2024 Kastraki Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in September)
Popular Attractions
Megalo Meteoro Monastery
Psaropetra Lookout
Visit the stunning landscape when in Greece
Meteora - UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece that houses stunning multiple Eastern Orthodox Monasteries. We drove 4 hours from Athens to visit the site. This was during the Chritmas /New Year period thus there's also many local Greeks that visiting the area in the same time.
There are currently 6 monastries still in operation and we visited 2 of them Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron and Holy Monastery of Varlaam. As a foreigner, we paid 3 euro per entry and I believed it is free for Greek. The landscape around the area was stunning and there are multiple photo spots along the route which you can take beautiful photos from.
For whoever that wants to visit - recommend to be there earlier in the morning as from 1200 onwards, there are many locals which would cramp the small road and is hard to drive due to limited carpark spaces and everyone park on the side of the road. The monastries also closes around 1400/1500 during winter time
#greece #meteora #monastery #unesco
Andes W
Between a rock and a magical place - Meteora!
Amazing Meteora! ⛰
The views alone were worth the long day out and even longer journey by train (4 hours each way!) from Athens to Kalambaka. The main event: monasteries that are situated at the peak of these ancient rock formations. To witness them is a feeling like no other, almost like an out-of-body experience (although it could have been just me being out of breath after climbing a bajillion steps up to the peak of the rocks… 😑)
“Meteora” in Greek means “suspended in air” which made hermit and monk types to feel close to God in this landscape halfway between heaven and earth.
#daytrip #greece #meteora #monasteries #sedimentary #conglomerate #unescoworldheritage #rockformation #cloudporn #bucketlisttravel #traveldiary #wanderlust
@anaismailow
Meteora Monasteries
At first glance, Meteora might seem nothing out of the ordinary. In fact, it is one of the most significant monuments in the world. With 24 monasteries dotting these rocks, they formed the first organised monastic community on the rocks of Great Meteoron that flourished for more than 600 years. Only 6 monasteries still exist and are in use today.
the teacher traveller
Meteora Monasteries - the miracle of Greece
#createwithtrip #historywalk
We had heard about Meteora monasteries being referred to as the miracle of Greece. Perched atop steep rocks that rise from the plains of Thessaly, we truly marvel at the high level of intellect these ancient Greeks must have had during the construction process several centuries ago. Today only six monasteries are active with a small number of resident monks or nuns, who watch over priceless artifacts and beautiful wall paintings housed within.
the teacher traveller
The Holy Meteora Monastery
Getting There - By Bus / By Train / By Car
Attractions - Cultural Monastery / Good Greek Traditional Foods
Hotels -
Food & Restaurants -
Shopping -
Christina.Lee
Cliffs and Monasteries: A Meteora Adventure
Meteora in Greece is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for the stunning rock formations and also the ancient monasteries built high on top of the rocks. It is one of the highlights of my Greece trip.
Getting There - Went there with a day tour group and it is about 4hours bus ride from Athens. But totally worth it.
Attractions - Only a few monasteries are still operating now.
1. First highlight is definitely the majestic natural rock formations. Take time to admire the natural wonder and enormous rock columns.
2. The Holy Monastery of Varlaam - Second biggest monastery in Meteora, it is named after a monk. He managed to climb up a cliff in 14th century and establish the monastery. The museum has many valuable relics and art.
3. Monastery of St. Stephen - This monastery is now a nunnery. You can get breathtaking views from the monastery and also learn about the religion.
Food & Restaurants - Had some delicious traditional greek food in a tavern in Kastraki. Had some delicious moussaka.
#travellerswonderland #greece #100waysoftravel #meteora #awesomepic
LQCS
“Leading” Greece - The “Sky City” of Meteora.
【Introduction】: Meteora, meaning “suspended in the air” or “above the sky,” is a term used to describe a unique geological formation on the northwestern edge of the Thessalian Plain. It is near the Peneus River and the Pindus Mountains, where massive gray pillars rise from the lush valleys, acting as a barrier between the divine and the mortal realms. The geological formation of Meteora is difficult to explain; they are not volcanic plugs made of hard igneous rock commonly found elsewhere, but rather sandstone and conglomerate that have been weathered and eroded over millions of years. While similar rock formations and weathering processes have occurred in many other places around the world, what makes Meteora unique is the very uniform composition of the deposited rocks, leaving very few vertical fault lines, making the surface of the rock pillars appear more complete.
Among the six existing monasteries, the Holy Monastery of Great Meteora is the largest and oldest. In the mid-14th century, a few hermits from Mount Athos built this monastery on the cliffs to escape political upheaval, calling it the “Suspended Monastery.” They fully controlled the entrance to the monastery and would retract the rope ladder whenever they felt threatened from the outside world. The main church in the monastery is dedicated to the Transfiguration of Jesus. The second largest monastery is the Holy Monastery of Varlaam, built in the mid-16th century, located opposite the Holy Monastery of Great Meteora. The “square cross-in-square” main church has a dome and a spacious narthex. The most difficult to reach is the Monastery of Holy Trinity, perched atop a giant rock and built in 1475. From here, one can overlook the magnificent Thessalian Valley and truly understand the meaning of “the most beautiful scenery is found on the perilous peaks.”
⛺【Travel Tips】: Enjoy a worry-free car tour.
🛬【Itinerary】: Experience the different charms of the Sky City throughout the year.
🧡【Tips】: Open for visits all year round. @CommunityWelfare @CtripCommunityCreationCenter
希腊旅游百事通-地接向导
Meteora 🗺️
Just returned from an unforgettable trip to Meteora in Greece, and it was absolutely magical! 🏞️ The entrance fee to each monastery is around 3 euros, which is a bargain for the incredible experience. These monasteries perched on top of giant rock pillars are a sight to behold. The views from the top are breathtaking, and the interiors are rich with history and stunning frescoes. 🏛️
Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, as there’s quite a bit of walking and climbing involved. Nearby, the town of Kalambaka offers charming cafes and shops where you can unwind after exploring. Don’t miss the Natural History Museum of Meteora and Mushroom Museum in Kalambaka for something unique. If you’re into hiking, the trails around Meteora are spectacular. #Meteora #Greece #MonasteryMagic #TravelAdventures 🏞️🇬🇷 #localguides #trip #familytrip
FlorinM
The Avatar Mountains of Europe
Meteora, a region in Thessaly, Greece, renowned for its impressive natural landscape and historical significance, is home to renowned monasteries perched atop massive rock formations.⛰️
These monasteries, dating back to the Byzantine era, are part of the World Heritage List, while the breathtaking natural landscape was formed approximately 60 million years ago.⛪️
Here, I put together a few tips you need to know if you are planning to visit Meteora in 2024.🗺
Must know before you go: ‼️
Entry to each monastery is 3€ – This means that in total, you will spend 18€ per person to visit all six monasteries. 💰
Women must wear long skirts and cover their shoulders, while men cannot wear shorts; however, some men were seen in shorts, but all women had to wear skirts, which are provided free of charge at monastery entrances if needed. 🥻
To avoid crowds at monasteries, visit during the off-season or choose less accessible ones, as most open at 9 am and are quickly filled with tour buses by 9:30 am.👥
Due to frequent rainfall in this region of Greece, it's advisable to check the weather forecast, carry an umbrella, and ensure your belongings stay dry.🌧
#mytravelhacks #historicallandmarks #localguides #familytrip #wecreate #wish2024 #tripblazers