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Do you want to know how to visit Meteora in Greece for a trip 10? This is your post, we explain our experience and best tips to know before going to Meteora.
When we travel, we love to tell you our stories, our experiences, tips and places to go, foods that you must try, activities that we do not recommend contracting or that we do and places to visit yes or yes.
In our adventure through Greece we have come across spectacular sites, a story behind each monument that has left us breathless and lakes and beaches that we never dreamed of seeing there.
Now, it is the turn of Meteora, the most famous monastic center in Greece, dating from the XNUMXth century and currently considered a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incredible monasteries suspended on the rocks that the place houses.
It has been one of the places that we liked the most of the trip, although smaller than we thought, but equally incredible (it is also true that we went with very high expectations! and that we are regular visitors to Montserrat, some mountains near Barcelona, which give an air to those of Meteora).
Therefore, in this post we will tell you what to see, what activities you shouldn't miss and how to visit Meteora in Greece with a basic guide that you'll want to save as a favorite, or at least we hope so :P.
What to see in Meteora to know how to visit Meteora in Greece
The history that surrounds the monastic center of Meteora is one of the keys why thousands of tourists arrive every year wanting to know more about this magical and mysterious place.
Although only 6 of the 24 monasteries that once existed remain open to the public , they all represent the majestic and strange place, full of energy and peace, that served everyone to get away from the noise of the world.
His strong desire to achieve and find stillness since ancient times served as a call for those monasteries built on top of immense rocks, gradually to become powerful spiritual oases where to find inner peace.
Located at the end of the immense plain of Thessaly, those high and impossible to reach rocks were filled with hermitages, monasteries and chapels.
The truth is that of the six monasteries, we believe only two or three are worth visiting inside ; most of them are quite similar. Of the remaining monasteries, we recommend visiting Great Meteoron and Saint Trinity , which were among our favorites.
On the other hand, when it comes to telling you what to see in Meteora, besides the monasteries, we recommend visiting the various museums in Kalambaka . And, with luck, we hope you'll also see the Mediterranean tortoises ! Apparently, they're very common there. We saw loads of them.
What to do in Meteora to know how to visit Meteora in Greece
In this guide on how to visit Meteora in Greece, we'd also like to mention some campsites for those of you who, like us, love traveling by campervan. Overnight stays in campervans are strictly prohibited in Meteora and are heavily monitored . One afternoon, we wanted to stay in the parking lot of a viewpoint to watch the sunset, and around 19 pm, a security guard approached us to tell us we had to leave. The fine is €300 for camping or overnight stays, which they consider part of the camping regulations.
The Vrachos campsite at the entrance to Kastraki is fantastic. You'll find comfort, freedom, and great views, plus it's very well-maintained and has a swimming pool to cool off in during the summer. But the best part? You can rent electric bikes there to get around Meteora.
On the other hand, when talking about what to do in Meteora , we absolutely cannot miss the opportunity to recommend climbing or trekking ; there are a thousand trails to get lost on!
The latter, for those of you who have never heard of it, is a physical activity in which natural landscapes such as mountains, canyons, forests or rivers are traversed and require a little more physical effort than hiking.
In other words, go prepared to walk and sweat a lot because it is worth seeing the wonders of this place and its mysterious and mystical mountains.
How to visit Meteora in Greece
When traveling, it is important to consider the distances between places you want to visit, the opening and closing times and, as in our case, knowing where you can park your motorhome, campervan or car.
Based on our experience at this monastic center that is Meteora, we will tell you how to visit Meteora and when is the best time to do so.
In your own car, camper or motorhome on the road
From Kastraki, the gateway near Kalambaka, there's a 7 km (approximately) road trip ( 14 km round trip) that passes by the six monasteries open to visitors, each with its own ample parking . You can see them all (remember that only six are currently open) if you start early, as some begin closing at 3 pm . Along the way, you'll also enjoy small viewpoints with limited parking areas, perfect for stopping and taking countless photos.
The good thing is that each monastery also has its own parking lots, the bad thing is that they fill up very quickly and in the end, if you don't arrive on time, you end up leaving the motorhome on the road next to the other cars, poorly parked.
On an excursion with guided tours
If you want to make the most of your visit to Meteora without having to move your campervan or motorhome from the campsite, or your car, Civitatis offers guided tours from Kalambaka or Kastraki. These tours are quite reasonably priced, comprehensive, and will allow you to experience the charm of this magical place more deeply. If you're visiting during peak season, this is definitely the best option to avoid parking problems and have peace of mind.
Visiting hours to the monasteries
On the other hand, when talking about opening hours, don't assume that all the monasteries open and close at the same time. Each monastery has a different schedule . The one that closes earliest is Great Meteoron, at 15:00 PM, which is one of the must-sees we recommend when considering what to see in Meteora.
The other monasteries have a slightly later closing time; some close at 16:00 PM and others you can access until 17:00 PM.
Accessibility from car parks to entrances
Each monastery has a different entrance from the parking lot, where you'll find a ticket booth to pay the €4-5 entrance fee . Most require descending stairs and then climbing another set carved into the rock of the meteorite, a suspended mountain in Greek. So, be prepared for some stepping stones! :P
With babies you must leave the carts stored and pull backpacks and back.
Although it must be said that they all have a kind of electric zip line-elevator that allows access for people with reduced mobility.
Our favorite monasteries and locations
As we said at the beginning, of the 6 there are, we recommend seeing both the Great Meteoron and the Saint Trinity , and of course stopping to admire the views from the viewpoint above, located after the Roussanou monastery and before the Saint Trinity.
Important tip: the parking lot at the viewpoint we mentioned is very small, it only fits 5 cars, so we recommend going early in the afternoon before everyone else goes to see the sunset.
Things to consider before you go: What to wear
To visit the monasteries, you are asked to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees , although if you are not prepared, they will provide a scarf at the entrance . Remember that you will encounter monks and nuns there, so please be respectful.