METEORA, GREECE: travel guide & budget schedule

The first hermits arrived in hopes of finding seclusion and spiritual peace. Centuries later, Meteora is now swarmed by tourists, gawking at the charm of the surrounding landscape and splendor of its monastic tradition. but even amid the the busyness within and around the monasteries, it is obvious why, of all places, it is here that the first occupants chose to dwell. It takes little imagination to see that Meteora, at least back in the day, was as peaceful as slumber and as solemn as a prayer.

It’s not challenging whatsoever to be captivated by Meteora. I had my first peek of it through a viral Facebook video that features the monasteries perched atop lofty rocky pillars. At that moment, I knew I had to set foot in it and see it for myself. There’s this old saying immortalized in memes: If you want something badly enough, the universe will make conspire to make it happen. I’m not one to rely on the wisdom from memes, but it [turned out to be] true in this case. I didn’t think I’d be able to visit Meteora this soon, but a series of fortunate events led me to this.

ما هو مغطى في هذا الدليل؟

Understanding Meteora
Best Time to visit Meteora
Where to stay in Meteora
How to get to MeteoraAthens to Meteora by Train
Athens to Meteora by Bus

Things to do in MeteoraMonasteries Tour
Great Saint Scrambling Tour
Church of the assumption of the Virgin Mary
Kastraki Village

Sample Meteora Itinerary
Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Meteora safe?
Should I explore Meteora on my own or ought to I join a guided tour?
What to wear inside the monasteries? هل هناك قواعد اللباس؟
Are there restaurants near the monasteries?
What is tipping policy in Kalambaka?
Do I need a visa to visit Greece?

المزيد من الاقتراحات على موقع يوتيوب ⬇

Understanding Meteora

The name “meteora” implies “high up in the air,” referring to the towering pillars that make up this rock formation, overlooking the plains of Thessaly in Greece. because the first hermits took shelter in its caves, these sandstone columns have seen 24 Eastern Orthodox monasteries, making it one of the faith’s many essential sites, second only to Mt. Athos. because the monasteries were built on the summit of these rocks, they offer complete isolation. For many of its history, the only way to reach them were by long ladders, ropes, and nets.

Today, only six of these monasteries remain standing. Inscribed in the UNESCO world Heritage List, Meteora has been drawing tourists from all around the world for its historical, cultural, and geological importance as well as breathtaking scenery.

Here’s much more info about Meteora.

Language: Greek. However, English is widely spoken.

Currency: Euro (EUR, €). €1 = 1.14 USD, SGD 1.6, PHP 61 (as of October 2018)

Modes of Payment: cash is still the most common.

Electricity Info: 230 V, 50 Hz. Power sockets are type F, which also accept type C plugs.

Best Time to visit Meteora

April to June and November, when the weather is comfortable and the crowd isn’t that big.

July to October is high season, so rates in Greece in general are higher and the site is overrun by tourists. July and August are the driest and the hottest months.

December to March is winter. It’s not just the coldest, it’s also the wettest period. It doesn’t imply though that it rains every day. We went to in December, but it didn’t rain at all, not even a small drizzle. maybe we just got lucky. One essential thing to note when traveling in winter season is that there is no public bus service to Meteora from Kalambaka or Kastraki, which limits your transportation options significantly.

Where to stay in Meteora

There are two towns lying at the foot of the Meteora cliffs: Kalambaka and Kastraki. To get to Meteora, you need to find your way to any of these.

Most independent travelers and backpackers choose to stay in Kalambaka, which provides much more lodging, dining, and trip options than Kastraki. In Greek, the official name of the town is Kalabaka, but it is also often called Kalambaka or Kalampaka. Don’t be confused. They all refer to the same town.

Here are some of the top-rated hotels in Kalambaka and Trikala, as scored by Agoda users.

Epavlis Meteora Suites Hotel, Kalampaka, Greece. check rates & Availability.

Hotel Galaxy, Kalampaka, Greece. check rates & Availability.

Chrysorama Rooms, Kalampaka, Greece. check rates & Availability.

Meteora hotel at Kastraki, Kalampaka, Greece. check rates & Availability.

Hotel Panellinion, Trikala, Greece. check rates & Availability.

Hotel Lithaion, Trikala, Greece check rates & Availability.

Search for much more Meteora Hotels

How to get to Meteora

The nearest airport is Nea Aghialos national airport (aka Volos central Greece airport or Volos Nea Anchialos Airport), located in central Greece, south of Thessaly.

But many tourists come from Athens. If you’re coming from Manila or Singapore, the most affordable way to reach Athens isMETEORA, GREECE: travel guide & budget schedule (###) The first hermits arrived in hopes of finding seclusion and spiritual peace. Centuries later, Meteora is now swarmed by tourists, gawking at the charm of the surrounding landscape and splendor of its monastic tradition. but even amid the the busyness within and around the monasteries, it is obvious why, of all places, it is here that the first occupants chose to dwell. It takes little imagination to see that Meteora, at least back in the day, was as peaceful as slumber and as solemn as a prayer.

It’s not challenging whatsoever to be captivated by Meteora. I had my first peek of it through a viral Facebook video that features the monasteries perched atop lofty rocky pillars. At that moment, I knew I had to set foot in it and see it for myself. There’s this old saying immortalized in memes: If you want something badly enough, the universe will make conspire to make it happen. I’m not one to rely on the wisdom from memes, but it [turned out to be] true in this case. I didn’t think I’d be able to visit Meteora this soon, but a series of fortunate events led me to this.

ما هو مغطى في هذا الدليل؟

Understanding Meteora
Best Time to visit Meteora
Where to stay in Meteora
How to get to MeteoraAthens to Meteora by Train
Athens to Meteora by Bus

Things to do in MeteoraMonasteries Tour
Great Saint Scrambling Tour
Church of the assumption of the Virgin Mary
Kastraki Village

Sample Meteora Itinerary
Frequently Asked QuestionsIs Meteora safe?
Should I explore Meteora on my own or ought to I join a guided tour?
What to wear inside the monasteries? هل هناك قواعد اللباس؟
Are there restaurants near the monasteries?
What is tipping policy in Kalambaka?
Do I need a visa to visit Greece?

المزيد من الاقتراحات على موقع يوتيوب ⬇

Understanding Meteora

The name “meteora” implies “high up in the air,” referring to the towering pillars that make up this rock formation, overlooking the plains of Thessaly in Greece. because the first hermits took shelter in its caves, these sandstone columns have seen 24 Eastern Orthodox monasteries, making it one of the faith’s many essential sites, second only to Mt. Athos. because the monasteries were built on the summit of these rocks, they offer complete isolation. For many of its history, the only way to reach them were by long ladders, ropes, and nets.

Today, only six of these monasteries remain standing. Inscribed in the UNESCO world Heritage List, Meteora has been drawing tourists from all around the world for its historical, cultural, and geological importance as well as breathtaking scenery.

Here’s much more info about Meteora.

Language: Greek. However, English is widely spoken.

Currency: Euro (EUR, €). €1 = 1.14 USD, SGD 1.6, PHP 61 (as of October 2018)

Modes of Payment: cash is still the most common.

Electricity Info: 230 V, 50 Hz. Power sockets are type F, which also accept type C plugs.

Best Time to visit Meteora

April to June and November, when the weather is comfortable and the crowd isn’t that big.

July to October is high season, so rates in Greece in general are higher and the site is overrun by tourists. July and August are the driest and the hottest months.

December to March is winter. It’s not just the coldest, it’s also the wettest period. It doesn’t imply though that it rains every day. We went to in December, but it didn’t rain at all, not even a small drizzle. maybe we just got lucky. One essential thing to note when traveling in winter season is that there is no public bus service to Meteora from Kalambaka or Kastraki, which limits your transportation options significantly.

Where to stay in Meteora

There are two towns lying at the foot of the Meteora cliffs: Kalambaka and Kastraki. To get to Meteora, you need to find your way to any of these.

Most independent travelers and backpackers choose to stay in Kalambaka, which provides much more lodging, dining, and trip options than Kastraki. In Greek, the official name of the town is Kalabaka, but it is also often called Kalambaka or Kalampaka. Don’t be confused. They all refer to the same town.

Here are some of the top-rated hotels in Kalambaka and Trikala, as scored by Agoda users.

Epavlis Meteora Suites Hotel, Kalampaka, Greece. check rates & Availability.

Hotel Galaxy, Kalampaka, Greece. check rates & Availability.

Chrysorama Rooms, Kalampaka, Greece. check rates & Availability.

Meteora hotel at Kastraki, Kalampaka, Greece. check rates & Availability.

Hotel Panellinion, Trikala, Greece. check rates & Availability.

Hotel Lithaion, Trikala, Greece check rates & Availability.

Search for much more Meteora Hotels

How to get to Meteora

The nearest airport is Nea Aghialos national airport (aka Volos central Greece airport or Volos Nea Anchialos Airport), located in central Greece, south of Thessaly.

But many tourists come from Athens. If you’re coming from Manila or Singapore, the most affordable way to reach Athens ism-2pm
Closed: Wednesdays

Holy Trinity Monastery
ساعات الصيف: من 9 صباحًا إلى 5 مساءً
Winter hours: 9am-4pm
Closed: Thursdays

St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery
Summer hours: 8am-4pm
Winter hours: 9am-4pm
Closed: Fridays

All monasteries above charge a €3 entrance fee. kids 12 and below can enter for free.

These monasteries offer not just spectacular views. They also house essential historical artifacts. For example, the great Meteoron Monastery also showcases the role of the Orthodox Church in essential events in Greek history including world war II. St. Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery displays frescoes created by Theophanes in 1527.

The great Meteoron Monastery and the Varlaam Monastery are the most significant and the two many popular. St. Stephen’s Monastery and Roussanou Monastery are the easiest to access.

You can do it on your own, but because of the site’s immense historical importance, joining a guided trip will make your trip not just pleasurable but also enlightening.

Half-day trips typically cost €25 to €35.

Great Saint Scrambling Tour

The great Saint rock is one of the most renowned in Meteora. If you’re up for an adventure and you’re in great shape, this is best up your alley. This is a guided trip that will lead you to the tallest rock in the area, around 400 meters above the ground. There will be some climbing, abseiling, traversing, and lots of hiking, so be prepared physically and mentally.

You should have a guide to be able to do this because it’s a bit dangerous. trips start at €60.

Church of the assumption of the Virgin Mary

Built in 7th century AD, this is one of the oldest churches in Greece. This Byzantine church is often overlooked by tourists even though it’s centuries older than the monasteries perched on the Meteora rocks. It has three aisles and features frescoes that can be traced back to as far as 14th century. Don’t miss the relics of an older green temple can also be found inside.

If you’re staying in Kalambaka, you can easily make your way to this church.

Kastraki Village

Kastraki is one of the two villages at the foot of Meteora. Although Kalambaka harbors much more hotels, restaurants, and trip agencies, Kastraki is quieter and much more picturesque. even if you’re staying in Kalambaka, Kastraki is worth a stop too. The village lies in between two colossal rocks, ensuring an unforgettable view from the base. The 19th-century houses along its streets are well-preserved, too!

Sample Meteora Itinerary

Here’s a sample overnight Meteora itinerary. It assumes you’re arriving in Kalambaka before 2pm. We’ve indicated the entrance fees if you want to explore on your own as well as the typical trip rates if you want to join a guided tour.

DAY 1 – SUNSET TOUR

Arrival in Kalambaka

الاختيار فندق في

Meteora Sunset Tour: €30

St. Stephen Monastery. entrance fee: €3

Dinner in Kalambaka

DAY 2 – MONASTERIES TOUR

الخروج المبكر

Sightseeing Tour: €30

Great Meteoron Monastery: €3

Varlaam Monastery: €3

Roussanou Monastery: €3

غداء

مقال

If you’re exploring Meteora DIY-style and on foot, Meteora is going to be one of the most affordable trips you’ll have in Greece. but if you’re joining guided tours, prepare to shell out around €100 for the trip fees, entrance fees, and gratuities.

أسئلة مكررة

Is Meteora safe?

When it concerns crimes, yes, Kalambaka and Meteora are very safe generally. but as in other places, follow the guidelines and don’t leave your things unattended.

If you’re not physically fit, don’t join some of the hiking tours, especially the great Saint Scramble. It is a physically demanding activity.

Because of the rugged terrain and lofty cliffs, there’s always danger especially when it rains, so be extra careful. Don’t go too close to the edge. wear shoes that have a good grip.

Should I explore Meteora on my own or ought to I join a guided tour?

It is possible to explore Meteora on your own. As mentioned, from mid-March/April to November, there are

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