How to Plan the Best Day Trip from Athens to Meteora, Greece
Wondering if you can do a day trip from Athens to Meteora?
Yes, you absolutely can!
In this post, I’ll show you exactly how to plan the best day trip from Athens to Meteora.
Learn about the available transportation options, what to do and see in Meteora on a day tour, and how to maximize your time at one of the most stunning places in Greece.
Ready to explore?
Let’s begin!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of them, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for helping me create free content on this website!
How to Get from Athens to Meteora – All Available Options
In the table below, you’ll find all available transportation options for a day trip to Meteora from Athens.
| Mode of Transport | Trip Duration | Book Online |
|---|---|---|
| Tour | Approximately 14:30 hours | GetYourGuide |
| Car | Around 3:45 hours (in each direction) | DiscoverCars |
| Train & Bus | Around 4:00 hours (in each direction) | GetYourGuide |
By Tour: The Easiest Way to Take a Day Trip from Athens to Meteora
Visiting Meteora from Athens is easiest on an organized tour. You’ll have a knowledgeable English-speaking guide, a small group of fellow travelers for company, and plenty of breaks to stretch your legs.
The journey takes about four hours each way in a luxurious minibus, with a short break in the middle. Here’s everything you need to know about my recommended Athens to Meteora tour:
- There are two pickup and drop-off locations in Athens. The tour starts at 8:00 AM and finishes at approximately 10:30 PM.
- The travel time is 4 hours each way, broken by a 20-minute stop in the middle.
- You’ll see all six functioning Meteora Monasteries from various viewpoints and marvel at the mind-boggling Meteora Rock Formations.
- You’ll visit the interior of three active monasteries and explore the ancient hermit caves of Meteora.
- Sampling local delicacies and enjoying the delicious Greek cuisine is optional, and I highly recommend it.
✔️ Tip: Make sure you wear clothes that cover your knees and shoulders. The Meteora Monasteries are active sites of worship, so be respectful.
By Car: The Most Flexible Way for a Day Trip to Meteora from Athens
If you want to be as flexible with your schedule as possible, I recommend you go on a day trip from Athens to Meteora by car.
Here are my top tips and things you should consider if you choose this option:
- The drive from Athens to Meteora takes about 3:45 hours in each direction.
- Some gas stations don’t have any amenities and some public toilets are paid.
- Some of the roads you’ll follow have tolls. The advantage is that most people choose to drive on free roads, so the highway has less traffic. You can find information about the toll rates here.
- If you’re not traveling by car and need to rent, I recommend finding the best rates from DiscoverCars here.
- The road between the Meteora Monasteries is well-maintained, with many viewpoints and parking spots where you can leave the car to enjoy the stunning vistas. However, if you travel during high season, expect the road and parking spots to be busy.
By Public Transport: The Scenic Option for an Athens to Meteora Tour
Unfortunately, there’s no direct bus or train from Athens to Meteora. This means this travel option is too time-consuming for a day trip.
If you still prefer the train, this tour includes a train ride and a private bus. Here’s what you need to know:
- You’ll catch a train from Athen’s Central Railway Station, Stathmos Larissis.
- The train ride lasts about 2:45 hours, after which a bus will pick you up at Paleofarsalos Station for the remaining 1:15 hours of the journey.
- The scenic train ride is a highlight and makes this travel option worth considering.
- After a break in Kastraki, you’ll join a guided tour of Meteora.
- You’ll see the exterior of all six monasteries and enter three of them. You’ll also explore the hermit caves and marvel at the Meteora Rock Formations from different vantage points.
- The return trip is 1:15 hours by bus, followed by 2:45 hours by train.
- Keep in mind that the guide will meet you in Paleofarsalos, so you’ll be on your own during the journey by train.
✔️ Tip: On the way back, there’s temporarily no train service. A bus will take you from Paleofarsalos to Athens.
What to Do and See in Meteora on a Day Trip from Athens
With the practicalities out of the way, let’s get to the exciting stuff. Here’s what you can expect from an organized tour or what you should do on your own if you travel by car.
Unfortunately, you won’t be able to visit all six functioning Meteora Monasteries on an Athens to Meteora day trip. You simply won’t have enough time and, to be fair, energy to climb to all of them.
Before you continue with the things to do, check out my top tips for visiting Meteora, Greece to optimize your experience.
1. Marvel at the Meteora Monasteries
The sight of the Meteora Monasteries perched on top of the rock pillars will leave you speechless.
The historical sites have survived for centuries, defying the laws of gravity and the destructive power of time. Nowadays, only six of them are still active.
Several well-marked viewpoints reveal breathtaking vistas of the last remaining functioning Meteora Monasteries and several abandoned ones.
Take your time to take in the mind-boggling panorama but be careful when taking selfies. Your head might start spinning from all the emotions and the incredible sights around you.
2. Admire the Breathtaking Meteora Rock Formations
Even before you reach Meteora, you’ll notice the gigantic monoliths rising from the ground.
The Meteora Rocks stand in groups of smaller and larger pillars, resembling a mystical stone forest. Their height varies, ranging from 390 m / 1,280 ft. to 630 m / 2,067 ft. above sea level.
A lush forest grows between the rocks and hides their bases. This creates the illusion that the monoliths hang in the air, hence the name. “Meteora” translates to “suspended” or “levitating”.
Many rocks in Meteora have a name. This simplifies navigation for locals and visitors alike. The most famous formations include Marmaro (“marble”), Modi, Alysos, Agia, and The Holy Spirit Rock.
3. Visit as Many of the Active Monasteries as Possible
Depending on the day of the week you visit Meteora, you’ll be able to enter different cloisters. Find the opening times of the Meteora Monasteries here.
On top of that, consider that all but one of the functioning monasteries require you to climb stairs and/or hike steep paths.
So, let’s get realistic:
You can discover a maximum of three Meteora Monasteries on a day trip from Athens. If you want to enter all of them, you’ll need to spend at least one night in the area.
The entrance fee for each of the Meteora Monasteries is €3.00 ($3.25). It hasn’t changed in years. Children younger than 12 years visit for free.
4. Devour Delicious Greek Delicacies
It’ll come as no surprise when I tell you that you’ll find delicious Greek food on your day trip from Athens to Meteora. So, I’ll skip the obvious and only share with you what you might not already know.
The soil and climate of Meteora allow for the cultivation of vines and the production of tasty wines and liquors. The varieties that grow are both local and international, producing exceptional red, white, and rose wines. You can sample dry, semi-dry, sweet, and even sparkling wines.
You can taste the PGI Meteora wines directly at Liakou Winery and Loudas Winehouse, or order them with your meal.
5. Explore the Hermit Caves of Badovas
The hermit caves of Badovas are located near Kastraki village. You’ll find them in the valley of Panaghia (Virgin Mary), surrounded by rock monoliths.
The monasteries in Meteora date back to the 14th century. Before they were built, hermit monks settled in the area.
In the 11th century, they came from Mount Athos to seek peace and solitude. In the beginning, they lived in caverns and rock-hewn dwellings.
Nowadays, you can explore the caves where the first monks lived. Be sure to wear comfortable, sturdy shoes, as visiting them requires some climbing.
FAQs About a Day Trip from Athens to Meteora
Is a day trip to Meteora from Athens worth it?
Yes, a day trip from Athens to Meteora is worth it if you’re interested in stunning landscapes and historical sites. The dramatic rock formations and ancient monasteries are impressive, and while a day trip is a bit rushed, you can still enjoy the highlights.
Can I visit Meteora without a tour?
You can take a day trip from Athens to Meteora without a tour. You can drive yourself or use public transport. However, a tour offers more convenience, such as luxury transportation, a guide, and structured visits to the monasteries. It just makes planning and navigating a lot easier.
Is it better to drive or take the train from Athens to Meteora?
It depends on your preferences. Driving offers flexibility and allows you to explore at your own pace, but it can be tiring. Taking the train is a more relaxed way to travel and allows you to enjoy scenic views, though it is less flexible and involves transfers.
Is there a direct train from Athens to Meteora?
No, there isn’t a direct train from Athens to Meteora. You’ll need to take a train to Kalambaka, with a transfer in Paleofarsalos. Alternatively, you can opt for tours that combine train and bus rides to reach Meteora.
Now You Know How to Plan the Perfect Athens to Meteora Day Trip
And that’s a wrap of everything you need to know about planning a perfect day trip from Athens to Meteora, Greece.
As you see, it’s not too difficult to visit one of the most incredible places in Europe for a day. However, if I were you, I’d spend at least two days exploring the unparalleled beauty of the region.
So, check the best places to stay near Meteora and book at least one night. You won’t regret it!
Now, tell me:
Do you think visiting Meteora on a day tour from Athens is worth it?
Give me your best answer in the comments below!
2 Comments