. Despite its small size (suitable for two), it offers good amenities, a small terrace, and a quiet location. More information is available on Booking.com*:
Meteora Camping
Vrachos Kastraki Camping
Meteora Camping is ideally located at the entrance to Kastraki and has excellent infrastructure. Guests highly appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms, the swimming pool, and the barbecue and cooking facilities. The staff is friendly, and there are several tavernas nearby.
→ More information can be found on the camping website: Camping Kastraki
How to get to the Meteora Monasteries
The Kalambaka region, which includes the Meteora Monasteries, is best reached from Thessaloniki. The city is served by many German airports. From Thessaloniki, Meteora can be reached in approximately 3.5 hours by the fastest route.
You can also take a day trip to Meteora from Athens or Thessaloniki by train or bus. For more information on excursions to Meteora, follow the links on GetYourGuide*:
Meteora by Bus
During the tourist season, from April to October, KTEL buses operate from Kalambaka to Kastraki and all the monasteries, and back, three times daily. The first bus from Kalambaka departs at 9:00 AM, and the last return bus from Meteora departs at 4:30 PM.
For more information about bus service between the Meteora monasteries, please contact your local accommodation provider. The current bus schedule to Meteora can be found on the website.: KTEL Meteora
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