Meteora

The basics

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.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

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.

When to get there

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.

The monasteries of Meteora

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.

Is Meteora worth the trip?

Yes, if you have time to visit this gem on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Meteora is about a 5-hour journey from Athens, so it's a long day trip, but the atmosphere, geology, and views are exceptional. Staying one or more nights in Kalambaka or Kastraki allows you to explore and enjoy the monasteries before the day-trippers arrive.

Do I need a tour guide in Meteora?

No, but an expert local tour guide can be beneficial for arranging transportation, planning the most efficient routes, purchasing Meteora tickets to enter the monasteries, visiting off-the-path attractions such as caves, and explaining the history. But, provided you comply with Meteora's modest dress code, you can explore independently at your own pace.

What is the best way to explore Meteora and how much time do I need?

Hiking is the best way to discover Meteora's stunning views. While it's theoretically possible to whizz round all six monasteries in a day, it's better to allow two---and enjoy both sunset and sunrise. The monasteries follow different schedules and can close without warning, but usually, all are open on Saturday and Sunday.

What is the best time of year to go to Meteora?

As often in Greece, shoulder seasons are the best times to visit Meteora. Late spring (April–May) and early fall (September–October) bring mellower temperatures and fewer crowds than the summer peak (June–August)—perfect for hiking. Ceremonies around Greek Orthodox Easter in March or April draw hordes of pilgrims, so check the calendar.

What are the rules for visiting Meteora?

Meteora has a strict dress code: sleeveless shirts are a no, while men should wear long pants, and women's skirts should be at least knee-length. Don't use drones, photograph monks or nuns, or take photos inside the churches. You should generally behave quietly and respectfully. Note that alcohol is also banned in the valley.

Is Meteora walkable?

Yes. You'll need decent shoes, a water bottle, and a hat, but Meteora has a wealth of hiking trails, and exploring on foot is more fun than sitting in high-season traffic—and most monasteries have enough steps to provide a decent workout. Staying in Kastraki is better than starting from Kalambaka.

Ways to explore

Travelers come to Meteora to visit the six operational Orthodox monasteries and to walk the area’s many trails. To get the most out of your visit, book a guided Meteora tour that stops at the best viewpoints and visits the largest monastery—the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron— which is reached via a 300-step climb.

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.

Accessibility

The monastery of Agios Stefanos offers step-free access and is wheelchair accessible. The other five monasteries can only be reached by climbing steps to the top of the mountains.

Age limits

None, but hiking tours are only recommended for older children.

What to pack

Camera, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, reusable water bottle, plenty of water and snacks (if hiking), cash (to pay the monastery admission fees), scarf (to cover your shoulders when entering the monasteries), tissues (restrooms don’t always have toilet paper)

What to wear

Hiking boots or suitable walking shoes, lightweight and breathable clothing for hiking, long pants or a long skirt that covers your knees, top that covers your shoulders

Not allowed

Revealing clothing, large bags and luggage, drones, photography inside the monasteries

Amenities

Souvenir stalls, restrooms, free parking. Shawls and wrap skirts are provided at the entrance. The closest hotels, restaurants, and cafés are in Kalambaka and Kastraki.

Address

Meteora is located in Thessaly, about 220 miles (355 kilometers) northwest of Athens. It is accessible by road from the towns of Kalampaka and Kastraki, just to the south. You can visit by car or public transport, but the most convenient way to travel is to join a day tour from Athens with transport included.

Driving

From Athens, take the A3/E65 motorway north via Lamia and Trikala to Kalambaka, then exit at Kalambaka, and follow the signs to each monastery. The journey by car is about 3–4 hours. There are small parking areas by each monastery, but they fill up fast—you’ll probably need to park along the roadside and walk the rest of the way.

Public transportation

There is no direct public transport to Meteora from Athens, but you can take a bus from Athens’ Liossion station to Trikala, then another bus to Kalampaka. From Kalampaka, local buses and taxis will take you to the monasteries. Trains to the town of Kalambaka from Athens and Thessaloniki are closed due to storm damage, but are likely to resume service in 2026.

Best times to visit

Confusingly, all of the monasteries have different opening and closing times, so visiting them all requires planning. To avoid the crowds of day-trippers, arrive before 10:30am when the tour buses tend to turn up, or after 2pm, when tours start to leave.

Best days to visit

Only Agios Nikolaos is open daily; the other monasteries close on different days each week, making the weekend the only time you can visit all of them. Mid-week is usually the least crowded time, but be sure to check which monasteries will be open.

Best months to visit

The huge crowds of day-trippers can feel overwhelming in July and August. Plan a trip between April and June or September and October for good weather, without the heavy traffic and long lines. Spring and fall are also the best times for hiking.

Special events

The week of Easter is celebrated at the monasteries and in Kalabaka village with candle-lit processions and Mass, drawing large crowds. The Feast Day of the Transfiguration of Christ is another popular event, held at the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron on August 6.