Welcome to Meteora
The World Heritage–listed Meteora is an extraordinary place and one of the most visited in all of Greece, receiving over two million visitors annually. The massive pinnacles of smooth rock are the perfect setting for a science-fiction or fantasy tale. The monasteries atop them add to the strange and beautiful landscape.
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Meteora activities
Greece 4-Day Tour Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia, Delphi, Meteora
Day 1: Athens - Corinth Canal - Mycenae - Epidaurus - Nauplia/Olympia (D) Leave Athens behind and head west to Corinth Canal - your first stop of the day! Linking the Gulf of Corinth with the Saronic Gulf, the canal is narrow, and the ancient ships that once passed through have been replaced with bungee jumpers. After exploring, continue on to Mycenae for a walking tour. Learn about the development of Classical Greek culture as you walk through this fascinating archeological site. After lunch (own expense) in Mycenae, travel to Epidaurus for a tour of its archaeological site and visit its famous natural theater famous for its acoustics. Continue to the pretty seaport town of Nauplia or Olympia (depending on your travel dates) to spend the night in a hotel. Overnight: Amalia (4-star hotel) in Nauplia or Olympia Day 2: Nauplia - Olympia - Antirion - Delphi (B, D) After breakfast, set off with your guide by luxury coach, and visit the Archeological Site of Olympia. Home to the Atlis (Sanctuary of the Gods), the site was a mecca for ancient Greeks who came here to worship Zeus. See incredible ruins like the Stadium of Olympia, where the country’s ancient Olympic Games were held. In the afternoon, board your coach for a scenic drive to Antirion, passing the towns of Patras. Cross over the Rion-Antirion Bridge - considered a landmark of 21st-century Greece . Finish your day with a relaxing meal at your hotel in Delphi. Overnight: Parnassos or Hermes (3-star), or Amalia (4-star) in Delphi Day 3: Delphi - Kalambakka (B, D) Rise early and meet your guide to explore Delphi - one of the most important archaeological digs in Europe. As you walk around this stunning UNESCO World Heritage Site with your guide, see monuments like the Sanctuary of Athena. Head inside the Delphi Archeological Museum and encounter numerous artifacts and relics that date back to 15th century BC. Watch out for the Charioteer of Delphi and the intriguing Sphinx of Naxos. After spending most of your day in Delphi, head to Kalambakka by coach, traveling through the eye-catching towns of Amphissa, Lamia and Trikala. Enjoy dinner at your hotel and then relax at leisure. Overnight: 4-star or 3-star hotel in central Kalambakka Day 4: Kalambakka - Meteora - Athens (B) Leave your hotel to visit the rock towers of Meteora - incredible sandstone peaks topped with 11th-century monasteries. With your guide, make your way up the walking trails to visit these monasteries. After spending the morning exploring Meteora, head back to Athens by coach, stopping in the town of Thermopylae. Arrive back in Athens in the evening.
Meteora Day Trip by Train from Athens
Catch the train of 8:20 am to Kalambaka in the morning from the Athens Railway Station and enjoy a trip that will give you the chance to admire the beauty of the countryside. Arrive around 1:30 pm in Kalambaka, a small town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks, and crowded by the Meteora Monasteries.Arriving in Kalambaka, our English speaking driver will be waiting you holding a signboard with your name on it and will transfer you to the Meteora Monasteries. For three hours you will have the time to explore at least two or three Monasteries. Meteora is included on the UNESCO world heritage monument list. The monasteries are perched on top of towers of sandstone, which for centuries provided totally inaccessible retreats for the monks. The most visited Monastery is the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, which is the largest of the monasteries located at Metéora. It was erected in the mid-14th century and was the subject of restoration and embellishment projects in 1483 and 1552. The building serves as the main museum for tourists. The Katholikon (main church), consecrated in honour of the Transfiguration of Jesus was erected in the middle of 14th century and 1387/88 and decorated in 1483 and 1552.At the end of the day, our driver will transfer you back to Kalambaka, where you will have the time to scroll around and have a light lunch (not included). At 17:22 p.m. the train departs from Kalambaka, and arrives at 22:15 back to Athens.
Kalambaka to Meteora Sunset Tour with Church of Virgin Mary
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productStop At: Meteora, Kastraki, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyMeteora is an area that covers few square kilometers, where an ancient monastic community and a rare geological phenomenon of huge rock pillars coexist in absolute harmony. Located at the northwest tip of the plain of Thessaly, Meteora today has become one of the most popular destinations of mainland Greece. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an archeological site and an officially declared holy place! At the foothills of the rocks, there are 2 settlements, the town of Kalabaka and the village of Kastraki.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Byzantine Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyIt is a must-see church, not only for its age and precious 11th century Byzantine frescoes, but also because of the construction material of its walls. Relics of an ancient Greek temple dedicated to God Apollo have been embedded in the wall. In its interior one can also pay attention to the older mosaic floor that is revealed in specific spots beneath the current floor. This is definitely one of the most precious early Christian basilicas around Greece and even now days serves as an active church for the locals.Duration: 30 minutesStop At: Agios Stefanos, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThis is the most accessible monastery, where instead of steps you simply cross a small bridge to reach the entrance. It is ideal for visitors who cannot use the steps and yet they wish to have a real experience of a Meteora monastery.The beginning of monastic life on the rock of Agios Stephanos dates back to early in the 12th century. Hosios Antonios, in the first half of the 15th century, and Hosios Philotheos, who renovated or rather rebuilt from its foundations the old small and elegant Catholicon, the present church of Agios Stephanos, in 1545 are mentioned as its founders.Duration: 30 minutesPass By: Megalo Meteoro Monastery, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Great Meteoron Monastery is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built.The Great Meteoro Monastery was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who was the first founder of the monastery and the organizer of the systematic koenovion. For this reason, the foundation of this monastery is considered to be a turning point, or even better, the beginning of the organized monastisicm in Holy Meteora. Pass By: Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada), Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Great Meteoron Monastery is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built.The Great Meteoro Monastery was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who was the first founder of the monastery and the organizer of the systematic koenovion. For this reason, the foundation of this monastery is considered to be a turning point, or even better, the beginning of the organized monastisicm in Holy Meteora. Pass By: Roussanou Monastery, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Holy Monastery of Roussanou has received the name of the first probable hermit who settled on the rock. The main cathedral was founded at the end of the 16th century and was decorated thirty years later.Compared to other rocks where monasteries were built, the one of Roussanou has a lower elevation, which makes it more accessible. The monastery was initially founded by monks and it suffered severe damage during World War II. It became a convent in 1988.Pass By: Varlaam Monastery, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoro Monastery and it was founded in the mid 14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam.The elegant monastery Catholicon was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades. The main church was decorated in 1548. Based on stylistic criteria, this magnificent wall-painting is attributed to the famous hagiographer from Thebes, Frago Catelano.
Kalambaka or Kastraki to Meteora Half-Day Tour
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Meteora, Kastraki, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe 24 monasteries emerged on the countless summits of the rocks from the 14th until the 16th century, 6 of them remaining to be explored and admired by all. These monasteries became the centers of the Orthodox creed in the Byzantine era, having produced some of the best pieces of religious art and craft and still possessing a collection of precious manuscripts, which today are on display in their museums. The Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia region has been officially declared a Natura 2000 Ecological Zone by the Greek Ministry of Environment, for the protection of rare species of birds and flowers.Pass By: Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is the first Monastery that we encounter on our way to the Holy Meteora and was founded at the end of the 14th century.For the name Anapafsas there are numerous interpretations two of which are the most popular. The first one is that the name Anapafsas was attributed by one of the monastery’s benefactors, while the second explanation has to do with the monastery’s position being the first to be encountered on the way up and probably served to the pilgrims and other visitors as a resting place before continuing on. Stop At: Roussanou Monastery, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Holy Monastery of Roussanou has received the name of the first probable hermit who settled on the rock. The main cathedral was founded at the end of the 16th century and was decorated thirty years later.Compared to other rocks where monasteries were built, the one of Roussanou has a lower elevation, which makes it more accessible. The monastery was initially founded by monks and it suffered severe damage during World War II. It became a convent in 1988.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Varlaam Monastery, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoro Monastery and it was founded in the mid 14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam.The elegant monastery Catholicon was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades. The main church was decorated in 1548. Based on stylistic criteria, this magnificent wall-painting is attributed to the famous hagiographer from Thebes, Frago Catelano.Duration: 45 minutesStop At: Great Meteoron Monastery, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Great Meteoron Monastery is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built.The Great Meteoro Monastery was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who was the first founder of the monastery and the organizer of the systematic koenovion. For this reason, the foundation of this monastery is considered to be a turning point, or even better, the beginning of the organized monastisicm in Holy Meteora. Duration: 1 hourPass By: Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada), Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) is the most difficult to reach, but once you get to the very top the panoramic view of the surroundings is simply captivating!This Monastery is very close to the Saint Stephen’s Nunnery and it is perched on a steep and magnificent rock. It had already been organized Monastery since the year 1362 as indicated in a document by Symeon Uressis Palaeologos. Visitors have to follow a pathway that directs them initially to the foot of the rock, before they start walking up about 140 steps.Pass By: Agios Stefanos, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThis is the most accessible monastery, where instead of steps you simply cross a small bridge to reach the entrance. It is ideal for visitors who cannot use the steps and yet they wish to have a real experience of a Meteora monastery.The beginning of monastic life on the rock of Agios Stephanos dates back to early in the 12th century. Hosios Antonios, in the first half of the 15th century, and Hosios Philotheos, who renovated or rather rebuilt from its foundations the old small and elegant Catholicon, the present church of Agios Stephanos, in 1545 are mentioned as its founders.
Panoramic Meteora and all Monasteries Tour from Kalabaka
Travel a few miles northwest of Kalabaka, to Meteora following your hotel pick-up location. See impressive rocks of Meteora rise from the plains of Thessaly, one of the most amazing places in Greece. Enjoy breath-taking landscape reaching heights of close to 2000 feet (600 m), one of the most important monastic communities of Greece. Meteora is a great place to experience spectacular landscapes and byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks that house priceless artifacts and wall paintings. During your morning tour, safely and comfortably transport by luxury air-conditioned mini-bus towards the cliff-top monasteries. View six active monasteries, operated by a small number of monks and nuns who reside on Meteora. Take delight in viewing all 6 monasteries and have the chance to visit inside 3 of them.Create numerous photo opportunity stop along the way, so to record your memories. Take pleasure in short walks during the excursion, as well. Return to your hotel just after noon, leaving the rest of your day free for other activities.
Kalambaka to Meteora Hiking Tour with Ypapanti Monastery
ItineraryThis is a typical itinerary for this productPass By: Meteora, Kastraki, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyMeteora is an area that covers few square kilometers, where an ancient monastic community and a rare geological phenomenon of huge rock pillars coexist in absolute harmony. Located at the northwest tip of the plain of Thessaly, Meteora today has become one of the most popular destinations of mainland Greece. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an archeological site and an officially declared holy place! At the foothills of the rocks, there are 2 settlements, the town of Kalabaka and the village of Kastraki.Stop At: Meteora, Kastraki, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyHike through the majestic 'rock forest' of Meteora, see the best monasteries and experience the most captivating views on this morning tour. The Meteora Hiking Tour is one of the best ways to enjoy this unique geological phenomenon and to learn the history of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. By joining this morning hike you will walk through hidden trails that only locals know. Let us take you on a journey back in time following the footsteps of the first monks who arrived here more than 15 centuries ago. Join this amazing guided hiking tour and walk among the gigantic rock pillars of Meteora to enjoy truly breathtaking views.Duration: 2 hoursStop At: Great Meteoron Monastery, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Great Meteoron Monastery is the biggest and oldest one of all. It was called the monastery that was “suspended in the air” (meteoro), because of the formation of the gigantic rock on top of which it was built.The Great Meteoro Monastery was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite who was the first founder of the monastery and the organizer of the systematic koenovion. For this reason, the foundation of this monastery is considered to be a turning point, or even better, the beginning of the organized monastisicm in Holy Meteora. Hosios Athanasios was born around 1302 in the medieval town of New Patras, today’s Hypati and his lay name was Andronikos.Duration: 1 hourStop At: Ypapanti old monasteryFully constructed inside a large cavity of a rock, this monastery is very indicative of its kind, compared to the ones that are usually seen on the peaks of rocks. A monk under the name of Nilos, in the year 1367 AD, along with another monk named Cyprianus became the founders and the owners of the monastery. It was destroyed in 1809, when the local rebel and hero Papathymios Vlahavas was arrested here by the Turkish army of Ali Pasha. The pathway to this monastery is a very simple and pleasant one.Duration: 30 minutesPass By: Varlaam Monastery, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, Thessalyhe Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery. It is located opposite of the Great Meteoro Monastery and it was founded in the mid 14th century by the exercitant Hosios Varlaam.The elegant monastery Catholicon was built in the honour of Agioi Pantes in 1541-42, by two brothers from Ioannina, the priest-monks Hosioi Theophanes and Nectarios the Apsarades. The main church was decorated in 1548. Based on stylistic criteria, this magnificent wall-painting is attributed to the famous hagiographer from Thebes, Frago Catelano.Pass By: Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas, Kalambaka, Trikala Region, ThessalyThe Holy Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Anapafsas is the first Monastery that we encounter on our way to the Holy Meteora and was founded at the end of the 14th century.For the name Anapafsas there are numerous interpretations two of which are the most popular. The first one is that the name Anapafsas was attributed by one of the monastery’s benefactors, while the second explanation has to do with the monastery’s position being the first to be encountered on the way up and probably served to the pilgrims and other visitors as a resting place before continuing on.