Trip to Meteors (Greece). Thessaloniki - meteors How long does it take to get from Sithonia to a meteor

Meteora(from the Greek μετέωρα translates as "soaring in the air") - these are rocks in Greece, breathtaking in their beauty, on the tops of which there is one of the main Greek shrines - the monasteries of Meteora. The beauty of these mountains of unusual shape literally stops your breath - it seems that you are in the "Avatar" or another fantastic world.

Local gorges and picturesque villages, views of the Pineos River and the Pindus Mountains are considered to be some of the most beautiful in the world. Today Meteora (or, as the Greeks themselves say, Meteora) is recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.

How and why did the rocks of such an unusual shape appear? This rather rare geological phenomenon was formed over 25 million years ago. Then Meteora was the rocky bottom of the prehistoric sea. As a result of long exposure to water, wind and temperature changes, stone pillars appeared, as if hanging in the air.

The peaks of Meteor, towering over the gorges, are crowned with the famous monasteries. The inaccessible peaks of Meteor (their height is 600 meters above sea level) have become natural refuge for hermits and ascetics even before the X century. Hermits settled in caves cut off from the world; compassionate local peasants brought them bread and water, lifting provisions on ropes.

Several centuries later (in the 14th century) the very first monastic communities arose here. Six of them are currently in operation - these are the famous monasteries of Meteora.

Today the majestic monasteries of Meteora attract pilgrims and travelers from all over the world, since now it is no longer difficult to get to the monasteries of Meteora. Previously, visitors could climb up to the monasteries only with the help of the monks themselves and a complex system of baskets, ropes, carts and horse-drawn power.

As a rule, tourists travel to Meteora from two points in Greece - Athens in the south and Thessaloniki in the north.

How to get to Meteor from Athens (350 km):

01 A train- the most economical option. Twice a day, there is a direct train from Athens' Larisis Central Station to Kalambaka Station at the foot of Meteor. Travel time is almost 5 hours, the cost of a ticket when purchased on the website is 14 euros. We look at the schedule and prices. Also, every hour there are other trains, but not direct ones, with a change at Paleofarsalos station. Important! Greeks love to go on strike, so when you arrive at the station, you may find that trains are not running today. See the schedule of railway strikes

02 Bus. Buses leave for Kalambaka from Athens from Liosion Bus Station, Terminal B. The journey takes about 4.5 hours. There is no direct flight, so every day all buses go through Trikala, where you need to change trains. It is cheaper to take a ticket in both directions at once. then it will cost 48 euros, if separately, it will be more expensive. You can find the bus timetable.

03 Automobile. By car from Athens can be reached in 4 hours. Route: Athens - Lamia (E75 highway) - Domokos - Karditsa - Trikala - Kalambaka (only 350 km). The roads in Greece are good.

How to get to Meteor from Thessaloniki (238 km):

01 A train. Trains leave daily from the train station. Most of Thessaloniki - Kalambaka routes will again change in Paleopharsalos. We look at the schedule and prices. Ticket prices start at 11.6 euros.

02 Buses- depart from the Macedonia bus station and go the same way with a change in Trikala. Schedule, a round-trip ticket will cost 32.5 euros.

03 Automobile. Via Larissa (238 km): here most of the route follows the Thessaloniki-Athens expressway (E75 toll road). Starting from Thessaloniki, pass Katerini (on the left), Olympus (it will be on the right), then turn to Trikala at the signs in the Larissa district (E92). Further 20 km from Trikala to the village of Kalambaka. Via Grevena (240 km): on the Egnatia highway (E90), leaving Thessaloniki, go to Veria (on the right) and Kozani. After Grevena, you will see an exit from the highway onto a regular road, which will turn into a mountain serpentine (about 40 km). The road is two-lane, the asphalt is good, there are no steep descents and ascents.

Kalambaka and Kastraki villages on the map. The blue mark is the railway station in Kalambaka, where trains from Athens and Thessaloniki arrive.

Kalambaka

The first settlement that meets a traveler in Meteora is Kalambaka. Kalambaka is a small and cozy Thessalian town. There are taverns and restaurants for a bite to eat, as well as a fairly decent selection of hotels and guest houses. Exactly there is a railway station in Kalambaka and the terminal where Athens trains arrive - Kalambaka and buses arrive from Trikala. From Kalambaka, it is convenient to get to the monasteries of Agia Trias and Agios Stefanos (by bus or on foot), since the town is located right at the foot of Meteor. By the way, this village is even mentioned in Homer's Iliad - under the name Itomi.

Kastraki

Kastraki - a traditional village 2 km from Kalambaka. From Kastraki, it is easy to get to the Meteor monasteries - from here it is convenient to start the ascent to the monastery of St. Nicholas and beyond. From Kalambaka to Kastraki, the walk takes 15 minutes, the road goes up slightly, so it won't be easy to do it with suitcases. Better to take the Kalambaka - Kastraki bus. The current bus schedule can be obtained from the tourist office of Kalambaki, near the central square. If you are by car and do not intend to hike or wait for the bus, then where to stop, in this case, does not matter. As a rule, the ascent and visits to the Meteor monasteries start from Kastraki, as this village is located closer to the rocks and monasteries. There is a bus from Kalambaka via Kastraki twice a day before lunch, that is, if you are without a car, this is not a problem. You can also take a taxi.

As stated earlier, there are six active Meteor monasteries... They are all marked on the map.

How to get to the Meteor monasteries by bus: From Kalambaka through Kastraki at 9 and 11 am there is a bus to the Megalo Meteoro monastery and further. The cost of a bus to Meteor is 1.40 euros. There is also a panoramic platform in Meteora with a beautiful view of all the monasteries - Psaropetra Panorama. If you get to the panoramic site on foot, you will have to walk along the road, about 20 minutes from the Meteor monasteries. You can drive up by car.

• Transfiguration Monastery / Great Meteor (Μegalo Meteoro)... The monastery is located on an imposing rock - 613 meters above sea level. The temple contains many valuable icons from the 14th and 16th centuries. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 17.00, except Tuesday. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 9.00 - 15.00, except Tuesday and Wednesday. This is the main bus stop.

• Varlaam / All Saints Monastery... Located next to Μegalo Meteoro, within walking distance. According to the legend, in 1350 the monk Varlaam climbed this rock and founded here several cells and a small church of the Three Saints - they became the basis of the future monastery. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 16.00, except Thursday and Friday. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 9.00 - 15.00, except Friday.
• Monastery of Saint Barbara / Roussanou- a picturesque nunnery, is also within walking distance of the two above. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 17.45, except Wednesday. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 9.00 - 14.00, except Wednesday.

These three Meteor monasteries can easily be combined into one bus ride and walking upstairs from one to the other. Then - again to the bus stop, from where, having previously learned the schedule from the driver, you can take a bus to two more monasteries in Meteora, Agia Trias and Agios Stefanos.

• Monastery of the Holy Trinity (Agia Trias)... All materials for construction were lifted onto the rock with the help of winches and ropes for seventy years! 140 steps carved into the rock lead to an interesting chapel. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 10.00 - 17.00, except Wednesday and Thursday. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 10.00 - 16.00, except Wednesday and Thursday.
• Monastery of Saint Stephen (female) (Agios Stefanos)... Of the entire monastery complex Meteor, it is the most easily accessible in terms of ascent: a bridge 8 meters long leads to it. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 13.30 and 15.30 - 17.30, except Mondays. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 9.30 - 13.00 and 15.00 - 17.00, except Mondays.
• And the last one, located on the edge, Monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anpafsas... The monastery is known for its unusual construction and magnificent 16th century frescoes. Summer (1.04 - 31.10): daily 9.00 - 15.30, except Friday. Winter (1.11 - 31.03): daily 9.00 - 14.00, except Friday.

More things to do in Meteora

If you are planning to stay in Meteora for more than one day, you will certainly be interested in a fairly wide range of excursions that can be ordered immediately on the spot. For those who love nature and hiking: walking tours have a completely different theme. Climbing at dawn - in the morning, visiting panoramic sites for admiring the setting sun - in the evening. There are excellent climbing opportunities - Meteora is a famous climbing center and every experienced climber dreams of visiting. Mountain bike rides are organized. Thrill-seekers can go rafting on the Aspropotamos River with a tour group. You can make a group ascent to the rock of Agia or the rock of the Holy Spirit, or go with a hiking tour to the mountain of the gods - Olympus.

The surroundings of Meteor will charm you with their unique flavor, provincial homeliness and delicious Greek cuisine. Both villages in Meteora - Kalambaka and Kastraki - are famous for their meat dishes, which can be enjoyed grilled and spit. Lamb ribs, pork kebab and homemade sausages are served with aromatic homemade wine and tsipuro (aniseed vodka). The family traditions of four generations of chefs are reflected in the menu of the Meteora restaurant, which is always popular with visitors and local residents. You can choose your favorite dishes right in the kitchen. One of the best places to try traditional Greek cuisine is the Gardenia Tavern in Kastraki. Greek moussaka is worth trying at Panellinio Restaurant. Try spatula (a kind of pudding), homemade jams, Greek halva, and delicious liqueurs at Zoomserie in Kalambaka. There are many options for evening entertainment too: cafes, bars, pubs and more.

Photo materials: visitmeteora.travel

Report on a trip with a rented car through the monasteries of Meteora in Greece. Feedback and impressions, local attractions and colorful photos.

Greece is an amazingly vibrant and hospitable country. Each visit is marked by new discoveries and excellent relaxation. The visiting card and also the eighth wonder of the world are the magnificent monasteries of Meteora. If you are vacationing in Hellas, then there are several ways to get to the cherished place. One of the most practical and convenient is the car.

The beginning of the journey

The first visit to Greece took place in 2016. My husband and I bought a package tour and flew to Crete. Then our first acquaintance with the roads of the ancient country took place. Already at that time we decided that next time we will explore the mainland of Greece. To get a multivisa faster, we bought a package tour.
The hotel was located in the small village of Agia Triada, which is located near the second largest Greek city of Thessaloniki. At 90 kilometers from the area, there is a Greek beach paradise - the Halkidiki peninsula.

Thessaloniki and its surroundings cannot boast of colorful landscapes, but they have a colorful promenade. Positive aspects of this location:

• Location near the airport (we were going to visit another country along the way).
• The proximity of iconic landmarks - the Meteora monasteries and the legendary Mount Olympus.

The way from the village of Agia Triada to the monasteries of Meteora lay through the city of Larissa. The final stop is a small settlement at the foot of the attraction. This is the village of Kastraki, located two kilometers from the city of Kalambaka. I booked a room in advance, because one day is too short to contemplate a fantastic place. The total length of the path is 250 kilometers.

After landing at the airport, we soon found a transfer to the hotel. We were the only passengers in the minivan, so the Russian-speaking driver talked with us willingly until the end of the road.

Car rental in Greece

On the way to the hotel, we praised the weather. In our city, the summer of 2017 turned out to be incredibly cold. On the way, the driver complained about the quality of the roads, we looked at each other condescendingly, convincing him that, in comparison with the Russian ones, they were great. The driver's mood has improved markedly.

For the trip to Meteora, we rented a car through the hotel. Agia Triada is a small resort village, so it was not possible to find a rental office on your own. My husband arranged a car for 3 days at a price of 40 euros per day.

The representative of the company provided the transport exactly at the specified time with a full tank. The car was at our disposal from 09:00 in the morning on June 11, it was necessary to hand it over at the same time, but already on the 14th. The vehicle must be returned in a similar condition. If the gasoline level is lower, the difference in price will be taken. Bottom line: 120 euros were spent on rent for 3 days.

European fuel is expensive - an average of 1.5 euros per liter. Taking an SUV is extremely unprofitable. Greeks, in solidarity with most Europeans, prefer small and economical cars. We were happy with the compact SEAT Mii.

Rented car

Consumption per 100 kilometers - 5-6 liters of gasoline. The iron horse was equally good at overcoming ideal federal highways, mountainous terrain and gravel.

Fun fact: Greece is a very loyal country towards car rental companies. Every time during the rental, we were not required a deposit (deposit). Comparing the Greeks with the Spaniards, who freeze hundreds of euros on the map, we understand that the ancestors of the Hellenes are really loyal to tourists.

Travelers renting a car in Greece need to:

1. Have an international license and a passport with you.
2. Be over 21 years old (or 23 years old, depending on the requirements of the office).
3. Have more than 1 year of driving experience.

When renting a car, you should read the contract carefully. Full insurance is an essential component of a successful rental.

Traffic regulations in Greece

Average speed on Greek highways is from 120 to 160 km / h. It is simply impossible to move slower. The speed limits are impressive, but you get used to it over time.

Road speed limits

Having traveled hundreds of kilometers on Greek roads, we have never met with the traffic police officers. According to rumors, they are as loyal to tourists as possible.

Signs with camera images are periodically encountered along the track. Video surveillance is a means of intimidating reckless drivers. I'll tell you a secret that most of the signs are fake. Information received from local old-timers.

However, you should not relax and squeeze the maximum speed - fines and real cameras still exist. The traffic rules are similar to those in Russia. Violations are accompanied by hefty monetary fines. The Greeks' love for high speeds borders on strict adherence to a careful driving style. The descendants of the Hellenes are sensitive to parking - absolutely all local drivers masterfully park their cars.

Road to Kalambaka

The quality of the roads of the sunny state for a resident of Russia will seem excellent. Federal highways zonal demand from 1.5 to 2.8 euros at payment points. Over 250 kilometers of the way, we came across several such zones. Cashiers are on duty at each of them, who, after receiving the money, issue a coupon and raise the barrier.

Thessaloniki-Kalambaka is a patchy road with frequent tunnels. One of them stretches for as much as 5 kilometers. However, most are several hundred meters long.

The coverage of federal highways is even, country roads are not much inferior to them in quality. White markings have a special relief. Having accidentally drove to the border of the line, you will immediately hear a characteristic sound that instantly invigorates the driver.

Road signs are clear and understandable. The signs are bright, the inscriptions are in two languages ​​- English and Greek.

Road signs

It is difficult to get lost on the way to Kalambaka, but we succeeded. The fault was the loss of vigilance and the failure of the navigator. We suspected something wrong when we drove into an unfamiliar territory from the maps. Further, the path only worsened. The terrain is mountainous and foggy, plus the rain intensified. We had to urgently turn off before our rented "baby" got bogged down.

For some time we continued to drive, trying to understand what was the matter, and the stubborn navigator continued to build a route through the deserted distances. There was not a soul around. Travelers drove into unknown lands.

Country road

The road is on the edge of an abyss, below - rocks.

Abandoned mountain road

Having successfully returned to the right path, we figured out the error and continued the journey. Having lost an hour of time, the driver and the navigator rushed to make up for the lost time. We had to check into the hotel before the closure of the monasteries.

Meteora monasteries

Literally from the Greek language, the word "meteors" means "soaring in the air." This is a unique complex of rocks up to 600 meters high. Monasteries are called the peaks of natural phenomena. The history of the legendary places begins in the 10th century, when Orthodox monks were hiding from persecution. The fugitives have found a way to create an unattainable sanctuary.

Picturesque rocks of Meteora

Until the 20th century, the path to the tops of the rocks was limited to a simple mechanism, which was an ordinary rope. Building materials for the construction of the temple and food products were raised along it. Only a few decades ago, they decided to build stairs and opened a tourist flow for pilgrims. A special atmosphere is created here during thick fog.

View of the rocks of Meteora

They wanted to go further, but the fog absorbed the area more and more, and the time was approaching the closure of the sanctuaries.
St. Stephen's Monastery dominates the city of Kalambaka. This is a women's abode. The history of the building dates back to the 14th century. This is the most easily accessible object among the rest: you do not need to climb to it for a long time - it is enough to walk along an 8-meter suspension bridge. The height of the location is 528 meters. They did not have time to visit it, because it is closed on Mondays. We found out about this late, because we arrived on Sunday.

Closed monastery of St. Stephen

Convent from the opposite cliff

Explored Greek monasteries

Megala Meteora or the Transfiguration of the Lord is the highest inhabited point, located 613 meters from the ground.

The foot of the monastery of the Transfiguration

The view from the Preobrazhensky Monastery impressed us the most. The construction is large-scale, it takes as many as three levels. Inside there are museums and monastic cells, closed to prying eyes. The path to the top among the other inhabited rocks is the longest and most difficult. The fog creates a special mystical atmosphere.

Megala Meteora in the clouds

At the moment, the complex consists of 6 active Christian buildings. Previously, there were 12 monasteries. Now there are four men and two women working. One of the monasteries is closed every weekday. On Sunday, tourists can visit all the buildings.

The views from the peaks are truly breathtaking. Each sanctuary has an observation deck.

Fantastic view from the top of the monastery

Entrance fee is three euros for adults, children are free. There is a special dress code that requires knee and shoulder cover for both women and men. Lightly dressed travelers are given the right clothes at the entrance.

The weather was cool, but we prepared for it. Varlaam Monastery is located near Preobrazhensky. It can be clearly seen from the observation deck.

Varlaam Monastery in the background of the valley

Megala Meteora is a must-see for everyone. No matter what religion a tourist adheres to, Christian sanctuaries will show him the true power of faith. Here we felt the unique atmosphere of the Middle Ages, reverent attitude towards the world heritage. The highest peak of the rocks seemed to float in the clouds.

Viewpoint in Megala Meteora

Having overcome a rather big path, we explored the open territory of the monastery for 2 hours. Every corner attracted attention. A tired traveler will be able to fully rest in the shade of trees on stone benches.

A place of rest and contemplation

Not far from Preobrazhensky, in the center of the stone massif, the Rusanu or St. Barbara convent proudly rises. Hiking to the top of the monastery is similar to climbing seven floors.

Kastraki and Kalambaka

One day is not enough to explore the sanctuaries. The looming fog obscured the picturesque views of nature, so we hurried to our room. From the window we opened a beautiful Greek countryside.

We began our search for a place for dinner from the vicinity of the settlement. The first rule of a tourist wishing to have a tasty snack is to go to the most crowded establishment. Then we walked around the town and bought local wine. It was Sunday, the day off of most establishments. We were never able to find an open supermarket. We limited ourselves to a local shop, finding only nuts and buns from the edible. We liked Kastraki and Kalambaka - the areas surrounded by stone pillars make travelers very welcome.

Outskirts of Kalambaka

The mini-hotel in which we stayed was run by a married couple. The girl who settled us turned out to be a countrywoman. During breakfast we had a heart-to-heart talk and later continued the journey.

The roads around Meteor are narrow, the main part is mountain serpentines. The flow of tourists is high: every day hundreds of people on huge buses visit the holy places.

Mass shooting in Meteora

Walking through the holy places, we noticed many Russian-speaking travelers. Greece is an Orthodox country, the attitude of local residents towards Russia is as positive as possible. Some of the tourists arrived by car, some by buses. We often met European retirees on group tours.

End of the journey

Traveling around Greece by car is the best way to explore the country. The main advantages are mobility, speed and independence from travel agencies. We are used to spending our holidays as intensely as possible, and bus excursions strongly tie us to the group. Some moments you want to extend, and some - to speed up.

Return journey from Greece

The way back began with the departure from Kalambaka. It is impossible to drive through Meteora - there is a dead end. On an unbroken road, we met an interesting resident of Greece.

Mysterious traveler

A modest turtle proudly crossed the path until random travelers slowed down its movement. We did not disturb the frightened animal, having delicately circled the animal.

Meteora monasteries are a unique phenomenon of human culture. Landmarks embody natural grandeur and a true commitment to faith. No photograph can capture the spirit of this fantastic place. No camera can display all the colors that fill the historical heritage. Looking through pictures from an amazing edge, we mentally return there again and experience the same thrill and admiration.

Has made an invaluable contribution to European culture. Literature, architecture, philosophy, history, other sciences, the system of statehood, laws, art and myths of ancient Greece laid the foundation for modern European civilization. Greek gods known all over the world.

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: ancient Delphi, Thermopylae, Volos, the road to Litochoro
: climbing Olympus
Day 8: Saint Meteora
: Zagoria
: Peninsula Peloponnese, Rio-Antirio bridge, Chlemoutsi, ancient Olympia
: Peninsula Peloponnese: Kalamata, Mystras, road to Nafplio
: Antique Epidaurus, Corinth Canal, Attica, Homecoming

Day 8. Route: Central Greece - Saint Meteora - monasteries on the rocks - Kastraki - transfer to Ioannina - overnight in Perama.

After the Olympic ascent, organisms decidedly gave up hiking for a while. In addition, the next day was planned as a road trip through the center of Greece, which came in handy. We did not have a hotel reservation, so the plan was to spend the night either at Meteor's own place, or to drive further west, if there was time and desire.

Early in the morning we took the opposite direction from Olympus along the familiar E75 highway. Interestingly, those tolls where they paid the bribe a day and a half ago were closed (in the sense that you can travel for free), but others regularly collected money, the same 2 euros. It seems that their schedule is strictly tied to the first or second shift, and in theory, you can guess so as to travel for free.
Having left the highway in the town of Larisa on the perpendicular to the first road E92, we kept our way straight across Greece. Having passed the city of Trikala - the birthplace of the god of healing Asclepius, as well as one of the main bus centers of the country, after 20 km we entered the vicinity of Meteor.

The word “Meteora” comes from the Greek adjective “meteoros”, that is, “hanging in the air”. Despite the fact that you want to attribute magical properties to the place, there is nothing mythical about it. Once the cliffs so impressive to today's tourists were the bottom of an ancient sea. The winds and time have turned them into tower-like statues of an unapproachable view. It was this feature that prompted the monks to build monasteries on the tops of rock towers. They were looking for peace and solitude, not wanting to intersect with all the Turkish forces in Greece (14th century).

The rocks themselves are not solid, they are based on a mixture of sedimentary rocks, limestone, marble, serpentinite, connected by sand and shale clay. In total, 24 monasteries were built, but only 6 have survived to this day. All are active, each beautiful in its own way, attracting both pilgrims and ordinary curious tourists.

Saint Meteora is included in the program of many tours, so it is advisable to plan your visit in the morning or evening so as not to interfere with the crowds. At the foot of Meteor there are two villages - Kalambaka and Kastraki. The first is very touristy, modern, rebuilt after being burned by the Nazis during the Second World War. Kastraki is located two kilometers away, and is undoubtedly more advantageous due to the magnificent scenery and gray-black cliffs rising just beyond the outskirts. The village has mini-hotels, internet cafes, several taverns. Overall, Kastraki is an excellent choice as a base for exploring Meteor.

A good asphalt road climbed up to the rocks just from the northern border of Kastraki. The road is not easy, narrow, and designed at a steep angle. It is difficult for long tourist buses to turn on it; had to use the oncoming lane for maneuver.
It is better to start exploring Meteora with the largest monastery Megalou Meteorou (Grand Meteora), built on a high cliff, at a level of 623 meters. Also known as the Monastery of the Transfiguration (Great Meteor), it was founded in the 14th century by Saint Athanasius, and over time became the richest and most influential of all monasteries, thanks to the treasures of the Serbian emperor Uros. The ruler wished to become a monk, leaving all his fortune for the development of Megalou Meteorou.

Having climbed to the very top of the plateau, the road divided into two parts; the left branch opened to the Grand Meteora, and the right branch to everyone else. At the foot in front of the Great Meteor, there is a large parking lot, there are stalls on wheels, there are vendors of drinks and snacks; overall it feels like the place is living with tourists. To get to the monastery, you will have to overcome several dozen steps, carved into the thickness of the rock and rising in a zigzag manner.

A hot day has already entered into law, pressing on the head with all 35 degrees Celsius. Despite the stuffiness, the Greek women were wrapped up from head to toe in black, without even trying to bare a little. By the way, about clothes. It is forbidden to enter monasteries with open knees and shoulders. Therefore, all dressed in shorts are asked to wrap themselves in sweeping skirts, and men are asked to put on beige linen pants. Capes are provided on the shoulders. All this junk lies in a heap at the entrance and becomes available after paying two euros at the cash desk of the monastery.

The Great Meteor is also the most touristy, the people inside are apparently invisible. Fat monks with golden crosses, dressed in black, periodically walked imposingly among the crowds.

We really liked the old monastic refectory, which you could look into through the door. A huge cauldron swayed over the coals; on simple long wooden tables lay an impressive size cutlery made by the monks themselves. Also memorable is the museum with ancient books, frescoes, icons and manuscripts, including the oldest Greek manuscript from 861, stored under climate control conditions.

Visitors are very attracted by a small niche-rack, in which the skulls of monks who have ever lived in the monastery are placed on the shelves. Some of the skulls are very old, dark, while others shine with white spots in the twilight. On the edge of the monastery there is an observation deck with a very good view of the rest of the monasteries, and of the village of Kastraki at the foot.

The monks did not miss the opportunity to set up a souvenir shop. But contrary to our negative expectations from such places, the shop had a very decent selection of silver items, bronze, icons and ceramics. Prices are more than moderate, pleasant environment and a monk at the checkout.
At the exit from the monastery, they found a rope descending along the cliff, with a tied basket-net. It is in this way that provisions and other things necessary in everyday life are raised to the top, and still very rarely - people. There is a local joke that when one of the tourists, sitting in a basket, asked the accompanying monk: "How often do they change the rope?"

When we got to the parking lot under the scorching sun, we took a course on the right branch to the rest of the monasteries.

The first was the monastery of Varlaam (Moni Varlaam, 1518), located 700 meters below Megalou Meteorou. Among connoisseurs, the monastery is known for its interesting frescoes from the late Byzantine period.

Nobody collected money at the entrance, and we walked around the courtyards of the monastery completely free of charge.

In general, if Meteora is not a place of pilgrimage for you, and is not considered from a religious point of view, then you can go to one or two.

Outside, they seemed to us more attractive, not similar to each other.

After Moni Varlaam the road ran past the lovely Rousanou monastery. Moni Agios Varvaras Rousanou (Saint Barbara) nestled under the wing of a huge black-gray rock, and inside could be accessed via a bridge thrown across an abyss (not for the faint of heart).

The last monastery we visited was the female Moni Agiou Stefanou, at the very end of the road.

Surprisingly, Ilya was allowed in shorts, just pay. Inside, they fell into a human whirlpool, such crowds were not even in Megalou. For example, a similar crowd of people can be seen at the Trevi Fountain in Rome in the evening.

Unfortunately, this fact prevented us from evaluating the monastery from the inside, and having checked in on the observation deck overlooking Kalambaka, we quickly jumped out into the street. But it was not there. A huge human wave was carrying towards the monastery. Going against the formation in the heat is not the most pleasant experience, especially when they just strive to carry you back. Caught their breath only at the car with difficulty coming to their senses; and the people didn’t, they took the nunnery by storm. How the nuns themselves withstand the daily invasion is a mystery.

On the way back, I found a gorgeous viewpoint-platform Psaropetra, between the monasteries of Ag. Stefanou and Ag. Rousanou. To the left of the road was a huge boulder, polished with thousands of feet. From its top one could clearly see the Thessalian Valley, and a series of dark washed cliff-fangs, and of course the monasteries themselves. Moni Rousanou looked especially good in profile, very harmoniously merging with the supporting mountain-base.

The sun reached its peak, photography became contraindicated, so we slowly drove back to Kastraki.

In a beautiful garden by the side of the road, we noticed a pleasant tavern "Effinoceria", deciding to take a break from the heat in the shade of the vines. The proprietor spoke passable English, deftly handling the street grill in the far corner. We, of course, were tempted by souvlaki - kebabs in the heat, washed down with half a liter of retsina. With the air of connoisseurs, they smacked, nodded, they say, yes, a little sour :) When the owner asked how we were with the souvlaki, they answered in Russian: “Oh, how delicious!” He understood everything, smiled contentedly, showing his thumb. After resting in a restaurant for an hour and a half, we decided that we would not spend the night in Kastraki, but rather go to Ioannina, a relatively large city in the northwest. The sun is still high, and at the same time we will save travel time.

Giannina was located 130 km west of Meteor, and belonged to the Epiros region of the northwestern part of Greece. The road from Kastraki to Epiros is cut in the Pindos Mountains, very beautiful, somewhat similar to the Hawaiian "road to Hana". Turns, turns, turns ... It bends especially steeply in the Katara pass area, being carried away in zigzags up and down.

In this part, a tunnel was being built, and, although it was closed, a small part under the mountain was still functioning. Two lanes in each direction significantly relieved traffic; huge twin ceiling fans regularly drove underground air.
But most of the way to the province of Epiros was still on the surface; heavy traffic, many trucks, frequent overtaking in the oncoming traffic. Once the overtaker did not have time to reorganize into his line, stopping nose to nose with the oncoming stream. The people buzzed, waved their hands, but, fortunately, there was no accident.

Having overcome the mountain road in the evening, we jumped out to the edge of the cliff, from which a gorgeous descent was carried down to the green-blue lake Pamvotis. And on its western side, Yannina's lights blinked welcomingly. We didn’t like the city itself - it was typical southern, haphazard, with a heap of streets and ugly houses. On the shore of the lake there is a town within a town, Castro, a walled former Turkish fortress built under Ali Pasha (early 19th century). You can get inside through a massive gate. We were hoping to settle there for the night, but the hotels were asking for some strange 70-80 euros per night. And this is in the provinces! The price did not suit, the search for housing continued. With the exception of Castro, there was not a single hotel advertisement in the city. We cruised the main street back and forth, skirting the crowds of teenagers hanging out, but there were no hotels. Obviously, it was necessary to look somewhere else.

On religious holidays, Orthodox residents of Greece are sent en masse to churches and monasteries. And, of course, many go to the famous Meteora monasteries. Although this miracle created by nature and man is much more popular, it is still among foreigners. Tourists and pilgrims from all over the world come here on their own and with organized excursions.

Once there were 24 monasteries, now only ruins remain of most of them, but six are perfectly preserved. All of them are open to the public at certain times and days. This article will help you plan your independent trip to Meteora.

If you are going to monasteries with an organized excursion, then, most likely, only 2 monasteries will be shown to you. It is difficult to catch sight of more in those 2-3 hours for which you will be brought within the framework of a one-day tour to Meteora without an overnight stay. At the same time, you will find yourself in the monasteries during the peak hours, when there will be no crowds on the stairs on the ascent and descent, and even in the summer, under the scorching sun, it is difficult to fully enjoy this miracle. Therefore, if possible, you should go to Meteora on your own or, if financial resources permit, with an individual guide.

How to get to Meteora by car from Thessaloniki

There are two roads leading from Thessaloniki to Meteora. The first route runs along the excellent E90 road to Grevin and further along an easy serpentine road to Kastraki (a village at the foot of Meteor). The total cost of the roads is 3.6 euros. The second way - along the coast, along the highway to Athens (E75), in the Larissa area, turn on E92 to Trikala and then to Kalambaka (a town at the foot of Meteor). This route will be more expensive, since there are a lot of payment points on the Athens highway. In total, at the points of payment, you will have to pay about 9 euros.

Both routes are approximately the same in time and will take a little less than 3 hours (if without stops). However, we recommend that you make sure to schedule stops, especially if you are driving through Pieria along the sea. There you can stop by Olympus, have a snack in mountain villages, visit the fortress of Platamonas or ancient Dion, and in high season - swim on the beautiful beaches.

From the Halkidiki peninsula to Meteora by car - the time to Thessaloniki + all the same 2.5-3 hours.

From the resorts of Pieria - the road is no more than 2 hours.

People travel to Meteora from Athens, and even from the island of Corfu (first by ferry to Igoumenitsa, and then by car), but the journey in this case takes longer.

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The best season for a trip to Meteora

The best time to visit Meteor is from April to early June or from late August to early October. In summer, these places are very hot and the temperature, even in the shade, can sometimes exceed 40 degrees. In spring, autumn or winter, take into account the cloudiness when planning your trip. Rains and fogs in the off-season are not uncommon here, and in conditions of poor visibility, the monasteries on the rocks will be difficult to see. In winter, be careful on the roads, they can become icy. In addition, the monasteries work on a reduced schedule in winter.

Days of the week

During the summer period (from April 1 to October 31), when planning a trip on a specific day of the week, consider the following:

Monastery of St. Stephen is closed on Mondays.

The Great Meteor is closed on Tuesdays.

Rusanu Monastery is closed on Wednesdays.

The monastery of the Holy Trinity is closed on Thursday.

On Friday, two monasteries are closed at once - Varlaam and St. Nicholas.

On Saturdays and Sundays, all monasteries are open to visitors, but these days there can be a lot of them.

Best time of day at Meteors

The most beautiful time in Meteora is at dawn, at 6-7 am (depending on the season). It is then that on the observation platforms on the open rocks you can see how gradually the monasteries around them begin to flood with the sun. There are not many people at this time (professional photographers and romantic larks), and you can fully enjoy the beauty and grandeur of these places.

From the very opening of the monasteries, from 9.00 or even earlier, buses, minibuses and cars begin to catch up to them, gradually filling all entrances and approaches to this attraction. The atmosphere is changing dramatically and Meteora is becoming the target of a highly developed tourism industry.

If you nevertheless find yourself at the monasteries during peak hours and you have no other opportunity to visit, then we advise you to choose the quietest ones. For example, this is the lowest, closest to the village of Kastraki, the monastery of Agios Nikolaos (Agios Nikolaos). Organized tourists are rarely taken to it by buses.

On some days of the week, another beautiful and majestic monastery, the Holy Trinity (Agia Triada), is not very crowded. It is the most difficult to access. To get to it, you first need to walk a rather long way from the parking lot to the stairs, and then climb very steep steps for several minutes, so buses bring tourists here only on days when other popular monasteries are closed.

The most convenient for visiting, without a single step in front of the entrance, is the convent of St. Stephen. It is accessible even for people with disabilities.

The Great Meteor (Megalo Meteoro), Varlaam and the Rusanu Convent are almost always crowded with visitors, so it is advisable to plan their visit either by the opening at 9:00 or at the last hour before closing.

The monasteries of Varlaam and St. Nicholas are the earliest to be closed (both of these monasteries must be reached no later than 15.00 in order to have time to get up and explore at a calm pace). The Great Meteor and the Holy Trinity are open for visits until 17.00, and Rusanu and St. Stephen - a little longer.

And, of course, the sunset in Meteora is unique. There are also many tourists at sunset, but there is usually enough space for everyone to watch the sun setting behind the rocks.

How much is

A visit to each of the Meteor monasteries is paid, admission from an adult is 3 euros, children under 12 years old are free. Greek citizens of all ages can also visit Meteora free of charge.

It is not necessary to take special clothes with you, everything is there at the entrance to the monasteries. All women in clothes that are too open should wear skirts at the entrance and cover their shoulders with shirts. Men are also given long trousers, if necessary (you cannot enter monasteries in shorts).

Additionally, money may be needed for books, icons and souvenirs, some of which are quite unusual. Books and maps can be found in different languages, including Russian. There are shops at each monastery, of which the most interesting is, perhaps, at the Varlaam monastery. Also, various things for tourists are sold in front of monasteries. Especially brisk trade goes in front of Varlaam, the Great Meteor and St. Stephen monasteries.

Keep in mind that you can buy drinks and food upstairs, but only in small vans in front of some monasteries, so it is better to stock up on necessary provisions and especially water in the villages at the foot of Meteor.

Where to stay and where to eat in Meteora

If you are looking for a quieter place, then it is better to stay in the village of Kastraki, or in Kalambaki hotels closer to the pedestrian ascent to Meteora. If you are attracted by more lively places, feel free to settle in the center of Kalambaka. You can eat in numerous taverns, restaurants or cafes in both towns. But if you do not have a car, keep in mind that you will not find normal shops in Kastraki, only small local shops, most often with overpriced ones. All large supermarkets, pharmacies and other necessary establishments are located in Kalambaka.

What to see around

In addition to the monasteries, within a few kilometers from Meteor are the Teopetra Caves, the Museum of Natural History and Mushrooms and the Sarakina Bridge.

Things to do

Meteora is a fertile place for lovers of active tourism. Independently or with the help of professional guides, you can make hiking trails (ascents) among the rocks of varying difficulty. Also Meteora is a paradise for climbers and mountain bikers.

Excursions to monasteries of various duration and intensity can be ordered from travel agencies in Kalambaka. Detailed information on excursions can also be obtained from any local hotel.

What to take with you to Meteora

Comfortable shoes, a camera, in the summer - a hat and sunscreen.

Meteora monasteries photo

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