Once home to over 20 monasteries where monks lived on the tippy top of rocks and cliffs, Meteora has six ancient sanctuaries that remain — it still feels like you’re on top of the world!

Spend the day exploring inside the monasteries on a day tour from Thessaloniki to Meteora. Marvel at ancient relics, artworks and architecture, and learn the history behind this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Check out our guide for everything you need to know about visiting Meteora, one of the most exciting destinations for day trips from Thessaloniki.

Directions to Meteora from Thessaloniki

Meteora is over 200 kilometers from Thessaloniki. The famous rock pillars are located on the northwest side of Kalambaka, a town that sits under the Meteora monasteries.

By car: Meteora is a 2.5 to 3-hour drive from Thessaloniki and the most direct route is on the E90 road, passing by Grevena, Trikala and Kalambaka.
By bus & taxi: Services from the KTEL Makedonias Bus station take a 2.5 hours to reach Trikala. From Trikala Intercity Bus Station, take another 45-minute bus ride to Kalambaka and complete the journey with a short taxi drive to Meteora.
By train: Trains to Kalambaka from Thessaloniki take 2.5 to 3 hours, with a change at Paleofarsalos. From Kalambaka you can complete the journey by taxi.
Guided tour to Meteora from Thessaloniki: Avoid dealing with logistics and enjoy the convenience of private ride directly from Thessaloniki to Meteora and the monasteries. Unlike public transport, these tours stop at towns and attractions along the journey for you to sightsee.

Typical itinerary of day tours to Meteora from Thessaloniki

Meteora excursions from Thessaloniki start early in the morning, around 7:30 AM. Arriving in Meteora, visit two or three of the six monasteries built atop massive rock pillars and discover the different features of each sanctuary.

Although there are six monasteries to explore, they open on different days. You will visit the monasteries that are open on the day of your Meteora tour from Thessaloniki.

After a few hours at Meteora, enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in Kalambaka town or Kastraki. Make the journey back to Thessaloniki. Some tours make a last stop at attractions such as the Valley of Tempe before dropping you back at your accommodation.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Meteora?

Day tours to Meteora from Thessaloniki

Discover, admire and learn about the ancient sites at Meteora as you venture outside of Thessaloniki. At Meteora, visit two or three monasteries, and some tours include a short hike to viewpoints. After marveling at the religious sanctuaries dating back to the 14th century, feast on a traditional lunch in a nearby local town.

Our pick: Full-day Bus Trip to Meteora

Includes: Roundtrip transfers, English-speaking guide, optional hotel pick-up
Price: €63 (adults) and €31 (children aged 3-12)
Duration: 11 hours

Train tours to Meteora from Thessaloniki

Board the train for Meteora and enjoy the countryside landscapes along the journey. Travel via private shuttle to Meteora and explore two or three of the famous monasteries. In the late afternoon, your guide transports you back to Kalambaka, which you can explore for a few hours before returning to Thessaloniki.

Our pick: Full-day Meteora Rail Trip

Includes: Roundtrip transfers, tour guide, optional lunch
Price: €90 (without lunch) or €97 (with lunch)
Duration: 16 hours

Shuttle transfer without guide to Meteora from Thessaloniki

If you prefer adventuring at your own pace, a private small group transfer to and from Meteora is a fantastic option. Get picked up from your hotel or the airport, and travel directly from Thessaloniki to Meteora.

After you're finished exploring the sacred grounds, your private shuttle transfers you back to Thessaloniki. If ravenous after day-tripping, your driver can stop for lunch.

Our pick: Private Return Transfer to Meteora

Includes: Roundtrip private transfers, driver
Price: €400 per group (up to 8 travelers)
Duration: 2 hours each way

Multi-day rail tours to Meteora from Thessaloniki

If you prefer not to rush your Meteora tour, a multi-day trip is the perfect opportunity to explore all six monasteries and the local countryside. The first day of a 2-day trip typically includes free time in Kalambaka and a guided tour in Meteora.

The second day may include an optional hike in Meteora or free time back at Kalambaka, before returning to Thessaloniki in the late afternoon. On three-day tours, you will spend the third day exploring Meteora. Some excursions may also include a visit to Vergina.

Our pick: 2-day Rail Trip to Meteora

Includes: Roundtrip transfers, tour guide, Meteora sunset tour, choice of sightseeing or hiking tour, accommodation, breakfast
Price: €190 (adults) or €158 (children up to 12)
Duration: 2 days

Prices of Meteora tours from Thessaloniki

Day trips to Meteora from Thessaloniki cost €60 to €90 per person, depending on group size and inclusions.

Prices for Meteora day trips by train typically range between €80 and €100 per travelers.

Private return transfers are generally charged per vehicle, costing about €400 for a group of up to 8 travelers.

Multi-day trips to Meteora from Thessaloniki range from €170 to €190 each for a 2-day trip and €250 to €270 each for 3-day excursions.

What to see and do in Meteora

The Monastery of Great Meteoron

Built in the 14th century, the oldest monastery in Meteora is also the largest. Later in the 16th century, a church was built inside the monastery and is open to visitors. The church houses post-Byzantine artworks.

The Monastery of Varlaam

Also constructed in the 14th century, right near the Great Meteoron Monastery, is the second-largest remaining monastery. It was abandoned until the 16th century, when two brothers built a new chapel on the grounds. There’s a museum that showcases manuscripts, relics and art from its past.

The Monastery of Roussanou

Surrounded by tall cliffs and tucked away from the world, this monastery suits its founder, a hermit monk who lived on top of the rock by himself. The single three-level cathedral was erected in the 16th century.

The Monastery of St. Stephen

Take a visit around the two chapels inside this monastery — one built in the 15th century, and the other, a larger Catholic Church constructed in the 18th century. Overlooking the Pindos mountain range and Thessaly valley, the monastery is 300 meters above the town of Kalambaka, it’s the one easiest to reach and there are no steps to climb.

The Monastery of Holy Trinity

Try and spot the sacred site, perched atop one singular steep rock. Also known as the Monastery of Agia Triada, parts were built between the 14th and 18th centuries but it became quite derelict. It underwent renovations in the 1970s and was made well-known when it was featured in the 1981 “James Bond” movie.

The Monastery of St. Nikolaos

One of the most intriguing to explore, this monastery was built vertically, with a staircase that winds to the top, connecting all the different levels. There is an urn that contains the remains of monks and painted murals inside.

Opening times

Summer (April – October)

Great Meteoron Monastery: 9 AM to 3 PM (Closed: Tuesday)
Varlaam Monastery: 9 AM to 4 PM (Closed: Friday)
Saint Stephen Monastery: 9 AM to 1:30 PM & 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM
(Closed: Monday)
Holy Trinity Monastery: 10 AM to 4PM (Closed: Thursday)
Rousanou Monastery: 10 AM to 4 PM (Closed: Wednesday)
Saint Nicholas Anapausas Monastery: 9 AM to 5 PM

Winter (November - May)

Great Meteoron Monastery: 9:30 AM to 2 PM (Closed: Tuesday to Thursday)
Varlaam Monastery: 9 AM to 3 PM (Closed: Thursday & Friday)
Saint Stephen Monastery: 9:30 AM to 1 PM & 3 PM to 5 PM
(Closed: Monday)
Holy Trinity Monastery: 10 AM to 4PM (Closed: Thursday)
Rousanou Monastery: 10 AM to 2 PM (Closed: Wednesday)
Saint Nicholas Anapausas Monastery: 9 AM to 4 PM & 9:30 AM to 4 PM on Sunday

Best time to visit Meteora

Avoid traveling all day long in peak summer temperatures and visit from March to May, or in autumn from September to November.

If you are traveling here without a tour, arrive at Meteora in the morning to avoid the crowds.

Tours to Meteora from other cities in Greece

There are other tours departing from other cities in Greece:

Meteora day trips from Athens

Travel tips

Wear comfortable shoes and clothing, you will need to climb stairs to reach some monasteries.
Opt for modest clothing — make sure your shoulders are covered and clothing is not high above the knees. No shorts are allowed inside the monasteries.
Entry fees for the monasteries are not included in the price of tours, so make sure to bring some cash. Tickets cost €3.
Note that the train station only issues 20 first-class tickets per day. If you want to travel via first-class, make sure to book your tickets or tour in advance.

Meteora: Day Trips and Tours from Thessaloniki