Re: Only 7 days in Greece; is Meteora worth the far trip? Truth me told the stick is the star of the show. I still cant believe places like this actually exist in the world. https://www.flickr.com/photos/stanbr54/sets/72157645469717811/, Get answers to your questions about Meteora. Both in private and in church. The monasteries are an operose creation of monks, and their internal beauty belies their location. Add that to the 150 steps into the monastery and it is indeed an arduous 3km. But its a stunning sight and wonderful introduction to Meteora. This is the tour she recommends for seeing Meteora from Athens. 9) Everyone is welcome to attend religious services. Recommended Reading: Greek Cyclades Islands of Tinos and Naxos Hiking Tour. One plus side was an English tour I found on site, and I inadvertently learned a little bit from them. I am extremely interested in visiting Meteora, but a little worried about how far it is from Athens. >> Read Next: 10 Things to Know Before a Meteora Tour for a Magical Trip <<. We also had 7 days in Greece. Inquire beforehand and beg if necessary! The pictures here will give you serious FOMO, but don't worry as everything you need to know about visiting Meteora will be covered in this post! Driving from Athens to Meteora: A Complete Guide to Visiting Meteora by ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-111365611', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Skiathos islands with a visit to Meteora. But I do believe in fighting that vertigo crap. But you only got one week, maybe can skip this. We love the peace of mind it gives us in case of emergencies, accidents, illnesses, theft, or trip cancellation or disruption. >> Read Next: Is It Worth Visiting Meteora? Woah, those sunsets are incredible!!! If you are inspired or simply enjoyed this blog, I would appreciate a share on social media or a pin. Are there places along the way I could stop to make it a nice road trip? I think you will be glad you took the time to see both of these places. Wow what a gorgeous place and such magical landscapes! Not to be missed are; I took time over the days I spent in Kalabaka, to explore the town too. I amassed over 20km that day. Great photos thanks for sharing. No I wouldnt say I am. Not a hope. And that was only because local village women helped put out a fire! As you may have guessed its a good place to watch a sunset. In general, November is a grey & wet month and is not the best time of year to visit Berlin. This monastery was founded in the 14th century, and in particular features frescoes by the painter Theofanis the Monk from 1527. I really feel it the next day. It does not store any personal data. We enjoyed (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? What a destination! I had never heard of this region beforedefinitely putting it on my list. I only have a week in Greece and want to maximize my time there. These are some amazing photos! It doesnt look as if it belongs on this earth, and perhaps it doesnt. Where to stay in Meteora - The Orange Backpack - The Orange Backpack The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. Towards the end of the month snowfall isn't out of the cards. Its longtime residents had not only been united for the first time in decades; it attracted artists and other misfit . What an interesting set of monasteries! Only 7 days in Greece; is Meteora worth the far trip? Trains run from the New Railway Station and can take anywhere from 3 to 4 hours and often involving a change at Paleofarsalos. 113 reviews Recommended by 91% of travelers Experience the beauty of the countryside by going on this exciting day trip from Athens to Meteora. But its too much story for this blog. Or, you want to know if theyre both worth seeing, and you shouldnt force yourself to choose. Bring hiking poles if you can. It appears in important works of Greek literature, and it has the ruins of gifts brought to the Oracle from all over the world. An Easy Guide To Visiting Meteora Monasteries In Greece - The Road Reel Meteora Hiking: Top 3 Hiking Trails (With Meteora Hiking Map) Are you going to spend al your time in Athens or do you also plan on visiting an island? Always nice when things work out. Wow, this is so complete! We hope to encourage you to do the same. The area was first settled by monks around the 11th century looking for solitude and with time the concept of the monasteries grew. Perhaps I will stick to the mainland as you all suggested. Visiting there was one of my favoriate Greek experiences. Yes indeed. The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Meteora in Greece - Road Affair Meteora Full-Day Trip from Athens by Train, From Athens: Two-Day Rail Tour to Meteora, Essential Greece Packing List: What to Wear & Pack for Greece, How to Spend a Magical One Day in Istanbul: Mini Itinerary, 30 Insanely Delicious Greek Street Foods You Need to Try, 13 Things That EXIT Music Festival Visitors Should Know. Thanks. Meteora: The Ultimate Guide - Luxury Vacations in Greece by a Boutique Ultimate Guide to Visiting the Meteora Monasteries - Greece Travel Ideas If youre not sure if Meteora is worth visiting, here are 5 reasons we think the answer to is it worth visiting Meteora is (almost always) yes! The direct train back to Athens departs at 5:22 pm and gets to the capital at 10:12 pm. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. According to Visit Meteora In the 17th century, a local Muslim landowner cut some trees from the sacred forest that was dedicated to Saint George. I stopped on a few hard shoulders along the way to admire the view, before finally arriving. We also have a guide to thebest things to do in Athens in winter. Thats just how happened. Address:Near the church, Kastraki, Kalambaka. Im a sucker for saganaki and didnt think it could get any better, but it did. Just time a visit well and choose your monasteries wisely. These are some of the places we suggest you check. Nets and baskets were also used to carry people and supplies up to the monasteries. Allison and I have both been paying customers ofWorld Nomadsfor the last three years. Five years ago, we went with friends to Skopelos, Volos penninsula and Meteora, and had a fantastic time! It made life easier for the locals, just as street names do today. The sauna and Jacuzzi might be useful after a day spent sightseeing around the monasteries of Meteora! Instead, we both carry the samePacSafe anti-theft backpack. How many days do you need in Meteora? Photography and written content may not be reproduced without my permission. While its possible to drive or take a bus up, for a truly special experience hike up at dawn to catch the sunrise. Best things to do at the Meteora Monasteries in Greece - The Orange These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-87768529', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Meteora, too. There is a 2 day tour to Meteora & Delphi and wanted to know if Meteora is worth the time away from Athens?? And quite the museum too, featuring vestments and religious relics from over the centuries. Thanks for reading Becky. The nuns are strict within, and are quick to remind anyone raising a camera that this is indeed a holy place and photos are prohibited. Actually I was disappointed with my photography here. Address:Town Hall Square, Kalambaka. Meteora has an otherworldly appearance. The monastery looks huge too from ground level, and to make up for the lack of steps at St Stephans monastery, there are 250 here. The Byzantine church was the first to really impress me too. To Sum Up: Trip to Meteora from Athens How to Get from Athens to Meteora World Nomads offer a no obligation quote, and in fact now protect domestic trips too. Here are all the tour recommendations from this post in an easy-to-reference list. This is one of those I enjoyed writing. 5) There were no staircases in the Meteora monasteries until the 1920s! If you want more time to see the monasteries, you could also go on a Two Day Train Journey from Thessaloniki to Meteora. They were very active. 10 Best Athens Hotels with Acropolis Views, Your Picture-Perfect 2 Days in Corfu Itinerary, How to Plan a Meteora Day Trip from Thessaloniki (The Right Way). This post brought back so many memories. Congratulations- a great adventure indeed. Check out guest reviews, prices, and availability at Emporikon Athens Hotel here. They all had a section that was out of bounds, which presumably is their quarters. I couldnt believe all the creative ways you could cook with mushrooms. Is Meteora worth visiting? - InfoBG.NET We arrive to Athens a 1 1/3 days before our RS two week Greece tour. The Glen Beach Cliff Walk A Jackpot of Seals and Sea Views, The Unique celebrations of Easter in Europe to see in 2022, Alternative things to do in Kalambaka, Greece - CarpeDiemEire. There is no unified architecture and the city is a building site covered with rubble, steel, and glass. It was founded in 1545 by Hosios Antonios and Hosios Philotheos. I however had left my car at the hotel, so back down that 3km I went. Meteora is home to six mountaintop monasteries and is home to adventure-seeking monks. Can You do a Meteora Day Trip from Athens? If you pay particular attention to the opening times of the various Meteora monasteries, then its easy to work around. The monastery is not accessed by steps like the others but by a bridge, making it the only monastery suitable for wheelchairs and those with impaired movement. But your photography is always stunning, so Im afraid Id be disappointed now if I went. There are more beautiful monasteries all over the Peloponnese though of course none of them have the breathtaking setting of those in the Meteora. They walk around with the confidence of cats who know they live in the coolest place in the world, and that makes them better than you. Driving the 350 km from Athens takes in the region of 4 hours as well. I especially loved the lobby. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. They built it on a rock where they could control access to the monastery, by drawing up the long ladder whenever political issues reared their head. Somehow travelling gives me a lot of energy I dont have at home. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is incredible how they built all of the monasterys so high up. But its greatest horde are its bibles and bible covers. You didn't mention what else you are planning while in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? It is said it was used to contain water. Here your eyes do the choosing! The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". The rooms are sophisticated and swanky, with a traditional take on comfort. Have I gone back in time? The Ultimate Guide To Visiting Meteora, Greece - Expat And Adventure The drop over the edge was dizzying. A Super Efficient Guide to Visiting Meteora, Greece in 2023 You can read all about how to visit Meteora from Thessaloniki. And those views from the heights are stunning. All questions I asked myself. But then you get to see both the sunrises and sunsets on this stunning spot! They're worth a visit even if you're not religious. Hosios Loukas is a two-hour drive from Athens, and from Hosios Loukas to Delphi, it is 40 minutes. If youre interested in learning more about exactly how the Oracle at Delphi foretold its many prophecies, then you need to come and learn directly at the source! Thank you Karen. 5 Reasons Why I Say Yes! Thank you! You must be quite fit to do this as I feel I may have struggled with the hikes even though I enjoy them . Varlaam was easily the biggest of the monasteries that I had thus far seen. First of all theres the location, at the highest point of the road circling the Meteora. Hiking has changed her life and she believes it can do the same for you. I was thinking I could do 1 day in (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? I didnt even know the people and it freaked me. The Saint then caused the paralysis of that mans hand, but he was cured after he offered to the Saint his wifes veil, a most valuable gift according to the Muslim religion. The family remained in the monastery for 87 years! The moussaka was amazing. I was only giving it a go. An experience that will have you coming back for more. Greece is also one of my favourite country, so Im sure I will be back there soon enough. 11) There are 41 hermitage spots in Meteora, but they are difficult to impossible to find on your own as there are no signs. There had just been a snowstorm all over Thessaly and Macedonia, and as a result, the landscape was dusted in a glittery white snow that made the monasteries even more beautiful. 19) Every rock in Meteora has a name. With the steady increase in elevation, not only do the views get more spectacular but so too do the monasteries. The first people to live in Meteora were a group of hermit monks back in the 9th century AD. Taverna Gardenia is where the Greeks go to eat! Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. 12 Best Places in Mainland Greece - Greece Travel Both Delphi and Meteora are designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Read More:Essential Greece Packing List: What to Wear & Pack for Greece. No unauthorised use of photos or content without the expressed permission of the author. Varlaam was formed in 1542 by two brothers from the town of Ioannina. Great planning on seeing all 6 of them! For more information, please check our privacy policy.Due to its tucked away position in the very center of Greece's mainland, Meteora is a. Lots of people climbing the steep monastery steps (what, did you think there was an elevator? But on a short stay, it is a big chunk of your stay. Did you hike all of them in a day or did you drive? St. Nikolas of Anapafsas (14th century) Monastery Meteora *** Roussanou (1529) monastery in Meteora Greece*** Holly Trinity (Agia Triada, 1362) Monastery in Meteora*** Great Meteoron monastery (14th century)*** Id dare say the landscape outshines the monasteries. There is a train leaving from Athens at 07:20 and arriving at Kalambaka at 11:31. We recommend checking outBooking.comas early as possible since this is a popular time to visit. The monastery was built in 1372 by a monk called Athanasios Koinovitis and his followers, who had left Mount Athos. On the blog, we take you from city breaks, to road trips and hikes. Best Time To Visit Berlin - The Ultimate Weather Guide - City Unscripted Leave the smog and traffic of the cities behind! The return train departs at 17:15 and arrives in Athens at 21:33. It has some of the best museums and galleries in Europe, three opera houses and the largest variety theatre in the world. We adore the monasteries in Bulgaria, but the ones in Meteora are insane! Beautiful! You can also take a train from Athens, then meet your guide in Meteora. The Pythian Games were held at Delphi every four years in honor of the god Apollo. Learn how your comment data is processed. This genuinely remarkable part of the planet is one of the most beautiful places we have ever visited. Re: Meteora - is it worth it? Ive since resigned myself to the fact that Ill have to experience it through someone elses eyes, and your photos make that impossibly easy, John! Trouble is, with my husband so afraid of heights, this might be a difficult trip for him! Then its 3 hours of praying. >> Read Next: How to Plan a Meteora Day Trip from Thessaloniki (The Right Way) <<. >> Read Next: 10 Best Athens Hotels with Acropolis Views << From the back of the monastery there is again an exhilarating drop and this time the view is of the town of Kalambaka, stretching to the mountains beyond. You can expect the average high to be around 22 in June, and when summer is in full swing in July and August this picks up to 24. Im gonna have a look one day. Meteora has been on my list since our one (and only) visit to Greece but it seems to slip further down the pecking order thanks to Iceland among other places. As one of the most beautiful destinations in Greece, Meteora is definitely worth a visit. There are now only 20 monks and four nuns remaining. Anyway, great post, awesome pictures and thanks for letting me dream of more travel ^^. You can book one of their tours here. Meteora and Kalambaka is easily reached by train from Athens. We also haveAthens safety tipsso your trip can be hassle-free. Your email address will not be published. Last but not least, the Holy Trinity Monastery is the hardest to reach when you visit Meteora, but it is most definitely worth the effort. Where to Stay in Meteora Remember Travel Insurance! Meteora from Athens: The Perfect Trip My Elated Odyssey Is visiting Meteora worth the effort and expense? . Thank you. We also strongly recommend travel insurance! I arrived just on time to the rock. I dont have the head for those heights. There are no signs, so you do need to go with a guide, but youll also want to. The sunset is spectacular, and I like that you added the dress code. Finally, make sure you always travel to Greece or anywhere in Europe with a validtravel insurancepolicy. Greeks are incredible storytellers, and there are so much history and folklore that youll want a guide even if youre not regularly a guide person. Yes it means more steps. 7) A typical day for the monks and nuns involves waking at 4:00 am. Most of the hiking paths are unmarked, so youll need a guide to find cool places. Meteoron of course means floating in the sky, and this monastery that give the area its name. While generally, the tap water in most of Greece is drinkable, we generally recommend using a water bottle with a purifying filter to reduce your plastic consumption and ensure you wont drink any funny-tasting water on your stomach that could make your trip unpleasant! Its believed that the monks were unable to recapture it because it was a large family with lots of boys and weapons. Though Meteora got my heart pounding at times. ), our guide to visiting the Acropolis, and our favorite Instagram spots in Athens. I missed this post the first time. Pinned for the next time we are in Greece! Basing yourself in Athens? The path is accessible behind the Holy Temple of the Dormiton of the Virgin Mary. The months of June, July and August are usually warm and pleasant. As always, all opinions expressed are my own. Yet when you tour the inside, you see the beauty and mystery of the Greek Orthodox faith and how the monasteries are a testament to the faith of the people who built them. The best time to visit Meteora then is from April to May, or September to October, when temperatures are bearable. Athens to Meteora by Train If you decide to head to Meteora from Athens independently, the best transport option (besides renting a car) will be to take a train. Youll find a list of tours that you can do here. 10) There are two types of monasteries in Meteora communal and living as a hermit. Stphanos has been a women's monastery since 1961, can be reached by car with almost no sidewalk and is primarily worth seeing because of its mother-of-pearl decorated church lecterns. Both of these regions are stunning and not what I expected from Greece. Copyright 2023 Monkeys and Mountains Adventure Travel | All Rights Reserved. Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus Trip to Meteora Embark on a full-day bus trip to Meteora from Thessaloniki. Its something that in particular impressed me in this stark countryside, how the monks and nuns had cultivated the harsh land here to be fertile. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. So, is Driving from Athens to Meteora Worth it? The direct train leaves at 8:20 am and takes 4 hours and 50 minutes. Most of the parking is small carparks and roadside parking so be prepared and come early. You can see what a monk jail looks like here. Again, thank you for taking the time. Access to the church with the fantastic murals was also here, and to the rear a patio area with beautiful views. How did ancient Greeks build temples so high in the mountains? Avg. The only thing is that opportunities on islands are limited and you have the hassle with ferries. And (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? We love running into kitties wherever we go, but the monastery cats of Meteora do have a special place in our hearts. I was provided with a nice illustrated map that my hotel provided for visiting Meteora, and I set out to prove Spiros wrong that day and do five. A display on the skills of the monasteries coopers is excellent, and its kitchen also very beautiful. Each monk had his own separate cell. Required fields are marked *. The first people to live in Meteora were a group of hermit monks back in the 9th century AD. Address: Patriarhou Dimitriou 14, Kalambaka. A physical guidebook, on paper or Kindle. First up was a hiking tour from Kalambaka to Meteora and the trail that led up to Holy Trinity Monastery. Low: 2C / 36F. The monks reached the top by climbing ladders or with large nets. You can also visit Meteora Monasteries by full day private tour from Athens or by train tour. If youre visiting Greece any time soon, youll probably spend some time in Athens before moving to discover other amazing places in the country. It is simply awesome. The special monasteries have rich decorations, a unique view and special architecture that seems to merge with the rocks. 4) Monks came to Meteora in the 14th century searching for a safe place. Traditional Greek Food: 10 Tasty Greek Dishes, Desserts & Drinks, How to Plan a Meteora Day Trip from Thessaloniki (The Right Way), The Perfect 2 Days in Chania Itinerary (Plus Bonus Day Trips!). It takes about 3 hours in each direction from either city. Opening Hours: 9:00 to 13:30 and 15:30 to 17:30. I know, because thats what I did on my first visit to Meteora. You also wont be able to take part in communion. I would not be doing that ride. Its the second-largest found at Meteora and was built in 1541. I was just a supporting character. An experience that will have you coming back for more. Thanks. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. If you dont have time to see all six, see these three: The Holy Monastery of Varlaam (the one I visited). These are masterpieces of medieval Greek architecture, and the reason they were built where and how they were has to do with the medieval traditions of hermeticism and the prevailing Ottoman Empire. Sofia Adventures is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. Check out prices and availability at Fivos Hotel here. The Divani Meteora Hotel is located in the village of Kalambaka, and is classed as 4-5 star hotel. My international flight brought me to Thessaloniki and after picking up my rental car a 3 hour and 238 km trek across the country saw me arrive in Kalabaka just after 6 pm on a Monday. I respect your privacy. David has made a good suggestion include Delphi in you plan and spend three days between the two sites. Hello! Best Time for Sightseeing: The best time for sightseeing in Berlin is late spring to early summer and late summer to early autumn, when lines are shorter and there are fewer tourists to get in the way of the views.The atmosphere is still quite lively in the streets, while the weather is wonderfully mild and often sunny. But with a goal like this its easy to keep pushing yourself. Currently, it can only be organized for groups, but that may change. That is, with the exception of the open outdoor area, where the views are impressive as anywhere when visiting Meteora. l think you need to do a bit more research and talk to some one that knows something, You could consider combining a trip to Skopelos or (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? While Athens is perfectly safe to travel around, theres always a risk inherent in everyday travel like theft or injury, so its better to play it safe. I found them absolutely fascinating. I think the results turned out better. . Reluctantly my advice would be to save them for another trip. The Acropolis is first! She holds degrees in B.Mgmt, B.Sc and M.Ed. I visited Meteora on my first adult (no parents) trip with my sister and best friend way back in 2007. Following your visit, do walk up along the road if driving as the views back to the monastery are worthwhile. I didnt have to draw that one, luckily it was provided. One thing we do along the way, is live the moment. Whichever site you visit, Delphi or Meteora, youll set to see some of the worlds truly great architecture and wonder about the incredible feats of strength and smarts required to get them there. Contrary to what youd expect, taking a group shuttle tour is actually more economical than taking public transportation, as trains in Greece can be a little pricy. But it does mean a stay in Meteora is needed to see them all.