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Visiting Meteora in Greece; Train from Athens? Day Trip? Here’s how to do it!

Visiting Meteora in Greece is one of Europe’s most unsung beauties. They have every right to claim this can be the 8th wonder of the world. It’s SPECTACULAR. And not many people make the effort. Which is crazy, because you can day trip here with a train from Athens. I hope my blog post convinces you to visit Meteora, it’ll blow your mind.

Greece is full of jaw-dropping places, but few can rival the magic of Meteora. Towering rock formations crowned with ancient monasteries, it’s a place that looks straight out of a fantasy film. But figuring out the logistics—how to get there, whether to stay overnight, and what to do—can be a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, though. I’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know about visiting Meteora and making the most of your trip.

NOTE: You can book a $100 day trip to Athens with THESE GUYS. This is the best option in my opinion.

What is Meteora, and Why Should You Visit?

Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Greece, famous for its breathtaking rock pillars and the monasteries perched on top of them. The name “Meteora” means “suspended in the air,” which is a spot-on description of this otherworldly place.

Centuries ago, monks seeking solitude and safety built these monasteries in the most dramatic spots imaginable. At its peak, there were 24 monasteries, but only six remain active today. Beyond the history and architecture, the views from Meteora are out of this world, making it one of the best spots in Greece for nature and adventure lovers.

How to Get to Meteora from Athens

Train from Athens to Meteora

The easiest way to get to Meteora from Athens is by train. The journey takes around 4–5 hours, and the train drops you off in the town of Kalambaka, right at the base of the rock formations. It’s a comfortable ride and gives you some time to soak in the scenery.

There are a few direct trains daily from Athens to Kalambaka. I recommend catching the earliest one if you’re planning a day trip—it usually leaves Athens around 8 a.m. You can book tickets in advance through the official Greek railway website or at the station.

Tip: Bring snacks and a book for the ride. Trains in Greece are great, but the food options onboard can be hit or miss.

Driving from Athens to Meteora

If you fancy a road trip, renting a car is another option. The drive from Athens to Meteora takes about 4–5 hours, depending on traffic. Having a car gives you the flexibility to stop along the way, maybe in Lamia or Trikala, for a coffee or a bite to eat. Plus, once you’re in Meteora, a car makes it easier to explore the area at your own pace.

However, keep in mind that parking near the monasteries can be a bit of a hassle, especially during peak tourist season.

Joining a Meteora Monasteries Tour

Tours are available from Athens for $100, book that HERE.

If you don’t want to stress about logistics, joining a guided Meteora monasteries tour is a brilliant option. Many tours include transport from Athens (either by train or bus), and they often come with a guide who can explain the history and significance of the monasteries.

Tours typically visit two or three monasteries and include photo stops at some of the best viewpoints. This is an excellent choice if you’re short on time or just want a hassle-free experience.

Should You Do a Day Trip or Stay Overnight?

Day Trip to Meteora

A day trip is doable but a bit rushed. If you’re catching the early train, you’ll have about 5–6 hours in Meteora before needing to head back to Kalambaka for the return journey. It’s enough time to visit a couple of monasteries and take in some views, but you’ll definitely feel like you’re cramming it all in.

Staying Overnight in Meteora

If you can spare the time, staying overnight is the way to go. Kalambaka and the nearby village of Kastraki have a range of accommodations, from budget-friendly guesthouses to charming boutique hotels. Staying overnight lets you experience Meteora without the daytime crowds, and catching sunrise or sunset here is something else entirely.

Highlights of a Meteora Monasteries Tour

Whether you’re visiting on your own or as part of a tour, here are the top monasteries and sites you won’t want to miss:

• Great Meteoron Monastery: The largest and most famous monastery, with incredible views and fascinating exhibits on monastic life.

• Holy Trinity Monastery: Perched on a standalone pillar, this one’s for the James Bond fans—it appeared in For Your Eyes Only.

• Varlaam Monastery: Known for its beautiful frescoes and wooden barrel used for storing water.

• St. Stephen’s Monastery: The most accessible, as there’s no need to climb stairs to reach it.

If you’re up for a bit of adventure, hiking between the monasteries is a fantastic way to soak in the landscape. Just make sure you’ve got good shoes and plenty of water.

Related Post: For another epic hiking adventure, check out my guide to climbing Mount Kinabalu in Borneo.

What to Bring for Your Visit

• Comfortable Shoes: You’ll be doing a lot of walking, including up and down steep stairs.

• Modest Clothing: Monasteries require visitors to dress modestly. Men should wear long pants, and women should have their shoulders and knees covered. Some monasteries provide wraps or skirts at the entrance.

• Water and Snacks: There are limited options once you’re up at the monasteries.

• Camera: The views are unreal, so you’ll want to capture them.

Tips for Visiting Meteora

1. Start Early: Whether you’re doing a day trip or staying overnight, aim to start exploring early to beat the crowds and the heat.

2. Check Opening Hours: Not all monasteries are open every day, so plan your visit accordingly.

3. Hiking Trails: If you’re into hiking, there are some fantastic trails that take you through the heart of Meteora. These trails are a bit off the beaten path but offer incredible views.

Related Post: Love the idea of exploring ancient history? Don’t miss my guide to visiting the pyramids in Egypt.

FAQs About Visiting Meteora

1. Can I visit Meteora in one day?

Yes, but it’ll be a packed day. You’ll have enough time to visit two or three monasteries and take in some views. For a more relaxed experience, consider staying overnight.

2. How many monasteries can I visit in a day?

You can realistically visit 2–3 monasteries in a day, especially if you’re relying on public transport or a tour. If you’re driving, you might squeeze in a couple more.

3. Is Meteora accessible for people with limited mobility?

Not entirely. Most monasteries require climbing a fair number of stairs, so it might be challenging for those with mobility issues. St. Stephen’s Monastery is the easiest to access, as there are no stairs to climb.

4. Do I need a guide to visit Meteora?

No, but having a guide can enhance the experience. They’ll share stories and history you might miss on your own, and tours often handle logistics like transport and monastery entry fees.

Wrapping It Up

Whether you’re into history, nature, or just want to see something truly unique, visiting Meteora is an unforgettable experience. From the train ride to the stunning views and the fascinating history of the monasteries, it’s one of those places that sticks with you long after you leave. Whether you’re planning a quick day trip or staying overnight, Meteora is a place you won’t regret adding to your Greece itinerary.

For more on Greece’s amazing sites, check out this Wikipedia page about Meteora for a bit of background before you go. Let me know in the comments how your trip goes, and if you’ve got any tips to share, fire away!

Visiting Meteora; My Personal Experience

After the ridiculously long, 15 hour journey to get here from Ohrid, Macedonia I was expecting big things. Ohrid to Meteora should be a 225km journey, 4 hours max. However, traveling is nothing but unpredictable to I ended having to go via Albania, taking 7 different buses, leaving at 6am and finally arriving in Kalambaka (7km from Meteora) at 10pm at night. Thankfully though, Meteora is worth all the effort….

Meteora is a set of 14^th century monasteries perched impossibly on top of huge rocky mountains with sheer cliff faces, looking as if they could fall off at any given moment, plummeting all 300 metres to their destruction. I know it sounds dramatic, but it literally looks exactly like that, amazing.

How I got to the Meteora Monasteries

I didn’t day trip with a train from Athens. I was staying in Kalambaka, a town 7km from the monasteries. Each morning a bus leaves the town at 9am and drives up the winding road to the top of the mountains, from there you can visit the largest, biggest monastery. 

Each monastery costs 2 Euro ($2.50) to enter. There’s a dress code for the monasteries too, but at each entrance you can borrow pants and long skirt, so no stress there.

TOP-TIP: A few years older now, I’d just book a Meteora tour!

10,000 Steps in Meteora

After the top monastery the best way to see all the sights, and to get the best views of the monasteries, is to make your own way back to Kalambaka on foot. The 7km, downhill, takes around 90 mins and you can enter 3 more monasteries on the way down. The views, as you walk down, are magical. Looking up at the monasteries gives a whole new perspective.

8th Wonder of the World?

I have to admit though, ignorantly I had never heard Meteora until two weeks ago, and now here I am declaring that they could very well be the 8^th wonder of the world. I apologise for the ignorance but now for the grand claims. This truly is amazing, right up there with the golden temple in Amritsar, India or the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, the Great Wall in China, Lalibela in Ethiopia – esteemed company indeed, and Meteora should feel very much at home. Happy travels!