Many people make the trip to Meteora, a dramatic set of rock formations in Greece, just to see the monasteries that seem to touch the sky.

It’s possible (but exhausting) to visit Meteora for just one day on a quick jaunt from Athens. If that’s your plan, focus on the monasteries — I’ll highlight the best options below. But Meteora deserves more time. I’d give it at least three days. If you can rent a car and stay for a while, don’t miss the region’s other treasures: long walks and old monks’ cells, quirky museums and stunning views. Here’s a great group of things to do in Meteora if you can stop and linger.

Hiking: Trails with Meteora Monastery Views

There are so many hiking trails in Meteora! Unsurprisingly, they’re incredibly hilly — but if you go up (or start at the top), you’re in for some amazing views.

A word of wisdom for those striking out on their own: the trails are not marked, and AllTrails does not always know what’s going on. You may end up tangled in the bushes if a map leads you astray …

… but you may also end up in a place you never expected to find.

Walking Tours: An Insider’s Look at Meteora on Foot

We did a walking tour with our Airbnb host, and we learned so much about the region’s geology, plants, and history. It was a great introduction to an area that’s been shaped by water, earthquakes, and shifts in the tectonic plates.

E-Bike Tours: Zippy Adventures on Two Wheels

If our walking tour was informative, our e-bike tour was even more so, deepening our understanding of the area’s history and art. Plus, riding an e-bike is a blast! It’s all of the fun parts of biking without the hard work. And if you go at sunset, you get some really special views.

The Byzantine Church: Ancient Art and Iconography

Built in the 10th century, The Byzantine Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary is the oldest monument in Kalampaka (the larger of Meteora’s two towns). It is covered in Byzantine paintings and boasts a particularly wonderful marble pulpit.

The Mushroom Museum: Unexpected Finds

Mix up taxidermied birds and mammals, mushroom models, and nature painting, and what do you have? The wacky and delightful Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum (say that five times quickly) which is a fantastic place to while away an hour — and you may learn a bit about local wildlife while you’re there. I found this museum so fascinating that I wrote an entire post about it.

Wildflowers: Bursts of Hillside Color

You need to be in Meteora in the right season for this, of course — but if you find yourself in the area in March, make sure to look down!

Scenic Viewpoints: Meteora Panoramas

There are two designated scenic viewpoints on the road that connects the monasteries, and it’s worth hopping out no matter the weather.

Be warned, though, that there’s very limited parking at these two spots — so you’re best off going early.

Old Monks’ Cells: Hidden Homes in Meteora’s Caves

The rocks of Meteora are filled with places where monks once took up residence in small holes.

The monks would climb up (originally freehand; later with ladders and ropes), carve further into the natural holes, and then build balconies and walls. It’s crazy stuff! Of course, it’s sometimes hard to tell what would have been a monks’ cell and what would have been a spot for goats or storage, but it’s fun to imagine.

Former Monasteries: Abandoned Glories

Most of the old monasteries of Meteora have fallen to pieces, but you can hike out to see deep-in-the-rocks Ypapanti Monastery (sadly, it’s been closed since the pandemic).

You’re more likely to see the ruins of monasteries long gone (you can see this one if you look over the edge at the Monastery of St. Nicholas).

The Monasteries: Meteora’s Masterpieces

In the 13th and 14th centuries, monks climbed up to the top of the rocks in Meteora and set up twenty-four different monasteries. Most of these have fallen into ruin, but you can still visit six of them. I’ll note, however, that that nothing says that you have to visit all six! There’s plenty of satisfaction in seeing just a few.

Monastery of the Holy Trinity

Best for: For Your Eyes Only fans, mid-18th-century frescoes, incredible views, walking up and down a steep ramp and lots of stairs

Varlaam Monastery

Best for: an excellent museum, brightly restored frescoes, a giant old water barrel, a vast courtyard with views straight down

Monastery of St. Stephen

Best for: feeling like you’re on solid ground; seeing fresco restoration in process (as of March 2024); easy access

Rousanou Monastery

Best for: stairs, more stairs, swirling rock structures, bridges

Monastery of St. Nicholas

Best for: an uphill climb, closures for restoration (as of March 2024); good examples of the ladders that the monks once used to get to the top

Great Meteoron

Best for: being the oldest, being the largest, having lots of buildings

It’s really hard to pick a favorite, but if I had to choose just one, I would recommend Varlaam — though if the line is too long, check out Holy Trinity for the stupendous view down over Kalampaka.

Have you been to the Meteora monasteries — and if so, do you have a favorite? Let me know!

Further Reading: Greece Beyond Meteora

Headed elsewhere in Greece? Don’t miss my posts on these incredible destinations:

• Thessaloniki – Byzantine churches, waterfront walks, and vibrant city life
• Ancient Philippi – a UNESCO World Heritage site of Roman ruins and early Christian history
• Ancient Nemea & Mycenae – from Hercules’ first labor to Bronze Age citadels and beehive tombs
• The Western Mani – rugged coastal villages and stone-tower landscapes