
Meteora Tours and Tickets
Overview
The Meteora is a rock formation in central Greece hosting one of the largest and most precipitously built complexes of Eastern Orthodox monasteries, second in importance only to Mount Athos. The six (of an original twenty four) monasteries are built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders that dominate the local area. It is located near the town of Kalambaka at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and Pindus Mountains. Meteora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List under criteria I, II, IV, V, and VII. The name means "lofty", "elevated", and is etymologically related to meteor. Caves in the vicinity of Meteora were inhabited continuously between 50,000 and 5,000 years ago. The oldest known example of a built structure, a stone wall that blocked two-thirds of the entrance to the Theopetra cave, was constructed 23,000 years ago, probably as a barrier against cold winds – the Earth was experiencing an ice age at the time – and many Paleolithic and Neolithic artifacts of human occupation have been found within the caves. Meteora are not mentioned in classical Greek myths nor in Ancient Greek literature. The first people documented to inhabit Meteora after the Neolithic Era were an ascetic group of hermit monks who, in the ninth century AD, moved up to the ancient pinnacles. They lived in hollows and fissures in the rock towers, some as high as 1800 ft (550m) above the plain. This great height, combined with the sheerness of the cliff walls, kept away all but the most determined visitors. Initially, the hermits led a life of solitude, meeting only on Sundays and special days to worship and pray in a chapel built at the foot of a rock known as Dhoupiani. As early as the eleventh century, monks occupied the caverns of Meteora. However, monasteries were not built until the fourteenth century, when the monks sought somewhere to hide in the face of an increasing number of Turkish attacks on Greece. At this time, access to the top was via removable ladders or windlass. Nowadays, getting up there is a lot simpler due to steps being carved into the rock during the 1920s. Of the 24 monasteries, only six (four of men, two of women) are still functioning, with each housing fewer than ten individuals. The exact date of the establishment of the monasteries is unknown. By the late eleventh and early twelfth centuries, a rudimentary monastic state had formed called the Skete of Stagoi and was centered around the still-standing church of Theotokos (mother of god). By the end of the twelfth century, an ascetic community had flocked to Meteora. In 1344, Athanasios Koinovitis from Mount Athos brought a group of followers to Meteora. From 1356 to 1372, he founded the great Meteoron monastery on the Broad Rock, which was perfect for the monks; they were safe from political upheaval and had complete control of the entry to the monastery. The only means of reaching it was by climbing a long ladder, which was drawn up whenever the monks felt threatened. At the end of the fourteenth century, the Byzantine Empire's reign over northern Greece was being increasingly threatened by Turkish raiders who wanted control over the fertile plain of Thessaly. The hermit monks, seeking a retreat from the expanding Turkish occupation, found the inaccessible rock pillars of Meteora to be an ideal refuge. More than 20 monasteries were built, beginning in the fourteenth century. Six remain today. In 1517 Theophanes built the monastery of Varlaam, which was reputed to house the finger of St. John and the shoulder blade of St. Andrew. Access to the monasteries was originally (and deliberately) difficult, requiring either long ladders latched together or large nets used to haul up both goods and people. This required quite a leap of faith – the ropes were replaced, so the story goes, only "when the Lord let them break". In the words of UNESCO, "The net in which intrepid pilgrims were hoisted up vertically alongside the 373 metres (1,224 ft) cliff where the Varlaam monastery dominates the valley symbolizes the fragility of a traditional way of life that is threatened with extinction." Until the seventeenth century, the primary means of conveying goods and people from these eyries was by means of baskets and ropes. In 1921, Queen Marie of Romania visited Meteora, becoming the first woman ever allowed to enter the Great Meteoron monastery. In the 1920s there was an improvement in the arrangements. Steps were cut into the rock, making the complex accessible via a bridge from the nearby plateau. During World War II the site was bombed. Many art treasures.
More Info
- Wear comfortable shoes, bring sunscreen and water, and prepare to walk—all but one of the monasteries is reached by steep steps.
- Visitors to the monasteries must have their shoulders and knees covered, and wraps are provided at the entrance.
- The best options for restaurants and cafés are in Kalampaka, so bring a packed lunch if you plan to spend the day.
- Be sure to check the opening days and times of the monasteries in advance as they vary.
- Plan to visit two or three monasteries on a day tour—to visit all six, you will need a 2-day tour.
- St. Stephen's Monastery (Agios Stephanos) is the only wheelchair-accessible monastery.
More Adventures for You
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Price From
$105.52
Embark on an unforgettable journey from Athens at 8:00 am in a modern coach, soaking in the scenic Greek landscapes en route. Arrive in Meteora by 12:30 pm and savor lunch in the charming Kastraki Village. Explore all six iconic Meteora monasteries during a 4-hour tour, with exclusive access to 3, and discover monasteries and hermit caves. Conclude your day with a relaxing return, arriving back in Athens around 10:30 pm, enriched with memories and stories.
Our live local English-speaking guide will provide engaging explanations of the history and significance of each site, ensuring a memorable and informative adventure.
People who join the tour from November to February 28 will experience the breathtaking Meteora sunset!
Tour is guided in English only. Additional languages (Spanish, French German, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Korean, Japanese) are available on a free SMART audio guide._en-US

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$578.78
Step back in time on this 4-day Classical Greece tour from Athens, seeing all the top attractions that date back to this fascinating era. With overnight accommodation included and an expert guide to accompany you, the tour highlights the country’s most intriguing archeological sites – four of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Explore Epidaurus, Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi, and visit 11th-century monasteries perched on the rock towers of Meteora._en-US
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$211.05
Do not miss the opportunity with this two day tour from Athens to see and visit the majestic Meteora grey rocks and its cliff-top monasteries._en-US
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$74.61
Visit the world-famous Meteora and walk inside old Christian Monasteries
Learn the natural history about the marvelous millions-year-old rock formations
Awe at the breathtaking views and snap unforgettable photos of the landscape
Listen to the fascnitating history in 6 languages with our multilingual Audioguide
Enjoy hassle-free morning transfer from 4 meeting points to the Bus station
Highlights:
-See all 6 monasteries at the Meteora
-Climb the extraordinary rock formations
-Enjoy free lunch
-Enter the 2 of the monasteries to get a glimpse of life inside(entry fees not included 5 euro per monastery)
-Take photos of the breathtaking landscape
-Get picked up from 4 central meeting points
-Enjoy Audio guide in 6 languages
_en-US

Price From
$309.11
Enjoy a private trip by executive car or minivan to Meteora, the UNESCO world heritage listed monasteries. Meteora means "middle of the sky", and with their exalted heights and almost mystical inaccessibility, the Metéora monasteries seem to soar towards heaven and reflect the human striving for holiness. After the fascinating tour of the 3 most accessible monasteries, you can enjoy a delightful lunch with Greek traditional dishes and “Mezedes” in the picturesque Kastraki village. On your way back to Athens, stop at Thermopylae, where one of most epic battles of all times took place. 300 Spartans faced the Persian army and stopped them for 2 days. See the battlefield and the statue of King Leonidas.
See all 6 Unesco world heritage listed monasteries
Climb the extraordinary rock formations
Visit up to 3 monasteries to get a glimpse of Hermits’ life
Have a traditional Greek lunch in a picturesque village
Marvel the battlefield of the legendary Thermopylae and King Leonidas statue.
_en-US
Accessibility for wheels
- Step-Free
- Accessible Toilet
- Special Parking
- Accessible elevator
- Wide doors >= 75 cm and < 90 cm
- Easy without assistance
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Can have severe slope, cobblestones, and/or gravel
- Bathroom: Too narrow for wheelchair
- Hilly area
Access for Visually Impaired
- Service animals permitted
- Place has Special Guide Service
Access for Seniors
- Recommended time for visit 2 hours
- Physical difficulty level - 3