Meteora is a geological and natural wonder, but at the same time, it’s a cradle of Orthodox Christian religious tradition. The giant dark rock formations that host a handful of venerable Orthodox monastic communities are unique in the world.
Meteora is a destination for all four seasons, rife with many paths, including one that is metaphorically a cycle of life in continuity.
Life here follows its own eternal path, from the primordial creation of the sheer stone rocks now visible high above the plain, ones created millions of years ago with the withdrawal of waters from the province of Thessaly, to the first ascetic monks who arrived in the 11th century, who were followed in the 14th century with the creation of the first formal monastic community by St. Athanasius in Meteorite and the subsequent building of the monasteries atop the imposing rock formations.
In the centuries that followed, amid periods of prosperity as well as decline, the Meteora region served as an ideal refuge for monasticism and the Orthodox faith, while at the same time preserving cultural monuments and priceless works of art. Pilgrims and travelers, of every age, have repeatedly described, with awe, the marvelous works of God and men at Meteora.
Thirty monasteries have existed over the centuries on the rock formations, of which six operate today. Since 1988, in fact, they have been included on UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites.
Today thousands of visitors from around the world visit Meteora to admire the unique other-worldly landscape, to visit the monasteries and experience the sanctity of the location.
In the traditional settlement of Kastraki, at the ascent towards the rock formations, visitors will pass through a remarkable labyrinth of vegetation and natural imagery.
In the small but visitor-friendly city of Kalabaka, beneath the Meteora formations, you will find everything you need in its markets and old town quarter.
The taverns of Kastraki and Kalabaka feature local cuisine and traditional flavors prepared with passion, while visitors’ stay in hotels and traditional guesthouses, with a view of the formations, satisfy every need.
At the same time, Meteora is an excellent location for natural exploration and adventure, offering visitors unique experiences.
One of the best ways to get to know the stunning terrain of Meteora is through its footpaths and hiking trails. Old paths, once trekked by medieval monks, lead to incredible “hidden gems”. Visitors will discover passages, caves and hermitages in a unique natural environment, all in the shadow of the rock formations. The foot trail network in Meteora is well-marked marked and in very good condition, so anyone can walk the paths, even small children, especially with the assistance of a professional local guide.
A similar and perhaps even more impressive experience is cycling around and atop Meteora, on absolutely safe cycling routes for everyone.
In Kalabaka you will find specialty shops renting bicycles, and professional guides for organized cycling tours. Electric e-bikes are also a favorite choice by families.
For the more daring adventurers, rock climbing on Meteora’s rock formations offers an experience of a lifetime. Here, in one of the most popular natural climbing challenges in the world, you will find climbing courses of varying difficulty, since, in addition to courses for experienced climbers, there are also ones for beginners who want to try a new challenge, but always under the guidance of experienced local alpine professionals.
If you still want something even more exhilarating, experience flying over Meteora with a para-glider or two-seater motorized glider. The view of the rock formations and monasteries from above and the feeling of absolute freedom while flying sends one’s adrenaline soaring. Experienced and certified pilots are your guides for such experiences.
At Meteora, every route is a unique image worth experiencing again and again. Whether as pilgrims to the monasteries, nature-lovers or extreme sports aficionados, explore with all your senses the thrill of a location that has no equal in the world.
For more information please visit the website of the Tourist Office of the Regional Unit of Trikala: elaMeteoraTrikala.com
Latest News
ELSTAT: Overnight Stays in Greece Up in Feb.
The provisional monthly data revealed that arrivals at tourist accommodations amounted to 773,104 and overnight stays were 1,677,685
Electric Energy: Greece’s New Sustainable Export
Moreover, a surplus of generated electricity cannot be fully absorbed by domestic grids and this excess power finds eager buyers in the form of companies entering into Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), willing to pay a premium for clean energy
IOBE Revises Greek GDP Growth Downward, to 2.1% For 2024
Annual inflation is expected to reach 3%, up from the previous forecast of 2.8%
Last Sections of 136km E65 Highway Inaugurated on Tues.
Athens to Karditsa drive time is expected to drop to two and a half hours (under normal conditions), and some three hours from Athens to Trikala
Reuters: Greece to Repay More Bailout Loans Ahead of Maturity in 2023
The country has relied solely on international markets for its borrowing needs since a third institutional bailout ended in 2018
Ag Min. Avgenakis: Greece-China Cooperation in Research, Education in Agri-Food Sector
Greek minister tours cutting-edge hydroponics and robotics facilities at the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing
Mini Holiday Season in Greece for Upcoming Orthodox Easter
Occupancy rates reach up to 90% domestically for accommodations open ahead of peak summer season
Greek PM Mitsotakis Says Fight Against Inflation Ongoing
The Premier made statement during a visit an an open vegetable market
Unpaid Taxes in Greece Reach 1.539bln Euros
As the figures revealed the number of debtors totaled 3,878,712 individuals and legal entities.
ELSTAT: Greek Primary Surplus Reaches 1.9% of GDP in 2023
Greek debt saw a slight dip to 356.7 billion euros by the end of 2023, down from 356.8 billion euros a year prior