Huge vertical rocks. Sculptures created by prehistoric rivers, with famous monasteries perched on them. The view of the towering dark rocks is awe-inspiring. Nestled on the tops and in their caves from the 11th century, the monasteries. With ropes, nets or with their bare hands the monks established a centuries-old tradition: climbing.


Today, climbers from all over the world come to Meteora, to compete with the mighty rocks. UNESCO has designated Meteora as a "Preserved and Protected Monument of Humanity". The Greek state as a "sacred, unalterable and inviolable place". Add your own description to the "guest book" of Meteora, which reaches 2 million every year.

Worth to see in Meteora
The "beastly" rocks of the humble ascetics In Thessaly, the complex of imposing rocks rises above Kalampaka, between Pindos and Antihasia. Monasticism here began in the 11th century, when ascetic monks left Mount Athos and came to Thessaly to asceticize in the caves of the huge rocks. In the 14th century, Saint Athanasios Meteoritis organized the first coenobitic community, founding the monastery of Megalo Meteoros. Monks from other regions of Greece followed, founding a total of 20 monasteries.

The "floating" monasteries
Nowadays there are six living, prosperous and renovated monasteries, which hospitably welcome the pilgrim in their little house. It belongs to Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas, the Transfiguration of the Savior or the Great Meteor, Barlaam, Roussanos, the Holy Trinity and Agios Stefanos. The rest are either renovated, but without monks, or in ruins.

A place for climbing enthusiasts
The climb to Meteora never stopped. The monks and ascetics climbed their monasteries and hermitages with ropes, nets or bare hands. Climbing the rocks of Meteora continues today. It is a life dream for many sports fans who come from every corner of the earth. Athletes enjoy classic climbing routes, ie long and without unnecessary insurance. All have been traditionally engraved from the bottom up. In the eyes of the uninitiated they seem impossible, as several of them stand almost vertically at a height of half a kilometer.

Kastraki: beautiful nest on the rocks
It nests among the rocks and is the most beautiful village in the area and a base for climbers. It has restaurants, small hotels and rooms for rent, as well as shops with tourist items. Palio Kastraki has been characterized as a traditional settlement.

Kalambaka: the "ascent" gate
The city-gate to Meteora. The commercial and tourist center of the area: here you will find many hotels, rooms to let and taverns that will make your vacation dreamy. Take a walk in the old town (Spotos), which has been renovated. Visit the unique School of Wood Carving in Greece as well as traditional coppersmiths, where you will find rare handmade copper items.

The hidden treasures of Meteora
The arched bridge of Sarakina At a distance of about 8 km from Kalambaka, in the direction of Trikala, you will find the historic community of Sarakina. There is the largest multi-arched stone bridge in the prefecture of Trikala, the famous six-arched bridge of Sarakina, which dates back to the 16th century. One of the most interesting attractions in the area.

The cave of Theopetra
Just 4 km outside of Kalambaka you will find an evocative setting, a cave-attraction that will pique your interest. Inside the cave, a main hall of 500 sq.m. about. The formation of the limestone rock of Theopetra is placed in the upper Cretaceous period (137,000,000-65,000,000 years from today).

Hiking and mountain biking in Meteora
In Meteora walking is very enjoyable and the landscapes are fascinating. You can do it in an organized way, with the help of alternative tourism companies operating in the area. Another option is the mountain bike.

Source: Discover Greece