Visit Meteora Monasteries | Marvel Of Nature

When you visit Meteora Monasteries, it will leave you speechless!

You can not help but be in absolute awe. Meteora Monasteries is one of the most spectacular places to visit in Greece. Indeed, a spectacular marvel of nature and man. The Greek meaning of Meteora is very apt, namely “hovering in the air”.

Imagine your house as it is right now, set on nature’s rock as pillars. Immense pillars. Build your house on the rock is taken from a parable of Jesus, of which the quote is down below. The spiritual lesson is to build our lives on Him and His truth. In this instance, the monasteries not only lived the morals but also put them into stone! And today, it’s still standing.

Everyone therefore who hears these words of mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man, who built his house on a rock. The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat on that house; and it didn't fall, for it was founded on the rock.

Matthew 7:24-27 Tweet

The monasteries truly is a marvel of both nature and man. Not just one monastery, but six of them. No wonder then that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site (UNESCO Site Id: 455).

THIS is without a shadow of a doubt, a travel bucket list holiday destination.

Best time to visit Meteora Monasteries

It’s a popular tourist destination. So, if you want to avoid the crowds be there either early morning or around 16h00 (they usually close at 17h00). The sunset from any one of the many viewpoints is one of the most beautiful sunsets you’ll ever see.

It’s usually closed on Wednesdays, and between 13h00 and 15h30 on other days.

To visit Meteora Monasteries, how many days...?

Nothing short of 2 days. In fact, 3 or 4 days if you want to include some other sightseeing and excursions.

There are 6 monasteries hovering in the air and each has its own authentic story to tell.

The 15th-century Agia Triada or Holy Trinity has beautiful wall 18th-century paintings. Also, it was one of the settings in the block-buster James Bond movie, For Your Eyes Only!
The 16th-century Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas is named after an old patron.
Agios Stefanos is the only convent.
On the highest rock is the best-known monastery of them all, namely Megalo Meteoro. It’s usually closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The construction of this monastery started in 1382.
Across a small bridge from one peak to another, Roussanou Monastery (1545) has outstanding wall paintings.
At Varlaam Monastery (1517) you get to see embroidered epitaphoi, intricately carved wooden crosses, and many other ecliastical treasures.

Things to do at, or near, Meteora

How many steps to climb at Meteora Monasteries

To get to Agia Triada or Holy Trinity, you have to climb around 140 steps, past the church of Saint John the Baptist.

The activities around the monasteries are mostly outdoors, such as hiking, rock climbing, e-biking, and so on.

Going on one of the below-suggested excursions will be money well spent (simply click to view details and book direct). Especially if you’re into hiking or photography. These guides know the mountains and every rock like the back of their hands and so you get to really enjoy the spectacular marvel of nature and man.

Where to stay

Where to stay near Meteora Monasteries

To make the most of your time here, “Travel And Home” definitely recommend staying at the Meteora Hotel at Kastraki, Kalabaka. You’re in for some magnificent views of the rocks of Meteora as the hotel is set in the higher point of Kastraki. The mountains’ reflection on the pool is stunning. So peaceful.

In addition, it’s a mere 7 km away from the monasteries, taking you about 10 minutes to get to the monasteries. Oh, and they have an airport shuttle too.

Meteora Hotel has lodging options for families, single persons, couples, and more.

Their breakfast is delish, and a great start to the day.

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