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Exploring Meteora isn't just about going from one monastery to another. It's about driving or walking among impossible rock walls, panoramic curves, and must-see viewpoints.
The good news is that the distances aren't huge. The not-so-good news is that the terrain is quite hilly and public transport is limited. Choosing wisely will make all the difference to your visit.
This guide will tell you about all the options for getting around Meteora. This way you can choose the one that best suits your trip and enjoy this unique landscape in Greece.
How to get around Meteora
1. Car
If I had to recommend just one way to get around Meteora, it would be by car. This is the most practical and comfortable option for visiting the monasteries. Although the distances aren't huge, the steep inclines and the summer heat are relentless.
Además, te da la libertad de organizar la ruta a tu ritmo, empezar temprano para evitar los grupos e incluso para ir al amanecer o atardecer a algún mirador.
En cuanto a la carretera que conecta los monasterios, está en buen estado y bien señalizada. Hay curvas y pendientes, sí, pero nada complicado.
Todos los monasterios tienen aparcamiento gratuito cerca. Aunque, en temporada alta, pueden llenarse a partir de media mañana.
Otro detalle a tener en cuenta es que solo hay gasolineras en los pueblos pero ninguna en la zona de monasterios.
🔹 Where to rent
The best way to get to the area is to rent a car in Athens or Thessaloniki. This way, you can also visit other places along the way. Prices are also much cheaper than in Meteora.
I recommend this one website, que tiene ofertas muy buenas de alquiler de coche en Grecia. Para que te hagas una idea, he llegado a alquilar un coche en Atenas por 3 días por menos de 9 euros en total. En temporada alta, espera pagar más, tal vez entre unos 70 y 80 euros por los 3 días.
If you prefer to reach Meteora by public transport, there are small local agencies in Kalambaka, but availability is more limited, especially during peak season. If you're traveling in summer, it's advisable to book in advance. Prices can start at around €45 per day.
Ten en cuenta que, si viajas de fuera de la Unión Europea, necesitarás un permiso de conducir internacional que tramitas en tu país antes de viajar. En cambio, si tu permiso es de algún país de la UE, puedes usar tu permiso nacional.
⭐ Related article: 10 Best Day Trips from Athens
2. Bus
I'll be honest with you, getting around Meteora by bus isn't the best option. The schedules are very limited. In the low season, there are usually two buses a day, and they increase the frequency slightly from May to September, to about three or four buses a day.
Aunque tampoco es fijo, pueden ajustar la frecuencia según el número de turistas, es decir, es una lotería. 😅 Por eso, no vale la pena que publique aquí los horarios; para saberlos, ve a la oficina de KTEL en Kalambaka (en el mapa del final del artículo está marcado).
So, getting around Meteora by bus can be a good option if you're spending a night there and have time to explore at a leisurely pace, keeping to the bus schedule. Or if you're planning a combined bus and hike.
✔️ Practical Info
- Stops: Kalambaka bus station (next to the KTEL office) – Hotel Divani – Town Hall Square – Vrachos campsite – Kastraki – The Cave campsite – Meteora Monasteries: St. Niikolaos Anapafsas – Roussanou – Varlaam – Great Meteoron – Holy Trinity – St. Stephen's (stop at each one).
- BanknotesThey cost 1.60 euros and can be purchased at the KTEL office or on the bus.
🤑 If you want to save on your next adventure, use this link from Booking to get 15% off your stay.
3. On foot
Exploring Meteora on foot can be a wonderful experience. You don't just visit monasteries: you walk among stone giants, through forests, past natural viewpoints, and along ancient paths used by monks centuries ago.
✔️ Practical information:
- Distance: no son demasiados kilómetros. Para visitar varios monasterios en un día, fácilmente podrías caminar entre 6 y 12 km. A eso tienes que sumarle las subidas y bajadas.
- Difficulty level: moderate, which increases in summer when the heat is quite intense and with sections without shade.
- Trails: para hacer el recorrido más llevadero, puedes conectar algunos monasterios por senderos. En Wikiloc puedes ver varias rutas, entre fáciles y moderadas.
- Hiking group: si prefieres hacerlo en un grupo guiado, I can recommend this to you which includes a visit to a monastery.
- Best timeIf you have flexibility in choosing dates, spring and autumn are ideal for hiking in Meteora.
- What to pack: plenty of water, something to eat, sun protection, a hat and shoes with some grip.
4. Motorcycle
Although few people mention the option of getting around Meteora by motorbike, I think it's one of the best ways. It gives you the freedom to move around at your own pace and it's easier to park or stop to take photos along the way.
However, prices aren't exactly cheap compared to renting a car in Athens. The average price to rent a scooter for a day is around €25, and up to €50 for larger motorcycles.
La carretera está en buenas condiciones, tiene muchas curvas, pero nada demasiado complicado.
🔹 Where to rent
Tanto en Kalambaka como en Kastraki encontrarás varios sitios de alquiler de motos. Si vas a visitar Meteora en verano, te recomiendo reservar antes.
Para conducir una moto en Grecia necesitas un permiso específico de moto. No sirve el de categoría B, tiene que ser el A, A1, etc., según la moto. Additionally, if you are traveling from outside the EU, you will also need the international motorcycle permit that you obtain in your country before traveling.
✅ Friendly Tip: Don’t forget to get travel insurance for your next adventure. I recommend Heymondo,—it’s super comprehensive, and with that link, you’ll get 5% off.
5. Electric bicycle
Electric bikes are an increasingly popular alternative. They give you the freedom to go at your own pace with extra assistance on the climbs, which are plentiful. It's an active, sustainable, and quite fun way to get around between monasteries.
Although it's not as demanding as hiking, you still need to be in good shape. Also, since the terrain is mountainous, it's ideal to have some experience driving on roads and long inclines.
🔹 Where to rent
In Kalambaka and Kastraki, several local companies rent electric bikes, with prices starting at around €20 per day. It's advisable to book in advance during peak season.
👍 My two cents: If you’re looking to stay connected during your trip,🤳 I recommend this eSIM for Greece and with that link you get a 5% off. If you're looking for a budget-friendly alternative this other eSIM starts at 4 euros.
6. Taxi
Taxis are another option that might work well if you're traveling with other people who don't want to drive, but it can be expensive.
Para que te hagas una idea, un recorrido puntual entre Kalambaka y uno de los monasterios puede costar desde unos 10 a 15 euros. Si acuerdas con el conductor que te espere mientras visitas el monasterio y luego te lleve a otro punto, el coste será mayor. Normalmente, suelen cobrar unos 30 euros por hora.
También debes tener en cuenta que, si vas a un monasterio en taxi, al salir no encontrarás taxis esperando; no hay paradas. Entonces deberías pactar todo el trayecto de antemano.
7. Tours
Tours are one of the most convenient ways to get around Meteora, especially if you don't want to drive. Plus, they're much cheaper than a taxi.
✔️ Aquí te dejo algunas de las mejores opciones:
- Half-day tour: es la forma más práctica de visitar los imprescindibles sin complicarte. Te recomiendo este tour, que es muy completo, económico y con un grupo reducido. Incluye recogida en Kalambaka o Kastraki, para en todos los monasterios y miradores. Otra cosa interesante es que tiene la opción de audio guía en varios idiomas (Español, Inglés, Francés, etc.). En this website You can see the details and book.
- Sunset TourIf you have flexibility in your schedule, the afternoon tour is the best and perfect for taking sunset photos. It's also an affordable tour with a small group. Here you can see the details and book.
- Tour with guide in Spanish (and other Latin languages): if you prefer to take the tour with a guide, This one is a good price.
- Private tourAnother good option is this one Private tour in English or This in Spanish or other Latin languages. These are more personalized options with group prices that will suit you if you're traveling with more people.
Map
FAQs
No, there is no Uber service in the area. If you need private transportation, you will have to use local taxis or book a tour.
It depends on the pace and the number of monasteries you want to visit.
En medio día puedes ver dos o tres monasterios en plan rápido y moviéndote en vehículo. Si quieres tomártelo con calma, lo ideal es dedicar un día entero.
Para visitar los seis monasterios o hacer senderismo, dos o tres días pueden ser perfectos.
Final Thoughts
Estas son las opciones para moverse por Meteora; espero que encuentres la adecuada para ti para que disfrutes del lugar más bello de Grecia continental.
If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘
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Hi, I’m Andrea, creator and author of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I write about Southeast Asia, the Caucasus, and Europe. I’m a full-time traveler, passionate about good food, and always looking for new adventures.