Many of you will have heard of Meteora and the Meteora Monasteries in Central Greece. It’s a UNESCO protected World Heritage site and is famous for its pinnacles of rocks and caves, formed approx. 60 million years ago (can you get your head around that?). From the 9th century, hermit monks used to live in dugouts amongst the rocks.
There will be some affiliate links in this post, meaning if you choose to purchase anything through them, I will receive a small amount of commission at no extra cost to you.
Later, beautiful monasteries’ were built – a total of 20 by the beginning of the 14th Century. Access to them was deliberately difficult (due to threats of invasion) and only via very long ladders and/or rope bridges.
Today only 6 Meteora monasteries stand:
- The Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron – the largest of the 6
- The Holy Monastery of Varlaam
- The Holy Monastery of Rousanou
- The Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
- The Holy Monastery of St. Stephen – damaged by the Nazis in WWII and now taken over, rebuilt and inhabited by Nuns
- The Monastery of the Holy Trinity – location for the 1981 filming of the James Bond “For Your Eyes Only”
Visiting the Meteora Greece Monasteries as a woman
Going into any monastery, if you are a woman you must keep your shoulders covered and also be wearing a skirt.
Ironically, if you are wearing trousers or jeans, you must STILL wear one of the little wrap around skirts they give you upon entry. Even short skirts must be covered; the nun explained that women must display modesty (no showing of legs) and no ‘dressing like men’ – aka: trousers.
Tips for visiting Meteora, Greece
- Situated 3.5hr train ride away from Athens (beautiful btw; cuts through countryside and stunning views)
- The small town of Kalambaka is where to base yourself
- My father and I stayed in Guesthouse Elena, perfectly located for the Monasteries and rocks, and nestled right amongst them
- I suggest hiring a taxi when you arrive in Kalambaka to take you around the monasteries, unless you enjoy hiking and your fitness level is good
I hope you’ve enjoyed my brief overview of the Meteora Monasteries and you’ll choose to visit the monasteries of Meteora when you come to Greece.
- Are you coming to Athens for a city break? Then you need to read my Things to do in Athens to help you plan your trip.
- Looking for somewhere to stay when in Athens? Then read about my small luxury hotel in Athens experience.
- Get tips on Best Souvenirs to buy when in Greece
PIN for later
Magical ! Must go there one day ?
Look forward to the rest of your challenge run…can’t believe we’ve had 14 days already!
–Damyanti, Co-host A to Z Challenge April 2012
Twitter: @AprilA2Z
#atozchallenge
Great post. I love Greece.
Stopping by from the Challenge. Hope you’ll visit back.
Yes! Magical it is – check back later this week for photos of Meteora.
And the Challenge is 14 days in, that’s right!
Greece IS a beautiful country, aesthetically and in nature too. I feel proud to call her my home.
Santorini is nice in the obvious, ‘Disney’ way. There are lots of lovely smaller, more traditional, more ‘Greek’ islands that are equally, if not nicer.
Love your post, and also loved touring Greece and the monastaries at Meteora are amazing. Greec is a beautiful country and the Greek islands are incredible. Been to most but Santorini is my favourite.
Incredibly gorgeous! Meteora is such a lovely place with jaw-dropping sights.
Meteora is one of the most magical places I’ve ever visited. While during my visit I only visit a few of the monasteries I’d love to return and see the rest and spend more time in the area.
It looks absolutely gorgeous. Can you visit all or any of the Meteora monasteries or only see them from a distance?
This is so magical. I also love to visit Greece someday. Great post!
Yes – Meteora certainly has some magic about it. I hope you get to return one day Stephanie
The ones listed in my post you can visit. They are inhabited so therefore the people naturally need ways to get in and out of them. Less monasteries stand now than in the past.
Thanks Dawn. I do hope you get to visit one day – it certainly is magical.
I would love to visit there one day! It looks amazing!
Thanks Andrea – yes, it is amazing and out of this world. I hope you do get to visit.
Interesting post and good tip about hiring a driver.
Thanks Ferne.
If you visit, I would highly recommend a driver and a local one can be hired easily