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.

Meteora Hiking Tour | Explore Via Small-Group Guided Treks

From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Amy

Australia

Jan 2026

‌

+1 more

Excellent tour! It was a long drive from Athens to Meteora, and it was a safe and comfortable ride. The bus was very clean. Our tour guide Eva was very warm, friendly and knowledgeable. Even though we didn't enter all the monasteries, we drove to photo spots of each one and were given background information on each. 5 stars!

Tania

Switzerland

Sep 2025

‌

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.

Wang

Hong Kong

Dec 2025

‌

The plan was wonderful. We could visit 3 monasteries. And the guide lady is very nice. Let us know more about the history.

Mihaela

Jan 2026

The landscape is fantastic. We stopped several times, just to catch the beauty from differet perspectives and it was always more and more beautiful.

Lucio

Argentina

Jan 2026

The visit to the Monastery complex was truly beautiful and rewarding, and our Spanish-speaking guide (Rula) was excellent. The only negative point was that, due to the farmers' protests, the round trip, which was already long, became even longer.

Ruth

Israel

Dec 2025

Our guide, Konstantina, was excellent. The bus was very comfortable with great Wi-Fi and phone charging ports. The stops were well-timed, and the trip itself was stunning with unique landscapes. Highly recommended!"

Top things to do in Athens

Acropolis Tickets

from

€29.90

Delphi Tickets

from

€26

Temple of Poseidon & Cape Sounion

from

€19.32

National Archaeological Museum Tickets

from

€26

Temple of Olympian Zeus

from

€26

Ancient Agora of Athens Tickets

from

€19

Museum of Illusions Athens

from

€12.50

Athens To Mycenae Tours

from

€26

Athens Mega Pass

from

€79

Athens Turbopass

from

€83.90

City Sightseeing Athens Hop-on Hop-off Tours

from

€22

Ancient Olympia Tickets

from

€26

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?

1/4

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

Feature	Guided Hiking Tour with Monastery Visit	Hidden 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?

Reserve now!

Highlights of your Meteora hiking tour

1/3

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

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.

As you exit Larissa train station, head straight across the street. You'll find your 'Meteora Thrones' bus parked on Theodore Diligianni Street, right outside Everest Café.
You’ll typically visit 2 to 4 monasteries, depending on the day and opening schedules. Each monastery is closed one day a week (Great Meteoron doesn’t open on Tuesdays, and Varlaam is closed on Fridays).
Meteora is not suitable for wheelchair users, as all sites involve stairs or inclined pathways. If you have limited mobility, consider visiting monasteries like St. Stephen’s with a paved path and fewer steps.
Tours use minibuses or small coaches to travel between monasteries. The drives are short but often involve narrow, winding mountain roads.
While there are no restrooms on the bus, a scheduled mid-tour stop gives you time for a bathroom break and a quick snack.
Tour guides stay outside the monasteries; use your smartphone and earphones to listen to the included audio guide.
All monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear long pants; women need knee-length skirts and covered shoulders. Wraps and shawls are typically provided at the entrance.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes, as many paths are uneven and involve climbing stairs.

Inclusions #

Round-trip transfers to and from Athens by air-conditioned, luxury coach bus
Meteora sunset tour (first day)
Half-day Meteora sightseeing tour or Meteora hiking tour (second day, based on option selected)
Entry to all 6 monasteries (depending on their rotating schedules)
Entry to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
Entry to the Byzantine Church of Virgin Mary (on the sunset tour)
Photo stops for panoramic views
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Professional hiking guide (for the hiking tour)
One night 3-star hotel accommodation with complimentary breakfast (or 4-star hotel, depending on your choice)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (only for the tours)
Small group size (maximum 20 guests)
Free Wi-fi and USB chargers on the bus
Bottled water onboard

Exclusions #

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Athens
A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
Hotel tax (typically €1.5/room in 3-star hotels & €3/room in 4-star hotels)
Guide inside the monasteries
Food and drinks
Tips for the guide (optional)
Personal travel insurance

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Meet your guide at Mesochori (Ancient Settlement of Kastraki), near the Doupiani Rock trailhead, just beneath the Pantokrator Monastery ruins.
Depending on the day and schedule, you’ll visit between 2 to 4 monasteries. Each monastery closes one day per week ( Great Meteoron on Tuesdays, Varlaam on Fridays).
Meteora is not wheelchair accessible. All monasteries involve stairs or uneven paths. For easier access, consider visiting St. Stephen’s Monastery, which has a paved walkway and fewer steps.
Transport between sites is provided by a local minibus or coach. While distances are short, the roads can be steep and winding.
There are no toilets on the bus, but a scheduled rest stop is included midway for snacks and bathroom breaks.
Guided commentary is not allowed inside the monasteries.
Bring earphones and a smartphone if you’d like to use the audio guide app during your visit.
All monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear trousers, and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders. Wrap skirts and shawls are typically available at entrances, if needed.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes; paths are uneven and often steep.

Inclusions #

Round-trip hotel transfers from Kalabaka or Kastraki by VIP Mercedes minibus
Guide meeting point at Mesochori (Ancient Settlement of Kastraki)
Meteora hiking tour with panoramic views of all 6 monasteries
Small group size (up to 12 guests)
Professional English-speaking mountain guide
French and Italian-speaking guides (depending on availability)
Entry to 1 monastery (likely Great Meteoron or Varlaam, depending on their rotating schedules)
Bottled water onboard

Exclusions #

A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
Guide inside the monasteries
Food and drinks
Tips for the guide (optional)
Personal travel insurance

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Go on a hike to discover the “hidden trails” of Meteora and visit ancient ruins and monasteries on the way.
A worry-free transportation experience awaits as you get hotel transfers in a luxury VIP minibus included in the ticket. All you need to do is look forward to the day of!
A local mountain guide will be present during the tour to help you make the most of this hike.
The hike begins on the foothills of Meteora and the trail itself has historic significance since it has been used for 15 centuries by the earliest monks who took this path.
Visit the ruins of St. Dimitrios and the monastery of Great Meteoron or Varlaam with your guide who will tell you about the history and legends of these landmarks.
On this tour, you will also visit the Ypapanti Monastery which is set in a cave further back as you go into the hills.
Don’t forget to take pictures while you visit the most spectacular Eastern Orthodox monasteries on your hike, in addition to the flora and fauna that contribute to breathtaking views on Meteora.

Inclusions #

Hotel transfer (in a luxury VIP minibus)
English speaking local mountain guide
Wifi (on the bus)
All taxes

Exclusions #

Entrance fees to each monastery
Guided tour inside the monasteries

Strict dress code: Men must wear long trousers and women must cover their shoulders and wear long skirts in the monasteries.
Skirts are provided at the entrance of each monastery.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

As you exit Larissa train station, head straight across the street. You'll find your 'Meteora Thrones' bus parked on Theodore Diligianni Street, right outside Everest Café.
You’ll typically visit 2 to 4 monasteries, depending on the day and opening schedules. Each monastery is closed one day a week (Great Meteoron doesn’t open on Tuesdays, and Varlaam is closed on Fridays).
Meteora is not suitable for wheelchair users, as all sites involve stairs or inclined pathways. If you have limited mobility, consider visiting monasteries like St. Stephen’s with a paved path and fewer steps.
Tours use minibuses or small coaches to travel between monasteries. The drives are short but often involve narrow, winding mountain roads.
While there are no restrooms on the bus, a scheduled mid-tour stop gives you time for a bathroom break and a quick snack.
Tour guides stay outside the monasteries; use your smartphone and earphones to listen to the included audio guide.
All monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear long pants; women need knee-length skirts and covered shoulders. Wraps and shawls are typically provided at the entrance.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes, as many paths are uneven and involve climbing stairs.

Inclusions #

Round-trip transfers to and from Athens by air-conditioned, luxury coach bus
Meteora sunset tour (first day)
Half-day Meteora sightseeing tour or Meteora hiking tour (second day, based on option selected)
Entry to all 6 monasteries (depending on their rotating schedules)
Entry to the Hermit Caves of Badovas
Entry to the Byzantine Church of Virgin Mary (on the sunset tour)
Photo stops for panoramic views
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Professional hiking guide (for the hiking tour)
One night 3-star hotel accommodation with complimentary breakfast (or 4-star hotel, depending on your choice)
Hotel pick-up and drop-off (only for the tours)
Small group size (maximum 20 guests)
Free Wi-fi and USB chargers on the bus
Bottled water onboard

Exclusions #

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Athens
A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
Hotel tax (typically €1.5/room in 3-star hotels & €3/room in 4-star hotels)
Guide inside the monasteries
Food and drinks
Tips for the guide (optional)
Personal travel insurance

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Meet your guide at Mesochori (Ancient Settlement of Kastraki), near the Doupiani Rock trailhead, just beneath the Pantokrator Monastery ruins.
Depending on the day and schedule, you’ll visit between 2 to 4 monasteries. Each monastery closes one day per week ( Great Meteoron on Tuesdays, Varlaam on Fridays).
Meteora is not wheelchair accessible. All monasteries involve stairs or uneven paths. For easier access, consider visiting St. Stephen’s Monastery, which has a paved walkway and fewer steps.
Transport between sites is provided by a local minibus or coach. While distances are short, the roads can be steep and winding.
There are no toilets on the bus, but a scheduled rest stop is included midway for snacks and bathroom breaks.
Guided commentary is not allowed inside the monasteries.
Bring earphones and a smartphone if you’d like to use the audio guide app during your visit.
All monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear trousers, and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders. Wrap skirts and shawls are typically available at entrances, if needed.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes; paths are uneven and often steep.

Inclusions #

Round-trip hotel transfers from Kalabaka or Kastraki by VIP Mercedes minibus
Guide meeting point at Mesochori (Ancient Settlement of Kastraki)
Meteora hiking tour with panoramic views of all 6 monasteries
Small group size (up to 12 guests)
Professional English-speaking mountain guide
French and Italian-speaking guides (depending on availability)
Entry to 1 monastery (likely Great Meteoron or Varlaam, depending on their rotating schedules)
Bottled water onboard

Exclusions #

A small offering of €3 to €5 per monastery
Guide inside the monasteries
Food and drinks
Tips for the guide (optional)
Personal travel insurance

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Go on a hike to discover the “hidden trails” of Meteora and visit ancient ruins and monasteries on the way.
A worry-free transportation experience awaits as you get hotel transfers in a luxury VIP minibus included in the ticket. All you need to do is look forward to the day of!
A local mountain guide will be present during the tour to help you make the most of this hike.
The hike begins on the foothills of Meteora and the trail itself has historic significance since it has been used for 15 centuries by the earliest monks who took this path.
Visit the ruins of St. Dimitrios and the monastery of Great Meteoron or Varlaam with your guide who will tell you about the history and legends of these landmarks.
On this tour, you will also visit the Ypapanti Monastery which is set in a cave further back as you go into the hills.
Don’t forget to take pictures while you visit the most spectacular Eastern Orthodox monasteries on your hike, in addition to the flora and fauna that contribute to breathtaking views on Meteora.

Inclusions #

Hotel transfer (in a luxury VIP minibus)
English speaking local mountain guide
Wifi (on the bus)
All taxes

Exclusions #

Entrance fees to each monastery
Guided tour inside the monasteries

Strict dress code: Men must wear long trousers and women must cover their shoulders and wear long skirts in the monasteries.
Skirts are provided at the entrance of each monastery.

You can cancel these tickets up to 24 hours before the experience begins and get a full refund.

Day Trips

From Athens: Meteora 2-Day Trip with 2 Guided Tours & Hotels

As you exit Larissa train station, head straight across the street. You'll find your 'Meteora Thrones' bus parked on Theodore Diligianni Street, right outside Everest Café.
You’ll typically visit 2 to 4 monasteries, depending on the day and opening schedules. Each monastery is closed one day a week (Great Meteoron doesn’t open on Tuesdays, and Varlaam is closed on Fridays).
Meteora is not suitable for wheelchair users, as all sites involve stairs or inclined pathways. If you have limited mobility, consider visiting monasteries like St. Stephen’s with a paved path and fewer steps.
Tours use minibuses or small coaches to travel between monasteries. The drives are short but often involve narrow, winding mountain roads.
While there are no restrooms on the bus, a scheduled mid-tour stop gives you time for a bathroom break and a quick snack.
Tour guides stay outside the monasteries; use your smartphone and earphones to listen to the included audio guide.
All monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear long pants; women need knee-length skirts and covered shoulders. Wraps and shawls are typically provided at the entrance.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes, as many paths are uneven and involve climbing stairs.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

48 hr.

Guided tour

Transfers available

Meals included

Guided Tours

From Meteora: Guided Hiking Tour with Monastery Visit

Meet your guide at Mesochori (Ancient Settlement of Kastraki), near the Doupiani Rock trailhead, just beneath the Pantokrator Monastery ruins.
Depending on the day and schedule, you’ll visit between 2 to 4 monasteries. Each monastery closes one day per week ( Great Meteoron on Tuesdays, Varlaam on Fridays).
Meteora is not wheelchair accessible. All monasteries involve stairs or uneven paths. For easier access, consider visiting St. Stephen’s Monastery, which has a paved walkway and fewer steps.
Transport between sites is provided by a local minibus or coach. While distances are short, the roads can be steep and winding.
There are no toilets on the bus, but a scheduled rest stop is included midway for snacks and bathroom breaks.
Guided commentary is not allowed inside the monasteries.
Bring earphones and a smartphone if you’d like to use the audio guide app during your visit.
All monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear trousers, and women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders. Wrap skirts and shawls are typically available at entrances, if needed.
Wear closed, comfortable walking shoes; paths are uneven and often steep.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

4 hr. 30 min.

Transfers available

Pickup available

Guided Tours

Hidden Trails of Meteora Hiking Tour

Go on a hike to discover the “hidden trails” of Meteora and visit ancient ruins and monasteries on the way.
A worry-free transportation experience awaits as you get hotel transfers in a luxury VIP minibus included in the ticket. All you need to do is look forward to the day of!
A local mountain guide will be present during the tour to help you make the most of this hike.
The hike begins on the foothills of Meteora and the trail itself has historic significance since it has been used for 15 centuries by the earliest monks who took this path.
Visit the ruins of St. Dimitrios and the monastery of Great Meteoron or Varlaam with your guide who will tell you about the history and legends of these landmarks.
On this tour, you will also visit the Ypapanti Monastery which is set in a cave further back as you go into the hills.
Don’t forget to take pictures while you visit the most spectacular Eastern Orthodox monasteries on your hike, in addition to the flora and fauna that contribute to breathtaking views on Meteora.

‌

Check availability

Free cancellation

Book now, pay later

4 hr.

Transfers available

Pickup available

Meteora Hiking Tour

From happy customers

Top things to do in Athens

Why choose a Meteora hiking tour?

What to expect on a Meteora hiking tour?

Luxury round-trip transfers

Guided scenic hiking tour

Small-group setting

English–speaking guides

Things to know before booking your Meteora hiking tour

Comparison table to help you pick the right tour

Highlights of your Meteora hiking tour

Great Meteoron

Varlaam

Ruins of St. Dimitrios

Tips and rules

Frequently asked questions about Meteora hiking tour

What is the best time to hike in Meteora?

Do I need prior hiking experience?

Can I hike Meteora without a guide?

What should I pack for the hike?

What’s included in the hiking tour?

How long is the hike and total tour?

Can I take photos inside the monasteries?

Is water and restroom access available?

Meteora Hiking Tour

From Athens: Meteora 2-Day Trip with 2 Guided Tours & Hotels

From Meteora: Guided Hiking Tour with Monastery Visit

Hidden Trails of Meteora Hiking Tour