Castles in the Sky: The Otherworldly Meteora Greece

If you’re looking for an otherworldly travel experience that combines history, nature and culture, Meteora, Greece, must be on your radar. Few places on earth combine those elements in such a unique and memorable way. Just being here is like visiting a site out of both legend and science fiction. 

We’ll run down what makes this place so very special and share insights on not only what to see but how to see it.

What is Meteora, Greece?

When translated from Greek, the term Meteora means suspended in the air. That description will feel entirely appropriate when you first catch sight of the monolithic sandstone pillars rising up from the plains of Thessaly as Greek castles pulled right out of the pages of a myth. 

Topped with Greek Orthodox monasteries that date back centuries, these castles in the sky are an almost surreal panorama that must be seen to be believed.

Where is Meteora, Greece?

This collection of sandstone pillars capped with monasteries is in the region of Thessaly, in central mainland Greece.

The primary towns for visiting this site are Kalambaka (or Kalabaka), right at the base of the mountains, and Kastraki, a charming village the next town over. 

By car, it is approximately a 3.5 to 4-hour drive from the Greek capital, so a day trip to Meteora from Athens is not out of the question. But it’s not the best way to spend your time, either. 

Meteora Greece Tour

Let’s take a closer look at the six monasteries you can visit—the indisputable stars of the show—and what makes each one worth visiting. 

This rundown will also help you decipher which ones to see if you’re only visiting for a short time.

The Great Meteoron

The Great Meteoron holds the title of the biggest and oldest of the monasteries in Meteora. It’s a massive stone complex that blends in perfectly with the stone pillar it sits on. 

It dates back to the 14th century and was founded by Saint Athanasios, the Meteorite. He was also credited with organizing the whole monastic nature of the region.

This monastery serves as the primary museum for visitors to Meteora and showcases vibrant frescoes and a wealth of religious icons and imagery. A collection of the skulls of former priests may seem a bit macabre, but it provides ample evidence of the building’s long history.

Frankly, I felt the entire interior was a bit spooky, but the sense of lore and tradition oozes out of each nook and cranny. And if the inside gets to be a bit too overwhelming for you, the views from the ramparts are every bit as divine as anything you’ll find within the walls.

Varlaam Monastery

Directly across from the Great Meteoron Monastery is the second largest of the lot—the Varlaam Monastery. 

Named after the hermit monk who founded it in 1350, it remained vacant for some 200 years after his death (evidently, nobody chose to join him!). Eventually, it was resettled and expanded, incorporating both historical paintings and texts over the years.

These days you can visit via a bridge, which is a tremendous upgrade from the winch-drawn basket from days of yore. 

You’ll have access to many icons and relics spread throughout the chapels, and yes, more of those absolutely heavenly views.

The Holy Monastery of Rousanou

This iconic monastery also dates back to the 14th century. It is believed to be named after the founding monk who settled the rock. 

Dedicated to St. Barbara, this building occupies the entire space atop the towering spire, making it particularly picturesque. Its lower elevation and even larger rock tower backdrop add to the visual drama. Spy some different views of the surrounding monasteries and follow a footpath up to the main road for a truly spectacular panorama.

These days the monastery is actually a nunnery, housing about 15 nuns onsite.

Saint Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery

On a jutting pinnacle set apart from the surrounding mountain lies the Saint Nicholas Anapafsas Monastery. 

Appearing to have emerged from the rock, this multistory monastery houses numerous works of art. The most famous is from the Cretan artist Theophanes and depicts all sorts of Biblical events in artistic form.

By the beginning of the 20th century, the building had long been abandoned. But in the 1960’s the Greek government began renovating and restoring it to its ancient glory. Inside the three-story building, you can admire the frescoes and a lot of relics and images—all accessible via an indoor staircase.

Holy Trinity Monastery

Perched atop a narrow peak with a sheer drop, the Holy Trinity Monastery may have the most dramatic location of them all. 

Like several others, it dates back to the 14th century and expanded in size and artistry over the years. As one of the premier castles in Greece, it has a collection of frescoes and chapels housed under terra cotta roofs to go along with incredible views of the surrounding mountains.

Movie fans may recognize it from the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only. But even if you don’t, it makes for a compelling subject for your travel photography. 

Entering the monastery requires scaling over 140 steps carved out of the rock. So even though it may leave you out of breath, at least you won’t find too many other tourists willing to trek all the way up there.

Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen

The last of the Meteora monasteries is accessible right from the modern road. It towers over Kalambaka, just on the other side of a footbridge, and is a great option for those with mobility issues. 

Like the Monastery of Rousanou, you’ll also find the building occupied by an active nunnery.

Within the stone walls are more of the same religious imagery covering nearly every square inch of space, along with relics of its patrons. Like many other monasteries, it suffered damage during World War II but has now been restored to its former glory. 

Best of all is the commanding views of the town of Kalambaka below and the Pinios River winding across the plain with the Pindus Mountains as a backdrop.

How to Visit the Monasteries of Meteora

You’ve got multiple options for visiting Meteora.

A well-paved 15-kilometer (9.3 miles) road winds through the valley, providing access to all the monasteries accessible to visitors. A rental car will allow you to make your own itinerary and follow your pace.

If you’ve arrived in the region by train or some other form of public transport, there are three different buses connecting Kalambaka with the Great Meteoron Monastery. The buses stop at each of the four parking lots, so regardless of which monastery you intend to visit, you can use this option. 

Just bear in mind that you are subject to the bus’ timetable, not your own.

Some people—namely those fitter than I am—cycle their way through the area. This is definitely an eco-friendly and scenic alternative. Before choosing this option, remember that there will inevitably be a lot (and I mean a lot!) of stairs to climb, so you might want to give your legs a break.

Another appealing option for those of a certain fitness level with multiple days at their disposal is to do some Meteora, Greece hiking. This entails covering the ground between the monasteries (and the hefty climb up and down) and a series of dedicated trails that allow you to fully immerse yourself in the otherworldly beauty of this extraordinary valley.

Weather in Meteora, Greece

The weather in this part of Greece can best be described as Mediterranean Continental, featuring hot summers and cold winters. 

While most people visit in the summer, this isn’t the best time to come in terms of weather, with highs of around 32° C (89° F) and frequent downpours. 

The shoulder seasons of Spring and Autumn see more moderate temperatures and less rain. 

Winters can be downright chilly, with highs around 12° C (53° F) and average lows of 4° C (39° F)—without factoring in the windchill blowing through the valley.

Realistically, your Meteora, Greece, weather forecast could contain a little bit of anything, so bring your jacket and umbrella just in case.

Meteora Greece Accommodation

The bulk of accommodation options for visiting Meteora are centered around the primary town of Kalambaka. Here you’ll find plenty of hotels, along with boutique properties, many of which will have views of the imposing castles in the sky looming right over the town.

Another option is the hamlet of Kastraki, with charming hotels and rental properties in the middle of it all. No matter your taste or budget, staying at least one night will allow you greater opportunities to explore and add deeper authenticity to the experience.

Meteora Opening Hours

Visiting hours vary by season (summer or winter) and by monastery. 

In summer, most will open around 9 a.m. and close around 4 p.m., but some close for lunch. 

In winter, they will open anywhere between a half hour to an hour later than in summer.

Note that the monasteries are usually closed one day a week but not all on the same day. So if there’s one in particular that you absolutely don’t want to miss, be sure to check the hours before making your plans. For detailed hours of operation, you can check out this site.

Practical Considerations

Before you rush to get a Meteora, Greece, inside look, there are some very practical considerations to keep in mind. 

1. You must have a basic measure of health and stamina to visit many of the monasteries. You’ll encounter many a staircase when traversing the landscape. So, if you have mobility issues, you’ll, unfortunately, be limited in how many you can explore. 
   
   Bear in mind that up until the last century, access to some of the monasteries was by winch and basket. No doubt that method prompted a thought for the divine when so blatantly faced with your mortality!
   
   
2. Remember that these are active religious sites, and a certain level of decorum in dress and behavior is expected. At times photography is not permitted. And women are expected to cover their shoulders and knees. If you forget, wraps are generally available for that express use.
   
   
3. Parking in the lots is free, but there is a 3 euro fee to enter each monastery. 
   
   
4. While you can certainly get your fill of Meteora in one day, planning at least one overnight stay will grant you the peace of visiting at leisure without the rush—a philosophy I’m sure the monks will approve of.

Map of Meteora, Greece

If you’re wondering how to plan a trip to Meteora after you’ve spent a few days in Athens and the incredible Greek Islands, this map will help sort out those logistics. Take a look…

Getting to Meteora, Greece

There are two options from Athens to Kalabaka: train or private transfer. Both take about the same time (4-4.5 hours), but the latter is far more expensive. So, unless you are traveling with a group, go for the train. 

Meteora Packing List

Here are some essential items for visiting the castles in the sky:

• Sturdy, close-toed footwear for hiking and climbing lots of stairs
• A rain jacket for the ever-present possibility of a downpour 
• An umbrella for the same reason
• Long-sleeved shirts and pants to show the proper respect when visiting the interior of the monasteries
• A camera because you will not want to miss the incredible photo opportunities from atop the monasteries or at select lookout points

A Word Before You Go

As much as I’ve tried to explain the wondrous nature of this unique World Heritage Site, Meteora is a place you need to see for yourself to fully understand why it’s so special. Regardless of your beliefs, you’ll see firsthand why this incredible valley, with its rocky pinnacles and castles in the sky, is a fitting place to search for the divine.

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