The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. How To Visit the Meteora Monasteries in 2023 - Offbeat Greece If you dont want to drive, the train is perhaps the best option to get to Meteora from Athens. The journey takes between 3 to 6 hours depending on the time of the day. Meteora Monasteries - The Holy Land - Geological phenomenon The opening hours often change from year to year, so beware when relying on information provided in guidebooks or general websites. Guide to Kastoria: the most beautiful lakeside town in Greece. Meteora - Wikipedia De kloosters bloeiden tot de 17e eeuw. In Orthodox Christian belief the body remains the temple of the Holy Spirit. Enjoy with us the best panoramic and majestic views of your life. Montenegro Road Trip: Epic Itinerary for Two Weeks in Montenegro! Nowadays the monastery can be reached by a bridge and has a small museum, there are a lot of impressive 16th century paintings to see as well, The Rousanou Monastery was built in 1545 by Maximos and Ioasaph of Ioannina, it is unclear who the actual monastery is named after, but it is dedicated to St.Barbara. [9] The grounds include a 2 acres (0.81ha) garden at the summit.[10]. For this reason, the foundation of this monastery is considered to be a turning point, or even better, the beginning of organized monasticism for the region of Meteora. Trains depart from the New Railway Station, or Neos Sidirodromikos Stathmos which you can reach by public bus or by taxi. 6 Awe-inspiring Monasteries in Meteora (with Map) - Touropia This monastery was founded around 1340 by St. Athanasios Meteorites, a scholar monk from Mount Athos . If this is your first time to Meteora Greece, youll probably stop for photos, as youll be impressed with the dramatic scenery. Game of Thrones fans may recognize the scenery of the fictional city of Eyrie backdrop of which was inspired again by the same Meteora in Greece. We stayed in this cozy immaculately clean and tastefully furnished one-bedroom apartment. The easy access, with no stairs to climb, makes the Saint Stephen Monastery accessible to travelers with walking problems. After he became a monk he lived for a few years in Athos before finally settling on the cliffs of Meteora. Nothing extraordinary difficult but a bit more stressing than the other monasteries nonetheless. Top 10 Facts about Meteora in Greece - Discover Walks Blog Even if you dont book any of them, they can serve you as planning guide, as they can help you understand how much time you need to visit each monastery and what else to visit in the area. Born in Lithuania, and currently residing in the UAE, I have been traveling around the globe independently since I turned 21. messaging_plugin_https://visitmeteora.travel/_426053524124896. Contents of How To Visit the Meteora Monasteries in 2023 Organized Tours or Self-Guided Visits? But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Its history goes back in time to year 1350, when the priest and monk Varlaam built a small church and a few dwellings on top of this rock which served him as home. This religious orthodox complex, which is located in central Greece, boasts one of the most wonderful and intriguing landscapes on Earth. Fue en estas columnas del cielo donde empezaron a asentarse monjes anacoretas desde el siglo XI. Protections by other conservation instruments, Meteora (Greece)
The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This Greek monastery also boasts a big library. From this bus station, hop on a bus to Trikala, and then take another bus to Kalambaka. Varlaam Monastery 4. There will be tourist buses, so the place will get crowded. Unfortunately no other monks joined him, after his death the site was abandoned for 200 years. You're in for a wonderful treat when you visit Meteora mountain in Greece. He is celebrated as the first founder of the monastery and the organizer of systematic monasticism for the whole region of Meteora. Let alone there are masses of people visiting. [17] Visitors are allowed. St. Stephen monastery was founded by St. Antoninus Cantacuzene, who is thought to be a son of the Serb ruler Nicephorus II of Epirus, in 1400. Like other monasteries at Meteora the Roussanou monastery was looted during the Second World War. Monasteries on the top of Meteora rocks - Meteora-Greece.com Meteora - Kalabaka, Greece - Atlas Obscura Psammites $. In 1517 two monks from Ioannina, Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades , re-founded the monastery. Great Meteoron Monastery - Meteora Thrones - Travel Center Also, big white beans are one of the best vegetarian traditional dishes found all over Greece, also available in Meteoras restaurants. Thus, relics of saints are venerated. I found it funny that they charge you 2 Euro every few kilometers instead of letting you go as far as you need and charge you the total amount when you exit the motorway. The Unique, Ethereal Beauty of Meteora, Greece - GreekReporter.com A list of the most beautiful places in Montenegro you must visit. Meteora Natural History Museum and Mushroom Museum, Meteora History and Culture Digital Projection Centre, What are the visiting hours and days of the monasteries. This cookie is installed by Google Analytics. Nowadays the bridge is permanent, as opposed to past times when it was mobile. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. If you prefer the bus, youll pay your fare to the driver. Located on the southern edge of Meteora, Agios Stefanos is the closest monastery to Kalabaka. 24 monasteries were built in Meteora, and the site is now part of the UNESCO World Heritage list. Refer to the monasteries opening times and hours both for summer and winter below. Visiting hours 09:00 - 16:00. The six monasteries that are still in use today are the Monastery of Great Meteoron, as well as Roussanou/St. In the 14th century, the titular emperor of Serbs and Greeks, John Uro, became a monk and moved to Meteora; he endowed, rebuilt and established monasteries here. The World Heritage Centre is at the forefront of the international communitys efforts to protect and preserve. Patrick Leigh Fermor is reported to have visited the monasteries here several decades ago, as a guest of the Abbot of Varlaam. It also has a patio, a terrace with a seating area, and a garden. James Bonds movie For Your Eyes Only was filmed in Meteora and The Holy Trinity appeared in some of the scenes making it the most photographed monastery. Although the monastery seems very difficult to get to, dont let yourself intimidated by that. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". As most trains from Thessaloniki to Kalambaka switch at Palaeofarsalos, youll need to stay tuned until you pass this point Also, the return train timetable in advance, so that you can plan your visit to the monasteries. Sleeveless clothing and shorts over the knee for men are prohibited and youll be denied access if dressed that way. The rocks weathered away and formed the columns and pinnacles of rocks. We will try to do our best in keeping the timetable of visiting times and days of monasteries up-to-date. #magicalgreece #greece #grecja #meteora # . Meteora Monasteries - Visit Greece Great Meteoron Monastery: 9 AM 3 PM, closed on Tuesdays; Varlaam Monastery: 9 AM 4 PM, closed on Fridays; Roussanou Monastery: 10 AM- 4 PM, closed on Wednesdays; Holy Trinity Monastery: 10 AM -4 PM, closed on Thursdays; St. Stephens Nunnery: 9 AM-1:30 PM and 3:30 PM-5:30 PM, closed on Mondays; Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery: 9 AM 5 PM, open every day. It all became very clear, however, when I got there and drove one loop from Kastraki over the main road (Epar. The history of building monasteries on top of perilous cliffs near Meteora occurred between the 14th and 15th centuries. Ive been fascinated with the seamless way the monasteries grow on these cliff tops as if they were natural and not man-made. Frescoes inside the monasteries are beyond impressive. Visit Meteora, even if your interests are not deeply religious. The Great Meteoron is the biggest of the Meteora monasteries. But first How to get to Meteora How to get to Meteora from Athens Let me start by saying this it's not a day trip. Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery 09:00 to 17:00. Also, Kastraki and Kalambaka are steps away from each other. MHTE: 07.27.E.60.00.00159.0.1. A cookie set by YouTube to measure bandwidth that determines whether the user gets the new or old player interface. Visit Meteora And The Magnificent Monasteries In The Mountains Nonetheless, I hope it will still be helpful should you need to choose which monastery to go to and which one just to admire from afar. Sacred Sites, Prefecture of Trikala, Region of Thessaly. The logistics of getting between the monasteries was a mystery as the place itself. Pair your photos with some quotes about Greece and youre set to amaze your friends and social media followers. St George the Mandilas, the origins of a 300 years old Meteora tradition, How to book train tickets in Greece online: An illustrated guide. Good to know: Varlaam monastery does not provide free skirts for ladies. The bus is a great option to get to Meteora from Thessaloniki. Getting to Meteora from Athens: you can take the train or the bus, or you can rent a car. Today bridges, staircases, and even funiculars (used by monks for transporting goods) allow easier access to each of the monasteries. Pictures dont do it justice. Ive been reading on some websites that Kastraki caters mainly to those who love a rural style accommodation. Situated within a green forest, beautiful inside out, Roussanou is a nunnery dedicated to Saint Barbara. The Monastery of Roussanou - Visit Meteora [12], Only six of the original monasteries are still occupied, including Holy Trinity. USE DISCOUNT CODE "10years" FOR A 10% DISCOUNT ON SELECTED TOURS! There are many reasons not to want to drive while exploring Meteora like if youre not confident driving on the opposite side of the road, your spouse is a terrible copilot and you just want to have fun instead of arguing; or if you want to enjoy the scenic road and not to feel stress about the narrow and curvy roads. The Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas, A miniature masterpiece carved iconostasis located in the Catholic Monastery of Agios Stefanos, Very old Icons and Paintings that are now kept in the sacristies of churches, Over a thousand manuscripts and precious value series of Byzantine and post-Byzantine documents, The miraculous skull of Saint Charalambos. Today, the tradition of Orthodoxy is continued uninterrupted for over 600 years by the following monasteries: There are also 15 more Uninhabited and in ruins old monasteries in Meteora. About 200 years had to pass until the brothers Nectarios and Theofanis climbed this rock and built another church on the ruins of the old one. This is a tough one. 1. [2] It is situated at the top of a rocky precipice. The most convenient way to travel to Meteora is by car. Even then, Holy Trinity was one of the poorest monasteries in Meteora.[18]. It takes 4 hours 20 minutes to drive to Meteora from Athens and 2.5-3 hours to drive from Thessaloniki to Meteora. Tours offer a hassle-freejourney but also limited flexibility. Montenegro Itinerary: detailed 2-week road trip route. YSC cookie is set by Youtube and is used to track the views of embedded videos on Youtube pages. The Monastery of Holy Trinity - Visit Meteora Watching the sunset on the rocks is a wonderful experience. The Story Behind The Mountain-Top Monasteries of Meteora, Greece Most people are able to visit between 2 to 4 monasteries per day. the Rousanou Monastery. If possible, try to spend at least one night in the area, in order to enjoy the sunset on the cliffs. Should I take the car to drive to monasteries or is better using other means? Monasteries Winter Timetable We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. While other people seem to neglect it for not being impressive enough, which I completely disagree with, I felt like Agios Nikolas monastery was the least commercialized and the most secluded. To me, the miniature, yet 3-floor monastery felt very homey. Great Meteoron Monastery 09:00 to 15:00. Ewa | Daleko niedaleko on Instagram: "Magical Meteora monasteries You need to take the Athens Metro Red Line to Anthoupoli, and get off at Larissa Station. Meteora monasteries opening days and hours in summer (April 1st to October 31st): Meteora monasteries opening days and hours in winter (November 1st to March 31st): Which of Meteora monasteries you shouldnt miss and which ones should you skip? This website uses affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase through a link. The word is plural of meteoron meaning "suspended in the air" in Greek. The cookie is used to store and identify a users' unique session ID for the purpose of managing user session on the website. Make sure you have at least one hour for Delphi, because the site is huge and youll need to climb to get to the top of the hill. Once youre on the train, you can relax and even take a nap, because Kalabaka is the end of the line. The Holy Trinity Monastery (Agia Triada) at Meteora is one of the most photographed monuments in the area. Dans un paysage de pitons de grs presque inaccessibles, des moines anachortes s'installrent sur les colonnes du ciel ds le XIe sicle. Some of the Meteora monasteries are so tightly built on these pillar tops, that it seems as though they're integrated into the rock. At Liossion Station youll take a bus to Trikala, which is the big town nearby Kalampaka and Meteora. The monastery is run by Nuns, You may recognise the monastery of Holy Trinity as it was used in the James Bond movie For your eyes only Roger Moore scales the cliff face. Opening hours and days: April 1st to October 31st -the monastery stays closed on Fridays. Saint Nikolas Anapafsas Monastery is located steps away. Read More Montenegro Road Trip: Epic Itinerary for Two Weeks in Montenegro!Continue. The monastery was built between the . The Great Meteoron, also known as the Holy Monastery of the Metamorfossis (Transfiguration of Christ), is a male monastery and is the oldest and largest of all the monasteries of Meteora. If you dont have any disabilities, you should be able to climb it without problems. Nonetheless, only a small percentage out of all people climb to the ancient stadium on top of the hill. Orthodox monks were too smart to allow all sorts of enemy hoards spoil their serenity. 1680 Varlaam Monastery, Meteora Bernard Gagnon / CC BY-SA 4.0 The. The distinct rocks which you can see in Meteora today are a result of the tectonic shift process which took place over 60 million years ago. If you want a station point for stunning images of Meteora and of Varlaam and Metamorphosis monasteries, Roussanou is the place to go. If you go for a car rental, you may want to stop by Delphi on your way to Meteora, to see the ruins of this ancient temple. The Great Meteoron was founded shortly before the middle of the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteorite, who was also its first founder and the first to organize a systematic monastic community. That being said, it might be worth leaving the best for the last on your Greece itinerary. As you approach the town of Kalabaka, the nearest big town near Meteora , and the picturesque village of Kastraki you will see a complex of giant sandstone rock pillars that climb up into the sky. If you are by car, keep in mind that some portions of the travel are on toll roads. However. Read More Best UAE Hiking Trails: A Guide to Hebs Village in Ras Al KhaimahContinue, Your email address will not be published. I hope you found this Meteora travel blog useful and that it has helped you to easily plan your visit to Meteora monasteries. A complete guide to one of the most beautiful hikes in the UAE, also suitable for beginners. Hotel was comfortable. Read More 25 Super Useful Travel Tips for Visiting Calabria, ItalyContinue. After seeing Meteora every other location looks well, just ordinary. Let We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. Located 200 meters away from Kalambaka town center and close to the train station, this guesthouse has a variety of expressively decorated rooms with frescoes and wooden floors, a big garden with a pool open to Meteora views. The rock cliffs, dated by chemical analysis to be 60 million years old, were created during earthquakes, and are of sandstone and conglomerate formations caused by fluvial erosion. The stairway is carved into the rock and it isnt too steep. Although 24 monasteries were built, each containing a church or two, monks' cells, and a refectory, only 6 remain: Great Metoron, Varlam (also called All Saints [yioi Pndes]), Roussanou, St. Nikolas (yios Nikolaos), Holy Trinity (yia Triada), and St. Stephen (yios Stfanos). All these are a bit tricky, as you need to change too many buses to have a comfortable trip. Their 16th-century frescoes mark a key stage in the . Unfortunately, the cabin is completely closed and made from metal, so theres nothing spectacular about it other than the fact that it slides on those ropes. Roussanou Monastery 3. Visit Meteora - Monasteries Opening Hours & Days 2022 The monasteries that sit on top of these rocks make up the second most important monastic community in Greece, after Mount Athos in Halkidiki. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Our experienced staff and the State of the ArtVIP Limo Mini buswe own guarantee an unforgettable, high quality, way to discover our unique place. [4] A fresco of St Sisois and the skeleton of Alexander the Great adorns the walls. The Rousanou Monastery at Meteora, established in 1388, presents an ethereal sight to visitors of this unique place in Greece. By end of the fifteenth century, there were 24 such monasteries, such as Holy Trinity, St. Barbara Rousanou, and St. Nicholas Anapafsas. Orthodox Christians were widely persecuted during the Ottoman Empire. If you want to enjoy captivating views and learn more about the history of one of the most important monasteries in Meteora, join now our Meteora Half-Day Tour. Each of the 6 monasteries in Meteora is closed on one day during the weekday in the summer season, and some of them a few days a week during the winter season. The first ascetics came here in the 11th century. One way we paid around 20 EUR for the tolls between Athens and Meteora. Today, Varlaam monastery has three churches. The good news is that many of these monasteries are fairly easy to reach, even though they seem inaccessible at first sight. The journey takes between 3 to 5 hours depending on the time of the day. Thus, it is a good idea to plan to visit the Great Meteoron monastery as soon as it opens. The Holy Monastery of Roussanou, located at Meteora Greece was first established in the 14th century. Meteora is a Unesco Heritage site in two categories: art and nature. Ive been to Meteora twice: once in June and the second time in September. Here are a few photos Ive taken on my second trip to Meteora, in early September, on a lovely weather. However, if you are planning on doing some serious photography and want to capture each monastery at its best light, or in general, spend more time properly exploring the area at a slower pace, plan at least 2-3 nights in Meteora. The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery of Meteora. Traveling in Calabria, Italy: how to get to and around, where to stay, what to see in Calabria and more. If I was to choose a tour to Meteora, these would be my top picks (based on the ratings and reviews of other travelers):@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-theroadreel_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0-asloaded{max-width:320px!important;max-height:50px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'theroadreel_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_4',153,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theroadreel_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');@media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-theroadreel_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1-asloaded{max-width:320px!important;max-height:50px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[320,50],'theroadreel_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_5',153,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theroadreel_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0_1');.large-mobile-banner-2-multi-153{border:none!important;display:block!important;float:none!important;line-height:0;margin-bottom:7px!important;margin-left:auto!important;margin-right:auto!important;margin-top:7px!important;max-width:100%!important;min-height:50px;padding:0;text-align:center!important}. @media(min-width:0px){#div-gpt-ad-theroadreel_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0-asloaded{max-width:300px!important;max-height:250px!important}}if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'theroadreel_com-mobile-leaderboard-1','ezslot_10',169,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-theroadreel_com-mobile-leaderboard-1-0');Great Meteoron monastery panoramic view. The test_cookie is set by doubleclick.net and is used to determine if the user's browser supports cookies. Here are links to essential travel resources and services I always use when organizing my trips. If you want to have a good choice of hotels and restaurants, you should get accommodation in Kalambaka. The recreational area includes an indoor and huge outdoor pool, sauna, and spa. Unlike Mount Athos, though, Meteora monasteries can be visited by women. The Monastery of the Holy Trinity (Greek: ) (also known as Agia Triada, Ayas Tridhos, Ayia Triada; all meaning "Holy Trinity") is an Eastern Orthodox monastery in central Greece, situated in the Peneas Valley northeast of the town of Kalambaka. If you do not have your own means of transport and prefer having a knowledgeable guide, and all the logistics sorted, joining a Meteora tour either from Athens, Thessaloniki or Kalambaka is a good idea. There is a beautiful chapel with some of the best in Meteora 16th-century frescoes depicting Biblical scenes. [12] Holy Trinity's decoration was added in 1741. Monasteries of Meteora - Greece Travel Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery: 9 AM 4 PM, and 9:30 AM 4 PM on Sundays, open every day. Two of them are nunneries, the other four being inhabited by monks. Family trip. How To Visit Santorini on a Budget in 2023, Greece 10-Day Itinerary & Road Trip from Athens, Best Things To Do in Rhodes, Greece [A Complete Guide To Rhodes for 2023], Best Places To Stay in Santorini in 2023: Best Areas, Towns & Hotels, Litochoro, the Picturesque Town at the Foot of Mount Olympus, Finikia Santorini: Best Alternative to Oia, a private tour from Kalabaka to see the rocks in the sunset, during the golden hour, Check out this full day train tour from Athens to Meteora Monasteries, and book it here, check out this private tour from Athens to Meteora, here, Click here to book your spot on this bus tour from Thessaloniki to Meteora, Kosta Famissi find the current rates and book a room here. It was founded little before the mid-14th century (around 1340) by a scholar monk of Mount Athos, Saint Athanasios Meteorites. After living in caves for a while, the ascetics built the 21 Meteora monasteries on top of the sandstone megaliths, thus securing a life free from intruders. PRIVATE : 1 day Meteora Tour from Athens by Train, PRIVATE: 1 day Meteora Tour from Athens by Mini Bus, 1 day Meteora Tour from Thessaloniki by Train, 2 days Meteora Tour from Thessaloniki by Train, PRIVATE : 1 day Meteora Tour from Thessaloniki by Train, Panoramic Morning Meteora and Monasteries Tour, PRIVATE : Full Day Meteora Tour from Kalabaka or Kastraki, PRIVATE : 1 day Meteora Tour from Volos by Mini Bus. Plan your epic 7 days Dubai itinerary with my UAE travel guide: the best things to do in Dubai for a week, where to stay, and how to get around. Athens-Kalambaka one-way ticket price is around 36 EUR, return of 57 EUR. You can take the Green Line Metro at Monastiraki, and you need to head towards Kifissia on the Green Line. Barbara, Varlaam, St. Stephens, St. Nicholas Anapausas and the Monastery of the Holy Trinity. Varlaam Monastery 09:00 to 16:00. You dont even need a car, as you can get here by either train or bus. If you dont have time, try to visit al least the Holy Monastery of the Great Meteoro. Extreme temperatures, wind and water eroded the rocks. 159 likes, 6 comments - Ewa | Daleko niedaleko (@dalekoniedaleko) on Instagram: "Magical Meteora monasteries, Greece. Meteora is an extensive complex of gigantic sandstone rocks shadowing the local town of Kalambaka. The clustered smooth soaring peaks of Meteora reach up to 550 meters and are all different in shape making the typography one of a kind. Evolving through centuries, the whole complex was completed in the 19th century. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. Thanks Dimitris! There is also a small museum that briefly introduces the history of the area and some interesting facts about monastic life in the old days. Excellent guide. [5] Prior to the twentieth century, Holy Trinity had a very difficult approach, requiring crossing a valley and climbing through the rock outcrop to reach the building's entrance. [9] Holy Trinity according to many sources was built in 147576,[11] though some sources say the construction dates of the monastery and its adjoining chapel, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, are unknown. Facebook sets this cookie to show relevant advertisements to users by tracking user behaviour across the web, on sites that have Facebook pixel or Facebook social plugin. The monastery of Agios Stefanos is by far the most accessible monastery, where instead of steps you simply cross a small bridge to reach the entrance. Nonetheless, you should keep an eye on the weather forecast, as it can get quite rainy during these months. A highlight of our trip. Follow these Meteora travel tips to make sure you don't miss a thing. Meteora - UNESCO World Heritage Centre Dont miss the chance to visit the museum of the monastery, where historical codices and religious icons of high value are on display. Last edited on 26 November 2022, at 13:33, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Monastery_of_the_Holy_Trinity,_Meteora&oldid=1123931836, This page was last edited on 26 November 2022, at 13:33. Hi! Nonetheless, many tour buses still skip it because due to its smaller size it cannot accommodate large groups of tourists. For this reason, it was my least favorite, yet is worth visiting for its impressive frescoes.Saint Stephen nunnery, Meteora, Greece. You're in for a real treat if you visit Meteora - the improbable sight of ancient monasteries teetering on narrow pillars of rock. After reading different opinions and then visiting the monasteries myself, below I share a short overview of each of the monasteries to help you get an idea and make your pick if you cant visit them all. Best places to see and do in Montenegro. Great Meteoron Monastery: 9:30 AM 2 PM, closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays; Varlaam Monastery: 9 AM 3 PM, closed on Thursdays and Fridays; Roussanou Monastery: 10 AM- 2 PM, closed on Wednesdays, Holy Trinity Monastery: 10 AM -4 PM, closed on Thursdays, St. Stephens Nunnery: 9:30 AM-1 PM and 3 PM-5 PM, closed on Mondays. Buses are the most inconvenient way to travel to Meteora. The journey takes about 2.5 hours. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. It is built on the greatest rock of the complex, the Platys Lithos or Playtlithos. World Heritage partnerships for conservation. As the winter opening hours are different from the summer ones, you should check the schedule before planing your trip to Meteora. The rooms are clean and simple, but the views are what makes the biggest appeal. Everything you need to know before visiting Meteora monasteries in Greece, A brief overview of Meteora and its "suspended in the air" monasteries, Visiting Meteora by Bus (from Athens and Thessaloniki), 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)***, The best lookout points in Meteora for sunset and sunrise, Renting a car in Greece: 30+ Key Things to Know before Driving in Greece, From Athens: Full Day Rail Tour to Meteora, From Thessaloniki: Full-Day Bus trip to Meteora, From Athens: Delphi and Meteora 2-Day Guided Tour, From Athens: 3-Days in Meteora & Delphi with Tours and Hotels, 30+ Key Things to Know Before Driving in Greece.