Meteora monasteries – the miracle of Greece. Few kilometers northwest of the town of Kalabaka, the impressive rocks of Meteora are rising from the plains of Thessaly been one of the most amazing places in Greece. Many centuries ago, on these gigantic rocks with the breathtaking landscape reaching heights of more than 600 meters, it was formed one of the most important monastic communities of Greece. The Greek word Meteora means “suspended in the air” and this phrase aptly describes these remarkable Greek Orthodox monasteries.
Meteora is a great place to experience , a spectacular landscape and byzantine monasteries perched on top of steep rocks that house priceless artifacts and wall paintings. Today only six monasteries are active with a small number of monks or nuns who reside on Meteora. In 1988, the Meteora monasteries have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and the Meteora-Antichassia area is part of the Natura 2000 network hosting some rare species of birds and flowers. As you approach the town of Kalabaka, the nearest big town near Meteora , and the picturesque village of Kastraki you will see a complex of giant sandstone rock pillars that climb up into the sky. On top of them you will spot the famous Meteora monasteries.
Rate This!
[Total: 1355 Average: 4.9]
Which Meteora monasteries to visit?
Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron
The Great Meteoron, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorfossis (Transfiguration of Christ), is a male monastery and is the oldest and largest of all the monasteries of Meteora. It is built on the greatest rock of the complex, the Platys Lithos or Playtlithos. It was founded little before the mid-14th century (around 1340) by a scholar monk of Mount Athos, Saint Athanasios Meteorites. The monastery has a pleasant courtyard and there are many amazing frescoes to see. Probably one of the most interesting parts of the monastery…
The Varlaam Monastery is named after the first monk who built the first church on the rock. This was in 1350 and Varlaan built three churches, a room for himself and a water tank. Unfortunately no other monks joined him, after his death the site was abandoned for 200 years. In 1517 two monks from Ioannina, Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades , re-founded the monastery. Nowadays the monastery can be reached by a bridge and has a small museum, there are a lot of impressive 16th century paintings to see as well…
The Rousanou Monastery was built in 1545 by Maximos and Ioasaph of Ioannina, it is unclear who the actual monastery is named after, but it is dedicated to St.Barbara. Like other monasteries at Meteora the Roussanou monastery was looted during the Second World War. The monastery is reached by a bridge that has some dramatic drops. Nowadays the Monastery is run by nuns. The monastery is located on the way from Kastraki to Meteora between St. Nicholas Anapafsas and Varlaam monastery…
St. Nicholas Anapafsas monastery was founded in the 14th century and nobody is quite sure who the monastery is named after. This Monastery is most famous for its frescoes by the famous Cretan artist Theophanes Strelitzas in 1527. Some of these frescoes include the passion of Christ and the Virgin Mary praying. The monastery fell into disrepair and was completely abandoned for 60 years from 1900 to the 1960’s when the Greek government repaired the monastery…
The 14th century St. Stephen monastery is the closest monastery in Meteora to the main town of Kalabaka, and so the easiest to visit. St. Stephen monastery was founded by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene, who is thought to be a son of the Serb ruler Nicephorus II of Epirus, in 1400. The Katholikon at the monastery is dedicated to St. Charalambos who’s head it contains, as it is believed to prevent illnesses. Much of the monastery was destroyed during World War Two and the Greek civil war that followed. The monastery is run by Nuns…
You may recognise the monastery of Holy Trinity as it was used in the James Bond movie ‘For your eyes only’ Roger Moore scales the cliff face. Out of all the monasteries of Meteora Holy Trinity has the most dramatic location, the rock face is a sheer drop and the rock itself is a lot more slender. The monastery was built in 1458 and had many treasures, but most of these were looted by the Germans during the Second World War, most of the frescoes are from the 18th century…
Meteora Thrones is the leading travel service company in Meteora and the surrounding area, which has earned the trust and loyalty of visitors who want to organize in the best and most effective way their visit to Meteora and the Holy Monasteries.
We organize everyday tours with the goal to offer you the absolute and authentic Meteora experience with the best prices in the area. Enjoy with us the best panoramic and majestic views of your life. Our experienced staff and the “State of the Art” VIP Limo Mini bus we own guarantee an unforgettable, high quality, way to discover our unique place.
We also provide private tours with VIP services and personalized programs to enjoy the magic of Meteora in the maximum. Come along to make the tour of your dreams!
Amazing tour. Would highly recommend this to anyone. Young and old. Convenient hotel pick up. Our guide was very knowledgeable and made our experience even better.
Tina M August 8, 2022
Guide Clement and driver Elias made the tour visits in good timing and enjoyable. Glad to learn more about the monasteries and soaked in the magnificent landscape.
stellaphuamk June 7, 2023
We were delayed by 2 hours because of problems with the train from Athens (weather) yet the tour company waited for us and gave us a fantastic tour nonetheless. The... read more guide was very well educated, engaging and charming. It was an unforgettable experience!
Zeru March 1, 2022
Easy to find, well organised (even if last minute), we didn't have to think about anything, the guide was very nice!
X2318BAmelanies March 4, 2022
Great visit, excellent customer service - Best customer service they gave us. We reached Kalambaka an hour later than the scheduled tour time due to a mistake in our train booking, confusion with Larissa and Athens... read more Larissa main train station.
They sent their mini bus to pick us up from their office at the foothill and continue to join with the tour.
Both the driver and our tour guide was super friendly, driver made few photo shoot stops for us and bit of guided commentary on the monasteries and guide was very knowledgeable of Meteora's history and geological past.
We would highly recommend Metora Thrones if you are making your vacation plans.
ICE T December 16, 2022
we visited Meteora's monasteries with this tour. Everything was perfect, we were lucky as the 7:20 train from Athens arrived on time in Kalambaka, where the buses were already waiting... read more to take us to the first short stop to get some food before starting the real tour. The guide was very nice and knowledgeable, she provided also some good tips to visit the places as well as plenty of historical information. The time dedicated to each monastery is between 45 and 60 min, hence more than enough to enjoy the visits and to take pictures. The building are true masterpieces, and the panorama and views are unforgettable. For women, remember to bring a long skirt as it is required to enter the monasteries, although some of them may have some spare foulards to be used for the visits. Remember also to bring some water/food as in case of rush the time dedicated to additional stops could be very limited.
Alessio0575 April 21, 2022
Amazing Experience - Clement was a fantastic tour guide. Very knowledgeable and engaging. The entire landscape was breathe taking and his insights to the area enhanced the trip. The long train trip to... read more get there was 100% worth it.
Jess19121912 June 7, 2023
Receptionist was really kind the tour gide was extremely sincere and helpful he made the tour very interesting with facts I totally recommend it
324harish March 2, 2022
Great tour guide person - Knowledgeable tour guide person. Visited 1 monastery out of 2 inside and 5 out of 6 in total outside
Georgebano April 27, 2023
Well planed trip and friendly staff, everything went well on the trip. If you travel from Athens to Meteora it is best to go on an organised trip to facilitate... read more logistics
queirogadiogo15 October 8, 2022
Best of Meteroa In A Day! - I loved this day trip. It was easy to book, the instructions were clear on taking the train from Athens to Meteora, and upon arrival we were greeted by our... read more friendly and knowledgable tour guide Elaina. Meteora is otherworldly, and this day-trip meant that I could fit it into my few days in Athens, with time to spare in the late afternoon to explore the nearby town of Kalambaka!
Jaka_Achmad November 26, 2022
The tour was a fantastic experience. The monasteries were incredible from the inside and outside. The journey in the van between the monasteries was pleasant and convenient and the guide... read more was very knowledgeable and knew the area inside out. I can highly recommend this tour!
Getaway62065549891 February 22, 2022
Meteora is Amazing - Thomas (Day 1) and Tasos (Day 2) were very helpful and knowledgeable about the area. They also gave good recommendations on where to eat. The place was spectacular.... read more Only downside is the train ride from and to Athens which takes 5 hours each way.
jocelyngV5023XY April 29, 2023
Best tour ever! - Highly recommended!Best guide guide ever (don't remember his exact name but I think was Clement :)) anyways the guide was 100% very kind and easy going person and had lots... read more of knowledge. We had few stops on 1 day trip. If you looking for an tour in Monastairs this agancy is the best!
palsza January 4, 2023
The tour and guide guy was so nice, stay overnight or 2 in Kastraki village, eat at Gardenia Taverna
SydneyCristos September 19, 2022
It was a fun way to learn about Meteroa and see the highlights in an efficient manner. It was much easier for the bus to take us around and tell... read more us the behind the scenes story rather than researching it and figuring it out on our own.
901susiek August 7, 2022
The trip is well organized and easy to book. The guide and the rest of the team are very nice and knowledgeable. They have interesting stories to tell about the... read more area. The trip to and from Kalabaka to Athens is quite long and tiring but the sight and experience that you'll see in Meteora are worth the trip and the money!
chaszy_gal February 3, 2023
I was joining the 29/10/23 Meteora Thrones Day Trip.
The trip was Excellent. I would like to thank our Tour Guide on that day ~ Clement from Canada. Feel to... read more Glad to have Clement as our Meteora Tour Guide. He is not only informative & Knowledgeable but also very patience to explain the History of Meteora. His explanation & sharing make use feel more appreciate more about Meteora ~ Monastery. His Summarised of the History is better than our High School's Teacher.
Easy to understand & memorise it even after the Trip. No Joke! Clement.you are the best:). This Tour is worth of time & money. Highly Recommended!