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
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
Amazing tour around Meteora rocks and monasteries with fantastic landscapes. Very good job by young girl-tour guide Chrysa, with descriptions and explanations about everything historic and general information for... read more this rare geological phenomenon. I suggest it to everybody
PanosPanagiotis287 June 23, 2022
Amazing experience with the best guide ever, Chrysa.
We spent a really lovely day, everything was perfect.
Thank you!! 🙂
156odris August 6, 2022
Fantastic trip, train trip was easy. 2nd class more than comfortable. Hotel is adequate with great location. Both guides night and day tours were knowledgeable and humerus. Both toured offered... read more different aspects of the area. Highly recommend doing sunset and the morning tour. Awe inspiring area not to be missed. Definitely do 2 days if you can. Best restaurant was opposite the waterfall in the square.
Kirsty J June 2, 2022
Amazing trip to Meteora with great private tour - Had a fantastic private tour led by Antonis, it was great learning about the amazing history of Meteora. We especially enjoyed seeing the original monasteries and the hermit hole caves.... read more Highly recommended!
Pipetius October 15, 2023
It was an amazing experience!! This is a must see when you visit Greece. Meteora was on my husband's bucket list. Our tour guide, Ria was very knowledgeable. Excellent tour!!
vasotravelinfo August 20, 2022
The tour was a fantastic experience. The monasteries were incredible from the inside and outside. The journey in the van between the monasteries was pleasant and convenient and the guide... read more was very knowledgeable and knew the area inside out. I can highly recommend this tour!
Getaway62065549891 February 22, 2022
Yiannis and Kostas were great hosts. We enjoyed our experience and would reccomend it! Bring a comfortable pair of shoes!
Roving736480 May 16, 2022
We took a train from Athens to Kalabaka & was welcomed by our tour guide, Chrysa. She’s so kind & friendly. She’s informative & helpful all throughout the tour. She... read more liked it when we asked questions. She took nice photos of us too! She’s the best tour guide ever! Our experience with Meteora Thrones is something that we will never forget.
sweetyf8 February 11, 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
Thank you for the lovely trip. It was mesmerizing journey. The itinerary was very well thought and organised. And the guide was very good.
Passenger41424407033 April 1, 2021
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
The tour gives you a great overview of what meteora has to offer, a monastary & church visit and amazing sunset to finish.
aliciahrbunn August 8, 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
Wonderful experience. The drivers and guides were very friendly and welcoming. The guides were very well-informed about the area and the monasteries. My favourite tour guide was Chrysa.... read more She has a great personality. She had everyone on the tour bus smiling and laughing with her good nature and robust humour.
I'm looking forward to my next trip to Meteora with Meteora Thrones.
Lillian B May 6, 2022
We were fortunate enough to have a private tour with Chris, as other people had cancelled due to bad weather. The wealth of information he shared with us, more than... read more made up for the lack of sunset!
Sandra A March 29, 2022
Unfortunately due to the pandemic, we didn't get to do this tour we had planned for 2020. But George & his team have been fantastic throughout - initially providing a... read more credit voucher then as it became increasingly likely that we wouldn't be able to use that, they provided a full refund! They have been helpful, kind and unfailingly polite in our email correspondence.
If/when we do get back to Greece (from Australia) I will definitely use this company to make my long awaited trip to Meteora! Thank you so much George & all your team.