Meteora monasteries – the miracle of Greece. Few kilometers northwest of the town of Kalabaka, the impressive rocks of Meteora are rising from the plains of Thessaly been one of the most amazing places in Greece. Many centuries ago, on these gigantic rocks with the breathtaking landscape reaching heights of more than 600 meters, it was formed one of the most important monastic communities of Greece. The Greek word Meteora means “suspended in the air” and this phrase aptly describes these remarkable Greek Orthodox monasteries.
Meteora is a great place to experience , a spectacular landscape and byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks that house priceless artifacts and wall paintings. Today only six monasteries are active with a small number of monks or nuns who reside on Meteora. In 1988, the Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia area is part of the Natura 2000 network hosting some rare species of birds and flowers. As you approach the town of Kalabaka, the nearest big town near Meteora , and the picturesque village of Kastraki you will see a complex of giant sandstone rock pillars that climb up into the sky. On top of them you will spot the famous Meteora monasteries.
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Which Meteora monasteries to visit?
Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron
The Great Meteoron, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorfossis (Transfiguration of Christ), is a male monastery and is the oldest and largest of all the monasteries of Meteora. It is built on the greatest rock of the complex, the Platys Lithos or Playtlithos. It was founded little before the mid-14th century (around 1340) by a scholar monk of Mount Athos, Saint Athanasios Meteorites. The monastery has a pleasant courtyard and there are many amazing frescoes to see. Probably one of the most interesting parts of the monastery…
The Varlaam Monastery is named after the first monk who built the first church on the rock. This was in 1350 and Varlaan built three churches, a room for himself and a water tank. Unfortunately no other monks joined him, after his death the site was abandoned for 200 years. In 1517 two monks from Ioannina, Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades , re-founded the monastery. Nowadays the monastery can be reached by a bridge and has a small museum, there are a lot of impressive 16th century paintings to see as well…
The Rousanou Monastery was built in 1545 by Maximos and Ioasaph of Ioannina, it is unclear who the actual monastery is named after, but it is dedicated to St.Barbara. Like other monasteries at Meteora the Roussanou monastery was looted during the Second World War. The monastery is reached by a bridge that has some dramatic drops. Nowadays the Monastery is run by nuns. The monastery is located on the way from Kastraki to Meteora between St. Nicholas Anapafsas and Varlaam monastery…
St. Nicholas Anapafsas monastery was founded in the 14th century and nobody is quite sure who the monastery is named after. This Monastery is most famous for its frescoes by the famous Cretan artist Theophanes Strelitzas in 1527. Some of these frescoes include the passion of Christ and the Virgin Mary praying. The monastery fell into disrepair and was completely abandoned for 60 years from 1900 to the 1960’s when the Greek government repaired the monastery…
The 14th century St. Stephen monastery is the closest monastery in Meteora to the main town of Kalabaka, and so the easiest to visit. St. Stephen monastery was founded by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene, who is thought to be a son of the Serb ruler Nicephorus II of Epirus, in 1400. The Katholikon at the monastery is dedicated to St. Charalambos who’s head it contains, as it is believed to prevent illnesses. Much of the monastery was destroyed during World War Two and the Greek civil war that followed. The monastery is run by Nuns…
You may recognise the monastery of Holy Trinity as it was used in the James Bond movie ‘For your eyes only’ Roger Moore scales the cliff face. Out of all the monasteries of Meteora Holy Trinity has the most dramatic location, the rock face is a sheer drop and the rock itself is a lot more slender. The monastery was built in 1458 and had many treasures, but most of these were looted by the Germans during the Second World War, most of the frescoes are from the 18th century…
Meteora Thrones is the leading travel service company in Meteora and the surrounding area, which has earned the trust and loyalty of visitors who want to organize in the best and most effective way their visit to Meteora and the Holy Monasteries.
We organize everyday tours with the goal to offer you the absolute and authentic Meteora experience with the best prices in the area. Enjoy with us the best panoramic and majestic views of your life. Our experienced staff and the “State of the Art” VIP Limo Mini bus we own guarantee an unforgettable, high quality, way to discover our unique place.
We also provide private tours with VIP services and personalized programs to enjoy the magic of Meteora in the maximum. Come along to make the tour of your dreams!
Meteora tour - Thanks for the experience. We had an amazing time with Antonio who showed us around. Amazing history and views ! Thank you so much
enzopoitou March 5, 2023
Very nice trip. Excellent tour guide and very polite driver. Luxurious bus. Astonishing view. Highly recommended
jennydel2022 November 2, 2022
We we’re picked up at the train station as planned.
The guide was funny, knowledgeable and gave enough time to visit 3 monasteries. We also had many stops to take... read more beautiful pictures.
I loved the whole experience!!!
geruzap2017 February 9, 2023
Breathtaking views train to train Meteora tour with phantastic guide - Train to Train trip to Meteora on 20 April 2023 was a wonderful experience. Especially we liked our guide Clement who was facing the group when telling very interesting things... read more about Meteora. Although we had only about 3 hours time to explore Meteora, we did not feel any rush and had enough time to experience beathtaking views of Meteora and to make wonderful photos. Thanks a lot, Clement! We were deeply impressed by your knowledge and the very clear English language for us as non native English speakers.
Aiga J April 22, 2023
Excellent tour and Antonis was the best guide. He was very knowledgeable and went above and beyond our expectations.
Suzan H November 14, 2023
Meteora visit - Absolute stunning views and totally worth the long day of getting there and back to Athens. A bit disappointed we couldn’t take the train (there was flooding and route was... read more impassable). However, I was impressed that you arranged buses as an alternative. I would have been so disappointed to not have been able to see this area of Kalabaka and the historical monasteries. The tour guide was so helpful and informative. The beauty of the rocks and area is indescribable. A definite must see. Thank you for putting together such an awesome adventure.
JillPerez-Guerra September 30, 2023
Everything was great.! Travel agancy was very friendly and professional!! The view so nice!!! You must visit this place with meteora thrones agancy
mchristo000 March 14, 2022
Excellent, well organised trip by meteora thrones. Amazing views from our hotel and then on the sunset tour that evening. We opted for the 3 hour hike the... read more next day which was great fun and amazing views. Definitely worth the 4 hour train journey each way
NESmallFurriesRe2018 May 2, 2022
The whole tour was amazing.
We learned a lot about the monasteries and their history. The guide was really nice and available.
We could visit a monastery and the Byzantine... read more church, afterwards we went to see an absolutely beautiful sunset at the top of the rocks.
Would recommend it and do it again !!
nrchloe October 2, 2022
Well organized, quick response to the questions, perfect and nice guide. Definitely worth money paid.
laimagruzdyte May 23, 2022
amazing trip - I'm glad I booked this tour. This can easily be tge highlight of my trip to Greece. Kalambaka is amazing.
I'm supposed to use the train to go to Kalambaka,... read more but because trains and railway lines are closed, the company arranged for a big bus to take us from Athens to Kalambaka.
r0ughnecker March 8, 2023
That was a great tour, our guide Ioannis was very knowledgeable and nice, I learned a lot! I would do this tour on the first day as you drive around... read more the whole Meteora and gives a nice sense of what you can do afterwards (walking or by car)
53mariong July 27, 2022
Best way to book a local organized bus tour to maximize seeing as many of the monasteries as possible. The tour was 4 hours long with a very knowledgeable guide... read more and comfortable midsize bus. Visited 3 monasteries inside with plenty of time to spend and enjoy the sights. Stopped at several beautiful look out points for the perfect photo opportunities. We greatly enjoyed this tour and were glad we chose this hassle and stress free option as driving and parking around the sights can be challenging especially during peak season. The price of 24 Euro was very reasonable for this wonderful experience.
523noemi1717 October 18, 2022
Amazing views - Everything was spectacular, I enjoyed each moment and view of the Monasterios and rocks formation. Our guide was excellent, he show us the most amazing spots, and he explained in... read more detail the story behind them. I highly recommend this tour!!!
RoxanaZamudio April 30, 2023
Must do excursion - This was a Wonderful excursion that we are very happy we chose!! Our driver and guide were very kind, patient and thoughtful.
idontwanttogiveyouan March 8, 2023
Incredible - There isn't a word in the dictionary that comes close to describing this wonderful experience. Our tour guide's knowledge of the history of Meteora really enhanced our experience. Photo opportunities... read more are abundance and ever shot worth a million. A must to experience!
Lawrence S October 15, 2023
This trip was a long day but completely worth it! The train was comfortable and travelled through some beautiful scenery and meeting Ria (apologies if this is spelt incorrectly!) at... read more the station was quick and easy! We stopped first in the main square of Kalabaka at a cafe qhich is good for a bathroom break and good snacks / food should you wish but absolutely no pressure to buy. You stop there at the end so good for any purchases for the train back too. There is also a nearby supermarket and many good restaurants which Ria will show you. After this stop then onto the first monastery. Be advised that some monasteries have A LOT of steps / steep slopes to get to them so something to keep in mind. On our trip we visited St Nicholas, Varlaam and the nunnery at St Stephan - All of which are breathtaking....both inside and the views outside. Ria was so knowledgeable and friendly, you were always interested to hear the next pieces of information. It was intriguing to learn how the first monks got to the monasteries, how they built them and especially how they got up / down! Ideally, you would want to spend at least a couple of days in the area to fully explore (I'm sure they'd have a trip for that too!) but if one day is all the time you have then I cannot recommend this trip enough! I would certainly book again.
Deborah February 1, 2022
Yiannis and Kostas were great hosts. We enjoyed our experience and would reccomend it! Bring a comfortable pair of shoes!