4.5(2,691)

Meteora Tours

Seamless Transfers
Seamless Transfers
Small Group Mercedes Minibus Tours
Small Group Mercedes Minibus Tours
Tailored Itineraries
Tailored Itineraries
Meteora
























































Athens, Kalabaka, Thessaloniki… confused where to start?

Skip the guesswork. Use our quick guide to compare day trips, overnight tours, departure cities, and what’s included.

From happy customers

Loved by 43 million+
Tania Fraga Beiroa
CH

Tania

Switzerland
Sep 2025
4/5

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The place is stunning, definitely worth visiting. The guide Vaso and both our drivers wery very nice and helpful. I must say we didn't actually visit the Hermit cave, only the caves were mentioned from afar. Also boarding the buses in the morning was a bit chaotic, there where 4 buses on both sides of the street and it took a long time to figure out which one each person was supposed to be in (I arrived 40min early and still was the last to board the bus), as everyone is sent to the same bus and the poor driver was overwhelmed with the queue of people asking where to go. I feel like there must be an easier, more organised way to do this.
NATALIA NOGUEIRA
GB

Natalia

United Kingdom
Aug 2025
5/5

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I loved it! The tour with this company works perfectly, it's well organized and everyone is polite. It takes a long time because of the distance. We visited 3 monasteries and each one took around 1 hour or 40 minutes per monastery. I went for the beautiful scenery, but many people go for the faith. The place is really beautiful and enchanting. The guide spoke excellent English. It was worth it!
JOSE GERARDO FRANCO CASILLAS
US

Jose

United States
Jul 2025
5/5

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The guide Maria is an excellent person, the stop at the restaurant cafe ". Camino" was great, as well as the pizza for dinner. In Meteora the food in "Eufrosino" super rich and The Monasteries are great, a tour that is a must when traveling to Greece.
Bence Laxner
HU

Bence

Hungary
Jun 2025
5/5

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+1 more

I liked the service provided by the tour guide, the drivers and the company as a whole. Eva was so kind, considerate , and hospitable. She made sure everyone's needs were met. She answered all our questions with kindness. The tour itself was worth the long bus ride, the views from the bus were breathtaking. Meteora now holds a special place in our hearts. Its beauty and history is something to behold and remembered.
Rumyana Besarabska-Bakova

Rumyana

Jul 2025
5/5

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+2 more

Excellent orginasation, very knowledgable tiur guides, attentive and polite bus driver, we'll do it again! You made our visit unforgettable. Thank you all!
Rumyana Besarabska-Bakova

Rumyana

Jul 2025
5/5

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+2 more

Excellent orginasation, very knowledgable tiur guides, attentive and polite bus driver, we'll do it again! You made our visit unforgettable. Thank you all!
Ankit Srivastava

Ankit

Jun 2022
5/5
Meteora is an amazing place, and Chris was a really good guide. This is absolutely an experience you should have if you get the chance.
SHANMUKHA RAMA KRISHNA
GB

Shanmukha

United Kingdom
Apr 2025
4/5
The trip was good. Guide Mr Nick have shown and explain about the monastery. It was not easy to find out the bus to Meteora as no one there to identify the bus. It has to be improved and helpful to the customer. Finally got it.

Top things to do in Athens

Once hidden beneath a vast prehistoric lake, Meteora’s towering sandstone pillars now soar over 400 meters, with monasteries perched at their peaks. Skip the hassle with Meteora day trips, the perfect way to experience this UNESCO World Heritage site in all its glory. With expert guides, you’ll avoid long drives and tricky paths while exploring monasteries, Hermit Caves, and stunning views, all in comfort and style from Athens or Thessaloniki.

Overview

  • On-site visit duration: 3 to 4 hours of monastery visits and scenic photo stops
  • Cost range: €25 to €105, depending on the selected tour type and inclusions
  • Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) or autumn (September to October) for mild weather and fewer crowds, ideal for comfortable sightseeing
  • Meeting/drop-off point: Athens’ Larissa Railway Station or Thessaloniki city center, ensuring easy access for all travelers
  • Key attractions: 6 monasteries, including the Great Meteoron, Varlaam, and St. Stephen’s, the Hermit Caves of Badovas, and the Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary
  • Recommended tour: From Athens: Meteora monasteries & Caves full-day trip

What to expect on your Meteora day trip?

Meteora monasteries perched on rock formations at sunset, Greece.
Monastery perched on a cliff in Meteora, Greece, surrounded by rock formations.
Tour group at Meteora rock formations during 1-day train trip from Athens.
Meteora monastery with stone architecture and lush greenery on a sunny day.
Meteora rock formations at sunset with a monastery perched on a cliff, Thessaloniki tour.
1/5

Travel made easy; wherever you’re starting from

Whether you're coming from Athens, Thessaloniki, or staying locally in Kalabaka or Kastraki, all tours include round-trip transfers in air-conditioned coaches or VIP minibuses. The sunset and half-day tours also offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, with timely departures and onboard Wi-Fi.

Rocks that defy gravity

As you make your way to Meteora, watch the landscape shift from stone houses and olive groves to the vast Thessalian plains. Explore 3 to 4 monasteries (depending on availability), each a living testament to centuries of tradition. Great Meteoron, the largest and oldest, showcases ancient manuscripts and religious frescoes, while Varlaam impresses with its elegant chapel.

Expert takes on Meteora’s history

With a guide by your side, you can explore more than meets the eye—stories you’d likely miss on your own, like how frescoes were subtly altered to evade Ottoman censorship, why prayer chambers face specific directions, and how rope pulleys once hoisted entire communities up the cliffs.

Add flavor to the experience (literally!)

A traditional Greek lunch in the village of Kastraki is often part of the experience—think moussaka, grilled lamb, and tzatziki with warm bread, all served with mountain views. Prefer everything taken care of? The Athens full-day tour offers a version with lunch included, while others give you the freedom to pick your own taverna along the way.

Choose your own adventure

Not every visit to Meteora needs an early start. The sunset tour from Kalabaka lets you take it slow and watch the sky shift colors over the stone pillars. The guided hiking tour begins in Mesochori and follows the same paths once walked by monks.

Where should you start your Meteora day tour?

As Greece’s main travel hub, Athens is the most practical starting point for first-time visitors. These tours are tailored for day-trippers, featuring structured itineraries and hotel pick-ups, ensuring you reach Meteora in just 4 to 5 hours by luxury coach.

Thessaloniki is only a 2 to 3 hour drive from Meteora, making it perfect for those already in the north or anyone looking for a quicker, less rushed visit. Many tours from Thessaloniki are led by archaeologists or cultural experts, offering fascinating insights into the region’s Byzantine history and ancient monastic traditions.

For those staying in Kalabaka or Kastraki, just 10 to 15 minutes by car from Meteora, half-day and sunset tours offer maximum flexibility with frequent departures. Explore at your own pace and enjoy a relaxed morning or a magical sunset over the monasteries.

Things to know before booking Meteora tours

  • Skip the planning hassle with our Meteora tours, offering round-trip transfers from Athens or Thessaloniki in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, and hotel pick-ups in Kalambaka or Kastraki. Just sit back and enjoy the ride!
  • Each tour includes visits to 3 to 4 monasteries, depending on the day’s rotation. A €3 to €5 cash offering per monastery is requested to help preserve these sites for future generations.
  • For a quick escape, choose the half-day or sunset tour in the late afternoon, the best time to experience Meteora, when the crowds have thinned and the monasteries glow in the setting sun.
  • If you have more time, the 2-day tour offers the ultimate experience. Spend a night in Kalabaka, explore more monasteries, and discover nearby hiking trails. The town itself is full of charm, with cobblestone streets, traditional tavernas, and local artisan shops, where you can unwind and soak in the atmosphere.
  • For the adventurous, our hiking tours lead you off the beaten path to hidden caves and secret trails, offering breathtaking views and a chance to explore Meteora like a local.
  • With our small group sizes (maximum 16 to 20 participants), you'll get a personal and in-depth experience, ensuring you leave with a deeper understanding of Meteora.
  • After exploring, enjoy a traditional Greek lunch at a local taverna in Kastraki or Kalambaka, or opt for a tour without lunch if you prefer to explore at your own pace. Either way, you’re in for a treat!
  • Please note that Meteora is not wheelchair accessible, as many monasteries require you to climb stairs or traverse inclined paths. St. Stephen’s Monastery offers easier access with its paved path and minimal stairs.

Not sure which tour to pick? Compare your options

TourTransfersDepartureEntry toGuideLunch
Monasteries full-day trip

Luxury coach

Larissa Station (Athens)

3 to 4 monasteries & the Hermit Caves

English/Spanish-speaking guide & smart audio

Greek lunch in Kastraki (as per option selected)

Monasteries day trip + lunch

Luxury coach

Larissa Station (Athens)

3 to 4 monasteries & the Hermit Caves

English/Spanish-speaking guide & smart audio

Greek lunch in Kastraki

Monasteries full-day trip

A/C coach bus

Aristotelous Square (Thessaloniki)

2 to 3 monasteries

English-speaking attendant-archaeologist

Lunch stop in Kastraki (meal not included)

Monasteries & caves tour

VIP Mercedes minibus

Hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki (Meteora)

1 to 3 monasteries, Hermit Caves, & Byzantine Church

English-speaking tour leader & smart audio

Not included

Meteora hiking tour

VIP Mercedes minibus

Kalabaka or Kastraki (Meteora)

1 monastery (likely the Great Meteoron or Varlaam) & hiking trails

English/French/Italian-speaking mountain guides

Not included

Meteora 2-day trip

A/C luxury coach bus

Larissa Station (Athens)

5 to 6 monasteries, Hermit Caves, & Byzantine Church

English-speaking tour guide & mountain guide

Not included

Skip the planning hassle and long waits

With our guided tours, enjoy comfortable coach transfers, pre-arranged entry to Meteora’s monasteries, and expert commentary that brings the rich history of the cliffs to life.

Map of Meteora monasteries in Greece, showing locations of six monasteries near Kastraki and Kalabaka.

Meteora’s must-see highlights

Interior of The Monastery of Great Meteoron with ornate religious icons and wooden carvings.

Great Meteoron Monastery

Great Meteoron, the largest and oldest monastery in Meteora, rises high above the valley like a fortress in the sky. Founded in the 14th century, it houses ancient manuscripts, religious artifacts, and incredible frescoes.

Great Meteoron Monastery
Varlaam Monastery

Varlaam Monastery

Varlaam Monastery stands as a reminder of the resourcefulness of the monks who built it. The highlight here? The giant wooden wine barrel that once held 12,000 liters of wine is still on display!

Varlaam Monastery
Rousanou Monastery

Rousanou Monastery

Rousanou is one of the most photogenic monasteries in Meteora, perched gracefully on a slender rock. This smaller, intimate monastery is run by nuns and is known for its flower-filled courtyard and peaceful atmosphere.

Rousanou Monastery
St. Stephen’s Monastery

St. Stephen’s Monastery

St. Stephen’s feels more like a tranquil convent, thanks to its easy accessibility; there are no steep steps to climb, just a simple bridge leading you across. Inside, the chapel of St. Charalambos holds a silver casket containing the saint’s relics.

St. Stephen’s Monastery
Holy Trinity Monastery

Holy Trinity Monastery

Holy Trinity sits atop one of the most dramatic pinnacles in Meteora and requires a bit of a hike to reach. If you’re a fan of James Bond, you might recognize this monastery from For Your Eyes Only!

Holy Trinity Monastery
St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery

St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery

The smallest of the six, Anapausas, is tucked away high above the valley. The monastery’s chapel frescoes, dating back to the 16th century, were painted by the famous artist Theophanes the Cretan.

St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery

Bonus stops to include in your Meteora trip

Walk through secluded trails

Hermit Caves of Badovas

Explore the secluded caves where monks once lived in solitude, carved into Meteora’s cliffs.

  • Sights covered: Cave dwellings, stone carvings, panoramic views of Meteora
  • Time required: 30 to 60 minutes
  • Included in all full-day tours from Athens, Kalabaki, and Kastraki
  • Recommended tour: From Athens: Meteora monasteries & Caves full-day trip
Hermit Caves of Badovas
Explore the towns of Kalabaka and Kastraki

Kastraki Village

Stop by the charming village at the foot of Meteora, known for its traditional stone houses and scenic beauty.

  • Sights covered: Traditional stone houses, local shops, picturesque streets
  • Time required: 1 hour (if lunch is included)
  • Included in full-day tours from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Kalabaka with lunch options
  • Recommended tour: From Athens: Meteora monasteries & Caves full-day trip with lunch
Kastraki Village
Visit the Meteora Natural History Museum

Meteora Natural History Museum

Discover the geological, flora, and fauna history of Meteora at this fascinating local museum.

  • Sights covered: Fossils, geological exhibits, wildlife displays
  • Time required: 30 minutes
  • Optional add-on, you can visit this museum during your free time in Kalabaka or Kastraki
  • Recommended tour: From Meteora: Monasteries & Caves morning or sunset guided tour
Meteora Natural History Museum
Meteora monastery perched on rock formations under a blue sky in Greece.

Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary

Visit a 1,000-year-old Byzantine church, built atop an ancient Greek temple.

  • Sights covered: Byzantine architecture, ancient religious artifacts.
  • Time required: 30 to 45 minutes.
  • Included in sunset tours and 2-day guided tours from Athens
  • Recommended tour: From Meteora: Guided hiking tour with Monastery visit

Plan your visit to Meteora

Best time to visit

Between March and May, the weather is mild and wildflowers line the walking paths, making it perfect for sightseeing and hiking without the summer crowds. The autumn months (September to early November) offer the best combination of pleasant weather and fewer crowds, with October showcasing vibrant fall colors across the landscape.

Accessibility

Most monasteries in Meteora have uneven surfaces, stairs, and narrow paths, making them challenging for wheelchair users. St. Stephen’s Monastery is the most accessible, with a paved path and minimal stairs.

Rules

  • Since Meteora is a religious site, visitors are required to dress modestly. Women should wear skirts that cover the knee and have their shoulders covered, while men are expected to wear long pants.
  • Photography inside the monasteries is prohibited to maintain the sanctity of the space, but you can take photos of the exterior and the surrounding valleys.

Visitor tips

  • Monasteries require a small donation for entry, typically between €3 and €5. Be sure to bring cash, as most monasteries don’t accept cards.
  • While the popular monasteries like Great Meteoron and Varlaam draw most of the attention, don't miss the smaller ones like St. Nicholas Anapausas or Rousanou, which offer equally stunning views and a quieter, more peaceful experience.

Frequently asked questions about Meteora tours

Are transfers included in all Meteora tours?

Yes, all full-day tours include round-trip transfers to and from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Kalambaka in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach, ensuring a stress-free and convenient journey to Meteora.

How long does it take to travel from Athens to Meteora by bus?

The journey from Athens to Meteora by bus takes approximately 4.5 to 5 hours, depending on traffic and the route.

What is the best time of year to visit Meteora for fewer crowds?

The spring (April to June) and fall (September to November) are the best times to visit, as the weather is mild, typically ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F), and the crowds are smaller compared to the peak summer months.

Are there any monasteries accessible for people with mobility issues?

St. Stephen's Monastery is the most accessible, with a paved path and minimal stairs, making it suitable for visitors with limited mobility.

How much time do I need to see all the Meteora monasteries?

A half-day tour can cover a few monasteries, while a full-day Meteora tour allows you to explore more thoroughly. For a more immersive experience, you might consider a 2-day tour to fully appreciate the monasteries and hiking routes.

What’s the best viewpoint for sunset in Meteora?

The Kastraki Viewpoint and the area near St. Stephen's Monastery offer the best sunset views, where you can capture stunning photos of the monasteries in the golden hour light.

Meteora Tours
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