Meteora a wonder of our era. Clifftop Monasteries and an astonishing climbing vacation spot.

Meteora is a word which means hanging in space. Once you look this rocks that are vertical you will not likely believe it. Yet it is not only the geology of the area that attracts attention. It is the monasteries that are built there in the vertical rocks. How did they get there? The monks who built them were the original rock climbers, lifting the materials up with pulleys, nets and their own naked hands.

Today fans of climbing arrive from all over the world to climb these rocks. Unesco has declared Meteora a World Heritage Site. It is called a sacred spot by the Greek state. You’ll certainly come up with other adjectives to summarize Meteora, this wonder of the world.

What to do in Meteora

Monstrous columns and humble hermits Monasticism here began in the 11th century with the first hermits arriving in Thessaly from Mount Athos to retreat to niches in these heavenly pillars. Athanasios of meteora came to the area in the 14th century and hence the first Meteora a wonder of our era. Clifftop Monasteries as well as an astonishing climbing destination. Monastic community the great meteoron was established. Other monks followed from other corners of Greece, creating a total of 20 monasteries.

Monastic eyries At current you will find six active, flourishing, restored monasteries and convents, which welcome each visitor hospitably to their lofty realms. These are: Agios Nikolaos Anapafsa, Metamorphosis tou Sotiros or Megalou Meteorou, Varlaam, Roussanos, Agia Triada and Agios Stephanos. All the others, whether restored or deserted, are empty.

A place for rock climbing enthusiasts The challenges of these divine columns attract climbers from all over. They appreciate all the climbing routes. All the routes have already been cut in the traditional way from down up. People that don't know how to climb believe it is impossible, some rocks go straight up to a height of 500 meters.

Kastraki, a village nestled among the rocks Certainly the prettiest village in the area, Kastraki fits snugly in the base of the giant rocks and welcomes climbers, who can take their pick of cozy hotels, rooms in private houses and camping sites, tavernas and shops. Palio (Old) Kastraki has become declared a protected traditional settlement.

Kalambaka: the gateway to the higher realm Kalambaka is the actual entrance to Meteora. The commercial and tourist hub of the region, it has a lot of hotels, rooms to let and good restaurants - all the makings of a dreamy holiday. Take a stroll in the old part of town, called Spotos, which has been given a tasteful facelift. There exists a unique in Greece woodworking schools there that has many hand created art works.