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!
This tour has been our favorite one! The tour guide was excellent, provided us full history information and was also fun.
NitramJavier June 9, 2022
Great overview of Meteora - The hotel pickup was very convenient and the tour guide was professional and knowledgeable. We got driven to a bunch of monasteries and given 30 min - 1hr to go... read more inside on our own. Personally I like this as I'd rather explore the monasteries on our own. The tour guide gave historical info on the drives between the monasteries. Definitely recommend if you want a semi guided tour and easy transport.
Ryan A October 9, 2023
Meteora is Amazing - Thomas (Day 1) and Tasos (Day 2) were very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. They also gave good recommendations on where to eat. The place was spectacular.... read more Only downside is the train ride from and to Athens which takes 5 hours each way.
jocelyngV5023XY April 29, 2023
Local travel agent was excellent going beyond what was expected to make sure I finally joined my tour after a harrowing experience getting to my destination. I could not... read more access my train tickets on the email sent to me by TripAdvisor so I had to buy my own tickets which got me to the destination 90 minutes after my tour started. Thank you to Chris at the local travel agency in Kalambaka who drove me up the mountain to join my tour so I only missed one monastery. Tour was excellent, great explanations of this unique area.
338arlenef October 25, 2022
An excellent introduction to Meteora - I took the afternoon sunset tour and appreciated the full overview of the monasteries, info on walking and hiking trails from the guide, and an amazing sunset. While watching the... read more sunset we also had an individual playing a saxophone which added to the experience- especially when he realized there were echos occurring. I would’ve appreciated was a bit more info on the geology of the area and non-monastic communities of the region.
scotthavel February 18, 2023
This tour was outstanding, seeing and hearing how the monasteries where built. The tour guides and drivers were courteous and the bus was clean. I would like to... read more call out Dinos, the driver, and Dimitris , the guide, who gave up their afternoon break to drive me around looking for a Western Union so I could get money that was sent me after someone needed my wallet more than I did.
X4961XRroberth July 19, 2022
The 4 hour train ride from Athens is so worth this trip to the majestic monasteries of Matetora. They pick you up at the train station and the tour is... read more fantastic and well worth the money. Our guide was lovely and knowledgeable.
AHB1961 October 12, 2022
Every penny worth spending - Everything was perfect for this trip. They made it so easy including sharing details & tickets for train. The guide was friendly, knowledgeable. He was very proficient in English.
amjadhanif June 6, 2023
Well organized and tour guide was awesome - Definitely enjoyed the tour. Transportation was well arranged and the tour guide was awesome. Even it was a long day, but I definitely enjoy every part of the tour.
kenlaugsx November 8, 2023
Great tour! - Clement was our guide, and he was absolutely wonderful! I think the driver deserves some mention here too, because WOW! I wouldn't want to drive a bus in that area!... read more He did an excellent job!
Meteora was amazing. The monasteries are absolutely beautiful and so full of history. Everyone should take this tour at least once!
Clement was very knowledgeable and helpful. We learned so much about the monasteries, the area around, and some of the local legend. Highly recommend!
kef537 December 30, 2022
Easy to find, well organised (even if last minute), we didn't have to think about anything, the guide was very nice!
Melanie s February 1, 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 were delayed by 2 hours because of problems with the train from Athens (weather) yet the tour company waited for us and gave us a fantastic tour nonetheless. The... read more guide was very well educated, engaging and charming. It was an unforgettable experience!
ZeruHawi March 15, 2022
4 Hour Tour to visit 3 of the Monestaries at Meteora and see 3 others from outside.
Yannis (Guide) and Kostas (Driver) made this Tour an amazing experience; knowledge... read more about the Monasteries, the wonderfull Landscapes and where to get the best pictures.
The Participants in the Tour came from different Countries, but Yannis and Kostas made us feel like One Group. An exciting, challenging (physically) and educational Meteora Tour.
Such a Tour with Meteora Thrones we would recommend every one to book!!
VillaSantos May 17, 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
My (teenage) daughters and I did the Hiking Meteora Tour in the morning/ early afternoon and the Sunset Tour in the late afternoon/evening. Both guides were VERY knowledgeable and made... read more sure that everyone in our group (the hiking tour included younger children than mine as well) was entertained. During the hiking tour, we learned loads about the geology of Meteora, mythology, history and botanics. During the Sunset Tour, we took a shuttle to many gorgeous places I would not have found on my own (for example, the Byzantine Church of the Assumption of the Virgin in the town of Kalambaka - it is absolutely STUNNING). Both tours were extremely interesting and I can highly recommend them for all age groups. We were picked up from our hotel on time and got dropped off in front of our hotel again after the tours. Communication with Meteora Thrones was very smooth and I would definitely book with them again if I come to the area! Thank you to the team for a wonderful time in one of the most amazing spots on earth!!
Niki R April 24, 2022
Very nice guide and driver. Interesting comments and relaxed atmosphere. Very convenient with young kids.
Anna A October 11, 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.