Meteora

Six active Orthodox monasteries crown sandstone towers above Kalambaka, linked by a ridge road and rock-cut stairs.

Psaropetra lines up Roussanou, Varlaam and Great Meteoron across the valley; pair the latter two for a visit. Dress rules require men to avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts; women need a long skirt or wrap and covered shoulders. No photography inside churches, and the stairs offer little summer shade. Carry cash for separate monastery admissions and check their short hours and closures before visiting.

Best light
Sunrise
Best months
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Time needed
A full day

Get around

Eat & drink

Sleep

On the map

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Meteora

Six active Orthodox monasteries crown sandstone towers above Kalambaka, linked by a ridge road and rock-cut stairs.

Psaropetra lines up Roussanou, Varlaam and Great Meteoron across the valley; pair the latter two for a visit. Dress rules require men to avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts; women need a long skirt or wrap and covered shoulders. No photography inside churches, and the stairs offer little summer shade. Carry cash for separate monastery admissions and check their short hours and closures before visiting.

Best light
Sunrise
Best months
Apr, May, Jun, Sep, Oct, Nov
Time needed
A full day

Get around

Eat & drink

Sleep

Links

The Best of the WorldThis spot and 99 more