Greetings,

Over 600 years ago, 24 monasteries were built high into the cliffs of Meteora.

These sacred sites were not just places of worship but shelters from persecution. While only six of these monasteries remain today, they continue to inspire visitors from all over the world.

Our recent visit was nothing short of awe-inspiring. If we had to capture Meteora in a single word, it would be Determination—a trait you see in the monks’ drive to create these sky-high refuges and in their lifelong devotion to religion.

Here’s how our trip went, and what you need to know if you’re planning your own family’s adventure to Meteora.

Our Day Trip to Meteora

We planned our Meteora visit as a full-day excursion from Athens, and it’s absolutely doable in a day with some planning. Here’s a breakdown of our day:

Booking the Tour:

We booked our trip through Meteora Thrones on Viator. To start the day, we grabbed an Uber from our Airbnb in Monastiraki to the Larissa Train Station. It only cost €5 and saved us the stress of navigating the city early in the morning. After a quick drive, we arrived at the station, where our bus was lined up and ready to go.

The Drive to Kalambaka:

At 8 AM, we were on the road! About two hours into the drive, we made a brief stop at a rest area to refuel (ourselves) with breakfast. Then it was another two and a half hours until we arrived in Kalambaka, the small town at the base of the towering rock formations that house the monasteries.

Lunch in Kalambaka:

We opted for the tour package that included lunch. While the vegetarian option wasn’t stellar—soggy veggies and some red-sauce pasta—it got the job done, and the break let us refuel and prep for our journey up to the monasteries.

Exploring the Monasteries of Meteora

Our tour began with an ascent up to the monasteries. The landscape itself is spectacular, but knowing the history of these locations makes it even more impressive. Here’s a look at each monastery we visited:

1. The Great Meteoran Monastery
   • Historical Highlight: Our first stop was the largest and oldest monastery, built in 1356 and standing over 1,300 feet above the ground. The view is breathtaking, but stepping inside is even more special. While we couldn’t record video inside, we were lucky enough to catch two monks singing while surrounded by centuries-old art—a highlight we won’t soon forget.
2. Varlaam Monastery
   • Determined Builders: Varlaam is the second largest monastery, and our guide shared an incredible story about its construction. By law, churches had to be built in under 30 days. So, the two brothers who constructed Varlaam spent 22 years transporting materials to the site, yet the actual construction only took 20 days!
3. Barbara Rousenneau Monastery
   • A Small but Famous Stop: This female monastery is famous for the honey and jam made by the nuns. Even chef Gordon Ramsay has paid a visit! While this was the smallest monastery on our tour, it was packed with visitors eager to see (and taste) what’s made here.
4. St. Nicholas and St. Stephen’s Monasteries
   • Planning Tip: Although we didn’t go inside, we got to see these beautiful structures from the outside. Fun fact: Each monastery has a designated “closed day” each week, so if you’re interested in a specific one, be sure to check their schedule in advance. We learned that St. Stephen’s, the second female monastery, is our guide’s favorite because of its size and serene views. Unfortunately, it was closed the day we visited.
5. Holy Trinity Monastery
   • A Movie Star: Holy Trinity, currently only occupied by a single monk, is famous for its appearance in the James Bond movie For Your Eyes Only. When the filmmakers tried to shoot here, the monks weren’t too thrilled and even threw rocks at their helicopter to keep them at bay. The shots they managed to capture from a distance, however, did justice to the monastery’s unique beauty.

The Final Scenic Stop:

To close the day, we headed to a rocky overlook with a stunning panoramic view of the valley and all six monasteries. With 20 minutes to enjoy the scene, it was the perfect way to wrap up the tour and reflect on everything we’d seen.

Our Takeaways: Stunning Nature Meets Human Ingenuity

This day trip to Meteora was an incredible blend of natural beauty, human resilience, and history. Our guide’s passion for Meteora’s history and the monks’ determination left a lasting impression on us. Even with our jetlag, we were captivated by the intricate architecture and the unique energy of these sacred sites.

We’d definitely recommend Meteora as a must-see on your next trip to Greece. The only thing to keep in mind is that it’s a long day, so if you’re traveling with young kids, it’s worth packing some activities for the ride to keep them entertained. (Or plan for a bit of extra downtime the next day!)

If you’re interested in exploring Meteora or have any questions about the trip, reach out to us hello@familyiswanderful.com. And if you haven’t yet, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter! We’re building a community of family travelers who are passionate about sharing tips and inspiring adventures. We’d love to have you join us as we explore the world together, one destination at a time.

Thanks for reading, and we can't wait to share our next adventure with you!

Cheers,
Ben, Hannah, and Stella

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