Travelers come to Meteora to visit the six operational Orthodox monasteries and walk the many trails in the area. To get the most out of your visit, book a guided Meteora tour, which will offer historical context. Full-day guided tours depart from Athens or Thessaloniki to Meteora, or you can make your own way to Kalampaka to enjoy a half-day or sunset excursion. Adventurous travelers can also embark on a hike or take a rafting trip down the River Ionas.
Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and prepare to walk---all but one of the monasteries is reached by steep steps.
Visitors to the monasteries must have their shoulders and knees covered, and wraps are provided at the entrance.
The best options for restaurants and cafés are in Kalampaka, so bring a packed lunch if you plan to spend the day.
Be sure to check the opening days and times of the monasteries in advance, as they vary.
Plan to visit two or three monasteries on a day tour---to visit all six, you will need a 2-day tour.
St. Stephen's Monastery (Agios Stephanos) is the only wheelchair-accessible monastery.
Meteora is located in Thessaly, about 220 miles (355 kilometers) northwest of Athens, and is accessible by road from the towns of Kalampaka and Kastraki, just to the south. Join a day trip from Athens by minibus, or take one of the direct buses and trains run to the town of Kalambaka from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Delphi.
The monasteries are open year round, but each is closed on a different day, so it's important to plan ahead. July to October are the most popular months to visit, so to avoid the crowds, opt for a morning tour. Off-season visitors will find lower entrance fees and fewer crowds, while hikers should come in May or June, before the worst summer heat.
Meteora's cliff-top monasteries were built by Eastern Orthodox hermit monks who settled in the area in the 9th century. Most visitors make a beeline for the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron, the largest, oldest, and highest, at around 2,000 feet (615 meters). There's also the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, founded in the 14th century by Hosios Varlaam; the dramatically situated Holy Trinity Monastery; Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas, renowned for its spectacular frescoes; the 16th-century Monastery of Rousanou; and the most easily accessible, Monastery of St. Stephen.
