Everything worth seeing and doing in Meteora, one of the most enchanting places in Greece.
The Meteora,beyond being the second most important monastic complex in Greece after Mount Athos, are a place of unparalleled beauty and a global geological phenomenon. The giant rocks and the historicmonasteriesat their summits create a striking scene worth seeing up close at least once in a lifetime. Crowds of travelers arrive year-round to admire the cluster of dark-hued sandstone rocks that rise outside Kalabaka, to pray, to climb therocks and to explore the landscape along wonderful trails.
The monasteries that touch the sky
Of the thirty monasteries that existed historically, only six operate today, which, since 1988, have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage list. The mens Monastery of Saint Nicholas of Asmenos or Monastery of Saint Nicholas Anapafsas, the Holy Monastery of Rousanou or Arsani, the mens Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Saviour, also known as «Great Meteoron», on the highest rock, the Monastery of All Saints or Holy Monastery of Varlaam, the Holy Monastery of the Holy Trinity and the womens Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen welcome pilgrims.All offer breathtaking views, each with its own unique atmosphere.
According to various Byzantinists, the first ascetics arrived on the rocks of Meteorain the11th century. The name Meteora is attributed to the founder of the Great Meteoron Monastery, Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, who named the Broad Rock he first climbed in 1344 «Meteoro». From the late 15th century, and especially the 16th century, Meteora experienced its greatest heyday, as new monasteries, catholicons, and monastic buildings were founded, adorned with iconography of unmatched artistry. Monks and hermits climbed to their monasteries and sketes with ropes, with nets, or with bare hands. Climbing on the rocks of Meteora continues today, a lifelong dream for many lovers of the sport who come from every corner of the globe.
Kastraki: In the shadow of Meteora
On the western foothills of Meteora,nestled in the embrace of the rocks, lies a picturesque settlement well worth visiting. Kastraki, designated a protected traditional settlement, just 2 km from the center of Kalabaka, is among the most distinctivevillagesin Greece and a basecamp for climbers visiting the area. Wedged at the foot of the gigantic sandstone rocks, it offers a unique view of the otherworldly landscape to those who choose it as their base.
The village features a campsite, hotels, guesthouses, tavernas, shops with traditional products, and icon painting workshops. It’s worth strolling through the old settlement, in neighborhoods with mansions topped with red-tiled roofs, visiting the Meteora Museum of Geological History, walking the paths between the towering rocks, discovering the small chapels, and savoring traditional recipes paired with local tsipouro and wine at the area’s tavernas.
Hiking and climbing in the «stone forest»
Climbing has its own history in Meteora, which today is a world-renowned destination for sports enthusiasts. Even if you are a beginner, experienced instructors will guide you on the local climbing routes to discover one of the most impressive crags you have ever seen.
If you are a hiking lover, then you shouldn’t miss a hiking tour among the rocks. Hiking the old paths used by the first monks and pilgrims centuries ago is the best way to connect with this place.The easiest and shortest routes are those that weave among the rocks around Kastraki, such as the paththat leads to the Rock of the Holy Spirit and the famed «hermit caves». For more information on climbing, hiking, and other types of nature activities in Meteora visit visitmeteora.travel
Sunset at Meteora
Beyond the uniquely beautiful geological phenomenon, the “suspended” monasteries, and outdoor activities, in Meteora you’ll also admire something else unique: the glorious sunset. However many photos of Meteora you may have seen, nothing compares to what you’ll experience in person as the sun sets and paints the rocks red.
Kalabaka: The gateway to Meteora
Directly linked to Meteora, theKalabaka, the historic town of the Prefecture of Trikala, welcomes crowds of travelers each year who arrive to admire the beautiful and distinctivelandscape. Dubbed «the gateway to Meteora», it has become the commercial and tourist center of the area, withmany hotels and restaurants. A stroll through the old town, a visit to Greece’s only woodcarving school and to traditional coppersmith workshops, where you will find rare handmade copperware, as well as a pilgrimage to the Church of the Dormition of the Theotokos are just some of the things you must do in Kalabaka. Also operating in town arethe Museum of Hellenic Education and the Natural History Museum and Mushroom Museum.
Nearby getaways
Just 4 km outside Kalabaka, the Theopetra Cave is one of the most interesting archaeological attractions, not only of Meteora but of all Thessaly. The prehistoric cave of Theopetra was inhabited by humans nearly 130,000 years ago in the Paleolithic era. The cave is currently closed to the public.
Using Meteora as your base, you can visit Trikala for strolls through the famous lanes of Sakaflias and bike rides along the Lithaios River, the villages of Koziakas, the Elati andthe Pertouli,as well as the villages of Aspropotamos.
At a distance of 45 minutes from Meteora you will find the stone Paleokarya Bridge,which is flanked by two man-made waterfalls.The imposing single-arched bridge that dominates a narrow passage is 26 meters long and has stood there since the 16th century. It is a monument perfectly harmonized with the natural landscape around it.
