Travel Guide of Meteora in Greece by Influencers and Travelers
The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos.
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Pictures and Stories of Meteora from Influencers
20 pictures of Meteora from Toa Heftiba, Vangelis Batsikostas, Nestoras Argiris and other travelers
- My husband is my favorite hand extension :))) ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Toa Heftiba | ©Unsplash
- 6 Eastern Orthodox monasteries built on top of rock pillars, listed as World Heritage site. ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Christian Burri | ©Unsplash
- The most stunning viewpoint of Meteora ...click to read more
- Experienced by @Toa Heftiba | ©Unsplash
- Staring the landscape at Meteora ...click to read more
- Experienced by @elCarito | ©Unsplash
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How to visit Meteora ?
Why traveling there?
Meteora, Greece is an extraordinary destination that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and spiritual significance. The stunning landscape of towering rock formations is home to centuries-old monasteries perched precariously atop the cliffs. These monasteries, which have been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcase remarkable Byzantine art and architecture. In addition to the monasteries, Meteora offers a variety of outdoor activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and mountain biking, making it a perfect destination for nature and history enthusiasts alike.
How to get there?
The nearest city to Meteora is Kalambaka, which is well connected by train and bus services from major cities in Greece like Athens, Thessaloniki, and Larissa. The train journey from Athens to Kalambaka takes around 4-5 hours, while the bus journey takes around 5-6 hours. From Kalambaka, you can either walk, rent a car, hire a taxi, or join a guided tour to reach Meteora, which is just a few kilometers away from the city.
What to book in advance?
While it's not necessary to book tickets to visit the monasteries in advance, it's highly recommended to book guided tours, accommodations, and any adventure activities (such as rock climbing or mountain biking) ahead of time, especially during the peak tourist season between April and October. Guided tours are a great way to learn about the history, architecture, and local culture while exploring the monasteries and the surrounding landscape.
What are the costs?
The entrance fee for each monastery is €3 per person. The combined cost of train or bus tickets from Athens to Kalambaka ranges from €20 to €40, depending on the class and type of service. Accommodations in Kalambaka vary in price, with budget options starting around €20 per night, while mid-range and luxury options can range from €50 to €150 per night. Meals in local restaurants cost around €10 to €25 per person.
What are the best things to do?
- Explore the monasteries: Visit the six open monasteries, each with its unique history and architecture. The most famous ones are the Great Meteoron Monastery, Varlaam Monastery, and Roussanou Monastery.
- Hiking: Follow well-marked trails through the breathtaking landscape, with varying levels of difficulty suitable for all fitness levels.
- Rock Climbing: Experience world-class rock climbing on the unique rock formations of Meteora.
- Mountain Biking: Rent a bike and explore the region's network of trails and discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
Where to eat?
1. Meteora Restaurant: A traditional Greek taverna offering delicious local dishes with stunning views of the rock formations.
2. Taverna Gardenia: A cozy family-run restaurant serving homemade Greek specialties in a charming garden setting.
3. Panellinion: A popular spot for locals, offering a variety of tasty Greek dishes at reasonable prices.
Where to stay?
1. Hotel Doupiani House: A family-run hotel with comfortable rooms, beautiful views of Meteora, and a delicious breakfast buffet.
2. Dellas Boutique Hotel: A charming hotel offering modern amenities, a warm atmosphere, and an excellent location close to the monasteries.
3. Alsos House: A budget-friendly option with simple yet comfortable rooms and a friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Off the beaten path
For an unusual travel experience in Meteora, consider joining a photography tour or workshop led by a professional photographer. These tours will not only take you to the most picturesque spots in the region but also teach you the skills to capture stunning images of the unique landscape and monasteries. In addition, you'll have the opportunity to witness Meteora's beauty during different times of the day, such as sunrise or sunset, when the light creates an otherworldly atmosphere that is truly unforgettable.
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Map of Meteora
View Meteora on a map with the the closest popular places nearby
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More Travel spots to explore around Meteora
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Discover more travel spots to explore around Meteora
⛰️ Hill station spots 🗼 Landmark spots ⛰️ Hill spots ️🏜️ Badlands spots ⛰️ Highland spots 🏰 Historic site spots 🌉 Bridge spotsLearn More about Meteora
The site of Meteora, as grandiose as it is, is located in an area that does not exceed 8 kilometers in diameter. Six monasteries can be visited and they are all located not far from each other. This proximity makes it easy to visit three or four monasteries in a day. We do not advise you to do more at the risk of getting bored (which would be a pity!). In one day, you can thus seize all the magic of this site. Nevertheless, we warmly recommend you to spend one or two night(s) there to admire this place at dawn and to walk in this forest of rocky peaks full of history and faith. At the foot of these giant cliffs, it takes time to take the measure of the exploits achieved by these hermit monks, isolated .... and yet capable of building architectural feats. If you can, take the time to go for a hike to visit Meteora. The natural site is grandiose. Of course, it climbs... but you will certainly keep a memorable souvenir. Some advice and practical information to visit the monasteries of Meteora: The steps of approach are often difficult because it is necessary to climb the rocky peaks. Stairs have been built but they are steep and sloping. Remember to take good shoes, sun protection and water. If you have difficulty moving around, we recommend the monastery of San Stefanos (no steps), or that of Roussano (less steep approach). Women must wear skirts and cover their shoulders to visit Meteora. Men must wear pants. If you don't have the proper attire, the monks always provide clothes to put on over your clothes. The entrance will not be refused, but be careful, sometimes the clothes will have to be paid for (especially at the great Varlaam). The entrance to each monastery costs 3 euros for tourists and it is free for Greeks. There are no organized visits inside the monasteries but the monks or nuns like to discuss with the tourists and explain the places to them. Many agencies in Kalambaka and Kastraki also offer organized tours to visit Meteora.
Where to Stay near Meteora
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