After leaving Delphi our next stop was Kalabaka, to see the impressive mountains and monasteries of Meteora, which is an area in central Greece renowned for its spectacular sandstone rock formations set atop towering pillars of rock. It is situated in the heart of Thessaly and consists of six monasteries built on immense natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders.
In the late 9th century, an ascetic group of hermit monks moved up to the ancient pinnacles. They were followed by the pioneers of the great monastic movement of the late Byzantine Empire. Monks began to inhabit the surrounding caves and crevices of the rocks and, over time, they began to construct monasteries and churches.
In the 14th and 15th centuries, 24 of these monasteries were built, six of which are still standing. The monasteries grew more powerful over time, providing shelter and refuge for those in need. By the end of the 16th century, charities made by various rulers granted them a generous income incentivizing them to welcome visitors and offer touristic services.
In 1988, Meteora was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.









Make sure to check when it is open, as some closed thursday, some Friday, some other days. If you have to choose the visit those 3 monasteries:
1. Valaam Monastery
2. Monastery of St. NIkolaos – panoramic views
3. Holy Trinity Monastery
Sunset in Meteora
We went to this viewpoint to see the sunset. Luckily we have arrived early enough, around 1.5h before sunset, so we’ve got a sweet spot next to the edge, where we could lean on the rocks and have our beer enjoying the view. Soon enough the entire place was covered in people waiting for the most important event in the day – sunset! And it was spectacular, worth the wait and the heat that we’ve waited in. Make sure to arrive early, so you can find a spot to park.








Theopetra cave
Theopetra Cave is an ancient site believed to have been occupied by humans since the Paleolithic period. In fact, this region has been continuously inhabited since Prehistory, with evidence showing that Stone Age hunters and gatherers had already begun taking shelter in the cave by at least 25,000 BC.
In classical antiquity, the cave may have served as a refuge site for ancient Greeks when faced with adverse conditions such as war, famine, and natural disasters. During Medieval times, the area became an important trading spot with nearby cities as well as a stronghold for monks who built monasteries in the areas surrounding the cave.
This tradition of refuge lasted until the 18th century when Theopetra Cave was discovered by German explorer Friedrich Stohr in 1799. Stohr recognized the potential of this unique archaeological site and wrote about it in a report that was later published in the magazine of ΙΑτρική Αρχαιολογία (Medico-Archaeology).
It wasn’t until the 1960’s that systematic archaeological excavations began at Theopetra Cave. Discovered in these excavations were hundreds of artifacts including stone tools, pottery, coins, and weapons. This evidence suggests not only long-term human occupation but also a rich cultural and historical legacy.
Today, visitors can explore Theopetra Cave and learn about its fascinating history. To preserve the site, access is strictly controlled and visitors must adhere to strict rules. As a result, Theopetra Cave remains one of Meteora’s most important archaeological sites and a remarkable example of multi-period human occupation.
Theopetra Cave is temporary closed until the falling stones are fortified. We’ve net the engineers who work in the cave and they said it is not even safe to take pictures from outside.
Our accommodation
We’ve paid only €85.50 for twin room for one night with a mountain view.

Useful links



Monasteries

