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Things to do in Meteora: Attractions & activities

What makes Meteora unforgettable

You’ve likely seen the photos of monasteries perched on cliffs that seem to touch the sky. Apart from Meteora's dramatic views, it’s a place where hermits carved caves into rock, monks hauled supplies with rope lifts, and trails still wind between peaks and chapels.

Whether you come on a quick day trip from Athens or stay in Kastraki or Kalambaka, Meteora rewards you with more than scenery. Sunrise lookouts, centuries-old frescoes, and hearty Thessalian meals all add to the experience. Here’s how to make the most of your visit.

Meteora monastery perched on rock formations under a blue sky in Greece.
  • Each monastery tells a different story: Don’t stop at one. Each has its own view, relics, and rhythm.
  • Perfect for every travel type: Whether you hike, drive, or join a tour, there’s a highlight waiting for you.
  • Tied to living history: Apart from being a photo stop, it’s still home to monks, rituals, and faith.
  • The light changes everything: Visit a spot at sunrise, then again at sunset. It’ll feel like a different place.
  • Offbeat activities: From wine-tasting to spending downtime in the towns of Kalambaka and Kastraki, there's plenty to explore.

Top Meteora highlights to add to your trip

Great Meteoron Monastery

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.

Roussanou Monastery & Viewpoint

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.

Varlaam Monastery

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.

Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas

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.

Psaropetra Lookout Point

This roadside panoramic spot offers one of the best views in Meteora, with no hiking required. From here you can see Roussanou, Varlaam, and Great Meteoron in a single wide-angle frame, especially stunning at golden hour. It’s popular for sunset photography, quick breaks on guided tours, and travelers chasing that iconic Meteora postcard shot. Bring your camera and a snack to linger.

Hermit Caves of Badovas

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.

Byzantine churches

Kalambaka’s Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary dates back to the 10th century and is built on the site of an earlier basilica. Inside, faint frescoes and carved marble details reflect centuries of worship. In Kastraki, smaller chapels still hold vibrant post-Byzantine frescoes painted under Ottoman rule, giving you a sense of resilience and continuity of faith.

Theopetra Cave

This cave is one of the rare sites where archaeologists traced continuous human life from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic period. You’ll see evidence of fire pits, stone tools, and even the remnants of a 23,000-year-old wall, possibly the world’s oldest known man-made structure. It’s worth a short detour from Meteora for its unique timeline of human history.

Sunset & sunrise viewpoints

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.

Hiking trails

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.

Kalambaka

Kalambaka is more than just the entry point to Meteora. The town’s cobbled main streets are lined with bakeries, craft shops, and tavernas. Stop by the local folklore museum or browse workshops where artisans carve wood and paint icons. With its train station and range of hotels, it’s the most practical base if you’re planning day trips.

Kastraki

​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.

Local taverns

Meals in Meteora are unhurried affairs. Taverns serve classics like ‘exohiko,’ grilled lamb chops, and savory pies, often featuring local mushrooms. Seasonal menus and carafes of house wine make dining simple yet memorable. Expect generous hospitality! Desserts or small treats often appear on the house. Eating here is as much about company and rhythm as the food itself.

Natural History & Mushroom Museum (Kalambaka)

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.

Wine & food tastings

Family-run wineries around Meteora produce distinctive reds and crisp whites from local grapes like Xinomavro and Roditis. Tastings often include cheeses, olives, and honey from nearby farms. Sessions are informal, usually led by the winemaker, and paired with views of the cliffs. It’s a relaxed way to connect with the region’s flavors and traditions.

What’s included in Meteora highlight tours if you book a day trip

If you're booking a day trip or local experience focused on Meteora’s highlights, here’s what’s typically part of the tour:

  • Round-trip transfers: Many tours include pick-up and return from hotels. With transport handled, you can spend more time at monasteries, viewpoints, and trails without worrying about logistics.
  • Guided visits to 2–4 monasteries: Includes monastery entry and storytelling from certified local guides.
  • Panoramic stops at viewpoints: Photo breaks at scenic spots like Psaropetra or the back trails of Roussanou.
  • Optional hiking routes: Some packages include short hikes on the original pilgrim paths.
  • Cultural context: Learn about Orthodox faith, hermit life, and Meteora’s transformation over the centuries.

Tips for navigating Meteora’s highlights

Want to see the best of Meteora without burning out or missing key views? Keep these travel-tested tips in mind:

  • Start early: The monasteries open around 9am, and mornings are quieter before bus tours arrive.
  • Plan monastery days in advance: Not all monasteries open every day. Check each monastery’s schedule so you don’t arrive to find doors closed.
  • Dress for entry: Women must wear skirts (wrap-arounds are sometimes provided), and men need long pants. Shoulders should be covered.
  • Carry cash: Entry fees (usually €3 per monastery) are cash only, and there are no ATMs near the sites.
  • Use local buses or taxis if not driving: Buses run from Kalambaka and Kastraki, but taxis are a flexible option if you don’t rent a car.
  • Stay overnight if you can: Sunrise and sunset are magical and missed on day trips. Even one night in Kalambaka or Kastraki gives you more time.
  • Bring sturdy shoes: Paths can be uneven, especially if you’re hiking. Sneakers or hiking shoes are better than sandals.
  • Pack water and snacks: There are no cafés or shops near most monasteries. Stock up in town before heading out.
  • Respect photography rules: Some monasteries restrict photos inside chapels. Signs will be posted, and it’s best to ask first.
  • Don’t skip the small churches: Byzantine churches in Kalambaka and Kastraki have beautiful frescoes and fewer crowds than the monasteries.
  • Try a guided hike: Guides share stories about hermits, hidden chapels, and local history that you’d miss on your own.
  • Stay for blue hour: After sunset, the cliffs glow in soft purple light. It’s less crowded and great for photography.
  • Visit Theopetra Cave: Just 10 minutes from Kalambaka, it’s one of Europe’s most important prehistoric sites with finds dating back 130,000 years.
  • Eat local specialities: Order mushroom dishes, pies, or lamb baked in clay pots at taverns in Kalambaka or Kastraki.
  • Bring layers: Even in summer, mornings and evenings can be cool, especially on high viewpoints.

Frequently asked questions about Meteora’s top highlights

Six out of the original 24 are still active and open to visitors on rotating days.

Meteora rock formations with a monastery perched on a cliff, viewed from Kalabaka, Greece.

Sunrise Over the Cliffs

Soft morning light bathing the monasteries in golden hues.

Great Meteoron Holy Monastery interior with ancient kitchenware and pottery.
Meteora monastery perched on rock formations surrounded by lush greenery, Greece.