Is the round-trip transfer included in the ticket?

Yes, most <experience tgid="21219" type="Popup" title="full-day Meteora tours" id="dOL4NOUT" /> include round-trip transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned coach from central Thessaloniki.

Where is the pick-up point in Thessaloniki?

The main meeting point is usually near Aristotelous Square, Egnatia Street, or the Venizelos Statue. You’ll find the exact details on your voucher once your booking is confirmed.

Which monasteries are included in the tour?

You'll typically visit 2 of the six active monasteries, depending on which are open that day. Your guide will choose the best combination.

Are guided tours available?

Yes, tours include an **English-speaking trip attendant or archaeologist** who shares insights on Meteora’s geology, the meaning behind key frescoes and icons, and how daily life unfolds within the monasteries today. Please note that guides are not permitted inside the monasteries, so you’ll hear these stories during the journey.

Will I have time to stop for food?

Yes, there’s a lunch break in the village of Kastraki where you can eat at a local taverna. Meals are not included in the ticket price.

Can I join the tour even if I'm staying outside Thessaloniki city center?

You’ll need to arrange your own transport to the central meeting point, as most tours do not offer hotel pick-up for outer areas.

What should I wear to visit the monasteries?

The monasteries follow a strict dress code. Men must wear long pants, and women are required to wear skirts and cover their shoulders. Wraps and skirts are often available at the entrance if needed.

Is this a good option if I’m not visiting Athens?

Yes, if you're based in Northern Greece or exploring the region, this is the most efficient way to experience Meteora without heading south.

Thessaloniki to Meteora Day Trips

From happy customers

Loved by 47 million+

Trustpilot rating: 4.5 out of 5

Lin

Singapore

Feb 2026

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Meteora is absolutely breathtaking. The monasteries perched on towering rock pillars feel unreal, like something out of a painting. The views are peaceful yet powerful, and every stop offers a different perspective of history, nature, and faith. A must-visit in Greece.

Amy

Australia

Jan 2026

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+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!

Wang

Hong Kong

Dec 2025

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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!"

Venture from Thessaloniki to Meteora’s towering rock formations and ancient monasteries in a stress-free, full-day excursion. Learn about Byzantine monasticism from an expert archaeologist, enjoy panoramic views, and experience Greece’s history and natural beauty, all in one unforgettable day.

Overview:

Distance from Thessaloniki: Around 230 km
Typical travel time: 3.5 to 4 hours by air-conditioned coach (one way)
On-site visit duration: 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your tour type
Cost range: €60 to €70, depending on duration, inclusions, and upgrades
Best time to visit: Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to October) offer mild weather, fewer crowds, and golden-hour sunsets, ideal for photography and hiking.
Meeting/drop-off point: Aristotelous and Egnatia Street, by the Venizelos Statue
Key attractions/sites covered: 2 to 4 functioning monasteries (Great Meteoron, Varlaam, or others per the rotating schedule), Kastraki Village (optional Greek lunch), and panoramic viewpoints overlooking all six monasteries.

What to expect on a Thessaloniki to Meteora day trip?

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Morning departure from Thessaloniki

Meet at the corner of Aristotelous and Egnatia Street, by the Venizelos Statue, at 8am. Board a comfortable air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi as you travel southwest through the Macedonian countryside toward Meteora.

Scenic journey through Macedonia

Drive past rolling farmlands, Byzantine churches, and villages such as Grevena and Kalambaka. Expect a 3.5 to 4-hour journey, punctuated with occasional photo stops of the dramatic cliffs rising above the Thessalian plains.

Arrival in Kalabaka and guided introduction

Upon arrival, meet your English-speaking archaeologist guide for an overview of Meteora’s monastic traditions. Get historical context on the monasteries you’ll visit and their unique architectural and cultural significance.

Monastery exploration

Explore 2 active monasteries (Great Meteoron, Varlaam, or others per rotating schedule) over 1.5 to 2 hours. Panoramic viewpoints give sweeping views of all six monasteries. Expect to pay a small cash offering of €3 to €5 per person at each monastery.

Optional Kastraki lunch and village time

Stop in Kastraki Village for lunch at a local taverna (meal not included) or a stroll through artisan shops. Enjoy Greek specialties like spinach pies or soutzoukakia while soaking in the village’s scenic atmosphere.

Comfortable return to Thessaloniki

Board the coach for the return journey, arriving late afternoon to early evening. Reflect on the unique combination of UNESCO heritage, panoramic vistas, and immersive history while enjoying the comfort and amenities of your air-conditioned coach.

Things to know before booking your Meteora day tour

Meet your guide at the corner of Aristotelous and Egnatia Street by the Venizelos Statue, then relax on a comfortable 3.5 to 4-hour coach ride through Macedonia’s rolling farmlands and charming villages as you head to Meteora.
Choose from half-day or full-day tours, giving you 1.5 to 4 hours on-site to explore 2 to 4 monasteries, with morning or sunset options providing the best light and smaller crowds for photos.
Groups are capped at 16 to 20 people, ensuring a more intimate experience with attentive guides who share local stories, history, and hidden corners.
Entry to each monastery requires a €3 to €5 cash offering. Bring small bills to cover entries for all stops.
Stop at Kastraki Village to enjoy a traditional Greek meal at a local taverna, savoring dishes like moussaka or lamb while taking in the village’s charming streets and views of the Meteora monasteries.
Meteora is not wheelchair-friendly, with uneven stone paths, stairs, and moderate uphill walking. St. Stephen’s Monastery is the most accessible with paved paths and minimal stairs.

Why take a Meteora day trip from Thessaloniki?

Strategically located for Northern Greece itineraries: If your trip skips Athens or follows a north-to-south route, from Halkidiki and Mount Olympus to the Balkan border, Thessaloniki lets you add Meteora without detours or backtracking. It’s also the most practical base for those flying in or entering Greece overland via the Balkans, avoiding the need to route through the capital or add extra travel costs.
Less crowded starting point: Thessaloniki departures often cater to smaller group sizes compared to the volume of Athens-based tours. This results in a more relaxed, flexible experience at Meteora, often with more time at key stops and better access to guides for questions and commentary.
Flexible add-ons for longer routes: If you’re planning to explore Vergina, Pella, Edessa, or even Meteora in combination with Mount Olympus, Thessaloniki is the central pivot point that ties all these destinations together.

Beyond the monasteries | Explore nearby

Hermit Caves of Badovas

Step into the remote caves where monks once sought solitude, carved directly into Meteora’s cliffs.

What to see: Stone dwellings, intricate carvings, and sweeping views over Meteora’s rock formations
Time needed: 30 to 60 minutes
Availability: Part of all full-day tours departing from Athens, Kalabaka, and Kastraki

Hermit Caves of Badovas

Kastraki Village

Wander through the picturesque village at the base of Meteora, famous for its traditional stone homes, charming streets, and quaint local shops.

What to see: Historic stone architecture, artisan stores, scenic alleys
Time needed: Around 1 hour (typically included if lunch is booked)
Availability: Included in full-day tours from Athens, Thessaloniki, and Kalabaka with lunch options

Kastraki Village

Meteora Natural History Museum

Learn about the unique geology, plants, and wildlife of the Meteora region at this engaging local museum.

What to see: Fossils, geological exhibits, displays of local flora and fauna
Time needed: Approximately 30 minutes
Availability: Optional stop during free time in Kalabaka or Kastraki

Meteora Natural History Museum

Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary

Visit a millennium-old Byzantine church, erected on the foundations of an ancient Greek temple.

What to see: Byzantine architectural details and centuries-old religious artifacts
Time needed: 30 to 45 minutes
Availability: Featured on sunset tours and 2-day guided tours from Athens

Getting to Meteora from Thessaloniki

Meteora rock formations with monasteries, part of full-day tour from Athens including transfers.

The simplest and most convenient option to reach Meteora from Thessaloniki is to join one of our guided day tours, allowing you to maximize your time at the monasteries without logistical hassles.

If you prefer to travel independently:

Train: Trains run from Thessaloniki Railway Station to Kalabaka, taking approximately 3 to 3.5 hours on the direct Intercity service. From the Kalabaka station, a local taxi or minibus will take you to the monasteries.
Bus: KTEL Macedonia operates coaches from Thessaloniki’s Macedonia Bus Terminal to Kalabaka, with a journey time of roughly 3.5 to 4 hours. Buses are comfortable and air-conditioned, but schedules may be limited, so check in advance.
Car: Driving from Thessaloniki takes about 3.5 to 4 hours via E90/E92, offering flexibility and the chance to stop in scenic towns along the way. Parking is available near the monasteries, but spaces are limited during peak season (June to August).

Your guide to visiting Meteora

When to visit

Spring (March to May) is perfect for exploring Meteora, with mild temperatures and colorful wildflowers along the trails. Autumn (September to early November) is also ideal, offering cool weather, smaller crowds, and vibrant fall foliage across the cliffs and valleys.

Accessibility

Most monasteries have stairs, uneven paths, and narrow walkways, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. St. Stephen’s Monastery is the most accessible, featuring a paved path and minimal steps.

Visitor guidelines

Meteora is still an active religious site, so dress modestly. Women should wear skirts that cover the knees and tops that cover the shoulders, while men should wear long trousers.
You cannot take photos inside, but outdoor photography of the cliffs and valleys is allowed.

Essential items to bring

Most monasteries request a small cash offering (€3 to €5 per site), so bring small bills.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes for climbing stairs and walking on uneven surfaces.

Tips for the best experience

Don’t limit yourself to the main monasteries like Great Meteoron and Varlaam. Smaller monasteries, such as St. Nicholas Anapausas and Rousanou, provide equally stunning views, a more peaceful atmosphere, and unique photo opportunities away from the crowds.

Frequently asked questions about visiting Meteora from Thessaloniki

The drive takes about 3 to 3.5 hours each way, with a short coffee stop included en route.

Head to the corner of Aristotelous and Egnatia Street by 8am. You’ll find your guide waiting by the Venizelos Statue.
You’ll typically visit 2 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 Thessaloniki by AC bus
Meteora tour
Entry to 2 monasteries (subject to the day’s schedule, as some monasteries are closed on specific weekdays)
English-speaking trip attendant-archaeologist
Lunch stop in Kastraki village (meal not included)
Basic travel insurance (during transportation)

Exclusions #

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Athens
Monasteries' entrance fee (€5 per monastery, cash only)
Lunch at Kastraki Village
Guided tour inside the monasteries
Tips for the guide (optional)

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

Head to the corner of Aristotelous and Egnatia Street by 8am. You’ll find your guide waiting by the Venizelos Statue.
You’ll typically visit 2 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 Thessaloniki by AC bus
Meteora tour
Entry to 2 monasteries (subject to the day’s schedule, as some monasteries are closed on specific weekdays)
English-speaking trip attendant-archaeologist
Lunch stop in Kastraki village (meal not included)
Basic travel insurance (during transportation)

Exclusions #

Pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in Athens
Monasteries' entrance fee (€5 per monastery, cash only)
Lunch at Kastraki Village
Guided tour inside the monasteries
Tips for the guide (optional)

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

Day Trips

From Thessaloniki: Meteora Monasteries & Caves Full-Day Trip

Head to the corner of Aristotelous and Egnatia Street by 8am. You’ll find your guide waiting by the Venizelos Statue.
You’ll typically visit 2 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.

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Meals included

Thessaloniki to Meteora Day Trips

From happy customers