From Larissa to Meteora: A Road Trip to Remember
Are you ready for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Join me on a road trip from Larissa to Meteora, Greece. As we drove through quaint villages and stunning landscapes, we were treated to awe-inspiring views of the magnificent Meteora rock formations.
The natural beauty of Greece’s countryside is simply breathtaking, and like me you will fall in love with the charming towns and friendly locals we encountered along the way. This road trip is the perfect way to immerse yourself in the rich culture and history of Greece. I am glad I did it with my family.
How to reach Meteora Greece
The easiest way to reach Meteora is by flying to either Athens or Thessaloniki, which are the two main cities in Greece. From there, you can either rent a car or take a bus or train to the town of Kalambaka, which is the closest town to Meteora. We drove in Thessaloniki after a night halt at Larissa.
There are daily trains and buses from both Athens and Thessaloniki to Kalambaka, and the journey takes around 4 to 5 hours by car or 5 to 6 hours by train or bus. Once you arrive in Kalambaka, you can easily access Meteora by car, taxi or bus.
The drive from Kalambaka to Meteora takes around 20 to 30 minutes and the views along the way are stunning.
Exploring Greece’s Enchanting Meteora: A Personal Account
Road Trip to Meteora from Larissa
We left for Meteora from Larissa very early that day and could catch the Sun waking up from its slumber. As we were driving westward the sky was devoid of any of the magical colors. We zipped across the meadows on either side of roads.
With no traffic the roads seemed abandoned, we were in no hurry! The solar panels looked ready to capture all the energy the sun would dissipate for the day and we were on our dream trip to Meteora.
Solar Panels along the road – Discovering the Magic of Meteora: A Memoir
Route Map from Larissa to Meteora
The road trip to Meteora from Larissa took little more than an hour.
Meteora is a natural wonder that defies belief. The geological formations in this region are unlike anything I have ever seen before. As you drive through the winding roads, the towering mountains seem to appear out of nowhere. The unique rock formations are the result of millions of years of erosion, and they have created a landscape that is truly spectacular.
Larissa to Meteora Greece Road Trip Google Map
From Trikala onwards the landscape changed. The distant hazy mountainous structures started taking definite shape. In Meteora, nature decided to design the mountains in a different way.
The geological formations here are unique. Huge mountains rise from nowhere and roads are made through these and around these mountains.
Farming on hills Larissa – Meteora Moments: Capturing the Beauty of Greece’s Unique Landscape
With around 80 peaks in the area, it’s easy to see why Meteora is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. I was not up for a challenging climb, but simply driving through the area and taking in the breathtaking views is an experience, hard to forget any time soon.
Trikala Direction
Monasteries of Meteora
When you look up at the monasteries built on the mountain tops you wonder how they are there. And they are not there just for few years but for centuries, from 14th century!
During the winters 5 of the 6 monasteries are open and I visited all of them. Not knowing what to expect in Meteora and trusting my instincts after I read up on the place I planned to stay there for 2 days. And, that was one of my best decisions in travel through Greece.
The Holy Trinity monastery appeared in the James Bond film, “For Your Eyes Only”.
One has to climb 100 steps to enter the monasteries, except one of them. Once inside those old monasteries you feel it is a different world. For me this trip was an incredible spiritual experience, something I will cherish for years!
Larissa to Meteora Greece Road
Meteora is a Greek word that translates to “suspended in the air” or “hovering in the sky”. The name refers to the spectacular rock formations and monasteries that are perched high atop towering cliffs, giving the impression that they are floating in the air. The unique landscape of Meteora has been formed over millions of years by the forces of nature, and is now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Road to Meteora Greece
Meteora Memories
The first monastery we sighted in Kastraki, Meteora. You can click to enlarge the pic. you will see a cross there. The next pic has my daughters in the frame near the cross.
Over the period of next 2 days we visited all the 6 monasteries. Towards the evening it had rained and snowed lightly. However by morning the weather seemed fine.
The very first day, as soon as we dumped our luggage we set off for Holy Monastery of Rousanou. Holy Trinity (Agia Triada) Monastery was the most difficult one to access and the Monastery at Varlaam the easiest.
Food in Meteora was great. We had them at local eateries and the folks around were warm and genuine.
Meteora Memories: A Journey through Greece’s Natural Wonder
What an incredible landscape! And the sunset picture is breathtaking. I haven’t been to Meteora but been to several other cities in Greece and seems like this would’ve been a good place to visit as well. Thanks for sharing!
what a beautiful place it it. May I be there a day. Your post always attracts and tells detail about that particular place.
Beautiful road journey.
good collection of pics !
Your Artistic Expressions are truly amazing…. A Nice Post with excellent Photographs! thanks for sharing….
wow those are some steep mountains. what a great view from the top
Awesome sceneries…..!!
Awesome landscapes. And with some spirituality thrown in, I'm sure this trip to Meteora was very fulfilling.
Magical photos and lively account, Indrani!
Sounds like a lovely place to visit, In 🙂 lovely pictures!
Beautiful pictures… great post 🙂
Loved all the pics but the first one was out of the world!!
Enthralling pictures Indrani. Must have been a wonderful drive.
Looks like the towns and roads have been carved out of a very rugged landscape.
Wonderful landscapes and views!
Enjoying your shot.
Thanks for dropping by, sis.
Happy weekend 🙂
http://www.womenandperspectives.com/2015/03/sky-watch-above-mall.html
The landscapes and rock formations are amazing.
Wonderful shots, I specially like the majestic landscapes.
Different landscapes and sceneries,all magnificent!
Lovely sunrise shot and some beautiful scenery.
Nice shots of the magnificent vistas.
Good to start the day with that beautiful sunrise. Tanks for taking us along.
Beautiful views and amazing photos.
Beautiful views! Have a nice day!
These are awesome, Indrani, and I don't know how I missed your post today, but I do apologize for being so late to comment!! Truly superb captures!!
It truly is amazing the locations they chose to build these monasteries. Beautiful shots!
What amazing cliffs those monestaries are built on. I bet the view are fantastic.
Hello Indrani, beautiful scenic views.. The cliffs are amazing.Great captures. Have a happy day!
Beautiful pictures of a very different landscape. Looks a little "naked" there 🙂 Guess, one has to be really ready to spend the rest of the life up there.
Have a beautiful day!
【ツ】Knipsa
wow, the cliffs and terraced hillsides!