Are you wondering what to do and what to photograph when you visit Meteora? We have gathered the top 10 places and experiences, that Meteora has to offer. We are local photographers who know the area well. Please read below to find our top picks for the most picturesque and interesting points making your time in Meteora a memorable one. So here are the top ten things to do. Note that Meteora is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List !
1. Photograph All The Monasteries From All of The Best Outdoor Spots
You have to visit all of the monasteries from outside viewpoints. Meteora has many peaks and valleys to explore and capture the monasteries from. Our photography tours provide the best spots to photograph the stunning landscape combined with the architecture of the monasteries. Some of these monasteries were built strategically as to appear as extensions of the huge rocks as the walls and the floors touch the edges of them!
2. Visit at least one Monastery from Inside
We recommend that you visit at least one of the monasteries and cave-dwellings from the inside. Hermits migrated to Meteora as early as the eleventh century. They first created small places to pray next to or inside the caves. Three of the old monasteries and hermitages have been restored to their original state. Our tours make it a point to not only educate you on the monastic life but also take you to one or more of these monasteries.
The foundation of the monastery of the Great Meteoron is the starting point of the organized monastic life in Meteora. This monastery is the oldest, largest and most formal of the existing Meteora Monasteries. It is built on a giant rock and is known as the monastery that is suspended in the air. The Meteoron was founded shortly before the middle of the 14th century by Saint Athanasios the Meteora who was also its first founder and the first to organize a systematic monastic community.
There are also 5 other monasteries: Varlaam, St. Stephen, St. Nikolaos of Anapafsas, Rousano and the Holy Trinity. Make sure you look at the visiting hours as they vary by time and day.
Visiting ours : Visiting hours of the Monasteries of Meteora
3. Hike Through The Meteora Landscape
It may not be the only way to see this UNESCO World Heritage, but definitely the only way to explore the beauty of the Meteora landscape. The vast network of trails in the area give you the opportunity to see the monasteries and the eternal rocks suspended from different, unique angles with unobstructed views. As locals of the area, Meteora Photo Tour can take you through the trails of the old Monks of Meteora that lead you to the monasteries and to the most breathtaking locations, offering you the best chance to photograph the unique natural environment and the amazing beauty and architecture of the monasteries. We have walked and photographed the Meteora trails for the last 30 years and we know every detail of the area.
4. Watch the Sunrise Over Meteora
Could there be any better reason to wake up early than to head to the top of the rocks to watch the sunrise over Meteora? We have chosen this as a must-see because it really is a magical experience to witness the colors in the sky over the landscape and monasteries. We love to regularly wake up for this beautiful occurrence in the sky over unique Meteora. Join Meteora Photo Tour for that early morning wake up call and start your day off right.
5. Watch the Sunset Over Meteora
Don’t leave Meteora without chasing at least one sunset. The golden hour will give you the most spectacular imagery of this unique landscape. Being on top of the rocks as you look down and across the monasteries gives you the best viewing advantage. At Meteora Photo Tour we try to catch every sunset. Head out with us so you can discover one of the best times to catch a glimpse of this World Unesco Heritage site.
6. Explore Zagori
Zagori , a UNESCO World Heritage, is one of the most alluring and scenic landscapes in Greece. If your journey begins in Meteora you should make it a priority to make a brief stop here. Zagori is an area that contains 46 stone villages known as the Zagori villages with striking views of the high peaks of the Pindos Mountains. At the heart of the Vikos–Aoös National Park, the Vikos Gorge or Vikos Canyon is the most impressive and famous natural monument of Zagori, and is distinguished as the deepest gorge in the world, with glittering, crystal rivers and green picturesque mountains. This will be an unforgettable day for the nature lover to discover this breathtaking and well-preserved part of Greece. Meteora Photo Tour is now offering a tour to Zagori. We take you on a journey to some of the most charming villages in Greece, most notably Great Papigo Village. We will spend our time in iconic places and make stops at old stone bridges immersed in lush greenery. Book with us now for a short getaway to a mountain-lovers paradise.
7. Head to Plastiras Lake
Plastiras Lake is renowned for its captivating landscape composed of alpine peaks and fjord-like scenery. Only one hour by car, heading over to this area should be on your must-do list when visiting Greece. All of your senses will awaken as you enter this natural haven. You will be so glad you made time for this on your trip. There are many areas to discover here. Paleokarya Waterfall and the Stone Bridge of Pyli have been in existence since the 16th century. The 12-meter-high waterfall behind the bridge creates a stunning image that we love to capture. Also, a point of interest that we include in our trips here is the Sarakina Village, known for its famous stone bridge (14th c.).
The bridge connects Sarakina with the isolated rock “Petra” in the north, down from which it is built the chapel of the Holy Apostoles in 17th century with frescoes from various ages. It is the most remarkable and important art monument from our architectural heritage, in the prefecture of Trikala.
8. Create Stunning Photos On A Private Photo Tour
While visiting Meteora you will want to capture the experience of exploring and viewing the unique landscape of this area. Our local and experienced photographers are locals of Meteora and will guide you through trails and give you tips and tricks to capture images that could be invisible to the untrained eye, revealing the best points on the route of interest and identifying photo opportunities for the most creative shots. This is a tour of a lifetime, allowing you a full day to cover one of the most incredible natural landscapes that Greece has to offer.
9. Capture Your Experience With A Photo Shoot
Meteora has one of the best landscapes in all of Greece. It will without a doubt leave you breathless. You will want to capture images as well as capture your memories of your time in Meteora on camera. Due to popular demand, Meteora Photo Tours now offers private photo shoots. We have experience in shooting couples, solo travelers, families and even pets. So come with your curiosity as we guide you through this landscape and leave you with phenomenal photos to remember it by. Our local and professional team will take you to peaks and viewpoints that will allow for the best opportunities to shoot exceptional photos of you against the Meteora backdrop and the architecture of the monasteries.
10. Visit The Charming Old Village of Kastraki
Kastraki Village is right against the Meteora rocks. Walking through it is an experience you do not want to leave without. Walk up and down the streets and stop at a café for coffee or a restaurant for a traditional bite of Greek food to eat. Kastraki also has a notable church to view while you are there. Meteora Photo Tours will take you here as a part of any of our tours.
Contact us for more information, or any of your questions!