Welcome, adventurous souls, to a land where ancient monasteries soar high above the clouds, defying gravity and captivating your wildest imagination. Today, we embark on a thrilling day trip from the bustling city of Athens to the enchanting realm of Meteora.

Nestled amidst a mesmerising landscape of rugged cliffs and winding paths, Meteora beckons explorers and seekers of serenity alike. With its rich history, awe-inspiring architecture, and breathtaking views, this hidden gem in central Greece is a must-visit for any traveller yearning to connect with the mystical allure of the world. So tighten your seatbelts and prepare to be spellbound by the mystical wonders that await us in the captivating realm of Meteora.

history of Meteora Monasteries

The history of Meteora Monasteries dates back to the 11th century, when a group of pious hermit monks sought spiritual isolation in the imposing rocks of Meteora. They climbed these towering formations to live like birds do, finding shelter in caves and hollows.

This began the inception of these beautiful monasteries. Over time, new hermitages and monasteries were established, and Pilgrims began to flock to the area to seek blessings and spiritual refuge. This long history of cultural significance gives the natural monuments of Meteora their truly unique character.

tips to plan your visit

• Make your travel plans early: The best time to visit is during the spring and autumn months of April through May and September through October.
• Dress appropriately: Respect the sacred site by adhering to a dress code that includes covered shoulders and knees for both men and women.
• Get a guide: A guide can help enhance your trip, providing historical context as well as other safety tips while walking on the road less traveled.
• Choose your itinerary: Decide on which monasteries to visit. Note that some monasteries might be closed depending on the day.

Monasteries Summer Timetable
(April 1st to October 31st)
* St. Stephen’s Monastery and Roussanou Monastery from May 15th

Monasteries Winter Timetable
(November 1st to March 31st)

Meteora Views and Photoraghy

With sheer cliffs, ancient monasteries, and lush greenery, Meteora is like something out of a movie. We below of the best spots for panoramic views and photos in Meteora.

1. The View from Moni Megalou Meteorou – Situated at the high cliff overlooking the town of Kastraki, this is the biggest and oldest monastery in the area. A little hike up the stairs, you will find the perfect spot for capturing the beauty of Meteora from above.

2. The View from Meteora Rocks – This is a breathtaking site that could give you the feeling of being on top of the world. This place is best-known as “Sacred Rocks,” located towards the outskirts of Meteora.

3. The View from Doupiani Rock – Known as the “Stone Forest”, Doupiani Rock is the highest rock formation in the entire Meteora region. What makes it especially unique is that it divides the entire sanctuary, giving it a dominating view.

4. The View from the Old Bridges – The Aspropotamos bridges and the Plakidas Bridge have some of the breath-taking sceneries in the Meteora area. These bridges are located about a kilometer west of Kastraki.

5. The View at Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas – Here, you are required to take a little hike to reach the top. The view from the top is incredible, with outstanding views over Meteora and the surrounding valley.

Food

Taste the Famous Tiropita / Spanakopita (Cheese / Spinach Pie)

One of the iconic foods of Meteora is the cheese pie, known locally as the “tiropita”. It is a savory pastry made of filo dough and filled with salty cheese, feta cheese, often with spinach and herbs. It is a staple dish that you can’t miss when visiting the region. There are several bakeries in the town of Kalambaka that serve the cheese pie, and each has its unique twist to the recipe.

We recommend Mekras Bakerhouse (address: Patriarchou Dimitriou 8, Kalabaka) for the authentic meteora experience. They bake fresh and sell out before lunch so get there early.

Savor the Lamb with Herbs

Another local dish that will blow your mind is the roasted lamb. The lamb served in Meteora is glazed with a mixture of herbs, garlic, and lemon juice, which gives it a delicious flavor. The region’s grazing pastures provide the perfect environment for the lambs to feed, resulting in tender, delicious meat. When combined with the local herbs, the flavors will melt in your mouth. Several tavernas in the region serve roasted lamb, giving you the opportunity to taste the best version of this dish.

Our Choice for lamb in the region is Stefanos Meteora Tavern. Stefanos is very reasonably priced, amazing food with all the meat cooked outdoors on an open flame. Simply Delicious!

Enjoy the Honey and Sweet Treats

The honey in Meteora is a product of the wildflowers that grow in the region, giving it a unique flavor that is different from other honey types in Greece. The honey is collected and produced by small-scale beekeepers, which makes it even more precious. When in Meteora, make sure to try the honey with Greek yogurt or traditional sweets like “Loukoumi,” a type of Turkish delight, or Baklava, a sweet pastry filled with nuts and honey syrup.

A must visit is Kyvelia Pampiris (Ζαχαροπλαστείο Κυβέλεια). Established in 1926 it is a local staple for sweets. We recomend the more traditions sweets from here shuch as Baklava, Melomakarona and the local specialty Spatula Kalambakas (Walnut Cake with Cream and nuts)

Weather in Meteora

Meteora can be visited all year round, each season providing a unique experience. The warmest months are from June to September, with temperatures reaching up to 35°C. During these months, the air is relatively dry, but the sun can be quite intense. Therefore, it’s important to bring sun cream and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. The winter months are from November to February, which is the coldest time of year with temperatures often dropping below freezing. Although the region can be covered in snow, the monasteries remain open for visitors. However, be sure to bring warm clothing to keep yourself cosy during your visit.

Spring and autumn are the best months to visit Meteora, with mild temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. During these seasons, the weather is often unpredictable with a mixture of sunshine and showers, so be sure to bring layers and a water-resistant jacket. However, the region is particularly colourful during these months, with an array of flora blooming, making it a photographer’s paradise.