Meteora
Points of Interest & Landmarks • Religious Sites
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Top ways to experience Meteora
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
5,502 reviews
Excellent
5,025
Very good
417
Average
49
Poor
6
Terrible
5

Renata J
8 contributions
Jun 2022 • Friends
We arrived by train around 13:30 to a very hot town of Kalampaka ( Kalambaka), cute little train station, taxis up front, uncomplicated ride to Kaikis family owned hotel for 5 EU.
We had a warm welcome and were offered water on arrival. The room was located on the top floor with balcony that looked out into the Meteora Rocks. Room was well appointed and super clean. An absolute bargain for 35€ pp per night INCLUDING a more than substantial buffet breakfast.

Thorough reception we booked 2 tours for the next day with "Visit Meteora". The morning tour was 4 hours. We were picked up promptly at 9a.m at the hotel by a MB Van approx 20 seater. There was about 12 of us or so. The tour guide Vassilis and driver Sotos ( hopefully correct spelling), could not be faulted. Vassilis provided us with such detail of both "the rocks" as well as the town of Kalambaka, he was very mindful of everyone's physical ability, as was Sotos who always positioned the van in shade if he could find one. Cold bottle of water kept in the Van's fridge was available at all times.

The sunset tour began at 4p.m.( 16:00 hours), and much to our joy we had the same driver, who certainly earns his living. Our guide that night was a young lady named Katerina. And now we knew why Vassilis as we were leaving our morning tour said " the sunset tour is much more beautiful". Katerina was a truly amazing guide, her own interest in theology and the Byzantine period matched by her natural talent when presenting the information along with her family's life so embedded in Kalambaka itself made this a very very special and unforgettable experience. We learner even more as we walked towards the Hermit Monk Caves, visited the amazing oldest Byzantine Church and watched the sunset.

Of course the Monasteries is what we all come to see....and rather than describing something that words cannot describe, all I can say is GO, GO to Kalambaka for a minimum of 2 nights, stay and experience the warm welcome and amazing tour.

Then when you are done and need a refreshment, if you are looking for something "fresh" and a bit " different", look for "Touch the Rocks"....amazing cocktails, fresh food with a twist, and a smiling Vangelis to welcome you to this beautiful contemporary restaurant.

The whole experience will live with us for a very long time, or maybe a bit less as we will try to return in the future.
Thank U ALL!!!!!!
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Richard B
Edinburgh, UK3,953 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Astonishingly beautiful, world famous and peaceful in equal measure. Christian Orthodoxy takes its monasteries seriously and Meteora showcases them like no other.

Having travelled from Lake Ohrid in Norrh Macedonia, the early start and road trip wete absolutely worth the effort.

I managed to get inside 4 of the 6 monasteries. One was closed on the dayI was there. Around 3 euros entry and a reasonable dress code for men and women must be observed.

Whether inside or outside the monasteries, the profound nature and the views should humble you a little.

A beautiful place in a world losing touch with the old ways.
Written August 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

lorrainetSeattle
Edison, WA187 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
Everyone said we had to see Meteora in Central Greece so we made the four hour trek from Delphi. After crossing beautiful Mt Parnassus area, we were funneled down into confusing toll superhighways. ( Make sure you have studied which way to go because if you go the wrong way, it may be 20 plus miles before you can exit!l). The area of Central Greece we traveled across was full of smoke and lots of highway construction. The sprawl around Trikala worried us. The hotel we had booked was on a highway with many neon lights. Where is this world class UNESCO site, we wondered? But, the journey was indeed worth it. The next day we visited three of the monasteries in the pouring rain and all were beautiful. Varlaam has a great museum. Worth the effort to get here! If possible, I recommend booking a home or hotel well up towards the rocks in Kalambaka as this part of the village is very nice
Written January 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Kevin S
Pontypridd, UK6,113 contributions
Jun 2022
Meteora is the name given to the area housing many monasteries from hundreds of years ago. Most also destroyed many years ago but there remain six stunning examples which you can visit. I have listed each monastery in their relevant separate reviews but The Grand Meteoron is considered the best and most important, and it is indeed very good. But others have their merits, Vaarlaam we particularly enjoyed, St Stephen as its easy walk makes it popular with bus tours, Holy Trinity a longer walk for access offered amazing views of other monasteries. At €3 per person entry whichever one, take your pick. To try to cover all six in one day, even starting at 09.00 you would be doing yourself and the monasteries a disservice, they are wonderful and need time to sit and appreciate and view internally. Staying overnight and visiting first thing before the buses and trains arrive is the best option to have some peaceful time at the busy three, the other longer walk ones enjoyable at any time.
Having said that it is the panoramic views that make the area exceptional. Literally just drive around and there are views at every turn. There are some marked viewpoints but if you take your time driving yourselves, or bikes, you have amazing views at you leisure.
Written July 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Graham P
59 contributions
Sep 2022
Astonishing landscape, with amazing monasteries perched on dizzying rock pillars. Each monastery is different (we visited five, over two days), each containing lovely frescoes, beautifully-displayed manuscripts and icons, as well as superb views. There were lots of tour groups, but somehow they didn't detract from the tranquillity and enjoyment of these remarkable places. Also some quirky things such as the collection of propaganda art at Grand Meteora from the 1912 war and the resistance to the Italians in WW2 (though the accompanying Museum of Greek local history was closed when we visited).
Written September 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

efrosini p
Canterbury, UK6 contributions
Aug 2020
We decided to see Meteora via a guided hike, which was the best decision ever. Incredible views, visited Grand Meteoron monastery and bought 2 beautiful hand painted icons - stall at entrance is genuine, as the seller, employs local iconographers and icons certified. Currently 50% sale, as anticipated usual tourist masses did not materialise for 2020, and highly recommended if you like this type of art.
The flora and fauna is unique to this area, and we managed to even see one of the indigenous tortoises in the forest. Hike took 4 hours, starting early morning with Visit Meteora Travel agency, moderate grade of difficulty, with lots of breaks and knowledgable guide.
Written August 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Leeder47
Duffield, UK398 contributions
Sep 2021
A stunning experience whether you visit for the spiritual, the history or the wonders of mother nature.
Best to hire a car and plan to arrive before 11am to avoid the crowds. Despite a few hairpin bends, the roads are wide and well maintained.
Grand Meteoron is the furthest from Kalambaka & the busiest. Be prepared to park on the road & walk up. Both Grand Meteoron & Varlaam have toilets. The climb to both is easy for anyone able bodied.
Expect to fit in 2 - 3 monasteries in a day. The admission fee of around 5 euro per monastery is worth it for the history & views alone. Local greeks were admitted for free. Check the websites for opening times, as some are closed midweek.
As well as no exposed shoulders or knees, trousers on women not allowed. This is strictly adhered to, especially for foreign visitors. Don't rely on the borrowed skirt basket, as they may run out. Better to bring a large scarf or sarong to wrap round. Stalls outside sell scarves for 10 euro, as well as trinket souvenirs & snacks.
A stopover at Kalambaka is good for a snack / coffee before heading back home.
Written September 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Helenschnitzer
Albany, NY20 contributions
Sep 2021
This was the most amazing site I viewed in Greece. We booked a 2 day tour with Visit Meteora and it was fantastic. It included train fare from Athens, hotel room, and 2 guided tours of the 6 Monasteries which were very impressive. Seeing these buildings which were built on huge rock formations was mind boggling. This is a must see site
Written October 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

joniefitz4
Ames, IA273 contributions
Oct 2021
We arrived in Meteora on a rainy, soaking day. Our guide, was discouraged with what we weren't seeing "ponied up" and did the most she could with a bad situation. I have a few points that our own tour people didn't tell us about. Each monastery costs 3 euros to get into. Dress pants on women are not approved "dress" so bring along a shawl, something to create the appearance of a dress over your suitably fine pants or shorts. The hike down and then up to the monastery is rigorous and not for the faint of heart!! Add a little rain and it can get slippy real quick. The area is NOT ADA compliant, so if you are wheelchair-bound or handicapped, there are going to be some issues in seeing most of the monasteries.
While we booked a tour that included a train from Athens, you could easily do it yourself cheaper by booking a local tour guide IN Meteora. Train fare first class was 27 euros one way.
Written October 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Gina F
11 contributions
Jul 2020 • Friends
Going to Meteora ? Few tips to make your trip more enjoyable

We just a perfect two day stay in this amazing place. We took the train from Athens - Larissa station at 7:20 am and arrived around 11:30. From there it’s a quick taxi ride to your hotel or the monasteries. We decided to spend 2 night to really get a feeling of the place and not rush.

Our Taxi driver Thimios was so nice that we decided to organize a private tour with him. It’s usually 20 Euros per hour and we totally recommend it. It gets hot in Meteora so it’s worth having someone who knows the place so you don’t waste time and energy walking blindly.

If you want to contact him you can do it by phone or e-mail. He knows the perfect spots for pictures and will pick the best monasteries for you.
Written July 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

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Meteora (Kastraki) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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