Guide to Visiting Meteora: What to Visit, Where to Stay and How to Get
Though Meteora is famous around the world, it doesn’t get all of the attention it deserves. Isn’t that great? Unlike the country’s most popular islands, there aren’t huge crowds of tourists and you can always have alone time.
Besides, most tourists visit for the day and leave. Therefore, spending at least one night in Meteora is a must. You will be able to enjoy this UNESCO listed site on your own, catch the sunset, walk about at night breathing fresh air, and eat like a king.
We live in Athens and travel the country every time we can. Whenever we want ancient architecture, breathtaking nature, and warm people, off we go to Meteora. We have prepared this comprehensive guide to visiting Meteora. You will have the time of your life!
What’s Special about Meteora
No other place in Greece, and we believe in Europe, combines nature and architecture like Meteora. We are talking about an impressive geological formation. Massive rocks and hills tower above cute traditional towns. Ancient monasteries crown these rocks. You have to see it to believe it!
When you are there, you can’t help but marvel at the ingenuity and work of the monks who built them as back as the 14th Century AC. They were careful to build elegant temples that blend with nature.
The interior of the temples is as grand as the exterior. You will see Byzantine art at its best. Gorgeous frescoes cover the walls. The air is fresh and the views are epic.
Monasteries of Meteora
There are six main monasteries to visit: Monastery of Great Meteoron, Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas, Monastery of the Holy Trinity, Monastery of Rousanou, Monastery of Varlaam, and Monastery of St. Stephen.
From Kalambaka you can walk up the hill to the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. It’s a steep climb up the hill, so take your time. From Kastraki you can walk to the Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas along the main road. This walk is easier.
Walking to the other four monasteries is hard and takes hours. If that’s your thing and you are in great shape, go for it. If not, take an organized tour, hire a taxi with a driver, or drive yourself.
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 (538,000 sq foot) monastery stands on the biggest rock in Meteora. Athanasios, the Meteorite monk, came up with the idea of monastery life up on the rocks and founded the monastery in the middle of the 14th Century.
To reach the monastery, you have to go up 300 stairs carved into the rock, including an incredible tunnel. What awaits you is an incredible museum distributed throughout the monastery. Yes, the views are breathtaking, so it was for sure worth the walk.
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 14th Century. The first thing you will see when you get there is the Church of St. Anthony.
Pop in and check the incredible 14th 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. When we were walking up, we couldn’t help but think how hard it must have been to build the temple!
Movie fanatics will recognize it from the 1981 James Bond Movie For Your Eyes Only. At least movie fans of a certain age! 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.
We believe this one 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 the most visually impressive. Rousanou towers seamlessly above the most incredible rock formation. When we were looking up, we thought that the monastery and the rock were one massive structure!
The Monastery dates back to the early 16th 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 Savior 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 the locals 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 14th 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 exploring 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 16th 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 14th Century.
Other Places to Visit
Kalambaka
Kalambaka is the main town in Meteora. From downtown 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 14th Century church is cool wait until you see the exceptional mural inside.
Keep walking westwards next to the pillars and you’ll pass by the Holy Church of Saint Basil and Saint Constantine and Helen. This is the nicest walk you can do in Kalambaka. 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. Kalambaka’s biggest and nicest square is Riga Fereou. It’s the best place to enjoy the vibe and mingle with the locals.
Kastraki
Kastraki is much smaller than Kalambaka. It’s completely engulfed in nature. Tall pillars surround the village from the north, east and south. You will see many hermit cells carved into the rocks.
Take the local road that begins at the main square and head southeast. You will pass two large rocks to the west and reach the Holy Monastery of Saint Anthony and the Hermit Caves of Saint Nicholas Badovas.
The Geological Museum of Meteora is in Kastraki. It’s free and full of rocks and fascinating info. It’s on the main plaza. Kastraki’s main orthodox temple is there too. Everyone in the city visits the plaza to go to church, socialize, and enjoy the views.
Churches and Natural Sights Nearby
To the north of Kastraki and St Nikolaos Monastery lies the late 14th Century Ypapanti Monastery. Unlike the rest of the monasteries, it was built entirely inside a large rock cavity. You’ll be on top of the hill, surrounded by trees. It’s a 40 minute walk from downtown Kastraki.
If you hire a taxi or drive yourself, we advise you to visit a couple of fascinating nearby places. If you visit Meteora in spring or fall, go to the Agia Paraskevi Waterfall, named after the next door village.
A 15 minute drive from Kalambaka takes you to the Monastery of Agio Theodoroi. The 17th Century masterpiece is on top of a tall mountain.
Trikala
The city of Trikala is just 12 miles (20 km) from Kalambaka. You have to see its incredible Byzantine Castle. It’s free and you can climb to the clock tower to enjoy jaw dropping views. Trikala’s Old Town is beneath the fortress.
The city was Ottoman for over 400 years. You will see fantastic stone houses all around. Walk south to the former Ottoman prison, now the museum of one of Greece’s most famous musicians: Tsitsani. The splendid 16th Century Osman Sah Mosque is next to the museum.
Our favorite spot in the city is the central bridge. If you like biking or walking, you can do so along the river that crosses the entire city. Trikala is a destination in itself. We strongly recommend spending at least one night at the uber luxurious Ananti Resort and Spa.
Hiring a Private Tour or Joining an Organized One?
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. You can also hire these online tours through GetYourGuide.
We tend to like small groups. It’s fun to travel with fellow travelers but with a bit more space. That’s why we recommend this tour. It’s perfect if you don’t have much time. You get to see the 6 monasteries in approximately 4 hours. You can then explore Kastraki or Kalabaka.
However, we believe walking is the best way to experience Meteora. The air is fresh and the views are fantastic. We felt exhausted but invigorated once done with the monasteries. This tour includes an expert local guy that walks with you to the monasteries in about 5 hours.
You can also rent a car online.
Tips for Visiting the Monasteries
Each monastery has different opening hours, so check beforehand. Also, bear in mind that they all charge a small fee.
Remember that these are places of worship, so cover your knees and shoulders to enter the monasteries. You can borrow skirts or trousers in most monasteries.
To enjoy the best views of Meteora, stop at Psaropetra viewing point. We went to catch the sunset. Aren’t we romantic? We walked there from Kalabaka, and came back ecstatic with joy. We are in love with Greece!
Where to Stay
Since the town is in the middle of the monasteries, we strongly recommend staying in Kalambaka. The stones and temples change color as the sun rises and sets. At nights, everything is magical under the stars and the moon.
We usually stay at Alsos House, just beneath the rocks. It’s a traditional stone house with comfy rooms and impeccable service. We always book a room with direct views of the monasteries. Their quadruple views with balcony and views are perfect for families.
Stay in Kastraki if you want to be surrounded by nature. It is even quieter than Kalambaka, just a half an hour walk away. Plus you get to experience life in a Greek village. The Pyrgos Adrachti Hotel is at the edge of Kastraki, in the middle of a pine forest with views over the hills and rocks. Book a room with balcony and oak wood floors on the top floor.
Check out our detailed post on where to stay in Meteora.
Where to Eat and Drink
We had delicious Greek food in front of Kalambaka’s City Hall while enjoying views of the rocks. For a fancy lunch or dinner, go to Meteoron Panorama. It’s got the best views in Kalambaka and sophisticated food.
We had coffee and cakes at the traditional Vavitsas Bakery. It’s on Kalambaka’s central roundabout. The charming ladies working there helped us organize our private tour to the monasteries. Naturally, we tried the local pudding called Spatoula.
Our favorite restaurant in Kastraki is Senses Resto Bar, on the main road. It’s got a lovely garden with views and delicious food. For coffee or a cold beer go to Qastiro Meteora. It’s a traditional stone house with unforgettable views. It opens till late.
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. Andre 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.
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.
Organized Tours to Meteora
If you don’t have enough time to spend the night, take an organized tour to Meteora. It’s a great way to visit the monasteries and to meet fellow travelers. Several of our friends have gone on tours and came back raving about them.
This tour leaves from Athens. Take note that it’s a 14 hour tour! That’s exactly why we recommend it. You will have enough time to see the best of Meteora. You’ll go back to Athens exhausted but very happy.
If you are in Thessaloniki take this tour. Since Greece’s second largest city is closer to Meteora, the tour lasts approximately 11 hours. Both tours include an expert guide and private transportation.
When to Visit Meteora
The best months to visit Meteora are March to June, and September to November. The weather in spring and fall in northern Greece is perfect: not hot nor cold. You can walk at all times and enjoy fresh air.
Compared to the rest of the country, summers in Meteora are perfect. The maximum temperature during the day is 87 F (32 C). With temperatures of around 70 F (22 C), nights are magical. July and August are peak season, but Meteora is never crowded.
The average temperature in winter is 48 F (9 C) and the sun shines almost every day. If you are lucky it may snow a bit. We went once in January and where left speechless by the beauty of the hills and temples covered under a thin layer of snow.
