Exploring the Enchanting Meteora Monasteries in Greece

28/02/2025 Indrani Ghose

Travel, UNESCO World Heritage Site, World

Perched atop towering rock formations, the Meteora Monasteries appear to float in midair, earning them the nickname “The Floating Monasteries of Greece.” This UNESCO World Heritage site is a marvel of history, spirituality, and breathtaking natural beauty. In this guide, I will take you through the awe-inspiring monasteries of Meteora, their historical significance, practical travel tips, and everything you need to plan your visit—including where to stay and how to make the most of your time here.

Meteora had long been on our bucket list, not just for its unique landscape but also for the sense of mystery and tranquillity it exudes. Some of these monasteries date back to the 14th century, withstanding time, wars, and natural elements to preserve a deeply spiritual legacy. While many visitors attempt to squeeze all six active monasteries into a rushed one-day itinerary, I strongly recommend a slower, more immersive approach.

For my journey through Greece, I planned a two-day stay in Meteora, allowing ample time to appreciate the monastic atmosphere, hike the scenic trails, and truly absorb the serenity of this sacred place. Whether you choose a two-day Meteora itinerary or a more leisurely three-day exploration, taking it slow ensures a deeper connection with the mystical charm of Meteora.

Meteora Monasteries – St. Stephen

GetYourGuide has numerous tours. Check these:

Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora – Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora on a full-day bus trip from Thessaloniki. Enter 2 of the 6 holy monasteries and get panoramic views of the giant rocks.

Athens: Meteora Monasteries & Caves Day Trip & Lunch Option – Embark on an enchanting day, discovering hidden gems like the Hermit Caves for an exclusive experience. Immerse in local culture as you visit ancient monasteries, savoring delectable regional cuisine!

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History of Meteora Monasteries

The first time I laid eyes on Meteora, I stopped breathing for a moment. There they stood—massive stone pillars reaching toward the sky like giants frozen in time. I remember thinking, “No photograph could have prepared me for this.”

Meteora’s mountains rise dramatically above the Thessalian plain near the Pindos range, but statistics and geography fail to capture what it feels like to stand in their shadow. These towering rock formations, shaped by natural forces over millions of years, aren’t just geological wonders—they’re the foundation of one of Greece’s most profound spiritual landscapes. While only second to Mount Athos in religious significance, to me, Meteora felt unrivalled in its raw, spiritual power.

I almost visualized the lives of the Greek monks who once populated these heights. Over thirty monastic communities once thrived atop these rocky pillars, though only six remain active today. Walking among them, I felt connected to centuries of human devotion.

It is interesting how these extraordinary formations were born. Some 60 million years ago during the Tertiary Period, this breathtaking landscape was simply sediment beneath a prehistoric sea. As the Earth’s crust shifted and waters receded, what remained was left to the mercy of wind, rain, and seismic activity. I ran my hand along one of the stone walls, marvelling that my skin was touching something shaped by millions of years of patient natural sculpture.

I found myself wondering about the first hermits who sought refuge here in the 11th century. What courage it must have taken to scale these heights, seeking solitude and closeness to God! By the 12th century, they had built a community centered around a church dedicated to the Mother of God. I sat alone for a while, imagining their gatherings—sharing hardships, wisdom, and creating bonds in this seemingly inhospitable place.

Mountains of Meteora Greece – Rock Formation

Why is the One-day Itinerary difficult in Meteora?

Unless you plan a trip spanning the whole of Saturday or Sunday it is difficult to see all the monasteries in one day. Here are the timings for each monastery. Notice that one or more of them is closed on some day of the week or other. Only the Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas is open on all days of the week.

Another reason why opting to visit all monasteries in one day is not a great idea is because some of them require rigorous climbing and walking. They can easily tire you out and leave you with less mental energy to absorb the vibes of all monasteries of Meteora well.

How to plan the visit to the different Meteora monasteries in Greece?

Before my visit I did an extensive study about not just the timings but also the distances they are located and the approx. time required to see and understand the significance of the Meteora monasteries.

All the monasteries open around 9 AM, so it’s best to plan accordingly.

Of all the functional monasteries the Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas is often considered the quickest to visit due to its smaller size and relatively easy access and also it is open on all days. So, in case you are left with very less time for the day, visit Monastery of St. Nicholas can be a good bet. You can typically explore it in about 30 minutes to an hour.

On the other hand, if you are starting out fresh for the day, reserve your visit to the large Monastery of Great Meteoron. It can easily take two hours to experience the monastery well, appreciate the rich collection of artifacts, frescoes, and the museum.

The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is another big Meteora monastery.

If you’re planning your visit, it’s a good idea to start with these larger monasteries.

Floating Monasteries of Greece – Photo by Janette Speyer on Unsplash

Two-day Itinerary for Meteora Monasteries in Greece

Day 1 in Meteora

Morning – Welcome to Meteora, enjoy heavy traditional Greek breakfast with pastries (bougatsa), yogurt with honey, or a Greek omelette that will pull you off well in the large monasteries.
9 AM to 12 PM: Head to Holy Monastery of Varlaam and then to Holy Monastery of Rousanou.
12 PM to 12.30 PM: Head back to Kastraki Village for lunch
12.30 PM to 1.30 PM: Try a traditional Greek tavern like Taverna Gardenia or Panellinion for souvlaki, moussaka, or fresh Greek salads.
2PM: By now you should be back to Monasteries of Meteora.
2 PM to 3.30 PM Holy Monastery of Holy Trinity
3.30 PM to 5 PM Visit Holy Monastery of St. Stephen

During summers you can plan to visit historical and religious sites like the cave of Agios Antonios or the cave of Agios Georgios Mandilas in Meteora. They are not traditional monasteries with regular visiting hours. The cave of Agios Georgios Mandilas is located near the village of Kastraki and can be visited at any time.

Day 2 in Meteora

Early morning: Take a hiking tour of Meteora if outdoor adventures interest you.
Morning: Start with typical Greek breakfast – a platter stuffed with a wide variety of bread, pastry, fruits, and Greek yogurt. High in nutritional value and a great source of energy to explore the remaining two monasteries in the mountains of Meteora Greece.
9 AM to 11 AM: Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron
11AM to 12 PM: Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas
12 to 12.30 PM return to Kastraki Village
Lunch
Try other interesting activities like Meteora Wine Tasting or visit the Cave of Theopetra, a Prehistoric Cave, with human traces from 130,000 years ago.
Evening: Do a sunset photography tour to capture the best angles of Meteora’s landscapes.

Timings of the Monasteries of Meteora

The six functional Meteora monasteries, Greece, have varying opening hours depending on the season. Here are the current timings for each monastery:

Summer Timetable (April 1st to October 31st):

Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron: 9.30 to 3 PM, closed on Tuesdays.
Holy Monastery of Varlaam: 9 AM to 4 PM, closed on Fridays.
Holy Monastery of Rousanou: 9 AM to 3.30 PM, closed on Wednesdays.
Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas: 9 AM to 5 PM, open every day.
Holy Monastery of St. Stephen: 9 AM to 1.30 PM and 3.30 PM to 5.30 PM, closed on Mondays.
Holy Monastery of Holy Trinity: 10 AM to 4 PM, closed on Thursdays.

Winter Timetable (November 1st to March 31st):

Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron: 9.30 AM to 2 PM, closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Holy Monastery of Varlaam: 9 AM to 3 PM, closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
Holy Monastery of Rousanou: 9.30 AM to 2 PM, closed on Wednesdays.
Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas: 9 AM to 4 PM, open every day.
Holy Monastery of St. Stephen: 9.30 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM, closed on Mondays.
Holy Monastery of Holy Trinity: 10 AM to 4 PM, closed on Thursdays.

If you plan to visit all six monasteries in one day, it’s best to start early in the morning on either Saturday or Sunday when none of them is closed.

The Meteora Monasteries

Best time to visit Meteora

Spring (March to May) – These months have pleasant weather and colorful scenery. Temperatures range between 10°C to 22°C, hence ideal for exploring monasteries and hiking trails. You also get longer daylight hours for sightseeing. And crowds during this season are moderate compared to summer.

However, do be prepared for unexpected Rain showers, especially in March and April.

Summer (June to August) – Ideal as the days are longer that allow for extended sightseeing and activities. The atmosphere is vibrant with clear blue skies and warm temperatures (25°C–35°C) which provide great conditions for photography.

Peak tourist season means large crowds, especially in July and August and higher prices for accommodation and tours. Intense heat can make climbing and hiking more exhausting, especially around midday.

Autumn (September to November) – Ideal as the crowds are fewer and the landscapes turn golden. Stunning autumn foliage enhances Meteora’s landscape, especially in October. Temperature is mild and pleasant ranging between 10°C to 25°C. Monastery visits and hikes are most comfortable during this time. Tourists are lesser compared to summer, creating a more peaceful experience. The accommodation and travel costs too decrease after the summer rush.

The only downside is days start getting shorter, reducing sightseeing time and there are possible rain showers in late autumn.

Winter (December to February) – We explored the Meteora Monasteries in Greece during winters and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is the best time for a Tranquil and Mystical Experience. There was hardly any rush of tourists. The snow–covered rock formations create a magical, fairy-tale-like setting. Winter is ideal for solitude and dramatic scenery.

We were disappointed with just one fact – the short daylight hours that limited our exploration time.

How to Get to Meteora, Greece

Meteora is located in central Greece, near the town of Kalambaka, and is accessible by train, bus, or car. Major cities nearby are Thessaloniki (230 km away), and Athens 350 km away from Meteora. There are several options to reach this breathtaking destination that will suit your budget and time well. Do check out these:

By Train – Best for Comfort & Scenic Views. Direct trains, operated by Hellenic Train, run from Athens (Larissa Station) to Kalambaka (the nearest town to Meteora). Take taxis or local buses to reach the monasteries from here.

If you are arriving from Thessaloniki you have to take a train to Paleofarsalos and transfer to another train to Kalambaka. There are Limited departures, hence requires advance booking.

By Bus – For budget-friendly options take the bus. However, the trip is time-consuming.

From Athens to Meteora – Take a KTEL bus from Athens (Liosion Bus Station) to Trikala, then switch to a local bus from Trikala to Kalambaka. This takes around 5 to 6 hours.
From Thessaloniki to Meteora – Take a KTEL bus to Trikala, then transfer to another bus to Kalambaka. Travel time is 3.5 to 4.5 hours.

By Car – We travelled by car that we hired in Athens. It allowed us with the best flexibility for Exploring Nearby Attractions too.

From Athens: Drive via the E75 and E65 highways (~4 to 4.5 hours).
From Thessaloniki: Take the Egnatia Odos (E90) highway (~3 hours).
Free and paid parking options are available near Meteora monasteries.

Where to stay in Meteora?

When choosing where to stay in Meteora, you have two excellent options: Kalambaka and Kastraki. Each offers a unique experience, depending on your travel style and the season of your visit.

Staying in Kastraki – Nestled right at the base of Meteora’s towering rock formations, Kastraki offers an authentic village charm with spectacular views. The accommodations here are mostly small, family-run hotels and guesthouses, ideal for those seeking peace and a closer connection to nature. Staying in Kastraki allows you to wake up to breathtaking scenery and be just a short distance from the monasteries.

Staying in Kalambaka – As the main town near Meteora, Kalambaka is the best option for those who want a livelier atmosphere with more restaurants, cafes, and transport options. The town is within walking distance of the Monastery of St. Nicholas, and you can also hike to other monasteries from here. If visiting during the off-season, Kalambaka is the better choice, as Kastraki can be quite deserted.

Here are some helpful links:

Hotel Meteoritis 4.2 rating in Google

Archontiko Mesohori Meteora (rating 4.8)

Divani Meteora Hotel (rating 4.5)

Meteora Hotel at Kastraki (rating 4.6)

Mirabilis Boutique Hotel Meteora (rating 4.9)

Things to do in Meteora Greece

Meteora is a stunning destination with a variety of activities to enjoy. There are some interesting organised tours that you can indulge in after you have visited the six famous monasteries in Greece on cliffs. Here are some interesting things to do:

Outdoor adventure tours like Hiking and Rock climbing: For all adventure lovers Meteora is THE ideal destination for rock climbing and hiking. The towering rock formations provide challenging and rewarding climbs. The hiking trails replicate the ancient paths used by Greek monks and pilgrims.
Photography tours for sunset and viewpoints: The dramatic landscape of Meteora is a paradise for photographers. Capture the stunning scenery and the monasteries suspended in the air. Special guided tours take you to viewpoints and experience the magical sunset views over the monasteries and rock formations.
Cultural Tours and Local Festivals: Learn about the history and culture of Meteora through guided tours that provide insights into the monastic life and the region’s heritage. Participate in local festivals and events that celebrate the culture and traditions of the region.
Explore Kalambaka and Kastraki: These nearby towns offer charming streets, local cuisine, and a glimpse into the local way of life.
Wine tasting and Truffle Hunting: Join a truffle hunting tour and learn about the process of finding and harvesting truffles in the region. For wine lovers, wine tasting events are a good investment of time and money.

FAQs related to Exploring Meteora Monasteries

Where is Meteora located?

Meteora rock formation is in the regional unit of Trikala, in Thessaly, in northwestern Greece. Meteora town is near the town of Kalambaka.

What is the best way to explore Meteora?

Taxi: From Kalambaka, taxis are readily available to take you up to the monasteries.
Local Bus: A shuttle bus connects Kalambaka with Meteora monasteries (especially during peak tourist seasons).
Hiking: If you’re up for an adventure, several trails lead from Kalambaka and Kastraki to the monasteries.

Is there a dress code for Meteora Monasteries?

Meteora Monasteries have a strict dress code, as they are active places of worship. Visitors are expected to dress modestly out of respect for the monastic traditions.

For Women – Shoulders must be covered, long skirts or dresses, no trousers or shorts
For Men – Long pants or trousers, no shorts, sleeveless shirts

Meteora monasteries – sunset (pic from Unspalsh+)

Conclusion

Of all the monasteries I visited, the Monastery of Agios Stefanos touched me most deeply. Perhaps because it’s the only convent, home to nuns rather than monks. Watching their quiet dedication to preserving centuries of tradition moved me profoundly.

As the sun began to set on my final day at Meteora, casting long shadows across the valleys below, I understood why UNESCO had declared this a World Heritage site in 1988. But more than that, I understood why people have been drawn here for centuries. In Meteora, something about the fusion of human faith and natural grandeur speaks to the soul in ways words can never fully capture.