Meteora, with its soaring rock pillars crowned by ancient monasteries, is one of the most awe-inspiring landscapes of Greece.
Having taken a road trip courtesy of our Couchsurfing host from Athens to Meteora and then to the nearby Delphi, the day went down as one of the best we’ve spent in Greece.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988, Meteora is an amazing symbol of the harmonious relationship between man, faith, and nature.
Are you ready to experience its breathtaking beauty?
Geography of Meteora
In the plains of Thessaly, Meteora’s story begins 60 millions of years ago. Yes, you read that right!
Once covered by a vast sea, the region underwent significant geological changes, leading to the creation of these unique sandstone rock formations.
These rocks, pushed upwards through a combination of tectonic shifts and erosional forces, eventually sculpted the immense columns we see today.
The name “Meteora” itself translates to “suspended in the air,” which aptly describes the appearance of these towering rocks. Any Linkin Park fans out there? Now you know where the album got its name from.
History of Meteora
The earliest documented human presence dates back to the 9th century AD when hermit monks began occupying the caves and fissures within these rock towers.
Seeking solitude and a closer connection to God, these monks led very ascetic lives.
By the late 11th and early 12th centuries, the idea of constructing monasteries atop these almost inaccessible rocks began to take shape.
Building these monasteries was no small feat and they’re certainly carry a bit of a dramatic flair just like the blue-domed churches of Santorini.
Materials had to be hoisted up with ropes, nets, and pulleys, and the entire endeavor was purely made up of the dedication and tenacity of these early monks.
The peak of the monastic community’s development came in the 14th and 15th centuries. At its zenith, there were 24 active monasteries.
During the Ottoman period, these monasteries provided refuge and became centers of resistance. Moreover, their libraries also safeguarded valuable manuscripts.
Today out of the 24, only 6 remain which will be getting to know more about further down below.
What to Know Before Visiting Meteora
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Ticket Price: Entry to each monastery costs around 3 EUR. If you’re planning on visiting all 6, you can expect to pay 18 EUR.
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Religion: Meteora’s monasteries belong to the Eastern Orthodox Christian faith (Greek Orthodoxy) which is one of the pillars of modern Greek culture.
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Dress Code: For women, skirts that cover the knees and shirts that cover the shoulders are required. For men, long pants and sleeved shirts are recommended. Every monastery provides skirts free of charge if you don’t have one.
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Footwear: Due to the rocky terrain and steps, shoes with a good grip will do you good, especially if you’re doing some nearby hikes.
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Six Monasteries: The monasteries are quite far from each other so you might not be able to visit all in one day. Prioritize based on your interests.
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Crowds: Meteora is most often that not, crowded. Even if you go early in the morning, tour buses will already be there so either opt for low or shoulder season if crowds aren’t your thing.
Monastery Opening Hours
Realistically speaking, you will need at least 2 days to visit all monasteries since each one is closed on a different day of the week. If you only have 1 day, I would avoid going on Friday since 2 monasteries are closed on that day.
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Monastery
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Summer Opening Hours
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Winter Opening Hours
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Day Closed
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Great Meteoron
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9:00 - 16:00
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9:00 - 15:00
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Tuesday
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Varlaam
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9:00 - 16:00
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9:00 - 15:00
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Friday
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Rousanou
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9:00 - 14:00
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9:00 - 14:00
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Wednesday
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St. Nicholas Anapfsas
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8:00 - 16:00
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9:00 - 16:00
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Friday
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St. Stephan
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9:00 - 13:30, 15:30 - 17:30
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9:30 - 13:00, 15:00 - 17:00
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Monday
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Holy Trinity
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9:00 - 17:00
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9:00 - 16:00
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Thursday
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The 6 Monasteries of Meteora
1. Great Meteoron Monastery
Perched at the highest point among the Meteora rocks, the Great Meteoron Monastery stands as the crowning jewel of this spiritual ensemble.
Founded in the mid-14th century by the monk Athanasios the Meteorite, it is not only the largest but also among the oldest of the Meteora monasteries.
The monastery’s architecture is a blend of Byzantine and local elements. Its walls are thick and defensive, which can give you some idea of just how intense the invasions were back then.
Perhaps one of the most captivating features is the main church, or Katholikon. Here, you can marvel at frescoes painted by the renowned Cretan artist, Theophanes the Monk.
When it comes to amenities, the Great Meteoron does have some restrooms available except they are only squat toilets so beware!
2. Varlaam Monastery
The second biggest monastery, Varlaam carries with it a history as impressive as the view it provides.
Established in 1350 by an ascetic monk named Varlaam, it was initially just a small chapel and a few cells. However, over two decades later, in 1387, two brothers from Ioannina, Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades, took it upon themselves to renovate and expand, transforming it into the monumental edifice seen today.
The monastery also boasts a small but comprehensive museum with details on the history of Meteora, so it’s a great way to learn a bit more about the area before visiting the other monasteries.
Plus, Varlaam has very good and clean toilets, non-squat this time!
3. Rousanou Monastery
The Rousanou Monastery offers a somewhat intimate and tranquil experience compared to its grander counterparts. Its location, though lower than the other monasteries, presents an almost ethereal closeness to the verdant valley below. Plus, the crowds aren’t as hectic here as the others.
Originally founded around the middle of the 16th century, it was dedicated to St. Barbara, the patron saint of coalminers.
Interestingly, Rousanou Monastery transitioned into a nunnery in the 1980s and is currently inhabited by 13 nuns.
4. St. Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery
St. Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery is distinguished by its remarkable layout, tailored to fit the constraints of its narrow perch.
The origins of St. Nicholas Anapafsas can be traced back to the 14th century, though much of the current structure and its frescoes date from the early 16th century. While the monastery was abandoned for a period, it underwent restoration in the 20th century.
Due to the limited space on the rock, the monastery is built vertically, with its structures layered on top of each other. The monks back then were quite the architects, wouldn’t you say?
5. St. Stephan Monastery
Nestled on a rock plateau, almost seamlessly merging with the surrounding landscape, is the St. Stephan Monastery.
Unlike the other Meteora monasteries that stand dramatically atop towering cliffs, St. Stephan is more accessible, with a small bridge connecting it to the main road. So be ready for some crowds!
Historical records suggest that the monastery was originally founded in the 14th century, but the significant structures and its current form primarily hail from the 15th century onwards. St. Stephan suffered significant damage during World War II and the subsequent Greek Civil War but was also renovated in the mid-20th century and is now fully functional.
The interior of St. Stephan houses two cathedrals. The old cathedral, dedicated to St. Stephan, contains a treasure trove of 16th-century icons and ancient manuscripts. The newer cathedral, dedicated to St. Haralambos, possesses a relic of the saint himself.
Just like the Rousanou, St. Stephan has also now been converted to a nunnery.
6. Holy Trinity Monastery
Perched precariously atop a slender rock pillar, the Holy Trinity Monastery seems to defy gravity.
The monastery’s origins trace back to the 14th century. Among all the monasteries in Meteora, the Holy Trinity Monastery stands out for its distinct Byzantine architectural style.
Fun fact! The Holy Trinity Monastery served as a filming location for the James Bond movie “For Your Eyes Only”.
Where to Stay in Meteora
While there aren’t any accommodations around the monasteries, the nearby town of Kalambaka offers quick and seamless access to Meteora. Here are some recommendations on where to stay:
Best Hotels in Meteora:
- Meteora Heaven and Earth Kastraki Premium Suites – with mountain vistas and situated around an 18-minute walk away from Meteora. These suites are equipped with complimentary Wifi, private parking, a kitchenette featuring a fridge and stovetop, a satellite flat-screen TV, a safety deposit box, ironing amenities, a desk, and a cozy seating area.
- Meteoron Theasis – offers a serene garden with a view. The property features a patio and provides complimentary Wifi and private parking. The apartment is designed with two bedrooms and comes with a bathroom, bed linen, towels, a satellite flat-screen TV, a dining section, and a fully-furnished kitchen. Additionally, there’s a terrace for relaxation.
- Divani Meteora Hotel – boasts a large outdoor pool and rooms adorned with oak-wood furnishings, many of which offer views of the Meteora rocks. The hotel interiors, crafted by renowned designer Andre Warwick, showcase rooms with wooden floors and expansive verandas, all fitted with modern conveniences such as electronic key locks, air conditioning, satellite TV, and a mini-bar. Feel free to plunge into the pool, or indulge at the recreational area that features an indoor pool, sauna, jacuzzi, steam room, and a fitness center.
Best Hostels in Meteora:
- Nomads Meteora – features spacious, bright rooms with deluxe mattresses, 24/7 high-pressure hot showers, a cooking area, and much more. Enjoy the added conveniences of lockers, laundry services, a reading room, and even an outdoor garden. Not just a place to stay, but also a hub of fun, Nomads ensures lively adventures by day and energetic parties by night.
- Meteora Central Hostel – offers guests a blend of modern comfort and traditional charm in a building dating back to 1950. This family-operated boutique hostel features newly furnished rooms, individual bed facilities, and a relaxing backyard space.
- Holy Rock Hostel – provides a cozy dormitory-style stay right at the base of the Meteora peaks. Housed in a rejuvenated 70s building, it boasts 6 dorms with a total of 28 beds, and offers several communal areas such as a balcony, lounge, and backyard. Benefit from numerous amenities including TV, WiFi, a fully-equipped kitchen, washing facilities, and dedicated parking. Every bed comes with a secure cabinet.
How to Get to Meteora
- Rental Car: One of the most convenient ways to reach and explore Meteora by rental car, this allows you to visit plenty of monasteries with major flexibility. From Athens, the journey to Meteora by car takes approximately 4.5 hours. The route is relatively straightforward, primarily following the E75 and E65 highways. RentalCars.com is your friend if you’re looking to drive.
- Train: There are daily train services from Athens to Kalambaka, the town at the base of Meteora. The journey takes about 5 hours. Once in Kalambaka, you can join a local tour, hire a taxi, hike or rent a scooter to explore the monasteries.
- Bus: From Athens, you can take a bus to Trikala and then catch another bus to Kalambaka.
- Tours: For a hassle-free experience, you can also join this highly-rated tour to Meteora departing from Athens.
Best Time to Visit Meteora
For a blend of pleasant weather and nature’s bloom, Spring (Mar – May) and Autumn (Sep – Nov) stand out as the most favorable times. These seasons provide the beauty of verdant landscapes and warm fall hues without the pressing crowds.
However, if solitude is your primary aim, consider the Winter (Dec – Feb), with the monasteries framed against snow.
While Summer (July – August) offers all the facilities in full swing, it also attracts the most tourists. We were there during summer, but still found the crowds to be manageable.
To ensure a smooth journey, don’t forget travel insurance. I recommend SafetyWing for its comprehensive coverage tailored for travelers all around the globe.
Plan Your Trip to Meteora | Best Travel Resources
Book Your Accommodations
- Booking.com – the world’s leading online booking platform for accomodations around the world, they have an extensive amount of available listings with zero booking fees and best price guarantees.
- Hostelworld – a backpacker’s best friend, Hostelworld has the largest collection of hostels and guesthouses for affordable prices.
Don’t Forget Insurance
- SafetyWing – from Nomad Insurance, an insurance by nomads for nomads. They understand our lifestyle well and have really comprehensive and flexible plans that cater to any traveler.
Find Cheap Flights
- Kiwi.com – my go-to for booking and finding the cheapest flights and it’s helped me save tons of money. They do virtual interlining which is connecting flights from airlines that do not codeshare, so you can find routes that you wouldn’t be able to find normally.
Join Tours & Activities
- GetYourGuide – is one of the best places to find unique tours and activities. I found that it’s an excellent way to meet fellow travelers and create fond memories. They are not only limited to tours as they also offer niche services such as skip-the-line tickets or private transfers.
Catch a Ride
- Rentalcars.com – nothing beats the freedom of the road, Rentalcars.com is the world’s largest online car rental service. They operate across 160 countries so they’re the perfect partner to work with if you find yourself wanting a ride.
