Meteora
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I have a “dare” for you…
I dare you to find someone, anyone who has visited Meteora in his/her lifetime without being astoundingly impressed. Even if we shortly ignore its peculiar history, the uncanny landscape will inescapably put a spell on you. At the foothills of the Pindus Mountain Range a spectacle of geological marvels suddenly rises up in the air, as a result of a dramatic tectonic uplift of what was once a sea. The suddenly exposed rocks were subsequently exposed to a powerplay of rain, water and ice, carving out an almost extra-terrestrial scenery by the means of erosion. The flow of rainwater continuously disintegrates the rock-masses while simultaneously dissolving the carbonate groundmass. When the water in the cracks freezes and expands, the rocks separate and flake, creating caves and the particular holes and reliefs the Meteora is so famous for. The fierce winds complete the process by aiding to erode and disintegrate, as well as blowing off the weathered material. What is left is a collection of over fifty vertical 100-300m sandstone pillars, spread over an area of 3,5 square kilometres… Meteora, its name meaning “suspended in the air”.
Now let’s add a unique element of Greek culture to the mix and we’ve got ourselves a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first hermit monks appeared in the area as early as the 11th century, whereas the monastery complex truly started to flourish during the Ottoman conquest of the Byzantine Empire (14th century). As the Ottomans had a habit of persecuting the non-Muslims, especially the ones personifying that faith, the Orthodox monks attempted to seek refuge in increasingly remote locations. It doesn’t get more isolated than right on the pointy peak of a sandstone pillar, with the only means of entrance being dragged up via a large net…
I dare you to find someone, anyone who has visited Meteora in his/her lifetime without being astoundingly impressed. Even if we shortly ignore its peculiar history, the uncanny landscape will inescapably put a spell on you. At the foothills of the Pindus Mountain Range a spectacle of geological marvels suddenly rises up in the air, as a result of a dramatic tectonic uplift of what was once a sea. The suddenly exposed rocks were subsequently exposed to a powerplay of rain, water and ice, carving out an almost extra-terrestrial scenery by the means of erosion. The flow of rainwater continuously disintegrates the rock-masses while simultaneously dissolving the carbonate groundmass. When the water in the cracks freezes and expands, the rocks separate and flake, creating caves and the particular holes and reliefs the Meteora is so famous for. The fierce winds complete the process by aiding to erode and disintegrate, as well as blowing off the weathered material. What is left is a collection of over fifty vertical 100-300m sandstone pillars, spread over an area of 3,5 square kilometres… Meteora, its name meaning “suspended in the air”.
Now let’s add a unique element of Greek culture to the mix and we’ve got ourselves a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The first hermit monks appeared in the area as early as the 11th century, whereas the monastery complex truly started to flourish during the Ottoman conquest of the Byzantine Empire (14th century). As the Ottomans had a habit of persecuting the non-Muslims, especially the ones personifying that faith, the Orthodox monks attempted to seek refuge in increasingly remote locations. It doesn’t get more isolated than right on the pointy peak of a sandstone pillar, with the only means of entrance being dragged up via a large net…
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Monasteries & Hikes
Nowadays, steps have been carved into the rocks, so we can leave those nets at home. Unfortunately, of the original 24 monasteries, only 6 active ones survived: 5 exclusively for men, and 1 for women only (that said, female visitors are welcome in all of them).
The monasteries open for visitors:
Nowadays, steps have been carved into the rocks, so we can leave those nets at home. Unfortunately, of the original 24 monasteries, only 6 active ones survived: 5 exclusively for men, and 1 for women only (that said, female visitors are welcome in all of them).
The monasteries open for visitors:
- Great Meteoron: This is the oldest and largest one of all. It was built around the mid-14th Century by Monk St. Athanasios Meteorites from Mount Athos, initially dedicated to honor the Virgin Mary. Over time, living quarters, a hospital and a great amount of churches were built within the complex. At its heydays in the 16th Century no less than 300 monks lived inside.
- Varlaam: The second largest and potentially the most photogenic of all is the Varlaam Monastery. It was named after the monk who initiated the construction of the Meteora Monasteries in 1350 and built three of ‘em. After Varlaam’s death, this monastery was abandoned for 200 years until two brothers from Ioannina, Monks Theophanes and Nektarios Apsarades, began the rebuilt. Today it’s one of the most popular and tourist-friendly ones, due to the small museum inside, exhibiting relics and interesting information displays (in English).
- Rousanou: This one is constructed in the 14th Century, with the Cathedral added to it in the 16th Century. The name comes from the first group of Russian monks who settled here. As it is located right in the middle of the Meteora-site at a 484m height, it provides good views on the other surrounding monasteries, as well as on the ruins of St. John the Baptist and Pantocrator Monastery.
- St. Nicholas Anapausas: The name is derived from both the saint it is dedicated to, as well as from the word “anapafseos,” meaning “resting.” Indeed, this monastery was the first one the pilgrims encountered on their way to Meteora, and therefore it served as a resting place after their demanding journey. It is constructed atop a narrow rock, and therefore divided into several floors connected by an internal staircase. The latest renovation took place in the 1960s.
- Holy Trinity: Although officially built in the 14th and 15th century, the base of this rock already contained hermitages during the times of the Ancient Greeks. The roots of the monastery how we know it today go back to John Uroš, the titular emperor of the Serbs and Greeks in the 14th century, who became a monk and started construction in Meteora. His main aim was to create a safe haven during turbulent political times.
- St. Stephen: Remember that I said 1 of the 6 monasteries is for women only? Right, that’s this one! The active nunnery of St. Stephen is the newest one of all, as the “katholikon” was added only in 1798. Located on a plateau-like structure, it has a wider outlay and therefore space for a variety of buildings. The old refectory has now turned into a museum, which combined with the fresco-decoration makes for an interesting visit.
All mentioned monasteries charge an entry fee. Anno 2022 this was €3, but this is likely to increase over time. A comfortable asphalt road connects the monasteries, which allows for a rapid visit by car. Alternatively, a bus going up leaves Kalambaka a couple of times a day (in 2022 costing €1,60 for a 1-way ride). However, in order to truly experience this extraordinary place and fully submerge into it, I whole-heartedly recommend exploring Meteora on foot. There are several hiking trails swirling through the rocks, leading you to spots inaccessible for vehicles. Don’t be mistaken, even though the site is relatively small, the sudden peaks in an otherwise flat landscape involve a constant up-and-down, requiring a decent level of fitness. Besides the enhanced experience, hiking is also the only way to explore the slightly differently-shaped Meteora hinterland, as well as the many caves… of which there are no less than 40!
My hiking route, spread out over two exploration days. You do not need a guide:
My hiking route, spread out over two exploration days. You do not need a guide:
As an extra activity, I recommend visiting the Museum of Geological Formations in Kastraki to learn more about the natural processes shaping the rocks of Meteora. Entry is free of charge.
Practical Info
There are two bases for exploring Meteora: the southern Kalambaka* and northern Kastraki. I stayed in the first one, which is the biggest and most well-serviced of the two… but in hindsight I would have probably preferred the more peaceful Kastraki, the odd spindle rock shaping its background.
As this is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the Greek mainland, the infrastructure is well-developed. Kalambaka is served by both train- and bus routes, plus highway E92 / 6 goes right along the town. There are many shops and restaurants, according to my hostel owner serving mediocre food the “Greeks would never eat.” For self-catering, you have the budget supermarket Lidl just outside of town.
Keep in mind that to enter the monasteries, proper attire is required: Women must cover the legs with skirts at least below the knees, and men must wear long pants. Alternatively, you can cover up with a scarf (to avoid unexpected costs, bring your own). It’s not allowed to wear hats inside.
I purposely didn’t share bus schedules and opening times of the monasteries, as they tend to vary continuously. The schedules I received at my accommodation and at the tourist office were already not matching the actual opening times anymore, which unfortunately meant I missed out on the Great Meteoron (during my most recent visit).
* Sometimes written as Kalabaka or Kalampaka.
Practical Info
There are two bases for exploring Meteora: the southern Kalambaka* and northern Kastraki. I stayed in the first one, which is the biggest and most well-serviced of the two… but in hindsight I would have probably preferred the more peaceful Kastraki, the odd spindle rock shaping its background.
As this is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the Greek mainland, the infrastructure is well-developed. Kalambaka is served by both train- and bus routes, plus highway E92 / 6 goes right along the town. There are many shops and restaurants, according to my hostel owner serving mediocre food the “Greeks would never eat.” For self-catering, you have the budget supermarket Lidl just outside of town.
Keep in mind that to enter the monasteries, proper attire is required: Women must cover the legs with skirts at least below the knees, and men must wear long pants. Alternatively, you can cover up with a scarf (to avoid unexpected costs, bring your own). It’s not allowed to wear hats inside.
I purposely didn’t share bus schedules and opening times of the monasteries, as they tend to vary continuously. The schedules I received at my accommodation and at the tourist office were already not matching the actual opening times anymore, which unfortunately meant I missed out on the Great Meteoron (during my most recent visit).
* Sometimes written as Kalabaka or Kalampaka.
It wasn’t my first time in Meteora. I visited the site 25 years earlier on a family holiday in the early 90’s. This recreation of an old picture of my dad we made back then shows, besides nostalgia, also the effects of erosion (and most probably human-enhanced damage) in such a short timeframe:
Photo by Miles Watson Photography.
Quick Budget Fact Overview
Greece Facts
Short History Recap
3000-1400BC: Cycladic / Early Bronze Age – Cyclades settle in Asia Minor. 2100-1500BC: Minoan culture. 1400BC: Minoan centres destroyed by natural elements and abandoned. 1400-750BC: Mycenaean / Dorian Period – Mycenaeans from Peloponnese rise to prominence. 1150BC: Dorians conquer large areas of Peloponnese. 776BC: First Olympic Games. 750-550BC: Archaic Period – City-states Athens / Sparta / Thebes / Corinth compete for supremacy. 550BC: Sparta forms Peloponnesian League, rivalry with Athens. 500-338BC: Classical Period – Persia’s King Darius attempts to conquer Greece, but is defeated by Athenian army at Marathon. 481-479BC: Darius’ son Xerxes invades – Spartan king Leonidas (small army) finally falls at Battle of Thermopylae. Athens captured, but sinks Persian fleet off Salamis in surprise attack. 431-404BC: Peloponnesian Wars. Sparta controls most of Greece. 338BC: Philip II of Macedonia defeats Athens/Thebes at Battle of Chaeronea and unites all Greek cities except of Sparta. 338BC-395AD: Hellenistic / Roman Period – Philip II assassinated. His son, Alexander the Great, develops Greece into imperial power with Macedonia at governmental centre. 323BC: Diadochi divide empire after Alexander’s death. Centres of power shift to Middle East / Egypt. 320-275BC: Rome emerges as major power. 146BC: Greece province of Roman Empire. 295-1453AD Byzantine Period – Roman Empire divided in East (Byzantine) and West. 1204: Crusaders attack Constantinople. Franks / Venetians divide Greek territory. 1452: Defeat Byzantine Empire by Ottoman Empire: 1453-1821. 1821-’29: Greek War of Independence from Ottomans. ’12-’13: First Balkan War: Greece wins Epirus, Macedonia, Crete and North Aegean Islands from Ottomans / Second Balkan War: Greece wins Thrace from Bulgaria. 1821 onwards: Modern Times. 1917: Start WWI, Greece with Allies. ’19-’22: Greco-Turkish War (Greek failed invasion of Smyrna). ’24: Monarchy abolished, Greek republic. ’35: Monarchy restored. ’36: General Metaxas starts right-winged dictatorship as PM. ’40: Start WWII, Greece initially neutral – Mussolini attacks Greece from Albania, but is repelled. ’41: Nazi Germany - Resistance by communists and royalists. ’44: Collaboration with UK to repel Nazis. ’46-’49: Greek Civil War between US/UK-backed governmental Hellenic Army and communist SU/Bulgaria/Albania/Yugoslavia-backed Democratic Army of Greece (1st won).’52: Parliamentary kingdom. Joins NATO. ’67: Military coup. ’73: Republic again. Coup. ’74: Coup against president of Cyprus. Turkish invasion / occupation Northern Cyprus. ’75: Parliamentary republic. ’81: Joins EU. ’91: Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia declares independence. Greek objects to name and flag due to territorial claims of Greek province Macedonia. ’96: Tension with Turkey over Aegean islet. ’99: Earthquake Athens kills dozens. 2002: Euro replaces drachma. ’04: Athens hosts Olympic Games. Formal warning EC: Greece falsified budget deficit data in run-up to eurozone. ’08: Greece blocks Macedonia’s bid to join NATO over unresolved name-dispute. ’09-‘15: Debt crisis – massive debt caused by Greece. Long series of EU + Eurozone rescue bailouts and loans (hundreds of billions of euros) and debt-cuts in exchange for austerity and spending cuts programs, continuously accompanied by mass protests. ’13: Highest unemployment rate EU (26.8% - ’14: 28%). ’18: Agreement with Macedonia after 27-year-long name dispute (Macedonia vs. North Macedonia).
Greece Facts
- Capital: Athens
- Language: Greek
- Population: ± 10.72mln (Kalambaka: 21,991)
- Sq km: ± 131,957 (Kalambaka: 47.99)
- Currency: Euro (€)
- Electricity Outlet: C and F / 230V / 50Hz. Check here!
- Country Code Phone: +30
- Emergency Phone: 112 (general), 166 (ambulance), 199 (fire), 100 (police), 171 (tourist police)
- Visa: Check out the visa requirements here.
- Vaccinations: Covid.
- Climate Kalambaka: Dry-Summer Subtropical (Csa)
- High season: July-October.
Short History Recap
3000-1400BC: Cycladic / Early Bronze Age – Cyclades settle in Asia Minor. 2100-1500BC: Minoan culture. 1400BC: Minoan centres destroyed by natural elements and abandoned. 1400-750BC: Mycenaean / Dorian Period – Mycenaeans from Peloponnese rise to prominence. 1150BC: Dorians conquer large areas of Peloponnese. 776BC: First Olympic Games. 750-550BC: Archaic Period – City-states Athens / Sparta / Thebes / Corinth compete for supremacy. 550BC: Sparta forms Peloponnesian League, rivalry with Athens. 500-338BC: Classical Period – Persia’s King Darius attempts to conquer Greece, but is defeated by Athenian army at Marathon. 481-479BC: Darius’ son Xerxes invades – Spartan king Leonidas (small army) finally falls at Battle of Thermopylae. Athens captured, but sinks Persian fleet off Salamis in surprise attack. 431-404BC: Peloponnesian Wars. Sparta controls most of Greece. 338BC: Philip II of Macedonia defeats Athens/Thebes at Battle of Chaeronea and unites all Greek cities except of Sparta. 338BC-395AD: Hellenistic / Roman Period – Philip II assassinated. His son, Alexander the Great, develops Greece into imperial power with Macedonia at governmental centre. 323BC: Diadochi divide empire after Alexander’s death. Centres of power shift to Middle East / Egypt. 320-275BC: Rome emerges as major power. 146BC: Greece province of Roman Empire. 295-1453AD Byzantine Period – Roman Empire divided in East (Byzantine) and West. 1204: Crusaders attack Constantinople. Franks / Venetians divide Greek territory. 1452: Defeat Byzantine Empire by Ottoman Empire: 1453-1821. 1821-’29: Greek War of Independence from Ottomans. ’12-’13: First Balkan War: Greece wins Epirus, Macedonia, Crete and North Aegean Islands from Ottomans / Second Balkan War: Greece wins Thrace from Bulgaria. 1821 onwards: Modern Times. 1917: Start WWI, Greece with Allies. ’19-’22: Greco-Turkish War (Greek failed invasion of Smyrna). ’24: Monarchy abolished, Greek republic. ’35: Monarchy restored. ’36: General Metaxas starts right-winged dictatorship as PM. ’40: Start WWII, Greece initially neutral – Mussolini attacks Greece from Albania, but is repelled. ’41: Nazi Germany - Resistance by communists and royalists. ’44: Collaboration with UK to repel Nazis. ’46-’49: Greek Civil War between US/UK-backed governmental Hellenic Army and communist SU/Bulgaria/Albania/Yugoslavia-backed Democratic Army of Greece (1st won).’52: Parliamentary kingdom. Joins NATO. ’67: Military coup. ’73: Republic again. Coup. ’74: Coup against president of Cyprus. Turkish invasion / occupation Northern Cyprus. ’75: Parliamentary republic. ’81: Joins EU. ’91: Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia declares independence. Greek objects to name and flag due to territorial claims of Greek province Macedonia. ’96: Tension with Turkey over Aegean islet. ’99: Earthquake Athens kills dozens. 2002: Euro replaces drachma. ’04: Athens hosts Olympic Games. Formal warning EC: Greece falsified budget deficit data in run-up to eurozone. ’08: Greece blocks Macedonia’s bid to join NATO over unresolved name-dispute. ’09-‘15: Debt crisis – massive debt caused by Greece. Long series of EU + Eurozone rescue bailouts and loans (hundreds of billions of euros) and debt-cuts in exchange for austerity and spending cuts programs, continuously accompanied by mass protests. ’13: Highest unemployment rate EU (26.8% - ’14: 28%). ’18: Agreement with Macedonia after 27-year-long name dispute (Macedonia vs. North Macedonia).
FREE Recommended Sights / Activities*
PAID Recommended Sights / Activities*
Evening Entertainment
Local Festivals
- Museums: Museum of Geological Formations;
- Hikes / Nature: Landscape of Meteora; Pindus Mountain Range.
PAID Recommended Sights / Activities*
- Sights: Great Meteoron Monastery; Varlaam Monastery; Rousanou Monastery; St. Nicholas Anapausas Monastery (Agios Nikolaos Anapaphsas); Holy Trinity Monastery; St. Stephen Monastery (Agios Stefanos).
- Museums: Natural History Museum; Hellenic Culture Museum.
Evening Entertainment
- Nightlife Areas: Kalambaka main square.
Local Festivals
- Meteora Music Festival – July.
- Mushroom Festival – September.
Budget Bites
Sleep Cheap
- Supermarkets: Lidl; Galaxias
- Markets: Kalambaka Market (Friday morning alongside the roundabout).
- Local Dishes: Pita Gyros (meat); Souvlaki (meat skewer); Moussaka (oven dish with minced meat / eggplant / potatoes / bechamel sauce); Pastitsio (macaroni lasagne); Kefthetes (meat balls); Loutza (cured pork tenderloin); Yemista (stuffed tomatoes); Papoutsakia (stuffed eggplants); Stifado (beef stew); Giouvetsi (beef stew with pasta); Kleftiko / Paidakia (lamb); Brizola (pork / beef steak); Mydia (mussels); Sofrito (slow-cooked veal); Xiphias (sword fish); Antzougi (anchovies); Spetzofai (sausage-wine dish); Fasolatha (white bean soup); Dolmadakia (rice-stuffed grape leaves); Koulouri (bread rings); Spanakopita (stuffed pastry); Loukoumades (fried honey-covered dough balls); Greek Salad / Choriatiki; Tzatziki (garlic-yoghurt dip); Taramasalata (fish roe dip); Tirokafteri (cheese dip); Tiropita (cheese pie); Olives; Greek Yoghurt (with honey and walnuts).
- The Veg Situation: Going vegan is rather complicated in Greece outside of the bigger cities, but going vegetarian is remarkably easy. Many local dishes are ‘accidentally’ vegetarian’… most however containing cheese, eggs and/or honey. Local veg dishes (some descriptions above): Fasolatha; Vegetarian Moussaka; Yemista; Papoutsakia; Dolmadakia; Koulouri; Spanakopita with Cheese/Spinach; Loukoumades; Greek Salad; Tzatziki; Tirokafteri; Tiropita; Olives; Greek Yoghurt; Kolokitho Keftedes (courgette balls); Tomato Keftedes (tomato fritters); Fava (split peas dip); Melitzanosalata (eggplant dip); Tirokroketes (fried cheese balls); Saganaki (fried cheese); Daklos (crackers with feta and capers); Horta (leafy boiled greens); Briam (roasted vegetables); Gigantes (giant beans); Pissara (feta, sun-dried tomato and pine nuts salad); Salata Koliandrou (collard salad); Pitaroudia (chickpea dumpling); Fasolakia (green beans); Spanakoriza (spinach-rice stew). Local veg-friendly restaurants can be found here.
- National Drink: Tsipouro (spirit), Ouzo (anise spirit) and delicious Greek wine. The standard coffee served in Greece is ice coffee. If you want hot coffee, specify this in your order.
Sleep Cheap
- Hostels / Hotels: are definitely not cheap in Greece. However, if you’re with 2 people or more, a private room or apartment is generally cheaper than a dormitory bed in a hostel (not necessarily the case in Meteora). I personally found the best deals on Booking.com, which is generally cheaper than Air BnB listings here. Booking.com also has the biggest selection, is transparent about the final price and had an efficient search engine tailored to your specific needs. If you use it often enough, generous Genius-discounts are applied. Agoda is often not transparent about prices, adding a lot of additional costs in the last booking-step. Opodo is a better alternative. Keep in mind that most municipalities charge a city tax. Writer’s Choice: Holy Rock Hostel in Kalambaka, a good place to meet other backpackers. In high season, book ahead in this popular tourist destination. Kastraki is quieter and more peaceful than Kalambaka.
- Couchsurfing: allows you to stay with locals. Nowadays it has a moderate sign-up cost (unless you put a third-world country as homebase), but paying extra for verification is unnecessary: Positive reviews are way more important. Once active, there are no costs for staying at someone’s house. In order to get accepted, make sure to write an elaborate review explaining why you applied to this specific profile and think you and your host are a good match (copy-pastes tend to be ignored). That said, at my time of visiting, there wasn’t any active Couchsurfing community in Kalambaka.
- Housesitting: is an amazing exchange allowing you to stay short- or long-term in somebody’s house, while looking after their house and pets. There are many different websites, most of them paid… but once you landed a sit, the subscription fee is pays itself back quickly. The main housesitting website is Trusted Housesitters.
- Wild Camping: is possible in the caves of Meteora. However, do know that this is illegal in Greece and if caught, you have to go to trial (I personally met someone who had to go through this unpleasant experience). There are plenty of paid campsites at Kalambaka and Kastraki.
Mama Said
Transport
Next?
* As described in the “History Recap,” this name is very controversial and still a topic of political debate. Macedonia is the name of a northern Greek province, North Macedonia the official name of the country. However, if you use “North” before the country-name, you profoundly insult the local population of (North) Macedonia. On the other hand, if you are in Greece and use the word “Macedonia” to refer to the country, you will not make any friends. The solution is to refer to the country as “North Macedonia” while in Greece, and change to “Macedonia” while crossing the border.
- Safety: European tourist destinations are generally safe, but use your common sense like everywhere. Don’t walk alone in remote areas after sunset, don’t take valuables along and follow your instinct when entering certain neighbourhoods further away from the centre.
- Tap Water: is drinkable.
- English is widely spoken, even by the older generation.
- The best credit/debit card for traveling is Wise, as they use the live conversion rates without any extra fees. Wise also has the lowest fees for sending money to foreign accounts. Keep in mind that all Greek ATMs charge a fee, the amount always indicated before completing the transaction. Payment by card is generally accepted everywhere.
- Simcard: The cheapest prepaid deals can be found on the street of Athens, generally around the major metro/train stations. Whereas in the shop they might charge €20 per month for limited calls and data, on the street the same simcard but with unlimited data is only €10. Don’t ask me how, just enjoy it.
Transport
- Walking: Kalambaka and Kastraki are small villages with everything within walking distance. You can also easily walk from one village to the other. It’s recommended to explore Meteora and its monasteries on foot (no guide needed).
- Cycling: There are asphalt roads, making cycling easy. However, keep in mind that the Meteora landscape consists of very steep rock formations.
- City Buses / Tram / Metro: There is one city bus connecting Kalambaka to the Meteora monasteries. Timetables change continuously, more info here.
- Taxi / Uber: Taxi’s are available in Meteora, and can be ordered or hailed down on the street. This is not a cheap option, especially not in this tourist hotspot, so make sure to negotiate the price ahead or ask the meter to be turned on.
- Intercity Buses: Trikala and Kalambaka are very well-connected. The main bus line is Ktel: You can find their Meteora routes here. Due to changing departure times, I recommend to always verify the times at the bus station and buy the tickets in advance as they can sell out. Student tickets available (different discounts for foreign and local students).
- Train: Kalambaka has a railway station. Train in Greece are served by Trainose and are a rather expensive mode of transport, with tickets prone to sell out. Pre-buy the tickets a few days in advance or book online. Student tickets available. Omio is a useful website for booking discount deals online in a wide variety of countries. For train passes check Eurail. OMIO AFFILIATE LINK!
- Car Rental: is remarkably cheap. In off-season I found a rental car of €4-5 per day (excl. insurance) via Kayak, as long as the pick-up and drop-off point is Athens Airport.
- Airport: Thessaloniki Airport Makedonia (SKG).
- Hitchhiking: is relatively safe in Greece, but it’s not very common. It’s pretty complicated to get in and out of the bigger cities, but Meteora shouldn’t be a problem: There’s only one main road going in and out of Kalambaka / Kastraki, so you can easily walk to a convenient pull-over stop when hitchhiking out of Meteora. More info here.
Next?
- National Destinations Close By: Ioannina, Thessaloniki, Volos, Parga, Corfu.
- International Destinations Close By: Albania, (North) Macedonia*, Bulgaria, Turkey, Italy.
* As described in the “History Recap,” this name is very controversial and still a topic of political debate. Macedonia is the name of a northern Greek province, North Macedonia the official name of the country. However, if you use “North” before the country-name, you profoundly insult the local population of (North) Macedonia. On the other hand, if you are in Greece and use the word “Macedonia” to refer to the country, you will not make any friends. The solution is to refer to the country as “North Macedonia” while in Greece, and change to “Macedonia” while crossing the border.
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