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Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street
Your journey starts at 8am from Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street (Venizelos Statue) in Thessaloniki. Board a comfortable, air-conditioned coach for a scenic trip to Kalabaka. Keep your eyes peeled for charming rural villages nestled in the Thessaly valleys, and catch your first glimpse of the towering Meteora rocks rising majestically in the distance.
232 km
3 hours 33 minutes
1
Kalabaka
30 min
Free Admission
By noon, you'll arrive in Kalabaka after a 30-minute coffee break en route. Nestled at the base of these towering rocks, Kalabaka, offers a quaint charm with its traditional streets and local cafés, setting the stage for Meteora’s cliff-top monasteries rising in the distance.
3.2 km
15 minutes
2
Meteora monasteries
90 min
6 attractions
Tickets included
Around 12:30pm, embark on a 1.5-hour guided tour of 2 awe-inspiring monasteries, perched high above the valley. Keep in mind that the monasteries follow a rotational schedule, so you may visit different ones each time, but all offer sweeping views of the Meteora valley and allow you to peer into centuries-old monastic life. A small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person is required for entry to each monastery.
1. Great Meteoron Monastery
40 min
Great Meteoron stands as the grandest of all the Meteora monasteries, perched high above the surrounding landscape. The monastery’s museum displays everything from ancient manuscripts to tools once used by the monks, while the view from the terrace is unparalleled, with Meteora’s rock pillars stretching endlessly in every direction.
2. Varlaam Monastery
40 min
Varlaam offers a view that feels like it could belong in a dream, with the entire Meteora landscape unfolding below, making every step to the top feel worth it. The frescoes stand out, their vibrant colors and detailed scenes telling stories of faith and devotion. You can’t help but notice the giant wine barrel that once held over 12,000 liters, an impressive relic of the monastery’s past.
3. Rousanou Monastery
40 min
Rousanou is a peaceful hideaway, surrounded by lush greenery and colorful flowers. The monastery is run by nuns who welcome visitors with warmth, adding to the serene vibe. From the balcony, you’re treated to an unobstructed view of the Meteora rocks, and you can almost feel the stillness of the place as you take in the surroundings.
4. St. Stephen’s Monastery
40 min
St. Stephen’s offers a more accessible experience, with a bridge leading you straight into its peaceful grounds. Inside, the church is adorned with beautiful icons and religious relics, offering a glimpse into the monastery’s deep spiritual roots. The view from here is incredible, stretching over the plains of Kalambaka and the Meteora rock formations.
5. Holy Trinity Monastery
40 min
Holy Trinity is as dramatic as they come, sitting atop a narrow pinnacle that feels almost unreachable. The climb is a bit challenging, but once you arrive, the view is absolutely worth it, stretching across the vast landscape of Meteora. Inside, the small chapel is filled with stunning frescoes, and there’s a peacefulness here that invites you to sit back and reflect.
6. St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery
40 min
St. Nicholas Anapausas is tucked away on a small, isolated rock, and it’s one of the more intimate monasteries in Meteora. The chapel’s frescoes are incredibly detailed, with vivid colors that transport you to another time. The view from here is magnificent, overlooking the valley below and the other towering rocks of Meteora in the distance.
1 km
2 minutes
3
Kastraki Village
60 min
Free Admission
At 1:30pm, enjoy a hearty Greek lunch in Kastraki, where terracotta rooftops and mountain silhouettes create a stunning natural amphitheater. Lunch is at your own expense, and you’ll have the chance to choose from a variety of charming local tavernas. Be sure to try the classic moussaka, a tender lamb souvlaki, or a fresh salad with local olives and feta. Pair your meal with a glass of ouzo or refreshing tsipouro for a true taste of Greek hospitality.
2.4 km
10 minutes
4
Kalabaka
30 min
Free Admission
By 2:30pm, return to Kalabaka town, passing the last views of Meteora’s spires as your journey north toward Thessaloniki begins.
235 km
3 hours
5
Aristotelous Square & Egnatia Street
Inclusions
Exclusions
Despite Meteora's remote appearance, it is conveniently located about a 2.5-hour drive from Thessaloniki, making it an ideal destination for a day trip. The journey is relatively straightforward and offers beautiful scenery along the way. Well-organized tours provide seamless transportation from Thessaloniki to Meteora, ensuring that you can relax and enjoy the journey without stressing about navigating unfamiliar roads.
Recommended ticket: From Thessaloniki Meteora Monasteries Full Day Guided Tour
Meteora day trips
Absolutely! A day trip from Thessaloniki to Meteora is a rewarding experience. Meteora's rock formations and ancient monasteries offer breathtaking views and a deep dive into Greek history and culture. A day trip also allows you to explore Meteora without the need for overnight accommodation. It's a convenient option if you're short on time but still want to explore this remarkable site.
The distance from Thessaloniki to Meteora is approximately 230 kilometers (143 miles). This journey by road takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and the chosen route.
Yes, non-Greek visitors need to pay an entrance fee to enter each monastery. The cost is typically around €3 per monastery. This fee is not included in your day trip ticket.
When planning a day trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki, it's a good idea to wear comfortable clothes and sturdy walking shoes cause you'll be doing a lot of walking. Also, please keep in mind that the monasteries have a strict dress code—men are required to wear long pants, and women are expected to wear a dress that covers the knees and shoulders.
On a Meteora day trip from Thessaloniki, you typically have around 4-5 hours to explore Meteora, which is enough to visit 2-3 monasteries and enjoy some of the scenic viewpoints.
Most tours start early in the morning, around 8am, to make the most of the day and ensure you have ample time to explore Meteora.
