Things to do in Meteora: Attractions & activities

Founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasios, this is the oldest and largest monastery in Meteora. The Great Meteoron Monastery sits on the highest rock pillar and features a rich museum, restored chapel, and rare manuscripts. You’ll climb about 300 steps to reach it, but the payoff is huge—panoramic views, stunning frescoes, and a glimpse into monastic life through centuries. Ideal for first-time visitors and history lovers.

Built on top of a lower, slender rock, Roussanou is easier to reach than most and offers one of the most photogenic scenes in Meteora. It’s run by nuns and known for its peaceful gardens, ornate chapel, and lovely wooden balconies. Just behind the monastery is a trail-accessible viewpoint that many locals call the best sunset spot in the region.

Founded in 1517 and second only to Great Meteoron in size, Varlaam is known for its impressive rope winch system, once used to haul up supplies and even monks. Today, it houses a vibrant fresco-covered chapel, a compact museum, and spectacular views over the rock forest. It’s a great place to understand how Meteora’s monasteries were built by hand, without machines.

This small, multi-level monastery is perfect for those who want a rich historical experience with minimal climbing. The frescoes by Theophanes the Cretan are some of the best-preserved in Meteora, especially in such a compact space. Its vertical design means each floor has a different function, serving as a chapel, living quarters, and observation spots.

Before monasteries dominated the cliffs, hermits dug into caves seeking solitude and prayer. Badovas caves near Kastraki still show remains of wooden scaffolding where they built small huts into vertical cliffs. Imagine hauling supplies up sheer rock faces! It speaks to the determination of early spiritual life here.

You’ll want to plan your day around at least one golden hour. At sunrise, the plain is often blanketed in mist, making the monasteries appear as if they’re floating. Sunset is better from the west-facing lookouts between Kastraki and Kalambaka, so get there early since parking is limited, especially on weekends. Stick around through blue hour when the cliffs cool into soft purples and blues.

Walking in Meteora isn’t only about exercise; it’s how monks, villagers, and traders actually moved between sites for centuries. Trails like the path from Kastraki to the Holy Trinity Monastery give you quiet moments away from the tour buses. Wear sturdy shoes, carry water, and expect uneven terrain. Guided hikes often layer in stories about hermits, hidden chapels, and battles fought in the region.

​Kastraki offers a slower, more intimate stay than Kalambaka. Family-run guesthouses with balconies face the cliffs, and quiet lanes lead straight to hiking trails and hermit caves. The village square is lively in the evenings, with locals strolling or chatting at taverns. Staying here lets you experience Meteora’s calm before the tour buses arrive.

This museum stands out because of its dual focus: one side showcases the region’s wildlife with well-curated taxidermy displays, while the other celebrates mushrooms, a key part of Thessalian cuisine and economy. It’s one of those small museums where you’ll walk away having learned something unexpected, and kids usually enjoy the interactive exhibits too.