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Meteora, a group of monasteries on the summits of vertical rock formations in Thessaly (Modern Greek: Thessalía), Greece. The monasteries are located just north of the small town of Kalambáka, south of the village of Kastraki, and east of the Pindus (Píndos).
Meteora, from the Greek word 'suspended in air', is famous for its monasteries perched atop vertical peaks. There are 24 monasteries but only 6 are active.
Here's a guide on how to visit them, what to wear, and which were our favorites.
The monasteries are all located close to one another therefore it makes it very easy to either drive from one monastery to another or walk to them and enjoy the view on the wat. Most tour buses arrive with groups to the most popular Monastery, which is the Great Meteoron, so make sure to visit the Monasteries backward and make your way to Great Meteoron later on when the crowd dies out.
To enter the monasteries of Meteora a dress code is enforced. Men must wear long pants and women, long skirts. Sleeveless shirts are not allowed. Skirts and trousers are provided at the entrance to monasteries, so don't worry too much about having them with you.
You're not allowed to take photos inside the monasteries. The monks don't allow anyone to photograph the interiors of the churches, or in any of the museums located inside the Meteora monasteries. Please respect them.
The Great Meteoron is the biggest, oldest, and most visited of the remaining monasteries in Meteora. It was founded by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite in the 13th century and enlarged in the 14th century by his disciple and successor Ioasaph, son of Serbian King Simeon. The tombs of both Athanasios and Ioasaph are in the church here.
This monastery offers an on-site museum with a display of religious icons, books, and history, and the best views out of all the monasteries in Meteora.
Entrance Fee: 3 EURO.
Opening hours:
Amount of steps: 270 steep and winding steps take you to the top of the plateau. It is rather difficult to climb.
The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is located atop a 373-meter cliff. It is the second biggest monastery in Meteora. It was founded in the mid 14th century by the ascetic monk named Varlaam.
Inside, you can visit the 16th-century church complete with frescoes, and a small museum.
The interior of the monastery is outstanding and the views are breathtaking.
Entrance Fee: 3 EURO.
Opening hours:
Amount of steps: 195 steps.
The monastery of Holy Trinity, founded in 1438, is perched on a steep and magnificent pillar-like rock, which rises precariously some 300 meters above the town of Kalabaka.
It is the most unique monastery because of how it's situated and the magnificent views you can enjoy from the open space behind the church.
This monastery was featured in a James Bond 007 film titled “For your eyes only”.
Entrance Fee: 3 Euro.
Opening hours:
Amount of steps: To reach the monastery you must cross a pedestrian path downhill until the foot of the cliff and then climb 145 steps.
The closest monastery to the village of Kastraki (1km away), St. Nicholas makes for another great photo opportunity. Founded in 1368 and enlarged in 1628, it is loved for its tiny church, decorated with incredible frescoes and wonderful views.
Entrance Fee: 3 Euro.
Opening hours:
Amount of steps: You need to climb a steep hill, followed by 300 steps.
The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas is located atop a small narrow rock. It is approximately eighty meters high and was founded in the late 14th century. The monastery served as a resting place for pilgrims and quickly got its name of “Anapausas” which means 'resting'. Being on such a narrow surface, the floors are connected through an interior staircase.
It was our least favorite monastery but still worth visiting for its beautiful views over the valley and beautiful chapel with frescoes.
Entrance Fee: 3 Euro.
Opening hours:
Amount of steps: There are no steps here. has the most relaxed hike of all the Meteora monasteries. All you have to do is cross a slightly shaky wooden bridge.
The name Rousanou is believed to come from the first group of monks who settled on the rock from Russia. The monastery sits upon a slender pinnacle of rock that is 484 meters high. It was built in 1288 and renovated as a monastery in 1545. In the middle of the site, visitors can see the other monasteries, as well as the ruins of the Monastery of St. John the Baptist and the Pantokrator.
Entrance Fee: 3 Euro.
Opening hours:
Amount of steps: 150 steps.
Great Meteoron Monastery. This is the biggest monastery in Meteora and offers the best views out of all the monasteries.
Monastery of Holy Trinity because of how it is situated. This monastery is very unique, the way up is worth the views it has to offer. On the backside of the complex, there is a breathtaking view of the villages down below.
Monastery of Varlaam. It is the second biggest monastery in Meteora and offers a beautiful terrace and outstanding views. . The museum in the monastery has many unique artifacts which are really beautiful.
St. Stephen's Monastery is the lowest and most accessible. All you need to do is park your car and walk a bit until you arrive at the monastery.