Visit the Meteorological Monasteries: excursions, activities, access

You planning a trip to Greece? Then discover our 5 ideas to visit the Meteorological Monasteries!

Located in the heart of continental Greece, the Meteors are one of the most impressive sites in the country. They are located in the north of the country, in the valley of the Pénée. As their names suggest, these cliffs and pitons were seen as envoys by the sky. Emerging from the ground, as if they had fallen brutally from the sky, they are in fact gray rocks that a river, falling into the sea of Thessalie, left during the tertiary era. The erosion has gradually cut them to give them this surprising form. But this aerial place marvels especially by its Orthodox Christian monasteries, the " monasteries suspended in the sky", perched at the top of the cliffs.

Inscribed to Unesco’s world heritage, this site is simply stunning. Would you like to visit the Meteorological Monasteries in Greece? So we give you in this article some ideas to discover them!

Les Monastères des Météores in a few words

The first hermits occupy caves in these rocky pitons from 985. But it was only in the 14th century that the first buildings appeared. The first monastery, called Megalo Meteoro, was founded in 1382. Twenty-two other monasteries were then built between the 14th and 16th century. They are then hardly accessible by ropes, ladders and clever net systems with pulleys. Unfortunately, in the 17th century, most monasteries fell in ruins. Some are gradually abandoned, others are destroyed or damaged during the wars.

Only seven monasteries remain active in the Meteores: the Megalo Meteoro, the largest, of Varlaam, one of the most spectacular, of Agios Nikolaos, the most authentic, the Roussano convent, Aghia Triada and Agios Stefanos. During your visit, you can also admire the ruins of ancient monasteries, such as Saint Anthony.

1. Bus or minibus tours

Would you like to visit the Meteorological Monasteries quickly and without having to walk between each place? So you can opt for a one-day bus tour. Of course, most guided tours leave from the nearest city to the site: Kalampaka .

The excursions usually last half a day or even a whole day. On this occasion you will discover the 6 monasteries still used by a small community of monks and sisters living in all the Meteors. Attention, however, some excursions allow you to visit only 3 or 4 and not all. You can still contemplate them all during the visit. On the way, you will be entitled to several stops to make some souvenir photos in front of the beautiful rocks of the Meteors. Fantastic landscapes try the whole road between the different monasteries. During the visit you will also be entitled to several small walks to enjoy this beautiful wild and mystical nature.

The terms and rates of visits

• With this type of minibus or bus tours, you will usually be supported at your hotel, to go and return. Most of you will come and get you to Kalabaka or Kastraki. One. professional guide, speaking English, will accompany you throughout the visit.
• In terms of rates, you should count between 25 and 35€ for a tour of the Meteors monasteries by bus or minibus. There are also guided tours at sunset. This moment is obviously ideal for taking beautiful pictures, when the landscape ignites thousands of celestial lights!
• Most guided tours do not include entrance to monasteries, which normally cost 3€ per site.

2. Hiking in the Meteors

One of the best ways to visit the Meteorological Monasteries is obviously hiking! This activity is not only perfect to discover these monuments, but also to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of the region. Because of course it is on foot that you will observe at best the unique beauty of the Meteors and its geological formations. Walking is one of the only means of transport to truly admire the strange forms of these rocks.

You can choose to follow your own itinerary and visit by your own means. Or you can also opt for a one-day or half-day guided hike.

In the first case, we recommend that you have a map of the meteors website. Visit your hotel or the Kalabaka Tourist Office. The paths are then well indicated. All you have to do is put on your shoes and backpack to visit the Meteorological Monasteries as you like! In the second case, you can discover and admire the most beautiful of the six Western Orthodox monasteries carved in the stoneware accompanied by an English-speaking local guide. The latter will lead you to incredible views of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The terms and rates of a guided hike

• Guided hikes usually last five hours and start in the morning. Indeed, the sun even in winter can hit hard enough. It is better to leave in the morning to avoid getting exhausted!
• As for a minibus visit, you will usually be supported at your hotel. The price of monasteries is also not included in visits, unless the reverse is specified. You will not necessarily visit all monasteries, but probably only one or two.
• Food like drinks will generally not be included.
• In terms of rates, count at least 35€ per person for this type of visit.

3. Guided tours and cycling

As with hiking, the bike is an excellent way to visit the Meteorological Monasteries. You can choose to discover them alone. Before you go on the adventure, think to bring you a map of the site to spot the marked paths and different routes.

But you can also opt for a guided cycling tour. Many organizations offer electric bike hikes. Accompanied by a guide, you will then enjoy a wonderful electric bike ride through the rocks and monasteries of Meteors. The visits usually start from the center of Kalambaka. Most of them take place at sunset to enjoy freshness and light. This means of transport is also ideal for enjoying views without getting too tired!

Attention, however, these visits generally do not allow to enter and visit the Meteorological Monasteries. You will only see them from the outside.

The terms and rates for a bike ride

• For an average of 3 hours, bike rides cost an average of 30 to 40€ per person.

4. Tours from Athens or elsewhere in Greece

Don't you want to stay in Kalampaka or in the area? Indeed, going to this part of Greece can be complicated and uninteresting, especially if you only want to visit the Meteorological Monasteries. Fortunately, there are many excursions from Athens or Thessaloniki.

The modalities and rates of excursions

• From Athens, excursions are usually made by train. The train journey takes about 4 hours and you will have to bring your own food and your drinks. Upon arrival in Kalambaka, your English-speaking guide will take charge of you and visit the Meteorological Monasteries. This guided tour usually lasts 5 a.m..
• Your round-trip train ticket between Athens and Kalambaka will be booked and paid by the agency. You will transit between different sites in air-conditioned minibuses. The organisation is the same as for a guided bus tour from Kalambaka. Usually 90 to 100€ for a visit of this guy.
• From Thessaloniki, the journey is usually made by bus, with support at your hotel or a meeting point. On site, the same terms and conditions as for other guided tours apply. The price of a trip from Thessaloniki is usually 55€ per person.
• Note that some guided tours offer a **stop at Delphs**another must-see site in Greece.

5. The climbing routes in the Meteors

Do you want to discover the Meteors from another angle and do not look cold? Passionate.e.s of climbing or complete amateur lovers, do not miss practicing or trying this sport in this unique place in the world! If you are already an expert.e, you can have a map of the spots of the region at the Tourist Office of Kalambaka. You will then be able to leave the weather spots with your equipment.

However, if you are a complete.e beginner.e, we recommend you opt for a climbing experience with a guide. Accompanied by your instructor/guide, you will discover the secret paths leading to the top of the rocks. You will then enjoy breathtaking views of the region and the site of the Meteors. Obviously, this type of excursions includes a small or large climb of iconic rocks. Your guide will provide you with all the necessary equipment for climbing.

The modalities and prices of climbing routes

• An initiatory visit usually costs one 50 eurosincluding equipment, instructor, climbing and hiking in the cliffs.
• You can also contact local climbing clubs directly to discover the outdoor activities they offer. Once again, the Local Tourism Office will be your best ally in this quest!