When visiting Meteora in Greece, be sure to try one of these best Meteora tours and activities. Each Meteora tour gives a valuable insight into this remarkable UNESCO World Heritage area.
Visiting Meteora, Greece
The monasteries of Meteora, near Kalambaka town in the area of Greece called Thessaly, are among the most popular places to visit in Greece. Whilst some people visit Meteora on a day trip from Athens, I recommend spending at least one night in the area.
This is because I really think it's a place to be enjoyed and absorbed at a slower pace. The beautiful landscape and incredible monasteries seem worlds apart from busy Athens. It's also completely different than life on the Greek islands!
By staying in Kalambaka near Meteora for a night or two, you'll have the freedom to plan your own itinerary. And with your own vehicle, you can easily get around Meteora and see all the monasteries yourself.Still, you might find a Meteora tour or two an interesting option. Activities such as Meteora climbing tours, cliff scrambling, and hiking tours of Meteora are hard to do without local knowledge.
Here's our pick of the best Meteora tours from Kalambaka.
Best Meteora Tours and Activities
This selection of Meteora Tours and Activities helps you see the most of the UNESCO site of Meteora in Greece.
Meteora half day morning tour
This morning tour of Meteora is a great introduction to the area if you are staying longer, but it’s also perfect as a standalone tour if you only have one day in the area.
It is organized by one of the leading companies in the area, called Meteora Thrones. I have personal experience with this company, and they are great!
This Meteora tour begins at 9am, and lasts for 4 hours, during which you will have the time to visit three out of the six monasteries, but also enjoy the fantastic views.
Meteora half day evening tour – Watch the sunset over Meteora
This sunset tour of Meteora, organized by “Meteora Thrones”, was one of my favourite experiences. The sunset is really a unique time of the day to explore this majestic area.
#This half-day tour includes plenty of time to visit one or two monasteries, depending on the day of the week, while you will have the chance to enjoy the awesome landscapes and take photos.
Start time depends on the season, in order to catch the sunset.
Meteora afternoon half-day tour
This afternoon half-day tour, beginning at midday, is a great option if you want to take it easy and explore Kalambaka in the morning.
You will be transported by a small minivan, and your tour guide will give you information about the area and the monasteries. During this tour, there will be time to visit three of the six monasteries, and also special stops at the best places for photos.
This tour is also suitable for people travelling to and from Athens on the same day.
Sunrise Meteora photography tour
If you are interested in capturing Meteora with the early morning light, this private tour is ideal for you.
You will get to see the monasteries in a different light, with no crowds, and will have a quick photography class and tips. You will also have plenty of time to visit some of the holy monasteries.
Beginning time depends on the season, and is an hour before sunrise – perfect if you are a morning person!
5 hour Hiking Tour of Meteora
If you are looking to combine sightseeing with the great outdoors, this Meteora tour is perfect.
This half-day guided hike will get you closer to the unique rock formations, and you will be able to explore abandoned monasteries and ruins that are inaccessible otherwise. The trails are suitable for anyone of average fitness level, including children. Make sure you have appropriate shoes – hiking shoes are recommended, as well as a hat in summer and a raincoat during the wettest times of the year.
The tour is organized by another leading company in the area, “Visit Meteora”, and it includes a visit to one of the Meteora monasteries. Starting time is 8.30 am.
Morning e-bike tour of Meteora
If you want to explore the great outdoors but don’t really feel like hiking, another option is to try an electric-motor bicycle.
While you will still need to pedal now and then, an e-bike makes riding a lot easier, and the small group keeps the experience more fun and personalized. You will have time to visit three of the six operating monasteries, while your guide will give you information on the area and the monastic life.
This Meteora tour starts at 9am and lasts for 4 hours.
Meteora private customized tour
This 6-hour tour by Visit Meteora is great if you prefer a private Meteora tour without being tied to a group. It is also ideal if your party includes small children, elderly or people of limited mobility.
Up to 7 people can be accommodated. You can design a customized tour with the help of your guide, in order to make the most of the day and enjoy your time in Meteora.
Meteora Rocks: Cliff Scramble Experience
Organized by one of the top outdoors companies in Greece, Trekking Hellas, this Meteora tour is suitable for people who want to enjoy great views without the crowds, while getting their adrenaline rush for the day.
There will be a steep hike, on a trail once used by the monks who lived in one of the top monasteries in Meteora, and a lesson on scrambling will be included.
The tour includes all necessary climbing equipment, and has a minimum number of 2 participants.
Meteora: Rock Climbing Experience
Another Meteora tour by Trekking Hellas, this rock climbing experience will stay with you for a long time.
People from all over the world come to rock climb in Meteora, and you can often spot them from the top of the Great Meteoron monastery. This is definitely not for everyone, but if you are into rock climbing you will love this tour.
All climbing equipment is included, and a minimum of 2 participants is required.
Additional Information on Meteora
Here's some more information you may find useful when visiting Meteora.
Getting to Kalambaka from Athens
Getting to Kalambaka from Athens is quite straightforward. Apart from or taking an organized day trip from Athens, you can also get to Kalambaka independently. Unless you are hiring your own car, the easiest way to get from Athens to Kalambaka is to take the train.
There is a daily direct train at 7.20 am, arriving at Kalambaka at 11.31 am, and several non-direct trains later in the day. I've got a complete guide here: How to get from Athens to Meteora.
Things to know before you visit Meteora
There is a small entrance fee of 3 euro for each monastery, payable in cash at the entrance. When visiting the area, please remember that the six Meteora monasteries which are open to the public are still functioning, and they are home to several monks and nuns.
Be mindful of your clothes – knees and shoulders should be covered, so short skirts, shorts and tank tops are not allowed. It’s best to bring a shawl and long skirt or trousers below the knee, but appropriate clothes are also available at the entrance of each monastery, free of charge.
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