A trip to the majestic Meteora
In northern Greece, and specifically in the prefecture of Thessaly, a destination emerges that reflects the magic of nature and human culture in a wonderful symphony. You will encounter a landscape of unique beauty and religious significance. Meteora, so named for its impressive “in the air” location, is a tourist destination that should be at the top of your list for your next trip. A trip to the majestic Meteora will convince you!
These huge cliffs, rising over 600 meters, were formed thousands of years ago and were a refuge for hermits. This place is a top tourist destination for both Greeks and foreigners. It consists of a complex of huge rocks, on which Byzantine monasteries with unique relics and frescoes are located. These monasteries were built by ascetics in the 14th century and are one of the most important monastic communities in Greece. True jewels of Orthodox Christian art and architecture. Visiting Meteora, you will feel that you are in a magical world, where religious faith and art coexist in harmony.
Meteora is a unique landscape with over 1,000 steep cliffs, which turn green when it rains because of the moss that covers their surface. It is a popular climbing destination, with over 1,000 routes. Their highest peak is Agia (Aia) with an altitude of 630m.
Eight monasteries survive today, of which six are in operation. Even if you are not impressed by religious tourism, we advise you to visit one of them.
To get a taste…
Great Meteor
To reach the Great Meteor or the Holy Monastery of Sotiros you will need to climb 300 steps where each step to the top will enchant you. It is worth visiting as it is one of the largest and most important monasteries in Meteora. For excursionists it is considered a main museum, as over the centuries the monastery has managed to preserve important religious and national relics. Across the street you will be able to see the Holy Monastery of Varlaam.
Holy Monastery of Varlaam
The name of the monastery is due to its first ascetic – Varlaam. The monastery of Varlaam was founded in the 14th century and is one of the oldest monasteries in Meteora. The monastery is accessible by stairs, and there is a road leading to the nearby monastery of Roussanou, from where you can enjoy the view.
Other monasteries that you can visit are the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, the Holy Monastery of Agios Stefanos, the Holy Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapaussa.
The view may seem the same but from any place you enjoy it is unique. So if you visit Meteora and you don’t know where to stay and where to eat, we are here to help you.
Kalambaka
The town of Kalambaka is a typical destination for travelers visiting the Meteora region. It has stylish hotels, restaurants and cafes, as well as traditional shops offering local products and handicrafts. It is surrounded by a unique natural beauty that immediately captivates you, as the colossal rocks of Meteora rise as sentinels above the settlement.
A visit to the Centre for the Digital Projection of the History and Culture of Meteora will surprise you, as through 3D screens you can take a tour of Meteora and what it was like millions of years ago. You can even wander around the rocks and the Holy Monasteries on them.
On the other hand, if you like museums, you can visit the Meteora Natural History and Mushroom Museum. It will impress you. Included in it are collections of birds, mammals and also a mushroom museum.
For your stay trust them:
Where to eat?
Kastraki
A walk in the village of Kastraki will give you more reasons to love the area. Beneath the imposing cliffs, this settlement will offer you peace and tranquility. In the picturesque Kastraki you can find accommodation to your taste.
The natural beauty of Meteora is also part of this experience. At every point, you will encounter rich and rare species of flora and fauna, which highlight more and more the superiority of this part. For this reason, the wider area of Antichasia, in which Meteora is located, also belongs to the European ecological network NATURA 2000.
Their height and shape will create a dazzling panoramic view that will take your breath away. During sunset, Meteora is transformed into a spectacle of gold and pink hues, while the sunlight forms awe-inspiring shadows on the rocks.
Still going? Don’t delay any longer!
