Meteora

Meteora, meaning ‘suspended in the air’, is a geological and spiritual marvel in central Greece where 24 monasteries were originally built atop immense sandstone pillars rising from the Thessalian plain. Six remain active today, each accessible by carved stone steps or bridges. The rock formations themselves, reaching up to 400 metres, were shaped 60 million years ago when the area was an ancient seabed. Hermit monks first settled in the caves around the 11th century, and organised monastic life began in the 14th century when Athanasios founded the Great Meteoron. The monasteries served as refuges during Ottoman rule and preserve invaluable Byzantine frescoes, manuscripts, and religious artefacts. Today Meteora holds dual UNESCO World Heritage status for both natural and cultural importance. Beyond the monasteries, the region offers rock climbing, via ferrata routes, mountain biking, and hiking through forests connecting Kalambaka and Kastraki — the two gateway towns at the base of the pillars.