Holiday in Meteora

About Meteora

Meteora ('floating in the air') is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of Europe and a double UNESCO World Heritage site — both as a natural and cultural site. Massive sandstone pillars rise up to 400 meters from the Thessalian plain, and on their peaks stand monasteries built in the 14th century by hermit monks seeking complete isolation from the world. Originally accessible only by ladders and winches, today six of the formerly 24 monasteries are open to visitors. The Great Meteoron Monastery (Megalo Meteoro) is the oldest and largest, featuring an impressive museum of Byzantine art. The Varlaam Monastery offers magnificent frescoes and the original lift tower. Agia Triada (Holy Trinity), spectacularly located on a narrow rock needle, became world-famous through the James Bond film 'For Your Eyes Only.' Each monastery has its own opening hours and rest days — careful planning allows for the visit of three to four monasteries in one day. Kalambaka at the foot of the rocks is the ideal starting point with hotels, taverns, and views of the illuminated monasteries at night. The neighboring Kastraki is even closer to the rocks and offers more atmosphere. For active visitors, there are climbing and hiking routes between the rocks as well as spectacular viewpoints like Sunset Rock. The best time to visit is early morning when mist hangs between the pillars and the monasteries seem to float. Meteora is four hours north of Athens and can be reached by train or rental car — an overnight stay is highly recommended to experience the magical atmosphere at sunrise and sunset.