Meteora

Pellars vertical rocks. Sculptures made by prehistoric rivers, with their monasteries perched on them.

The view of the towering dark rocks is awe-inspiring. Nestled on their peaks and caves from the 11th century, the monasteries. With ropes, nets or bare hands, the monks established a tradition of centuries: climbing. Today climbers from all over the world come to Meteora, to confront them with the giant rocks. UNESCO has designated Meteora as a “Preserved and Protected Monument of Humanity”. The Greek State as a “sacred place, unchangeable and inviolable”. Add yourself your own rating to Meteora’s Guestbook, which reaches 2 million each year.

It is worth seeing in Meteora
The “brutal” rocks of humble ascetics
In Thessaly , the complex of imposing rocks rises above Kalambaka, between Pindos and Antichasia. Monasticism began here in the 11th century, when monks who were ascetics left Mount Athos and came to Thessaly to practice in the caves of the vast rocks. In the 14th century, Saint Athanasios Meteorites organized the first communal community, establishing the monastery of the Great Meteora. Monks followed from other regions of Greece, establishing 20 monasteries in total.

Live “hanging” monasteries
Nowadays there are six lively, rugged and renovated monasteries, which welcome the pilgrim to their archangel. It is Agios Nikolaos Anapaşa, Metamorphosis of the Savior or Grand Meteora, Varlaam, Roussan, Holy Trinity and St. Stephen. The rest are either renovated, but without monks, or ruined.

Place for climbers
Climbing in Meteora has never stopped. The monks and ascetics clustered in their monasteries and their skeletons with ropes, nets or bare hands. Climbing on the rocks of Meteora continues today. It is a dream of life for many sports enthusiasts coming from every corner of the world. Athletes enjoy classical climbing routes, that is, lengthy and unnecessary fuses. All have been traditionally drawn from the bottom to the top. In the eyes of the unconscious, they seem impossible, as many 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 the base of climbers. It has restaurants, small hotels and rooms to let, as well as tourist shops. Old Kastraki is a traditional settlement.

Kalambaka: the “climb”
gate The city-gateway 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 holidays dream. Take a stroll to the old town (Stratos), which has been restored. Visit the unique School of Wood Sculpture in Greece as well as traditional bronze sculptures, where you can find rarely handmade bronze articles.

The hidden treasures of Meteora
Sarakina’s bridging bridge
About 8 km from Kalampaka, towards Trikala, you will find the historical community of Sarakina. There is the largest stone bridge of the prefecture of Trikala, the famous Sarakina sixth bridge, dating back to the 16th century. One of the area’s most interesting sights.

The cave Theopetra
Just 4 km away from Kalambaka 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 calcareous rock Theopetra placed in the upper Cretaceous period (137 million-65 million years ago).

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

Do I have to wear a mask in transports – inside taxi or private hired vehicles – in Greece?

(2022 guidance on the use of face masks in Greece – Covid19 update)

TAXIS / PRIVATE TRANSFERS / MINIVANS / MINIBUSES / CITY BUSES

Our staff will wear a face covering inside the taxis and all private-hired cars for the duration of your journey. Our driver will use hand satinizer before and after any transaction or contact with your luggage etc. In Greece, it is the law that you must wear either a face covering or face mask even if you are vaccinated inside the taxis or private hired cars. Exemptions include people who have medical issues (trouble breathing, unability to wear a mask properly etc), children under the age of three (3) or you have any other legitamate reason not to – however please note that proof maybe requested by local authorities. Our drivers treat everyone with respect and compassion and understand if it is not immediately obvious that some people are not able to wear face covering for medical reasons.

AIRPORTS / AIRPLANES / TRAINS / INTERCITY BUSES:

From Wednesday 1st of June 2022 and after, Greek state decided and it is the law now that masks are not mandatory.

SHIPS / FERRYBOATS

From Thursday 2nd of June 2022 and after Greek state decided and it is the law now that masks are not mandatory, but it is strongly reccomended.

Where do I have to wear mask in Greece?

(in use after 1st of June 2022 for summer/autumn period – Covid19 update)

From Wednesday 1st of June 2022 and after, Greek state decided and it is the law now that:

– Masks are NOT mandatory anymore INDOORS. This means that you DON’T have to wear a facemask anymore, if you want to visit a coffee shop, a restaurant, a beach bar, a shop, hotel or supermarket.

– You MUST wear a mask, if you visit the following places: public hospital, pharmacy, private clinic, doctor’s office, medical centre, retirement and nursing home. You must also wear a mask, when using public transportation (public bus, taxi, chauffeurred-driven vehicles etc)