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Meteora is a cluster of towering sandstone pillars on the edge of the Thessaly plain in central Greece, topped by Eastern Orthodox monasteries that seem to hang in the air. Hermits began living in the rock caves centuries ago, and monastic communities built on the summits from the fourteenth century onward, originally reached by ladders, ropes and nets. The site is protected by UNESCO for both its natural and cultural value.
Six monasteries remain active and open to visitors on rotating schedules. The Great Meteoron, the largest, displays a museum and frescoed church, and Varlaam, nearby, preserves an old tower for hauling goods. St. Nikolaos Anapafsas is small but known for its frescoes, while Roussanou sits on a narrow pinnacle reached by bridges. Holy Trinity requires a climb of many steps, and St. Stephen, run by nuns, is the easiest to reach from the road. Viewpoints along the ridge road are especially popular at sunset, when the cliffs turn golden. Below the rocks, the village of Kastraki makes a quiet base, while Kalambaka, the main town, has the Byzantine Church of the Dormition. Theopetra Cave, a short drive away, contains evidence of very early human habitation.
Meteora suits hikers, photographers and those interested in religious history. Modest dress is required in the monasteries. Spring and fall are ideal, with pleasant hiking temperatures on the old footpaths between the rocks.
WiserMap travel guideMeteora Greece Cliff Top Monasteries and Hermit CavesPlan your Meteora trip: the six open monasteries, hermit caves, Kastraki and Kalambaka, dress codes, hiking trails, seasons and how to get there from Athens.Read the guide
The largest and oldest of the Meteora monasteries, founded in the 14th century on the highest rock. Inside are a frescoed church, an old kitchen, a wine cellar and a museum of icons and manuscripts. Tip: expect many steps, and check closing days, which change by season.
The second-largest monastery, standing next to Great Meteoron, with a 16th-century church covered in frescoes and a tower that still holds the old rope winch and net used to haul up goods and monks. Tip: shoulders and knees must be covered; wraps are lent at the entrance.
A small monastery built on a narrow rock near Kastraki, with rooms stacked on several levels. Its chapel holds frescoes by the Cretan painter Theophanis Strelitzas from the 16th century. Tip: it is the first monastery on the road from Kastraki and is usually less crowded early.
A nunnery perched on a sheer rock and reached by footbridges, with walls that seem to grow out of the stone. The church inside has vivid 16th-century frescoes. Tip: the road below has a pullout with one of the best photo views of the monastery against the valley.
A monastery on top of an isolated rock, reached by around 140 steps cut into the cliff. It appeared in the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. Inside is a small frescoed church and a garden with views of Kalambaka. Tip: wear good shoes for the steep path.
A nunnery reached by a short bridge with no climb, making it the easiest to visit. It has two churches, a museum of icons and embroidery, and views over Kalambaka and the Pinios valley. Tip: it is a good choice for visitors who cannot manage stairs.
A popular rocky lookout along the main road between the monasteries, with wide views of Roussanou, Varlaam and the Great Meteoron on their pillars. Many people come here for sunset. Tip: parking is limited, so arrive early or walk from a nearby monastery lot.
A tall rock rising directly above Kalambaka with a small chapel and a cross on top. A short path and steps from the edge of town lead up to views over the rooftops and the plain of Thessaly. Tip: go in the cool of the morning and bring water, as there is no shade.
A small village right at the foot of the rock pillars, with guesthouses, tavernas and trails that climb toward the monasteries. It is a quieter base than Kalambaka and close to the climbing routes. Tip: walking paths from Kastraki reach Great Meteoron in about an hour.
The main town below Meteora, with shops, restaurants and the train station. In the upper town stands the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, a Byzantine basilica with a rare marble pulpit and frescoes. Tip: the church is a short uphill walk from the central square.
A large limestone cave a few kilometres south of Kalambaka where archaeologists found traces of humans going back many tens of thousands of years, including one of the oldest known built walls. Walkways and displays explain the finds. Tip: check opening days before driving out.
A small monastery built into a cave in the cliffs north of Kastraki, founded in the 14th century and less visited than the main group. Its wooden balconies hang from the rock face. Tip: it is reached by a walking trail and is often closed to visitors, so enjoy it from outside.
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