4 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Meteora
Visiting Meteora, Greece should be at the top of everyone’s Greece bucket list. Meteora is a UNESCO World Heritage site with beautiful views and an admirable history. The place feels holy. But before you visit, there are things you should prepare for:
1. The Monasteries Have A Dress Code
The Monasteries are holy places, and some are still inhabited by Monks and Nuns. While visiting Meteora Monasteries you must be dressed modestly according to their dress code. At the entrance where you buy the tickets, the person will also check your dress. If you are not dressed appropriately they do have skirts and shoulder scarves for women, so don’t worry too much if you didn’t pack something appropriate. For men we found that some locations had leg coverings if they were wearing shorts, but they also can deny men entry if they do not have coverings (so plan on bringing long pants!).
Women are expected to wear skirts or dresses that are a conservative length, and shirts that cover the shoulders.
Men are expected to wear pants and shirts that cover their shoulders.
Also not required, but also consider that there are lots of stairs and walking! Wear comfortable shoes with good support!
2. There Are Lots Of Steps… And No Disability Accomodations
Some Monasteries have up to 300 steps. The only Monastery without stairs to enter is the St Stephens (or Agio Stefano) monastery. Be prepared with water, good shoes, and your stamina!
If you have physical limitations, the views around Meteora and the St Stephen’s monastery are still great! However, they do not have any accommodations for monastery entrance.
3. There Are Parking Lots For Your Car, But They Can Fill Up Quickly!
The monasteries have different parking lots, some larger than others. If you are driving your own car you might find that parking can be difficult at times depending on the time of day and the time of year that you visit (shoulder season and off-season will be easier).
If you want to avoid the parking situation there are plenty of tours offered that will take you to the different monasteries as day trips from other sites, or just from Meteora!
4. There Is Usually One Monastery Closed Per Day, And They All Have Different Hours
The monasteries have different schedules. There is typically one Monastery closed per week day during the summer, except St Nicholas (or Agios Nikolaos) monastery which is open every day during the summer.
Before vising Meteora, take a look at the schedule (or timetable) here for closing times and monastery closures so you can plan accordingly. If you want to visit every monastery we recommend staying the night in the area so you can visit the monastery that was closed the previous day!
5. You Are Limited In What You Can Take Pictures Of – Be Respectful
Pictures are not permitted in many places inside the monasteries. The inside of the monasteries have incredible paintings and chapels, but you are not able to take photos of them. If you want to remember them you can buy some of the books at the gift shop. You also cannot take photos of the nuns or monks unless they expressly specify otherwise.
You can take photos in the courtyards and the lookouts and you will really get some AMAZING shots!
Enjoy Your Meteora Visit
Visiting Meteora is an unforgettable experience. Ready to plan your visit? Read our article to learn more about what to expect at each Monastery.
