Mainland · Monasteries between earth and sky
Meteora
Meteora is one of the most extraordinary places in Europe, a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of giant rock pillars crowned by centuries-old monasteries. We design private Meteora journeys combining the six living monasteries with hikes, climbs and the region's hidden hermitages.
Meteora is one of the most extraordinary places in Europe and fully deserving of its UNESCO World Heritage status. Read on to start visiting Meteora in your imagination.
The first trips to Meteora
While we visit Meteora today for leisure, the first travellers came as religious pilgrims, arriving in the region from around 985 AD. Over time, and with increasing Ottoman incursions in the 14th century, the monks chose to build their monasteries on ever more impregnable spots, atop sheer-sided pinnacles accessible only by winches and ropes. Of the twenty-four monasteries that once crowned these rocks, most now stand abandoned, and only six of these remarkable feats of faith and engineering remain alive.
Explore Meteora
Everyone loves the Greek islands, and that killer combination of cobalt skies, shimmering sea and whitewashed houses is pretty irresistible. But here at Epicure Greece we are also advocates of the magical, mysterious Greek mainland, and it does not get more magical than Meteora. Its haunting landscape of giant rock pillars, seemingly dropped from the sky, is enchanting, and its views will stay with you for the rest of your life.
Rock climbing
Whether you are new to climbing or an experienced hand, rock climbing in Meteora is a superb way to meet the landscape on its own terms, and a favourite for groups travelling together.
The rock forest
Meteora’s towering stone pillars and age-old monasteries make it one of the leading attractions not only of Thessaly but of Greece as a whole. Geology and devotion have rarely collaborated so well.
Sunrise and sunset
Meteora is famous for its landscapes, hiking trails, mountains and monasteries, and every one of its sights looks extra special in the first and last light of the day. Build at least one sunset viewpoint into your visit.
Pairing Meteora
Most Meteora journeys begin from Athens and pair perfectly with Delphi; together they form the great mainland arc of oracles, monasteries and mountain light.
Known first-hand
Our best picks at Meteora
- Best Activity Rock climbing and hiking
Some 170 peaks and 870 climbing routes, with the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering and Climbing as the best resource. On foot, our favourite trail runs from Kastraki to Fylakes Kalogeron, the Monks' Jail, a gigantic cave sixty metres above the ground.
- Best Daytrip The six monasteries
Of the many monasteries that once crowned these rocks, six survive as living communities overlooking the valley. Great Meteoron is the most visited; Holy Trinity, perched on its solitary pillar, is the hardest won and the most rewarding.
- Best Dining Restaurant Meteora
The Gkertsou family kitchen, open to all since 1925, serving authentic Greek cuisine made from locally sourced ingredients. A true favourite among travellers, and deservedly so.
- Best Local Specialty Sapune and spatula
Two regional sweets to hunt down: sapune, a local semolina delicacy, best from Robos bakery because they simply do the finest one, and spatula, a nutty sponge cake topped with whipped cream and cinnamon.
- Best Sight The Great Meteoron
The biggest and most visited of the surviving monasteries, founded by Athanasios the Meteorite in 1356. More than three hundred steps stand between you and its entrance, perched at 613 metres, but breathtaking views accompany the whole climb.
- Best Hidden Spot The hermit caves of Badovas
Hidden among the giant rocks survive traces of all three ancient forms of monastic life: the ruins of St. Gregory, left by the last hermit monk in a small cavern, the skete of St. Antony, and the small monastery of St. Nikolas of Badovas.
Meteora is reached via the town of Kalambaka, around four hours from Athens by road or direct train, and pairs naturally with Delphi on a mainland route.
Design
Design your experience
Tell us the occasion, the season and who is coming. One of our Epicureans will come back with a first sketch of Meteora, and will tell you if another corner of Greece suits your dates better.