Editor's SummaryMeteora is a unique and breathtaking destination in Greece, featuring six active monasteries perched on top of unique rock formations. The monasteries have a rich history, dating back to the 10th century, and are known for their stunning architecture, beautiful frescoes, and self-sufficient communities. Visitors can explore the monasteries, learn about their history, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area.

Pros & Cons✅ Unique and breathtaking natural beauty✅ Rich history and cultural significance✅ Six active monasteries to explore✅ Stunning architecture and beautiful frescoes✅ Self-sufficient communities with their own farms and gardens❌ Remote location, requiring a 4-5 hour bus ride from nearby villages❌ Limited amenities and services in the area❌ Some monasteries may have restricted access or require a guide❌ Weather can be unpredictable and hot during the summer months❌ Limited English spoken by locals, requiring a guide or translatorIntroductionMany people, planning to visit Greece, have seen photos of monasteries on cliffs in online ads or social media. I was no exception. I was amazed by the unique landscape when I first saw it. How could monasteries be built on lifeless cliffs?

It was the famous Meteora monasteries.

Meteora MonasteriesI decided to visit Greece and chose Meteora as my one-day excursion destination. As the tourist season in Greece was coming to an end, I was worried about finding an English-speaking tour guide. My hotel, located in the village of Kriopigi, was booked, and it took around 4-5 hours to reach Meteora by bus.

I asked the hotel owner, Eleni, if she could book a tour for me. She called a few tour operators and said it was possible, but the tour would be in Polish. Great! I had lived in Warsaw for many years and spoke Polish fluently.

The TourThe tour started early, and we had a short wait at the bus stop before departing. Our Polish guide was excellent, speaking English and German in addition to Polish. She told us about her studies in Greece and how she became a tour guide.

The tour was well-organized, with a mix of historical information and interesting stories. The guide didn't overwhelm us with too much detail, keeping us engaged throughout the tour.

ShoppingOf course, no tour would be complete without a visit to a souvenir shop! We stopped at a shop selling Greek icons, where I bought two beautiful bracelets. One was a bangle made of a silver alloy with geometric Greek motifs, and the other was a maslin seed necklace with a silver cross.

Meteora MonasteriesAfter the shopping stop, we headed to the main attraction – the Meteora monasteries. The monasteries are located in the picturesque Thessaly Valley, surrounded by unique rock formations. The monasteries themselves are perched on top of the rocks, with red-tiled roofs and cypress trees on the grounds.

The first information about the monasteries dates back to the 10th century, although there were earlier hermitages in the area. The monasteries were built on the rocks to protect the monks from external threats and internal temptations.

History of the MonasteriesThe monasteries were built on the rocks to protect the monks from external threats and internal temptations. The monks lived in the monasteries, which were self-sufficient communities with their own farms and gardens. The monasteries were also centers of learning and art, with many famous artists and writers living and working there.

Today, there are six active monasteries in Meteora, each with its own unique character and history. We visited the monastery of Saint Varlaam, which is known for its 16th-century frescoes by the famous artist Frank Catalano.

ConclusionMeteora is a truly unique and breathtaking destination. If you ever find yourself in Greece, make sure to visit this incredible place. The monasteries, the landscape, and the history all come together to create an unforgettable experience.

Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Meteora?Meteora is a unique and breathtaking destination in Greece, featuring six active monasteries perched on top of unique rock formations.

How many monasteries are there in Meteora?There are six active monasteries in Meteora, each with its own unique character and history.

What is the history of the monasteries in Meteora?The monasteries in Meteora have a rich history, dating back to the 10th century, and were built on the rocks to protect the monks from external threats and internal temptations.

Can I visit the monasteries in Meteora?Yes, visitors can explore the monasteries, learn about their history, and enjoy the stunning natural beauty of the area.

What is the best time to visit Meteora?The best time to visit Meteora is during the spring and summer months, when the weather is warm and sunny.