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340 km
4 hours 45 minutes
1
Kalabaka
Free Admission
Located at the foothills of the dramatic cliffs, Kalabaka is known as the gateway to Meteora. But it’s also a lively town with a deep past. From its ancient church of the Dormition to its welcoming Greek tavernas, it offers a perfect mix of history, local culture, and stunning scenery. Stop here for a spot of lunch (not included in the tour price) before beginning your Meteora exploration.
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Meteora
6 attractions
Tickets not included
Visit the six monasteries of Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Saint Nicholas Anapausas, Rousanou, Saint Stephen, and Holy Trinity, all built in the 14th century. You’ll be able to explore three of them from the inside, and admire their architecture and their stunning locations on rocky pillars.
1. The Great Meteoron Monastery
Tickets not included
Built in the early 1300s, the Great Meteoron Monastery is the largest and oldest of Meteora’s monasteries. It’s filled with stunning frescoes and has the largest collection of ancient manuscripts in Meteora. The sweeping views from its high cliffs make the climb absolutely worth it.
2. Varlaam Monastery
Tickets not included
While the site was first inhabited by a monk named Varlaam in the 14th century, the monastery was built by two monk brothers in the 16th century. Its chapel, covered in vivid frescoes, and its distinctive arched windows make it an unforgettable spot.
3. Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
Tickets not included
St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery may be the smallest in Meteora, but it’s packed with history. Its compact structure fits perfectly onto a narrow rock pillar, and inside, you’ll find stunning 16th-century frescoes by renowned Cretan painter Theophanes Strelitzas.
4. Monastery of Rousanos
Tickets not included
The Monastery of Rousanos looks like it was carved out of the rocky cliff itself. It is at a lower elevation compared to the other Meteora monasteries, but this doesn't detract from its beauty or the views from its windows. Originally built in the 16th century, today, it’s run by a group of nuns.
5. Monastery of St. Stephen
Tickets not included
St. Stephen’s Monastery is a place of quiet beauty, perched on the edge of a rocky plateau. Its richly decorated church glows with candlelight, while its balconies offer dramatic views of the Valley of Thessaly, the Pinios river, and the rugged mountains beyond.
6. Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Tickets not included
Of all the Meteora monasteries, the Monastery of Holy Trinity is the most photographed, which is why it was featured in the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. The hike up is challenging but the most dramatic views from its sheer rock pillar make the trek completely worth it.
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Hermit Caves of Badovas
Tickets not included
Long before Meteora’s grand monasteries, hermits lived in the caves of Badovas, carving out tiny dwellings in the rock face. Today, you can still see the remains of wooden balconies clinging to the cliff walls.
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Kalabaka
Free Admission
Return to Kalabaka to begin the return journey to Athens.
340 km
4 hours 45 minutes
5
Larissa Station, Athens
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Platia Aristotelous
Your designated meeting point is at Platia Aristotelous, in front of the Venizelos Statue.
230 km
3 hours
1
Meteora
6 attractions
Free Admission
Visit Metepra’s six main monasteries: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Saint Nicholas Anapausas, Rousanou, Saint Stephen, and Holy Trinity. You’ll be able to explore two of these 14th-century monasteries from the inside.
1. The Great Meteoron Monastery
Tickets not included
Stepping into the Great Meteoron Monastery is like stepping back in time. Built in the 1300s, it’s filled with intricate frescoes, old relics, and a quiet sense of wonder—plus, the view from the top is nothing short of incredible.
2. Varlaam Monastery
Tickets not included
Tucked high among Meteora’s towering rock pillars, Varlaam Monastery, built by two monk brothers in the 16th century, feels like a hidden world. Monks once hoisted supplies up by rope, but today, you can walk its stone pathways, admire its stunning frescoes, and soak in the sweeping views.
3. Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
Tickets not included
St. Nicholas Anapausas may be the smallest monastery in Meteora, but it holds remarkable history. Built on a narrow rock pillar, it features breathtaking 16th-century frescoes by Theophanes Strelitzas, making it a hidden masterpiece waiting to be discovered.
4. Monastery of Rousanos
Tickets not included
Founded in the 16th century, Rousanos Monastery appears to grow out of the rock itself, blending seamlessly with Meteora’s dramatic cliffs. Today, it is a convent for nuns who take care of its beautiful frescoes, while its peaceful courtyards offer spectacular views of the valley below.
5. Monastery of St. Stephen
Tickets not included
With its welcoming atmosphere and dramatic views of the surrounding countryside, St. Stephen’s Monastery is one of Meteora’s most visited sites. Its chapel, filled with delicate frescoes, is taken care of by the nuns who live here, while its stone terraces provide a perfect spot to take in the scenery.
6. Monastery of the Holy Trinity
Tickets not included
Holy Trinity Monastery feels like it’s floating above the world. Built in the 15th century, its dramatic setting was the location where the 1981 James Bond film For Your Eyes Only was filmed. With its beautiful frescoes, a quiet chapel, and panoramic views, it is remote and peaceful, making the challenging hike up completely worth it.
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Kalabaka
Free Admission
Set below Meteora’s giant rock pillars and cliffs, the town of Kalabaka is the perfect base for exploring the region. Here, you’ll find warm hospitality, traditional Greek tavernas, and a rich history that stretches back centuries. Relax here while savoring your lunch (not included in the tour price) before heading back to Thessaloniki.
230 km
3 hours
3
Platia Aristotelous
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Whether you're in Meteora or nearby towns like Athens or Thessaloniki, Meteora's stunning landscapes lie within easy reach for a day trip. Organized tours offer comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and the opportunity to explore this magical place without the hassle of planning every detail.
Recommended tickets: From Athens Meteora Monasteries Full Day Guided Tour | Private Day Tour to Meteora from Athens with Transfers & Audio Guide
Athens to Meteora day trips
Recommended ticket: From Thessaloniki Meteora Monasteries Full Day Guided Tour
Thessaloniki to Meteora day trips
Recommended ticket: From Meteora Guided Tour with Monasteries & Caves Visit
Please note: The tickets don't cover guided tours inside the monasteries or their entrance fees (around €3 for each monastery).
Out of the original 24 Meteora monasteries, only six remain active today, each with its own history and architecture. The tours allow you to visit two or three of the monasteries such as the Great Meteoron, Varlaam, and Roussanou, giving you a glimpse into the spiritual life of the monks who reside there.
Before the monasteries were built, the caves of Meteora were home to hermit monks seeking solitude. These caves, hidden among the rock formations, provide a glimpse into the early monastic life that led to the creation of the Meteora monasteries.
Several spots around Meteora offer breathtaking panoramic views of the entire region. The most popular is near the Holy Trinity Monastery, where you can see the monasteries from above, with the Pindos Mountains in the background.
Kalabaka is a charming town located at the foot of Meteora. It's the perfect spot to wander through quaint local shops, savor traditional Greek dishes, and soak up the local atmosphere.
If your tour schedule permits, try to catch the sunset at Meteora. Watching the sun set behind the monasteries and rock formations, casting a golden glow across the landscape, is a magical experience that will stay with you long after you've left.
Bring comfortable walking shoes, water, snacks, and a hat or sunscreen if you're visiting in the warmer months. Don't forget a camera for capturing the incredible scenery, and make sure to dress modestly if you plan to enter the monasteries.
It's recommended to book your day trip in advance, especially during the high season (spring and fall) when tours can fill up quickly. Booking ahead also ensures you get the best options for your preferred travel date and time.
A typical Meteora day trip includes visiting two or three of the six active monasteries, taking in the stunning views of the rock formations, and possibly stopping at panoramic viewpoints. Guided tours often include stories and historical insights that enrich the experience. Some trips also offer time to explore the nearby town of Kalambaka.
Visiting all six monasteries in one day is challenging due to time constraints, especially on a day trip from Athens or Thessaloniki. Most tours focus on two or three of the most significant monasteries, allowing time to fully appreciate each visit. If visiting all six is important to you, consider staying overnight in Kalambaka.
Yes, you can plan a self-guided day trip to Meteora by taking the train or driving from Athens or Thessaloniki. However, a guided tour often provides a more in-depth experience, with knowledgeable guides who can share the history and significance of the monasteries.
Meteora tours typically proceed in most weather conditions, but if the weather is severe (heavy rain, storms), some parts of the tour may be adjusted or canceled for safety reasons.
A Meteora day trip can be moderately physically demanding. The monasteries are perched atop steep rock formations, and reaching them involves climbing a series of stone steps, which can be challenging for those not accustomed to strenuous activity. Walking paths between the monasteries may also include uneven terrain and inclines. However, if you are in reasonably good health and wear comfortable shoes, the experience is manageable and highly rewarding. Guided tours often proceed at a comfortable pace, with opportunities to rest and take in the views.
