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A testament to the faith, ingenuity and dedication of medieval monks, the monasteries of Meteora perch incongruously on towering pinnacles of rock jutting out from the valley floor.
The otherworldly landscape would be worthy of a visit in itself, but, topped by these seemingly inaccessible structures, it becomes an enthralling destination. Along with the monasteries are cave hermitages, viewpoints and legendary tales of invasion, royal patronage, supernatural beings and sheer grit and determination.
Forged over millions of years, the bizarre landscape of Meteora consists of a series of monumental columns of rock rising from a valley floor flanked by the Pindus Mountains.
The pinnacles have been carved into their surreal, precipitous shapes by wind and water erosion, with the numerous natural caves providing shelter since Palaeolithic times.
It was a place of sanctuary in a harsh landscape and soon came to the attention of religious hermits, the first settling here in the 11th century. When you arrive, it becomes immediately apparent that the name Meteora, meaning ‘lofty’ or ‘suspended in mid-air’, is a fitting epithet.
An increasing number of attacks by the Turks led the hermits to found the first clifftop monastery here in the late 900s. Legend has it that they flew to their site on the back of an eagle. In reality, the first monks climbed the rock faces without ropes and then hauled up building materials (and, later, visitors) using winches and baskets.
In the 14th century, several other monasteries were built with royal patronage, helping the site grow to 24 monasteries by the 16th century. Only six remain and are remarkably still in use and protected by UNESCO, the state and the church.
Long flights of steps and chasm-spanning bridges allow you to reach the remaining monasteries, with panoramic views at numerous points along the way.
The best known of the monasteries is Moni Megalou Meteorou (also known as Grand Meteora), built on the highest pinnacle, 613 m (2,011 ft) above sea level. Founded in the 14th century, it was the wealthiest and most powerful monastery in the region.
All the monastic churches of Meteora contain exceptional frescoes. And, you can see another, if humbler, treasure in Moni Varlaam, where one of the original rope baskets used to pull up supplies is on display. It was in use right up until the 1930s.
We recommend visiting at sunset, when the landscape and the monasteries look at their finest. We can arrange for you to explore at this time of day on a hike or an e-bike tour.
The Meteora monastic complex remains much as it would have in its heyday, free of any shops, bars or restaurants. The best of these are nearby in the village of Kastraki, a tranquil place with a historic heart of stone houses with clay-tile roofs.
Best time to visit Meteora
Although you can visit Meteora at any time of year, April to June and September to November are the best times to go. You’ll encounter pleasant temperatures but not the high heat and swell of visitors that July and August can bring. The winter months can be cold and wet, with occasional snow.
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Suggested itineraries featuring Meteora
Our itineraries will give you suggestions for what is possible when you travel in Meteora, and they showcase routes we know work particularly well. Treat them as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.
Places near Meteora
- Thessaloniki 94 miles away
- Corfu 97 miles away
- Delphi 98 miles away
- Arachova 100 miles away
- Galaxidi 102 miles away
- Olympia 145 miles away
- The Peloponnese 149 miles away
- Nafplio 162 miles away
- Athens 165 miles away
- Costa Navarino 189 miles away
- Cape Sounion 193 miles away
- Hydra 194 miles away
- Monemvasia 224 miles away
- The Greek Islands 239 miles away
- Mykonos 255 miles away
- Milos 256 miles away
- Paros 267 miles away
- Naxos 273 miles away
Photos of Meteora
Accommodation choices for Meteora
We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Meteora. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.
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Doupiani House Hotel
Meteora
Ideas for experiencing Meteora
Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Meteora, and which use the best local guides.
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Explore the monasteries at sunset by E-Bike Explore the monasteries at sunset by E-Bike
Explore the monasteries at sunset by E-Bike
Avoid the crowds and discover Meteora by e-bike in a guided sunset tour that gives you a feel for the landscape of this valley as well as the people who built its cliff-top monasteries, before finishing at a scenic viewpoint.
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Safari adventure in the Pindus Mountains Safari adventure in the Pindus Mountains
Safari adventure in the Pindus Mountains
A remote and unspoiled region of Greece, the Pindus Mountains make a great destination for a 4x4 safari that takes in rugged peaks, traditional villages, Ottoman bridges and sweeping plains. Little-visited and largely untouched, it offers a very different perspective on the country.
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Truffle hunting and the Mushroom Museum of Kalambaka Truffle hunting and the Mushroom Museum of Kalambaka
Truffle hunting and the Mushroom Museum of Kalambaka
Head into the woods with an experienced truffle hunter and his dogs to search for white truffles and learn about their place in Greek culinary history. Follow it up with a woodland lunch and a tasting at Kalambaka’s Mushroom Museum.
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