We have gather the most frequently asked questions about your trip to Meteora for 2025 in a comprehensive post.

Is Meteora Worth a Day Trip from Athens? Or Should I Stay Overnight?

As a local insider and co-founder of Visit Meteora, I have to be honest with you—even though the day trip from Athens to Meteora is our best-selling product, it’s not the best way to experience Meteora.

We always recommend travelers to embrace slow travel when visiting this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spending 2 or even 3 days in Meteora offers many advantages:

• You’ll reduce long travel time in one day (a round trip from Athens can take 8+ hours).
• You’ll enjoy the peaceful early mornings and magical sunsets.
• You’ll avoid peak tourist hours and summer heat.
• You’ll have time to do immersive experiences like the Meteora Hiking Tour or the Sunset Tour.

👉 Check out our 2-Day Tour to Meteora from Athens
👉 Explore our 3-Day Meteora Travel Experience

That said, if a day trip is your only option, don’t worry—we go above and beyond to make it as memorable and comfortable as possible.

👉 Check our Day Trip from Athens here

How Many Monasteries Can I Visit in One Day?

That depends on your fitness level and the day of the week. Only on weekends are all 6 monasteries open. During weekdays, one monastery is closed each day.

📅 Check our up-to-date Monastery Opening Hours

From our 12+ years of experience as a local operator, we believe 2–4 monasteries per day is more than enough for most visitors. The stairs can be challenging, especially in summer heat, so unless you’re a fit hiker or athlete, there’s no need to overdo it.

Are the Monasteries Open Every Day, and What’s the Dress Code?

Yes, Meteora’s monasteries are open every day, including public holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and May 1st.

⚠️ Keep in mind, however, that opening hours can change without notice, so always check our Monastery Schedule Page for updates.

Dress Code:

• Women: Must wear skirts below the knee and cover their shoulders. Wrap-around skirts are provided at the entrance if needed.
• Men: Shorts are allowed only if they cover the knee.
• Sleeveless tops are not allowed for either gender.

🧭 Want to explore on your own? Try our Smart Audio Guide App, featuring:

GPS-based navigation

• 11 languages
• Offline access
• Rich cultural content

If you wish to do it yourself, you can combine the smart audio guide with an e-bike or electric scooter rental to explore at your own pace. Learn more here

Is There a Public Bus to Visit the Monasteries?

❌ No, the KTEL public bus service to Meteora monasteries is no longer available. It was discontinued due to conflicts with Greek laws governing routes to tourist sites outside urban centers.

Unfortunately, some outdated blog posts still mention it as a cheap alternative. But rest assured—it’s not an option anymore.

✅ Instead, we offer local small-size guided tours that start from €30 for 4 hours, including transport, guiding, and entrance to 3 monasteries.

👉 Check out our Half-Day and Sunset Tours

Can I Visit Meteora Without a Tour?

Technically yes, but it’s not the smartest option.

🚗 Driving yourself to the monasteries can be frustrating due to:

• Scarce parking spaces
• Heavy traffic, especially in summer
• Winding, narrow roads shared with large buses

Instead, consider:

• A Half-Day Sightseeing Tour
• A Hiking Tour to hidden gems
• Or our Smart Audio Guide App paired with an e-bike or scooter

These alternatives let you skip the stress, enjoy scenic views, and support sustainable tourism.

How Do I Get from Athens/Thessaloniki to Meteora (Train vs. Bus)?

From Athens:

🚍 Best option: Our Express Coach Transfer, departing daily at 08:00 am from the Athens Train Station (Red Metro Line). It takes 4 hours, includes free Wi-Fi, USB sockets, and offers a smooth ride on the new highway. Price: €35.00

🚆 The train route is not recommended right now due to:

• Ongoing repairs (train ends 100km away)
• Confusing bus transfers at Karditsa and Trikala
• Long travel time and missed connections

From Thessaloniki:

• Use KTEL Trikala buses with a connection in Trikala
• Or request a private transfer from us

How Can I Get from Delphi to Meteora?

🚫 There’s no direct public transportation.

You could take multiple KTEL buses (3-4 changes), but it’s time-consuming and difficult to coordinate.

✅ Instead, we offer a shared car transfer:

• From Delphi to Meteora: Departs at 12:30 pm daily
• From Meteora to Delphi: Departs at 09:00 am daily

Contact us to book or check our multi day packages from Athens to Meteora & Delphi here.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Meteora?

Meteora is a year-round destination, but the best seasons are:

🌸 Spring (April–May): Green landscapes, Flowers, mild weather
🍂 Fall (October–November): Fewer crowds, magical foliage

🛑 Avoid the Easter weekend and May 1st holidays to skip the crowds.

What’s the Difference Between a Hiking Tour and a Sightseeing Tour?

👟 Hiking Tour:

• Ideal for families with kids over 6
• Explore the hidden Ypapanti Monastery
• Avoid the crowds and traffic
• Visit 1 monastery (Great Meteoron or Varlaam)

🚌 Half-Day Sightseeing Tour:

• Comfortable minibus transport
• Visit the interior of 3 monasteries
• Great for those who prefer a relaxed pace

Compare all our Meteora Tours

Is Meteora Suitable for Kids, Seniors, or People With Mobility Issues?

🚫 Not all tours are suitable for those with mobility issues due to steep staircases and uneven terrain at the monasteries.

✅ However, we recommend our Sunset Tour + Hermit Caves, which includes:

• A monastery visit without staircases
• A Byzantine church
• The Hermit Caves of Badovas

This tour is ideal for families, seniors, and visitors with limited mobility.

How Long Does the Meteora Sunset Tour Last?

🕓 It’s approximately 4 hours.

Departure times vary depending on the season because we aim to begin the tour 4 hours before sunset.

Are There Tours in Languages Other Than English?

Yes!

🗣️ All shared tours are conducted in English by expert local guides.

🎧 However, we offer a Smart Audio Guide in 11 languages for free to all tour participants:

• English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean

🌍 For private tours, guides are available in:

• French, Spanish, Romanian, Russian, German, Greek

💶 What Are the Monastery Entrance Fees (Updated 2025)?

As of January 1st, 2025:

• Adults: €5 per person, per monastery
• Children under 12: Free
• 💰 Payment is usually in cash only, so bring small change!

Can I Take Photos and Videos Inside the Monasteries?

📸 Photography is allowed in outdoor areas of the monasteries, including courtyards and balconies with breathtaking views of the landscape.

🚫 However, taking photos or videos is strictly prohibited inside the churches and interior rooms, to respect religious traditions and preserve the sacred atmosphere.

Please be respectful of the signs and instructions from the monks or nuns. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask before snapping a photo.

Have more questions? Feel free to contact us directly or explore all our Meteora tours and travel services here.