The Greek Meteora Monasteries are a remarkable example of nature’s beauty and human creativity.
These monasteries, perched on towering rock formations, offer a breathtaking scene that sparks visitors’ curiosity.
The term “Meteora” translates to “suspended in the air,” accurately capturing the essence of these monasteries.
Once reachable solely by rope ladders and nets, the monasteries provided refuge from worldly distractions and a profound sense of connection to the divine.
While access has become more straightforward, travelers still feel a profound sense of wonder as they ascend to the breathtaking splendor of the monasteries and behold the panoramic views they offer.
This article covers everything you must know before booking Meteora Monasteries Greece tickets.
Top Meteora Monasteries Tickets
Table of contents
- What to expect at Meteora Monasteries
- Where to book tickets
- How do online tickets work
- Meteora Monasteries ticket price
- Meteora Monasteries Greece tickets
- How to reach Meteora Monasteries
- Opening hours of Meteora Monasteries
- How long does the tour take
- Best time to visit Meteora Monasteries
- FAQs about the Meteora Monasteries in Greece
What to expect at Meteora Monasteries
Visiting the Meteora Monasteries in Greece is a completely unique and awe-inspiring experience.
The Meteora Monasteries boast a spectacular landscape, with massive, peculiar rock formations that showcase remarkable feats of architecture and engineering.
These Byzantine and medieval structures hold deep spiritual significance, originally established by hermit monks seeking solace and connection to the divine.
Exploring these havens evokes a profound sense of peace and serenity, complemented by breathtaking panoramic views of the valley below and distant mountains.
Inside, each monastery houses a unique collection of historical artifacts, religious relics, and exquisite artwork, narrating the monks’ lives.
Though once accessed by rope ladders and nets, today’s infrastructure includes stairs and pathways, but be prepared for some uphill climbing due to their elevated locations.
Visiting the Meteora Monasteries is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that combines natural beauty, cultural history, and spiritual reflection.
It’s an unforgettable place offering unique perceptions of history and nature’s wonders.
Where to book tickets
You can purchase your Meteora Monasteries Tour tickets online in advance.
Online ticket prices tend to be cheaper than tickets at the attraction.
When you buy online, you can avoid the long queues at the ticket counters.
When you book early, you also get your preferred time slot.
The Monasteries in Meteora provide a memorable experience; hence, tickets are often in high demand; thus, booking early helps avoid last-minute disappointments.
How do online tickets work
Go to the Meteora Monasteries Tour booking page, select your preferred date, time slot, type, and the number of tickets you wish to buy.
After the purchase, you will receive the tickets via email.
Ticket printouts are not required.
On the day of your visit, you can show the e-ticket on your smartphone to take the tour.
Meet your tour guide at the meeting point mentioned on the ticket booking page.
Meteora Monasteries ticket price
The Meteora Monasteries Train Tour and Hidden Caves cost starts from €123 and goes up to €220, depending on your selected package.
Meteora Monasteries Greece tickets
Experience a full-day train journey from Athens to the magical destination of Meteora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece.
You’ll get to Kalambaka at 1 pm if you leave the Larissis railway station at 8.30 am.
After a delicious lunch in Kastraki village, explore Meteora’s breathtaking landscape guided by a local expert in a VIP minibus.
Discover the rich cultural and historical significance of six monasteries, along with hidden cave sanctuaries and the peaceful seclusion of hermit caves.
Time your return to Kalambaka to catch the evening train back to Athens or upgrade to first class for a more luxurious experience.
Ticket Prices
Shared Tour in English with Bus Transfer from Athens: €123
Meteora Private Tour with Bus Transfer from Athens: €220
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How to reach Meteora Monasteries
The Meteora Monasteries are located in central Greece, near Kalambaka town and the Kastraki village.
Address: Kalambaka 422 00, Greece. Get Directions!
You can reach the Meteora Monasteries by both private and public transportation.
By Bus
Take a bus from the Kalambaka Bus Station to the St. Stephen’s Monastery Bus Stop, a 30-minute hike from the monasteries.
By Car
Reach the Meteora Monasteries by taking a train from Athens to Kalambaka, followed by a short car ride.
Turn on Google Maps on your phone and get started.
Opening hours of Meteora Monasteries
There are six monasteries in Meteora, Greece, and their timings are mentioned below:
Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron
In summer, the Great Meteoron opens at 9 am, closes at 3 pm, and remains closed on Tuesdays.
In winter, it opens at 9.30 am, closes at 2 pm, and remains closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
Holy Monastery of Varlaam
In summer, the Varlaam opens at 9 am, closes at 4 pm, and remains closed on Fridays.
In winter, it closes early, at 3 pm, and remains closed on Thursdays and Fridays.
Holy Monastery of Rousanou
The Monastery of Rousanou opens at 9 am and closes at 4.30 pm in summer.
It opens at 10 am and closes at 2 pm in winter.
The Rousanou remains closed on Wednesdays throughout the year.
Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
The Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas opens at 9 am and closes at 5 pm in summer.
In winter, it closes early, at 4 pm.
Holy Monastery of St. Stephen
The monastery opens at 9 am and closes at 5.30 pm in summer.
In winter, the Monastery of St. Stephen opens at 9.30 am and closes at 5 pm.
It remains closed on Mondays throughout the year.
Holy Monastery of Holy Trinity
The Monastery of Holy Trinity opens at 10 am and closes at 4 pm all year.
It remains closed on Thursdays.
How long does the tour take
The Meteora Monasteries tour from Athens takes around 12 to 14 hours, including travel time to and from Athens.
An early morning train from Athens will take you to Kalambaka, a town close to Meteora, where you will arrive at about noon.
After arriving at Kalambaka, you’ll proceed on a guided tour of the monasteries.
Multi-day trip options are available if you prefer a more leisurely vacation and want to explore Meteora over a few days.
These tours can last 2 to 3 days, allowing you to explore the monasteries and nearby surroundings at your own pace.
Best time to visit Meteora Monasteries
The best time to visit the Monasteries in Meteora, Greece, is in the early morning or late afternoon.
The sun is pleasant and gentle in the morning, making it ideal for photography and capturing scenery.
Mornings generally draw smaller crowds, providing the perfect opportunity to leisurely explore the monasteries and relish the stunning views in a tranquil setting.
To take stunning pictures, visit during the golden hour just before sunset.
The warm, gentle lighting during this time enhances the beauty of the landscape and monasteries.
The serene environment of the monastery and adjacent rock formations look enchanting as the day goes down.
FAQs about the Meteora Monasteries in Greece
Here are some FAQs about the Meteora Monasteries:
The Meteora Monasteries are in central Greece, near Kalambaka. You may get there by car, train, or bus from major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. The nearest train station is in Kalambaka, a short distance from the monasteries.
Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit each monastery. The fee is modest and helps support the maintenance and preservation of these historical sites.
Yes, tourists must dress modestly when visiting the monasteries. Both men and women should cover their shoulders and wear clothing below the knees. Some monasteries provide shawls or skirts for those whose clothes do not meet the dress code.
Yes, there are guided tours available, and they are highly recommended. Local guides provide special information on the monasteries’ history, architecture, and cultural significance. Buy your guided tour via the Meteora Monasteries Tour booking page.
Early mornings and late afternoons boast optimal lighting conditions for photography, featuring soft, warm sunlight that enhances the picturesque scenes. Additionally, these periods often see fewer visitors, enabling you to capture the monasteries and landscapes undisturbed.
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