Scenery, Historical, Delphi, Classical, DayTours
Scenery, Historical, Delphi, Classical, DayTours
Meteora Rocks and Orthodox Monasteries. The Rocky Forest of Greece is One of the Naturals Wonders on Earth. Do not Miss.
Meteora Orthodox Monks in Great Meteoron Monastery
Meteora Rocks and Orthodox Monastery
Meteora Orthodox Monk in Varlaam Monastery.
Meteora Rocks and Orthodox Monastery
64 gigantic rocks rise perpendicularly from the ground on the western edge of the plain of Thessaly in the heart of northern Greece.
Meteora the Rocky Forest: The impressive rocks are composed of a mixture of sandstone and hard gravel called conglomerate. Formed 60 million years ago as the bed of sea, which we now know, as the plain of Thessaly. Seismic movements thrust the sea bed upwards to create a high plateau and split the thick layer of sandstone into innumerable faults. Wind, water and extreme temperatures wore away the fractured sandstone creating the pillars, which are now known as “the rocky forest of Greece”.
The conglomerate was formed of deposits of stone, sand and mud from streams flowing into a delta at the edge of a lake, over millions of years. About 60 million years ago during the Paleogene Period a series of earth movements pushed the seabed upwards, creating a high plateau and causing many vertical fault lines in the thick layer of sandstone. The huge rock pillars were then formed by weathering by water, wind and extremes of temperature on the vertical faults. It is unusual that this conglomerate formation and type of weathering are confined to a relatively localised area within the surrounding mountain formation.
Meteora – this city of Monastic Life of Rocks stands as the most important and the largest centre of Orthodox Monasticism in Greece, after Mt. Athos. This stone forest of rocks constitutes one of the most wonderful and impressive geological phenomena on our planet. The most common theory holds the view, that the formation of the rocks was due to the prior existence of a delta shaped cone comprising of river stones and mud, which poured into the ancient Thessaly basin. After the geological separation of the masses of Olympus as well as Ossa, the waters of the basin found an outlet into the Aegean through the Tempi area. Then the delta shaped mass (by the effect of earthquakes, wind and rain for millions of years) broke-up into stones and huge solid rocks up to 400 meters high.
Dining in Meteora (Kalabaka/Kastraki) features traditional Greek taverns with stunning rock views. Top spots include Meteoron Panorama, Restaurant Meteora (Gkertsou Family), and Taverna Gardenia. Enjoy local specialities like grilled meats, bean soup, briam (roasted vegetables), Stuffed Zucchini (With minced meat, rice and herbs) and moussaka. Local Bars offers ouzo , tsipouro/ rakomelo and local wines
Stay in Kastraki for intimate, village vibes near the rocks, or Kalambaka for more hotel options, restaurants, and amenities. Both have excellent views of Meteora rocks.
You could visit Meteora all year around. The best time is during the shoulder seasons of March April–May or September–October, offering pleasant hiking weather and fewer crowds. Early morning (before 9:00 AM) or late afternoon is ideal to avoid busy tour buses. Fall (October) offers stunning colours, while late Jan – Feb – April is quieter and cooler. Unique time is Christmas and Easter. Avoid: Mid-July to August (extreme heat/crowds)
See All View Travel offers private tours from Athens (day tours or multiple days) to Meteora. Distance approx 350km from Athens / Duration 4 hours each way. Best Approach: 2 days recommended for a relaxed visit
Our tour drivers are seasoned travelers and are dedicated to helping you live the tour of your life, that is suited to your needs and lifestyle, where you can relax, have no worry of driving, allowing all passengers to enjoy the scenic drives through the beautiful Greek countryside, stopping wherever you desire to take photos or hiking, have a break. Any combination or schedule of tour can be arranged for you from one day tour to two week long tours, depending on the time you have available.
Important Note: A day tour can be effected from weather conditions or day light save hours. (End October – End March). Also traffic conditions special in Athens…. Day tour should start at 06:30 am.
