No trip is complete without making a visit to the famous Meteora. The view from a hundred feet above sea level is surely breathtaking and no words are enough to describe this feeling. Somethings are best experienced with your own eyes, don’t you think so?
If you’re looking to experience the beauty of one of the country’s most enthralling destinations, Meteora, here’s our ultimate guide to visiting the abode.
Well, you can do it all by yourself, but a guided trip works wonders. After all, you don’t want to reach the destination and miss out on some important historical and cultural significance. An educated tour like ours will offer in-depth knowledge that goes beyond guidebooks. With our trip to Greece, you will be able to walk through hidden trails that only locals know of
Best time to visit:-
Before you make your way to the mountains of Thessaly, make sure you know the best time to visit i.e late April to early November. But if you love to swim and sunbathe, late May to early October. Would be ideal. Those of you planning to go to Greece on a honeymoon, ensure to late visit between May to early October.
Background:
Meteora is one of the most visit places in Greece due to its unusual topography and important historical and religious site. Situated 100 feet above sea level, the 6 active monasteries “suspended in the air” will surely take your breath away. They are located near the town of Kalambaka at the northwestern edge of the Plain of Thessaly near the Pineios river and the Pindus Mountains.
This sight alone itself attracts over hundreds of tourist every day. However, there was a time when there were over two dozen monasteries across Meteora.
How To Get There
By Train:
An affordable way to get around Meteora is with the help of a bus. Start your journey by simply taking a direct train from the Larissa Train Station to the town of Kalambaka from Athens. Just keep in mind that you book the round trip back to Athens from Kalambaka. This way the trip will work out to be affordable and ensure you don’t sit around wasting precious time that could be used to travel.
By Car:
Those of you looking for more freedom, hiring a car would be fun and let you travel at your own time. With a car, you can easily drive around the monasteries as it’s far more convenient.
Hike to Meteora with WeGoBond
Once you have reached the destination, tour guided hiking tour is the best way to learn the history of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our hike begins at the foothills of Doupiani rock, beneath the old ruins of Pantokrator monastery. From here, we cross through the immense rock formations to reach the northern side of Meteora. We spend some time discovering the hidden monastery of Ypapanti and the ruins of St. Dimitrios. As our tour guides are local, you are likely to hear stories and the legends behind each place you pass along the trail.
Once the hike is done, the bus will drop you off at the small village of Kastraki for lunch and then we return to our hotel.
Clothing:
When visiting the Meteora, it’s always a good idea to carry the right clothing. Carrying the right pair of shoes, a t-shirt and pants will make your hike comfortable and fun.
Here are a few things that you just can’t miss out when hiking to Meteora
2-3 pairs of shorts – Hiking is always going to be fun and bit tiring for those who are doing it after a long time. However, wearing the right clothes will not only help you pack light but also ensure your hike is comfortable.
Ensure to carry 2-3 good pairs of track pants or shorts that will let you go hiking in comfort.
3 tank tops or t-shirts – Don’t forget to match them with your shorts.
1 light jacket – let us tell you, it might get a little hot in Greece during summer, but do carry a light jacket as there is a sea breeze that is likely to make you feel cold.
2 bras – You don’t need many.
7 pairs of underwear – It’s always better to carry a few extra. You never know when you might need them.
2 pair of socks – the right pair of shoes and comfortable socks is all you need to keep your feet happy up to the hike.
Deodorant – a good deodorant will help you keep smelling nice as it is very hot
Sunscreen:
Considering it is going to be hot, wearing the right clothes might not be enough. Hence, carry sunscreen and apply it on areas that might need extra protection. (the back of your neck, face, etc.)
Hat/Cap:
Along with the right clothes and sunscreen, wearing a hat will not only keep you away from the sun but also protect your hair and scalp.
Note:
Make sure you are physically fit and carry comfortable clothes and good shoes that will make hiking easy.
Dress code: The monasteries in Meteora have a strict dress code – women must wear a long skirt and a top with long sleeves. Overnight at Doupiani Hotel or similar.
Once you are done looking at the magnificent Meteora, there are plenty of other things you can do in Greece.
- Go on a private on-foot tour of Athens
- Enjoy sunset at Oia
- Stay in a beautiful boutique hotel in Santorini
- Visit the archaeological site at Delphi
Besides, our trips are planned in such a way that you get enough free time to go around and explore Greece all by yourself. So start packing your bags and get prepared to visit this magical destination and fall further in love with Greece.