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!
It was a fun way to learn about Meteroa and see the highlights in an efficient manner. It was much easier for the bus to take us around and tell... read more us the behind the scenes story rather than researching it and figuring it out on our own.
901susiek August 7, 2022
Its a breathtaking trip
The train trip is so tiring but it’s worth it.
Cristos the driver and constantina the guide is so nice and kind people . The... read more monasteries are stupendous. Must do trip
Hayasim October 1, 2022
The tour was very enjoyable and the monasteries were amazing. Our guide, Demetri, was very knowledgeable and funny. He spoke perfect Greek and English and had an answer to any... read more question that we had. The van used to drive us around was new and very clean. Overall, a great experience!
GeorgeVlog July 14, 2022
Perfect tour! Very informative, great duration, I had a blast! I strongly recommend that tour to see the Meteors.
Louise C September 19, 2022
Dmitris wad a wonderful guide. He was on time and the car was very clean. During the trip, Dmitris explanationed about the monasteries and the rock formations. He was very... read more attentive and even made sure we had water during the visit. We were able to visit 4 of the 6 monasteries and at the end of the day made a good recommendation for lunch.
vidaquimio August 6, 2022
Best of Meteroa In A Day! - I loved this day trip. It was easy to book, the instructions were clear on taking the train from Athens to Meteora, and upon arrival we were greeted by our... read more friendly and knowledgable tour guide Elaina. Meteora is otherworldly, and this day-trip meant that I could fit it into my few days in Athens, with time to spare in the late afternoon to explore the nearby town of Kalambaka!
Jaka_Achmad November 26, 2022
My wife and I took the sunset tour, and it was very nice! The guide was very knowledgeable about the history of the monasteries of Meteora, those currently active and... read more the past ones. We visited inside one monastery, passed by the others and stopped for a few minutes, we also visited the ancient church of Kalambaka, and we finished the tour by watching the beautiful sunset from the mountains of Meteora. I would highly recommend taking a tour with Meteora Thrones!
CharbelHanna1807 September 29, 2022
We took the 4 hour tour from Kalambaka after reading some positive reviews. We caught the train from Athens on our own, which worked out fine, had snacks and coffee... read more on the train. The tour was very well organised and we saw the 6 monasteries and entered 3 of them. More time inside at the first one would have been good but I can understand why it isn’t done due to time constraints. Other than this the tour didn’t feel rushed and there was time made for photos. I will have a lasting memory of the excellent pizza slice at the cafe we were taken to - best ever. Our tour guide and driver were highly skilled and knowledgeable and I felt safe at all times.
sarahbR2486KK October 29, 2022
Meteora 2 day trip - We had a wonderful experience with Meteora Thrones. Very accommodating to our needs, plus we had a wonderful travel guide! Highly recommended!
G205LIangelak January 7, 2023
Very informative tour! You would be missing out visiting this site without learning some of the history. Our guide Thomas was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We saw quite a bit,... read more including some extra things like the hermit caves I would have missed otherwise. We didn’t get a sunset because it was cloudy, but the views are still magnificent. It really is amazing how much history there is at meteora and surrounding area.
shayleep368 October 13, 2022
Tour is a must to get to the right spot for beautiful photos.
Wonderful and helpful people who helped us to contact car rental for our van issue.
258chans January 4, 2023
This was an amazing experience! I'm so glad I did this day trip from Athens! I took so many breath taking pictures! Just incredible!
It is a long day.... read more So, be rested and ready. Lots of walking.
davidhU7524UE May 18, 2022
We had such a great experience getting to visit this beautiful place. Marcini, our guide was truly a star, she shared so much information around the phenomenon of the... read more Meteora area and was always smiley and enthusiastic. Our driver was very kind too. Thank you once again!
joannekI2615UI July 11, 2022
Great experience, with all transports perfect on time even though the weather was not good. The guide was a really experienced one and he made our group to understand the... read more greatness and the unique atmosphere of the place. Highly advisable!u
Gioceccherini November 13, 2023
With a seven-headed group of friends from Belgium we booked a one-day Meteora visit, including train tickets, bus rides, tour guide, free leisure time, and lots of breathtaking views and... read more opportunities. Tour guide Harry was funny and amusing, bus driver Socrates seemed skilled (and courteous towards us and other road users), and together they managed to get a whole group of tourists wherever they wanted to get them, on time, with even lots of time to spend exploring the monasteries, and extra time for pictures of amazing views of, and on boulder-like formations.
mmhenrot October 8, 2022
This was the most knowledgeable, interesting, educated, and entertaining tour guide and tour we have taken to date. Meteora was where he grew up and his father before him. He... read more ensured our very informative and fascinating sunset tour of meteora. We took a sunrise tour with another company the next morning and the sunset tour was by far better than the other. The excellent driver made sure our trip up windy roads was extremely smooth and comfortable. It was well worth the higher price of the other tours. Thank you for such an enjoyable tour!
181janinl July 10, 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
Excellent trip. I tried to find the cheapest way to get to Meteora with my wife, but from the distance from Meteora from Athens it made the most sense booking... read more with this company. Renting a car would have been too much of a hassle as we only planned to visit Meteora and get back and our airbnb based in the center of Athens didn't even have parking therefore car would have been to exhausting of a drive and expense to rent. Especially trip taking 4 to 5 hours driving. Company instructions was very easy to follow and we learned a lot from our guide. I recommend this method and company as the best way to reach Meteora, especially if your only planning to be there for a day.