Useful Information about getting to Meteora and visiting the monasteries

 
 

The main rock formations of Meteora form a sort of rough triangle with the town of Kalampaka and the hamlet of Kastraki. There is public transport, either bus or train to Kalampaka, and once you're there, local buses run between Kalampaka, Kastraki and the monasteries.

Telephone codes

Greece - 0030
Kalampaka - 0432
Kastraki - 0432

Telephone cards can be purchased from the kiosks and general stores for use in public telephones.

Distances in kilometres to Kalampaka (Kalambaka ) from different places:

  Kalampaka
Athens 352
Ioannina 128
Thessaloniki 237
Trikala 22

Methods of transport to and from Kalampaka

Train - there is a train station to the west side of Kalampaka in Pindou and Kondyli Streets. Change at Palaiofarsala for connections to Athens or Thessaloniki.

Telephone: 0030 0432 (22451)

Bus - bus to Trikala with another bus to Athens. Local buses from Kalampaka ferry tourists to and from the monasteries in Meteora. The bus station in Kalmpaka is in Vasileos Pavlou Square.

Telephone: 0030 0432 (22432)

Taxi - Local taxi service available.

Telephone: Kalampaka 22822, Kastraka 23910

Car hire - at all airports, main cities and larger towns. It can also be arranged at your accommodation. Small cars are fine unless you plan to drive along very minor unmade roads, when a 4-wheel drive vehicle is necessary. All cars have air conditioning as standard. You will need to show your driving licence and passport. Full insurance costs a small amount more than 3rd party damage and is usually worth purchasing. Your own driving may be excellent but you will encounter unusual hazards including falling rocks and somewhat unusual styles of driving.

Monastery Opening Times (as in 2003)

The various monasteries close for lunch, plus have a day when they do not open to the public, with the exception of Nikolaos Anapafsas which is open all day until 6 pm., every day. Please note that the dress code requires women to cover bare arms and to wear a skirt (clothing is provided).

Monastery Morning Afternoon Day closed
Great Meteoro 9.00 - 13.00 15.00 - 18.00 Tuesday
Varlaam 9.00 - 13.00 15.00 - 18.00 Thursday
St. Stephen 9.00 - 13.00 15.30 - 18.00 Monday
Holy Trinity 9.00 - 12.30 15.00 - 17.00 Thursday
Rousanou 9.00 - 13.00 15.00 - 18.00 Wednesday
Nikolaos Anapafsas 9.00 - 12.00 12.00 - 18.00 Open Daily