The complex of monasteries "Meteora" is one of the most famous and beautiful places in Greece. Six monasteries are located on the rocks in a small area, it seems that they are hanging in the air. It's unique place which you should visit. "Meteora" is translated from Greek as "floating in the air."
Rocks emerged from the earth about 60 million years ago, due to tectonic movements. The first hermits arrepared here in ancient times and 24 monasteries were built between 1340 and 1500. At the moment only 6 left.
We stayed at the Meteora Hotel at Kastraki (booking.com). If you're with a car, then it fits perfectly. You will not find the best view from the window. Of course, book a room with a view of "Meteora". If you travel by public transport, then this hotel will not suit you, search for something in Kalambaka or Kastraki.
We dined at a cheap local restaurant Papachrēstos (N 39 42.520 E 21 36.473), which is located on the main road. Despite the fact that it looks like a canteen, bus tourists are brought here for lunch, so it's delicious and you shouldn't worry about the quality of the food. In general, there are no problems with restaurants in Kalambaka and Kastraki.
Of course the best way to visit the monasteries is by car. You can rent a taxi near the train station (I think you can bargain for 50 euros per tour) or book a tour in advance. You can go on foot, there are excellent footpaths everywhere. Download the maps.me app with all the trails. You can also find here a good map and an excellent description walking route.
There are few stones over the city of Kalambaka which offer a great view of the city and the rocks. You can drive here by car N 39 42.347 E 21 36.918.
After the sunrise we went to the viewpoints on the upper road. There are few of them: here N 39 43.158 E 21 38.226 and here N 39 43.276 E 21 38.058. Sit there and watch how sun slowly illuminates the monasteries one by one.
Each monastery works on certain days and hours. Data on the Internet diverge, below is the information from the official website. Entrance fees are 3 euros (2018).
We did not plan to visit all the monasteries, so we chose one - the Varlaam Monastery. You can even skip the monasteries if you are not interested, this place is very beautiful also as a natural landmark. Don't forget that monasteries can not be visited with bare knees and shoulders. At the entrance you can take clothes and you can come with yours.
Since access to the monasteries is through a rather steep staircase, the monks use electric cable cars. Such locations of the monasteries allowed them to remain undisturbed by bandits.
Next we went to the Holy Trinity Monastery. There is a small parking lot on the way N 39 42.898 E 21 38.378 which offers the best view of the monastery.
Note that we spent very little time in Meteora. If you want to take a quiet walk and see all the interesting places, then it is better to come for 2 full days. Although you can visit all the monasteries in one day, but only with a car.
Getting there: The nearest airport Nea Anchialos National Airport is two hours away. In Athens buses leave from Terminal B on Liossion Street. Check the schedule of this bus company, it goes to Kalambaka from different cities of Greece. The easiest way to get to Kalambaka is by train from Athens Central Station - Larissa Station. Here you can find detailed information on how to get to Meteora.
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