The Meteora Monasteries stand between heaven and earth on mighty, dark rock needles. The spectacular structures in Thessaly, located on the northern Greek mainland, are masterpieces of human ingenuity and have been honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“The magic of Meteora is revealed in the evening, when the hustle and bustle of the day gives way to the silence and solitude of the sacred place.”
The name Meteora is derived from the Greek word “meteoros”, which means “soaring high”. Monks built these majestic monasteries thousands of years ago on the bizarre sandstone cliffs to be close to God.
Even the first sight leaves you in awe. The huge stone columns with their monasteries are far too good for a short stopover on the way to Athens. Take a few days to take in this breathtaking backdrop. Enclosed you will find our tips for your Meteora Excursion:
- #1 History of Meteora Monasteries
- #2 Best time to visit Meteora
- #3 Travel tips for the Meteora region
- #4 Meteora Monasteries Opening Hours
- #5 Agia Triada Monastery (Holy Trinity Monastery)
- #6 Monastery of Agios Stefanos (Monastery of St. Stephen)
- #7 Roussanou Monastery (Agia Barbara Rousanou)
- #8 Varlaam Monastery
- #9 Metamorphosis Monastery (Megalo Meteoron)
- #10 Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapavsas
- #11 Kalambaka and Kastraki
- More Meteora Travel Tips & Info
#1 History of Meteora Monasteries
It was hermits who built the first hermitages at dizzying heights in crevices and caves at the foot of the Pindos Mountains in the 9th century. These places of prayer served them primarily as a place of refuge.
Between the 12th and 14th centuries, the first monasteries were built on the tops of the rock needles. The Monk Athanassios Meteoritis was the founder of the first monastery Metamorphosis (Megalo Meteoron) in 1356. He then gave the entire region the name Meteora.
Until the early 20th century, the Meteora monasteries were practically inaccessible. People and goods were pulled up to the monasteries with winches and in nets. Remnants of these transport systems can still be admired today at some monasteries. In the meantime, all inhabited monasteries have stairway access and are therefore easy to reach.
A total of 24 Greek Orthodox monasteries and hermitages have been built in Meteora in recent centuries. Today there are still six inhabited Meteora monasteries, which you can visit. The rest is no longer accessible and partly left to decay.
In contrast to the Monastic Republic of Athos, the monasteries of Meteora are freely accessible to both men and women, regardless of whether they are monastic or nunnery. All information about the holy monasteries on the peninsula of Halkidiki can be found in this article: Athos Halkidiki
#2 Best time to visit Meteora
The monasteries of Meteora are considered to be one of the most popular Sights of Greece. In the high season (July and August), it is only worth visiting in the early morning hours or in the evening. Especially during the holiday season it gets very crowded, then there is hardly anything left of the actual magic of the Meteora monasteries.
We were there at the end of April and even at that time the monasteries were already well attended. If you want to avoid the crowds, plan a visit to the Meteora monasteries in spring time (Mar. – May) or autumn (Sep. – Nov.). The winter months are also suitable for a visit. When the stone columns and monastic roofs are covered in snow as if dipped in powdered sugar, the scenery is particularly impressive!
Especially in the early morning hours or late afternoon, it is generally quieter in Meteora. At these times, you can also avoid the bus tours a bit. From November to March, the opening hours in the monasteries are shortened and there are more closing days. The current overview of the opening hours of Meteora can be found under point #4.
#3 Travel tips for the Meteora region
If you are a spiritual and culturally interested person, you can of course visit all six inhabited Meteora monasteries. It’s best to rent your own wheeled vehicle, so you stay flexible and can discover the monasteries at your own pace.
💡 Meteora book tip: The travel guide Northern Greece from Bradt contains an extensive chapter on the Meteora region and the monasteries. Order here: View on Amazon*
Is it worth a holiday in Meteora?
Yes! We recommend that you stay at least two days at Meteora. Plan your trip wisely, as the monasteries are usually closed for one to three days during the week. Only on weekends (Saturday/ Sunday) all monasteries are open.
On Sunday, however, you have to expect the biggest rush of people. To get a good impression of Meteora, a visit to two monasteries was enough for us personally.
Most guided bus tours start in the west from the village of Kastraki. If you are traveling with your own vehicle, we recommend that you start your Meteora tour in the east in the morning, as the monasteries are beautifully illuminated by the sun at this time.
During the week, things are quieter in Meteora and in the village of Kalambaka. Many beautiful hiking trails around Meteora and to the highlands of Thessaly are waiting for active holidaymakers. The region around Meteora is worth a stay of several days.
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Dress code Meteora Monasteries
The Meteora monasteries are sacred places and have correspondingly strict dress codes. Women are required to wear long skirts (not long pants) and cover shoulders. Short shorts are not allowed for men, so it is advisable to wear long pants when visiting. Underarm shirts and strapless tops are also taboo.
Again and again you can find tourists who ignore the dress code. Monks and nuns are usually polite and will not reprimand you if you disregard the dress code. Nevertheless, out of respect, you should comply with the regulations. Accordingly, rental clothes are available at each monastery directly at the entrance. A large scarf or sarong as a skirt substitute will also do.
The sunset of Meteora
You can enjoy a magnificent sunset on the two Meteora Viewpoints (Observation Decks) between the monasteries of Rousanou and Agia Triada. Both spots offer a fantastic view of several monasteries and the bizarre rock needles of Meteora.
In the evening, the Meteora Sunset Spot fills up quickly and you have to share the place with lots of other people. There is no barrier and the rocks sometimes drop steeply, so be careful especially in the dark.
💡 Meteora Insider Tip: Stay at the monasteries for a while after sunset. At nightfall, when the tourists are gone, you will hear the chants of the monks and the sounds of the pickguard from far away up here, in complete solitude. At the latest now you will feel the magic of Meteora!
#4 Meteora Monasteries Opening Hours
The individual Meteora monasteries all have different opening hours and are usually closed on at least one day of the week. The visiting hours of Meteora change every season or sometimes at short notice.
The summer season of Meteora refers to the period from April 1 to October 31 and the winter plan is valid accordingly from November 1 to March 31. You can find the current Meteora opening hours at: Monasteries Timetable
The entrance fee for all of the Meteora Monasteries is currently 5 euros per person. Take enough cash with you, as you cannot pay by card on site.
💡 Visit Meteora with dog: In most Meteora monasteries, dogs are not allowed indoors and on the monastery grounds. The reasons for this are the religious significance of the sites, strict hygiene regulations and the protection of the historic buildings. In the past, visitors with dogs were turned away at the entrance or had to leash their dogs outside. Even small dogs in carrier bags were not allowed. Exceptions may only apply to assistance dogs. On the other hand, the surroundings of Meteora can be explored and hiked very well with a dog.
#5 Agia Triada Monastery (Holy Trinity Monastery)
At the eastern exit of Kalambaka, a road branches off to the left up to the Meteora monasteries. At a fork in the road you will come to the first monastery of Agia Triada. Even from afar, you can see this masterpiece enthroned on a high rock. The sight is so spectacular that it has already been used as a backdrop for a James Bond film (On Her Majesty’s Secret Service).
When we visited in April, the Agia Triada Monastery was well attended but not overcrowded. The reason for this may be the numerous steps you have to climb up to the monastery. The fabulous view from the monastery courtyard of the wide plain of Thessaly and the Meteora rocks compensates for this.
Inside the Meteora Monastery you can still see the old elevator winch on the left, in which goods and people used to be brought up to the monastery. There is also a small chapel with murals and an iconostasis.
At the back of the Agia Triada Monastery you will find the outdoor area with terrace. Past sandstone rocks it goes to a cross. From here, a spectacular view over Kalambaka opens up to you. Not all areas of the terrace are secured, so caution is advised, especially with small children. At the end of the outdoor area there is also a toilet house.
In front of the monastery of Agia Triada there is a small parking lot. If it is full, you can park along the side of the street.
- Opening hours Agia Triada (summer): 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, closed on Thursdays
- Opening hours Agia Triada (winter): 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, closed on Thursdays
#6 Monastery of Agios Stefanos (Monastery of St. Stephen)
If you continue along the road from the monastery of Agia Triada, you will reach the last monastery in the east of Meteora. Agios Stefanos is one of the oldest Meteora monasteries and is today inhabited by nuns. Due to its secluded location, it is less frequented than other monasteries.
Before Agios Stefanos Monastery there is a large parking lot, where you can park your vehicle. A stone bridge takes you to the interior of the complex. Here you can see a church with murals, a small museum and a souvenir shop.
The monastery is in a very well-kept condition. In the courtyard of the monastery of Agios Stefanos there is a beautiful garden from which there is a magnificent view of Kalambaka and the entire Thessalian plain.
- Opening hours Agios Stefanos (summer): 09:00 – 13:30 & 15:30 – 17:30, closed on Mondays
- Opening hours Agios Stefanos (winter): 09:30 – 13:00 & 15:00 – 17:00, closed on Mondays
#7 Roussanou Monastery (Agia Barbara Rousanou)
From the monastery of Agios Stefanos you drive back to the fork in the road and then keep left to the west. The asphalt road passes several viewpoints, where you can enjoy magnificent views of the Meteora rocks. Especially at sunset it is worth stopping by here.
The Roussanou Monastery offers one of the most beautiful photo opportunities of Meteora and is best captured from one of the above-mentioned viewpoints. It is now inhabited by nuns and can be reached both from an upper parking lot and from the foot of the rock via steps.
Within the well-kept complex of Agias Rousanou there is a church to visit, as well as an outdoor seat from whose balcony you can let your gaze wander over the Meteora monasteries in the west. In the local shop, the nuns offer handmade products and souvenirs.
There are a few parking spaces on the second observation deck of the Meteora Monastery where you can park your car. From here, steps lead down to the facility. Alternatively, drive down the road to Kastraki. There are also parking spaces at the foot of the Rousanou Monastery and you can take the stairs up to the complex.
- Opening hours Agias Rousanou (summer): 09:00 – 15:30, closed on Wednesdays
- Opening hours Agias Rousanou (winter): 09:30 – 14:00, closed on Wednesdays
#8 Varlaam Monastery
Along the mountain road from Meteora we continue to the Varlaam Monastery. Like the Metamorphosis Monastery, the Varlaam Meteora Monastery has a large car park. Accordingly, coaches also stop here and the monastery is very busy. We recommend visiting in the early hours of the morning, when the tour groups have not yet arrived.
The functioning cable car can be seen from afar, which still transports goods over to the Meteora Monastery today. A newly built bridge and several steps will take you to the interior of the complex. Particularly worth seeing is the church inside as well as the free-standing Varlaam Bell Tower.
Incidentally, the most beautiful view of Varlaam Monastery is from a rocky plateau directly opposite. To do this, park at the Metamorphosis Monastery. A small path leads down to the dark sandstone cliffs. Entering is at your own risk, the rocks fall meters deep into the valley and there is no barrier.
- Opening hours Varlaam (summer): 09:00 – 16:00, closed on Fridays
- Opening hours Varlaam (winter): 09:00 – 15:00, closed on Thursdays and Fridays
#9 Metamorphosis Monastery (Megalo Meteoron)
The biggest Meteora Monastery is also the most visited and so hundreds of people crowd into the imposing monastery complex of Metamorphosis, especially in the summer months. Directly in front of it there is a large parking lot with snacks and souvenir stalls.
It is also worth visiting the Metamorphosis Monastery early in the morning, when you can explore the beautiful courtyard and the rest of the complex quite undisturbed. From noon, numerous day trippers and pilgrims flock to this Meteora Monastery, which is well worth seeing.
Numerous steps take you to the interior of the monastery complex. Megalo Meteoron is perfect for an extended tour. Among other things, you can see a main church, the monks’ dining room, the former kitchen, a wine cellar and museum rooms.
- Opening hours Metamorphosis (summer): 09:30 – 15:00, closed on Tuesdays
- Opening hours Metamorphosis (winter): 09:30 – 14:00, Tue., Wed., and Thurs. closed
#10 Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapavsas
Directly behind Kastraki in the far west is the small Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapavsas. At the beginning of the 20th century, it stood abandoned for a long time until it was restored in 1960. Today, some monks live in the meteora monastery again.
There is a parking bay in front of the Meteora Monastery and a steep climb leads you up to the interior of the complex. From a platform with a beautiful bell tower you have a magnificent view. Agios Nikolaos is less crowded than the other monasteries, so it’s perfect if you want to escape the big rush in Meteora.
- Opening hours Agios Nikolaos (summer): 09:00 – 17:00, open daily
- Opening hours Agios Nikolaos (winter): 09:00 – 16:00, open daily
#11 Kalambaka and Kastraki
The town of Kalambaka in the heart of Thessaly is the gateway to Meteora and is almost entirely dedicated to tourism. There is a lot of activity along the main street. In addition to the shops for daily needs, you will find numerous restaurants, taverns, cafés and gyros stalls on site.
In the far north of Kalambaka, below the rocks, lies the quiet part of the old town. It is the best place to spend the night, as the local Meteora Hotels and apartments are away from the hustle and bustle. You can find our accommodation recommendations for Meteora under the chapter: Where to stay in Meteora
There are plenty of places to eat. We especially enjoyed the delicious food at the tavern Fortounis Tsipouradiko. The quaint restaurant is located in a quiet side street of Kalambaka and is usually only visited by locals.
In Kastraki, the neighbouring village of Kalmbaka, it is even more peaceful. Although this place has also become very touristy in recent years, you can still feel a lot of authenticity here. Around the Plateia with the large Peter and Paul Church you will find some taverns to stop at. In addition, Kastraki offers some very good accommodation options.
From Kastraki you can take several short walks and excursions. The view from Doupiani Rock in the north of Kastraki is particularly beautiful. Right next to the Doupiani House, you can climb up a boulder even without climbing knowledge. From the top, you have a great view of the bizarre rocky landscape of Meteora.
Also worth seeing are the hidden hermitages along the gravel road to the Panagia Chapel. The trail is located between Kastraki and Kalambaka and leads past caves and hermitages. In some places you can still see rickety embroidery ladders and wooden balconies. Only experienced climbers should dare to explore the uninhabited rocks and caves of Meteora.
More Meteora Travel Tips & Info
Top Meteora Monasteries Tours & Excursions
Numerous bus excursions to the Meteora monasteries including tour guides are offered on site and via the network. The tours offered are ideal if you don’t want to drive yourself and want to know even more about the Meteora region. We have enclosed the most popular Meteora tours, selected based on customer reviews (about GetYourGuide*):
Cycling in Meteora
It is a special experience to discover Meteora on two wheels. Since the region is very mountainous, you can hire modern e-bikes (e.g. Meteora e-bike) with an electric motor to help you with the uphill stages. On GetYourGuide* you can find more information about the organizer’s Meteora tours:
Unfortunately, there are no classic cycle paths around Meteora. For example, when visiting the Meteora monasteries, you have to make do with the streets on which buses and cars also drive. Due to the high volume of traffic and the heat in midsummer, we recommend that you avoid the high season (end of June to beginning of September) by bike.
Hiking in Meteora
A wonderful way to enjoy the beauty of the region at your leisure is to take one of the numerous hikes to the Meteora monasteries. Anyone planning a hike around Meteora should allow at least three days for a visit to the area’s uninhabited monasteries, including Ypapanti.
Popular hikes start from Kalambaka to the Monastery of Agia Triada or from the Doupiani rock in Kastraki to the monasteries of Ypapanti and Megalo Meteoron. The hiking trails lead you through beautiful nature far away from the tourist crowds. With a bit of luck, you will run into a turtle.
Since the paths around Meteora are not sufficiently marked, we recommend that you use a free hiking app for your smartphone to find your way and find your way. Between the Meteora monasteries in the west and east, you unfortunately have to make do with the asphalt road. Alternatively, you can also take a look at one of the guided hikes in Meteora, bookable on GetYourGuide*:
Hotel tips for Meteora
The two towns of Kastraki and Kalambaka offer numerous accommodation options for every budget. In the center of Kalambaka there are many bars, cafes and taverns, but also busy streets with sometimes nocturnal noise. For those seeking peace and quiet, accommodation directly below the Meteora rocks is recommended.
→ About Booking.com* you will find many more accommodations near Meteora and you can check prices here:
Here is a personal selection of beautiful accommodations in Kalambaka that are ideal for one or more nights near the Meteora monasteries (links to Booking.com*):
- Oikia Guesthouse* (self-tested, great breakfast, great terrace!)
- Meteora Sunrise* (modern apartment with dream view)
- Rock State View* (spacious apartment in a central location)
- Mirabilis Boutique Hotel* (new boutique hotel in a quiet location)
➲ To other accommodations in the region*
Here we spent the night in Meteora
Rina’s House, Kalambaka
Small, cozy cottage in the old town of Kalambaka, just below the huge Meteora rocks. The friendly hosts Latzaros and Dimitra ensure a relaxing stay. Good facilities despite the small size (space for two people), small terrace and quiet location. More information can be found on Booking.com*:
Camping in Meteora
Campsite Vrachos Kastraki
The Campsite Meteora is characterized by its optimal location at the entrance to Kastraki and its very good facilities. Guests appreciate the clean sanitary facilities, the swimming pool and the barbecue and cooking facilities. The staff is friendly and there are some tavernas nearby.
→ More information can be found on the campsite’s website: Camping Kastraki
You can find all the important information for your camping holiday on the Greek mainland with a van, motorhome & Co. in our article: Camping Greece
How to get to the Meteora Monasteries
The Kalambaka region, which includes the Meteora monasteries, is best reached from Thessaloniki. The city is served directly by many German airports. From Thessaloniki it takes about 3.5 hours to reach Meteora via the fastest route.
➲ To cheap Thessaloniki flights*
Tolls will be charged along the way. You can also get to Meteora from Athens, which takes about four hours. There are direct flights to Athens several times a week from German airports.
As an alternative, you can also take a day trip to Meteora from Athens or Thessaloniki by train or bus. Click on the links of GetYourGuide* for more details about the Meteora excursions:
➲ To the guided excursion from Thessaloniki*
➲ To the guided excursion from Athens*
Car hire for Meteora
On site, you can explore the Meteora monasteries most flexibly with a rental car. You can already rent one at the airport of Thessaloniki or Athens. If you arrive by train, you will also find local providers in Kalambaka (e.g. Meteora Wheels) for car rental in Meteora.
In terms of parking, it’s been proven that a compact car is sufficient for Meteora, and in some cases, it can even be advantageous. With our partner Discover Cars* you can find a cheap rental car for Meteora and collect it in Thessaloniki or Athens:
Meteora by bus
During the tourist season, from April to October, KTEL buses run from Kalambaka to Kastraki and all the monasteries, and back again, three times a day. The first trip departs from Kalambaka at 09:00 AM, the last return trip from Meteora is at 4:30 PM.
For more information on bus connections between the Meteora monasteries, please contact your local accommodation. The current bus timetable for Meteora can be found at: KTEL Meteora
→ You can find even more travel tips and inspiration for the regions of the Greek mainland in the overview at: Mainland Greece
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How did you like the Meteora monasteries? What did we miss and which corners should we definitely explore on our next visit? Let us know in the comments!
