Meteora a surprise of our era. Clifftop Monasteries plus an astounding climbing location.

Meteora suggests ‘suspended in space’. Whenever you look this rocks that are vertical you will likely not believe it. Yet it is not only the geology of the area that draws attention. It’s the monasteries nicely balanced on these pinnacles. How where they created there. The monks who built them were the initial rock climbers, lifting the materials up with pulleys, nets and their naked hands.

Today, fans of the sport visit Meteora from the world over, to pit them selves against these gigantic rocks. Unesco has declared Meteora a World Heritage Site. The Greek state calls it a sacred spot, inviolate and immutable. You’ll no doubt come up with other adjectives to explain Meteora, this wonder of the world.

Activities in meteora

Monstrous columns and humble hermits Monasticism here began in the 11th century with the first hermits arriving in Thessaly from Mount Athos to retreat to niches in these heavenly pillars. Athanasios of meteora came to the area in the 14th century and hence the first monastic community the great meteoron was formed. Other monks from all the corners of greece populated the region and so 20 monasteries were created.

Monastic eyries There are actually 6 fully functionable monasteries now which welcome the visitors. These are: Agios Nikolaos Anapafsa, Metamorphosis tou Sotiros or Megalou Meteorou, Varlaam, Roussanos, Agia Triada and Agios Stephanos. The remaining monasteries are empty.

A place for rock climbing enthusiasts Climbing those rocks is usually a challenge and it attracts climbers all over the world. They like the classic rock-climbing routes, of great length and without excessive safety precautions. They all have been made from down up. To the eyes of the initiated they give the impression of being impossible, some going virtually straight up to a height of 500m.

Kastraki, a village nestled among the rocks It is by far the prettiest village there and it welcomes climbers with cozy Meteora a marvel of our era. Clifftop Monasteries plus an awesome climbing holiday location. hotels rent rooms, campings taverns and shops. Palio (Old) Kastraki has been declared a protected traditional settlement.

Kalambaka: the gateway to the higher realm Kalambaka opens the door to Meteora. The commercial and tourist hub of the region, it has plenty of hotels, rooms to let and good restaurants - all the makings of a dreamy holiday. Take a stroll in the old part of town, called Spotos, that has been given a tasteful facelift. Don’t miss Greece’s only woodworking school here and a traditional foundry, where you’ll find rare hand-crafted bronze wares.