From happy customers

Loved by 43 million+
Tania Fraga Beiroa
CH

Tania

Switzerland
Sep 2025
4/5

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The place is stunning, definitely worth visiting. The guide Vaso and both our drivers wery very nice and helpful. I must say we didn't actually visit the Hermit cave, only the caves were mentioned from afar. Also boarding the buses in the morning was a bit chaotic, there where 4 buses on both sides of the street and it took a long time to figure out which one each person was supposed to be in (I arrived 40min early and still was the last to board the bus), as everyone is sent to the same bus and the poor driver was overwhelmed with the queue of people asking where to go. I feel like there must be an easier, more organised way to do this.
NATALIA NOGUEIRA
GB

Natalia

United Kingdom
Aug 2025
5/5

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I loved it! The tour with this company works perfectly, it's well organized and everyone is polite. It takes a long time because of the distance. We visited 3 monasteries and each one took around 1 hour or 40 minutes per monastery. I went for the beautiful scenery, but many people go for the faith. The place is really beautiful and enchanting. The guide spoke excellent English. It was worth it!
JOSE GERARDO FRANCO CASILLAS
US

Jose

United States
Jul 2025
5/5

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The guide Maria is an excellent person, the stop at the restaurant cafe ". Camino" was great, as well as the pizza for dinner. In Meteora the food in "Eufrosino" super rich and The Monasteries are great, a tour that is a must when traveling to Greece.
Bence Laxner
HU

Bence

Hungary
Jun 2025
5/5

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+1 more

I liked the service provided by the tour guide, the drivers and the company as a whole. Eva was so kind, considerate , and hospitable. She made sure everyone's needs were met. She answered all our questions with kindness. The tour itself was worth the long bus ride, the views from the bus were breathtaking. Meteora now holds a special place in our hearts. Its beauty and history is something to behold and remembered.
Rumyana Besarabska-Bakova

Rumyana

Jul 2025
5/5

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+2 more

Excellent orginasation, very knowledgable tiur guides, attentive and polite bus driver, we'll do it again! You made our visit unforgettable. Thank you all!
Rumyana Besarabska-Bakova

Rumyana

Jul 2025
5/5

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+2 more

Excellent orginasation, very knowledgable tiur guides, attentive and polite bus driver, we'll do it again! You made our visit unforgettable. Thank you all!
Ankit Srivastava

Ankit

Jun 2022
5/5
Meteora is an amazing place, and Chris was a really good guide. This is absolutely an experience you should have if you get the chance.
SHANMUKHA RAMA KRISHNA
GB

Shanmukha

United Kingdom
Apr 2025
4/5
The trip was good. Guide Mr Nick have shown and explain about the monastery. It was not easy to find out the bus to Meteora as no one there to identify the bus. It has to be improved and helpful to the customer. Finally got it.

Top things to do in Athens

Hiking in Meteora is one of the best ways to connect with this UNESCO World Heritage Site beyond the usual viewpoints. The trails take you through towering sandstone cliffs, centuries-old hermit caves, and quiet forest paths that feel worlds away from the tour buses. Along the way, you’ll spot monasteries balanced on rocky pinnacles with views of the Thessalian plains.

Whether you want a challenging climb or a relaxed walk, the guided hikes are recommended for all to explore Meteora.

Why choose a Meteora hiking tour?

Guests hiking towards Meteora monastery with mountain backdrop.
  • Expert local guidance: More than just pointing out trails, your guide will be sharing stories, identifying wildlife, and showing you hidden viewpoints most travelers miss.

  • All logistics handled: From permits and entrance tickets to hotel pickup and gear, everything’s sorted so you can hike stress-free.

  • Routes for every level: Options range from relaxed valley strolls to moderate loops and more adventurous circuits—perfect for both beginners and seasoned hikers.

  • Small groups or private tours: Enjoy quiet, curated walks with room to explore at your own pace.

  • Monasteries and mountains: Many hikes pass active monasteries and overlook valleys that have barely changed in 500 years.

What to expect on a Meteora hiking tour?

Tour bus in front of Meteora Monasteries, Greece, during a guided day trip from Athens.
Guests hiking on rocky terrain during Meteora Hiking Tour, Greece.
Guests hiking towards Meteora monastery with mountain backdrop.
Guests listening to a guide during a hike in the forest on the Meteora Hiking Tour.
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Luxury round-trip transfers

Most tours include convenient pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Kalabaka or Kastraki. You’ll usually travel in a comfortable, air-conditioned Mercedes minibus designed for small groups, making the ride both smooth and stress-free.

Guided scenic hiking tour

The highlight of the trip is a well-paced hike through Meteora’s dramatic trails. You’ll pass by hidden paths and enjoy sweeping views of cliffside monasteries like the Great Meteoran and Varlaam.

Small-group setting

Tours typically keep groups small, which means more space on the trail, easier interaction with your guide, and a more intimate atmosphere compared to large tours.

English–speaking guides

Your hike is led by a professional English-speaking mountain guide who brings Meteora to life with local legends, stories of monasteries like Great Meteoron and Varlaam that have stood for 5–7 centuries, and easy-to-follow insights into the region’s dramatic rock formations.

Things to know before booking your Meteora hiking tour

  • Duration: Most Meteora hiking tours last 4-5 hours and involve uneven paths, stone steps, and uphill climbs. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
  • What’s typically included: A local guide, pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Kalabakka or Kastraki, marked trail route, and safety brief.
  • Fee: Each monastery requires an entry fee of €3 per person (cash only). This is not included in most tours, so carry small change. Children usually pay too.
  • Fitness & pace: Most guided hikes are moderate with steady ascents, rock steps, and uneven terrain.
  • Not usually included: Transfers from Athens/Thessaloniki and meals.
  • Monastery access vs. viewpoints: Hiking tours focus on trails, lookouts, and exterior views. Entry to active monasteries is not guaranteed unless explicitly stated and may require extra time and a dress-code check.
  • Group size & formats: Shared groups are usually small with moderate pacing and custom photo stops.
  • Start times: These hiking tours are only available for morning departures.
  • Cancellation & weather: Operators run in light rain but may modify or cancel for storms/high winds. Ensure to check the cancellation policy for a refund.

Comparison table to help you pick the right tour

FeatureGuided Hiking Tour with Monastery VisitHidden Trails of Meteora Hiking Tour

Pickup & transfers

Round-trip hotel transfers from Kalabaka/Kastraki in a VIP Mercedes minibus

Hotel transfers in a luxury VIP minibus (with onboard Wi-Fi)

Group Size

Small groups, up to 12 guests

Up to 18 guests

Guide

Mountain guide (English-speaking; French/Italian available on select days)

Mountain guide (English-speaking only)

Route & experience

Hike starting near Doupiani Rock, through Mesochori hamlet; follows old monk trails with panoramic views of all six monasteries

Begins at Meteora’s foothills; follows 15-century-old monk paths; focuses on hidden trails, ruins, and caves

Monastery visits

Entry to 1 monastery (usually Great Meteoron or Varlaam, depending on rotation)

Visit Great Meteoron or Varlaam plus Ypapanti Monastery (set in a cave); also see ruins of St. Dimitrios

Scenery & extras

Panoramic viewpoints not accessible by road; time for rest stops, photos, and stories

Focus on hidden monasteries, ancient ruins, flora, and fauna along the trails

Inclusions

Hotel transfers, professional guide, small group, bottled water

Hotel transfers, guide, Wi-Fi on bus, all taxes

Exclusions

Monastery entry fees (€3–€5 cash each), food/drinks, tips, personal insurance

Monastery entry fees, food/drinks, tips, personal insurance

Style & pace

More intimate, small group pace, ideal for travelers wanting personalized guidance and storytelling

Broader exploration with extra monastery stops and ruins, ideal for those wanting to cover more hidden sites

Two days, all of Meteora

Why settle for a rushed day trip when you can hike monk trails, explore all six monasteries, and watch the sunset glow over the cliffs—with transfers, hotel stay, and breakfast already included?

Highlights of your Meteora hiking tour

Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron perched on a rocky cliff in Meteora, Greece.
Family climbing stairs to Meteora monastery, Greece, with rock formations in view.
Meteora monasteries perched on rock formations at sunset, Greece.
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Great Meteoron

Hike to the terraces of Great Meteoron, Meteora’s largest monastery, where you’ll soak up sweeping valley views, stone courtyards, and centuries-old frescoes before descending along scenic rock-cut paths.

Varlaam

You’ll climb Varlaam’s stone stairway to broad terraces with valley-wide views. Inside, step through the refectory and a small museum of icons, tools, and manuscripts that frame daily monastic life. Modest dress code applies for visiting inside; expect short, uneven steps between spaces.

Ruins of St. Dimitrios

Follow marked forest paths to the Ruins of St. Dimitrios, a quiet hillside spot with low stone walls and chapel remains. You’ll get light shade, simple valley views, fewer crowds and expect a short, steady climb.

Tips and rules

  • Wear the right gear: Closed-toe hiking shoes, breathable layers, a hat, and sun protection.
  • Be trail-ready: Even “easy” routes have stairs and rocky sections. Light cardio beforehand helps.
  • Choose your season: April–June and September–October bring milder temperatures and fewer crowds; summer is hot and busy.
  • Respect dress codes: For monastery visits, dress modestly—shoulders covered; men in long pants; women in skirts below the knee.
  • Daypack: Fits 1–1.5L water, snacks, light jacket, camera/phone.
  • Water: Carry at least 1–1.5L; refill where possible.
  • Sun & weather: Hat, sunglasses, high-SPF sunscreen; breathable layers. Add a light rain jacket/poncho in spring/fall.
  • Cash (€): Carry cash in hand for small purchases.
  • Snacks: Bars, nuts, or fruit for mid-hike energy.
  • Trekking support (optional): Walking sticks if you have knee concerns.
  • Power: Portable power bank
  • Essentials: Tissues/wet wipes.

Frequently asked questions about Meteora hiking tour

What is the best time to hike in Meteora?

Spring (April–June) and fall (September–October) offer the best weather—cool mornings, clear skies, and fewer crowds. Summer hikes start early to beat the heat.

Do I need prior hiking experience?

Not at all. Beginners are welcome on easy routes. Your guide will tailor the pace and offer support as needed.

Can I hike Meteora without a guide?

Yes, but trails can be hard to follow without signs, and some require permits. Guided tours make your experience easier with logistics being taken care of.

What should I pack for the hike?

Bring water, sun protection (hat, sunscreen), a light jacket, snacks, cash, and a small backpack. Sturdy shoes are essential.

What’s included in the hiking tour?

Typically: hotel pickup/drop-off (usually Kalambaka/Kastraki), professional mountain guide, bottled water, monastery entrance fees (per monastery), and sometimes snacks or lunch.

How long is the hike and total tour?

Standard tours run 4–5 hours.

Can I take photos inside the monasteries?

Photography is generally allowed outside the monasteries with restrictions inside. Guides recommend checking each monastery’s rules.

Is water and restroom access available?

Yes, monasteries typically have taps (for refills) and basic restrooms. Bottled water is often provided, but it is recommended to carry your own.

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