Meteora monasteries – the miracle of Greece. Few kilometers northwest of the town of Kalabaka, the impressive rocks of Meteora are rising from the plains of Thessaly been one of the most amazing places in Greece. Many centuries ago, on these gigantic rocks with the breathtaking landscape reaching heights of more than 600 meters, it was formed one of the most important monastic communities of Greece. The Greek word Meteora means “suspended in the air” and this phrase aptly describes these remarkable Greek Orthodox monasteries.
Meteora is a great place to experience , a spectacular landscape and byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks that house priceless artifacts and wall paintings. Today only six monasteries are active with a small number of monks or nuns who reside on Meteora. In 1988, the Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia area is part of the Natura 2000 network hosting some rare species of birds and flowers. As you approach the town of Kalabaka, the nearest big town near Meteora , and the picturesque village of Kastraki you will see a complex of giant sandstone rock pillars that climb up into the sky. On top of them you will spot the famous Meteora monasteries.
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Which Meteora monasteries to visit?
Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron
The Great Meteoron, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorfossis (Transfiguration of Christ), is a male monastery and is the oldest and largest of all the monasteries of Meteora. It is built on the greatest rock of the complex, the Platys Lithos or Playtlithos. It was founded little before the mid-14th century (around 1340) by a scholar monk of Mount Athos, Saint Athanasios Meteorites. The monastery has a pleasant courtyard and there are many amazing frescoes to see. Probably one of the most interesting parts of the monastery…
The Varlaam Monastery is named after the first monk who built the first church on the rock. This was in 1350 and Varlaan built three churches, a room for himself and a water tank. Unfortunately no other monks joined him, after his death the site was abandoned for 200 years. In 1517 two monks from Ioannina, Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades , re-founded the monastery. Nowadays the monastery can be reached by a bridge and has a small museum, there are a lot of impressive 16th century paintings to see as well…
The Rousanou Monastery was built in 1545 by Maximos and Ioasaph of Ioannina, it is unclear who the actual monastery is named after, but it is dedicated to St.Barbara. Like other monasteries at Meteora the Roussanou monastery was looted during the Second World War. The monastery is reached by a bridge that has some dramatic drops. Nowadays the Monastery is run by nuns. The monastery is located on the way from Kastraki to Meteora between St. Nicholas Anapafsas and Varlaam monastery…
St. Nicholas Anapafsas monastery was founded in the 14th century and nobody is quite sure who the monastery is named after. This Monastery is most famous for its frescoes by the famous Cretan artist Theophanes Strelitzas in 1527. Some of these frescoes include the passion of Christ and the Virgin Mary praying. The monastery fell into disrepair and was completely abandoned for 60 years from 1900 to the 1960’s when the Greek government repaired the monastery…
The 14th century St. Stephen monastery is the closest monastery in Meteora to the main town of Kalabaka, and so the easiest to visit. St. Stephen monastery was founded by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene, who is thought to be a son of the Serb ruler Nicephorus II of Epirus, in 1400. The Katholikon at the monastery is dedicated to St. Charalambos who’s head it contains, as it is believed to prevent illnesses. Much of the monastery was destroyed during World War Two and the Greek civil war that followed. The monastery is run by Nuns…
You may recognise the monastery of Holy Trinity as it was used in the James Bond movie ‘For your eyes only’ Roger Moore scales the cliff face. Out of all the monasteries of Meteora Holy Trinity has the most dramatic location, the rock face is a sheer drop and the rock itself is a lot more slender. The monastery was built in 1458 and had many treasures, but most of these were looted by the Germans during the Second World War, most of the frescoes are from the 18th century…
Meteora Thrones is the leading travel service company in Meteora and the surrounding area, which has earned the trust and loyalty of visitors who want to organize in the best and most effective way their visit to Meteora and the Holy Monasteries.
We organize everyday tours with the goal to offer you the absolute and authentic Meteora experience with the best prices in the area. Enjoy with us the best panoramic and majestic views of your life. Our experienced staff and the “State of the Art” VIP Limo Mini bus we own guarantee an unforgettable, high quality, way to discover our unique place.
We also provide private tours with VIP services and personalized programs to enjoy the magic of Meteora in the maximum. Come along to make the tour of your dreams!
An unforgetable tour - There was no train so the trip from Athens to Meteora and back was by bus. I must recommend this tour because it is very interesting, the visit included three... read more monasteries and is amazing how those monasteries were built so many years ago. The views are excellent, specially for those fans of photography. It is a tour that you cann´t miss.
OnAir25653452 November 10, 2023
George was an informative and engaging guide who was very knowledgeable about the area and monasteries. The bus was comfortable with a safe driver and plenty of time was given... read more at all three monasteries to explore. Highly recommend taking a tour with this company.
traveller3128 September 6, 2022
Its a breathtaking trip
The train trip is so tiring but it’s worth it.
Cristos the driver and constantina the guide is so nice and kind people . The... read more monasteries are stupendous. Must do trip
Hayasim October 1, 2022
Beautiful weather, perfect amount of time at each monastery, and good information from Giannis the tour guide
anuragk612 April 30, 2022
A must do, especially when short on time in Meteora. - We had a wonderful time with Meteora Thrones. We traveled as a family and know that tours with children can add extra stressors to guides and other participants. There was... read more never a moment that we felt any sort of way about traveling as a family with young kids, and in fact we’re treated so kindly. Our guide and driver were very sweet and informative and kept us posted every step of the way. I am very glad we went with this tour being that we only had one night in the area. We were able to see everything we sought out to see.
ahornik88 October 7, 2023
What makes a tour good or bad is the tour guide. Therisa was excellent! She is knowledgeable, friendly, very personable and funny. It definitely was worth the four hour... read more train ride to Kalambaka!
CrabV May 15, 2022
Loved this experience! - This was a fantastic day trip! The sights are incredible to see in person and the monasteries are works of art. Lots of steps but worth it!
KLafortune October 28, 2023
Awesome and great experience - The 2D 1N trip allowed us to see 5 monasteries and to experience the day and evening beauty of Meteora. It gives us extended time to truly appreciate the beauty... read more of the place. The hotel stay was also comfortable and allow us time to walk through the small village Kalampaka.
Shih Kiat C December 6, 2022
Great tour! - Clement was our guide, and he was absolutely wonderful! I think the driver deserves some mention here too, because WOW! I wouldn't want to drive a bus in that area!... read more He did an excellent job!
Meteora was amazing. The monasteries are absolutely beautiful and so full of history. Everyone should take this tour at least once!
Clement was very knowledgeable and helpful. We learned so much about the monasteries, the area around, and some of the local legend. Highly recommend!
kef537 December 30, 2022
Fantastic trip, train trip was easy. 2nd class more than comfortable. Hotel is adequate with great location. Both guides night and day tours were knowledgeable and humerus. Both toured offered... read more different aspects of the area. Highly recommend doing sunset and the morning tour. Awe inspiring area not to be missed. Definitely do 2 days if you can. Best restaurant was opposite the waterfall in the square.
Kirsty J June 2, 2022
Meteora sight seeing - Worth the long train ride!! Meteora is gorgeous. It would of been nice to stay longer but we only planned 1 day but could easily spend 2-3 days there. April... read more is a nice month to visit
beljess4 April 17, 2023
We did Tha half day tour and it was great. Really complete for the ones that are short of time, as you have the opportunity to visit half of... read more thee monasteries, go through the panoramic views and listen to the main facts about the place.
rgirao1974 August 17, 2022
We took a train from Athens to Kalabaka & was welcomed by our tour guide, Chrysa. She’s so kind & friendly. She’s informative & helpful all throughout the tour. She... read more liked it when we asked questions. She took nice photos of us too! She’s the best tour guide ever! Our experience with Meteora Thrones is something that we will never forget.
sweetyf8 February 11, 2022
We had Clement from the Meteora Thrones Travel Center. Clement was the epitome of professionalism as a tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable of the sites, local area (being... read more a resident himself), Greek history and Greek Orthodox Religious History. Clement spoke perfectly clear English, having lived in England and Canada. Most of all he was extremely thoughtful, polite, and courteous. When it started to rain hard, he met us outside the monastery to give us umbrellas so we didn’t get soaked walking to the van in the parking lot.
MONASTERY SITE
Unfortunately, the day we went was rainy and foggy/misty so we weren’t able to see all the monasteries from the outside. We visited 3 Monasteries inside and stopped at viewpoints to see 2 others, but again it was somewhat foggy we were unable to clearly see some of them. What we did see inside the monasteries we visited was beautiful and the views from up top stunning. Mondays are good because all are opened, except the one convent/nunnery, otherwise the monasteries alternate openings during the week. The Grand Meteora is closed on 3 weekdays. Winter hours are shorter closing at 4pm or earlier. We liked Grand Meteron and the St Varlaam. Wear SKIRTS inside the Monasteries out of respect. If not you will have to pay for a scarf like skirt at the entrance. The entrance fee is 3 euros per person cash for each monastery. Bring small bills.
3 BONUS Sites: As a result of us not being able to see all the monasteries, Clement offered to take us to one of the first HERMIT CAVES (really something to see, origin of habituating the area and eventually constructing the monasteries on the rocks.) He also took us to see the old BYZANTINE CHURCH that was built on top of Apollo’s Temple and explained the religious aspect inside the church. We also drove to see St Anthony’s Monastery and another ‘more’ recent hermit cave.
Our Tour VAN vehicle was spacious, clean and seemed like a newer Peugeot. Our Driver (sorry didn’t catch his name) drove carefully and safely through the windy roads.
Clement also recommended a restaurant in town that he frequented, when we were waiting for our train back to Athens. After, dinner Clement and driver drove us to the train station. They waited for us in the van while we dined.
TRAIN - Meteora Thrones company was very responsive in answering all questions. Tour company also emailed /WhatsApp our train tickets promptly. Clear instructions, Clement met us at the train station in Kalabaka with a placard of our name. Very well organized. Meteora Thrones Travel Center is probably the largest tour company in this area. The train ride itself was comfortable (Buy the first class cabin, it’s not that much more). Seats inside can slide down so you can lean back. If you have the entire cabin yourself (6seats), you could probably make it into a sleeper bed and lay down. You yourself must board the 7:57am train from Larissa Athens main train station. It’s a 4hr train ride each way and upon return you’ll arrive around 10:30pm back in Athens. However, we were delayed for 40mins (train employees did not specify why) and that made getting back very late. It’s a long day but this way you won’t have the additional day and expense of having to stay overnight in the vicinity of Kalabaka.
Overall, Clement was an excellent tour guide, very good tour (it ended up being a private tour for us even though we booked a small group tour), tour company is well organized and responsive.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND METEORA THRONES TRAVEL CENTER.
10028TA December 25, 2022
Easy to find, well organised (even if last minute), we didn't have to think about anything, the guide was very nice!
Melanie s February 1, 2022
This has to be the best way to do a guided tour of Meteora. My wife and I are traveling the world and don’t do a lot of touristy group... read more activities but we only had a few days in Athens and Meteora Thrones made the experience very easy. Everything is booked for you and went according to the description. It’s a long train ride from Athens and that train is packed, no wifi and little service, so be sure to prepare for that. We were greeted by our guide at the train station and she was amazing. Personable, energetic and very knowledgeable. Please tip your guide if you have good service, we were the only people in our group to tip. As a rock climber, I’ve wanted to see Meteora for years and the views were better than the anticipation. We’re in our 30’s and active so we thought the walk/stair climbing was easy but some monasteries may be difficult for people with conditioning issues. Reviews said the monasteries accept credit card, but not really, we only entered 2/3 due to this so bring cash. One monastery let us pay by card in the souvenir shop. Unfortunately we missed Great Meteoron on a Friday due to a holiday prep, it’s usually open every day but Tuesday. If there are particular monasteries you want to see, check their schedule. IMO, each monastery has a different view and experience, worth going to each one. If you’re going to Meteora with a tour guide company, go with Meteora Thrones, they make the full day trip from Athens as easy and stress free as it could be. We left our apartment in Athens at 7 am and got home 11 pm. Sometimes the trains run late but best to be there 15 mins early.
269raym August 9, 2022
We were unfortunate to find a foggy day but it was compensated by Clemont - best tour guide. He was very warm and professional. He explained the history of the... read more place and provided detail about each and every monastery. I would recommend everyone to meet Clemont once when they are in Meteora.
Sudmazzu December 16, 2022
The place is excellent incredible views
Time perfect for the activities
Elena, the guide Is EXCELLENT, she knows very much about this place, good speaking in Spanish and English... read more too.