Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
and no two monasteries keep exactly the same hours. The following is a list of clos-
ures as at the time of research:
Moni Agiou Nikolaou
Closed Friday
Moni Megalou Meteorou
Closed Tuesday (and Wednesday November to March)
Moni Varlaam
Closed Friday (and Thursday November to March)
Moni Agias Varvaras Rousanou
Closed Wednesday
Moni Agias Triados
Closed Thursday (and Wednesday November to March)
Moni Agiou Stefanou
Closed Monday
Activities
Walking
Keen walkers will be in their element exploring several days' worth of
monopatia
that
thread through the region. Good maps outline routes.
obelisk, a striking column visible from anywhere in Kastraki. A 1km path up the gully
will deposit you there in about 20 minutes from Kastraki's central square.
Nearby, on the east-facing side of the Pixari rock face, closer to Kastraki, look for the
hollows and cavities of the rock face, are the
Askitaria
(cave hermitages), complete with
hanging ladders and nesting doves. The Askitaria were occupied until the early 20th cen-
tury by solitary monks, and they remain a testament to the original spirit of Meteora.
Elsewhere, lovely walks head along the path above Alsos House (
Click here
) to the
monasteries of
Agia Triada
and
Agios Stefanos
.
Rock Climbing
Meteora has been a mecca for European rock climbers for several years. Climbers of
various skill levels can choose routes from more than 100 peaks and towers with names
such as the Tower of the Holy Ghost, the Great Saint, the Devil's Tower, the Corner of
Madness and the Iron Edge. Best times weather-wise are mid-March to mid-June and
mid-August to mid-November.
A typical guided climb averages three hours, and costs start from €40 per person, de-
pending on routes and the degree of difficulty. Most climbs reach heights between 90m
