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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.
2
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
Inclusions
Exclusions
Despite Meteora's remote appearance, it is conveniently located about a 2.5-hour drive from Thessaloniki, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. The journey is relatively straightforward and offers beautiful scenery along the way. Well-organized tours provide seamless transportation from Thessaloniki to Meteora, ensuring that you can relax and enjoy the journey without stressing about navigating unfamiliar roads.
Recommended ticket: From Thessaloniki Meteora Monasteries Full Day Guided Tour
Meteora day trips
Absolutely! A day trip from Thessaloniki to Meteora is a rewarding experience. Meteora's rock formations and ancient monasteries offer breathtaking views and a deep dive into Greek history and culture. A day trip also allows you to explore Meteora without the need for overnight accommodation. It's a convenient option if you're short on time but still want to explore this remarkable site.
The distance from Thessaloniki to Meteora is approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles). This journey by road takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route.
Yes, non-Greek visitors need to pay an entrance fee to enter each monastery. The cost is typically around €3 per monastery. This fee is not included in your day trip ticket.
When planning a day trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki, it's a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and sturdy walking shoes cause you'll be doing a lot of walking. Also, please keep in mind that the monasteries have a strict dress code—men are required to wear long pants, and women are expected to wear a dress that covers the knees and shoulders.
On a Meteora day trip from Thessaloniki, you typically have around 4-5 hours to explore Meteora, which is enough to visit 2-3 monasteries and enjoy some of the scenic viewpoints.
Most tours start early in the morning, around 8am, to make the most of the day and ensure you have ample time to explore Meteora.
