Meteora is a place of surreal landscapes and impressive feats of engineering. It’s no wonder this Greek destination has been UNESCO Heritage listed. The area offers amazing hikes and outstanding vantage points of the monasteries. Additionally, greater insight about the area can be discovered in its nearby museums. Best of all, some of Meteora’s best tourist attractions are absolutely free. In this Meteora travel guide, we’ll show you the 6 best free things to do in Meteora Greece.
Plan your trip: Here are our Meteora Greece top recommendations:
Activities: book your Meteora Greece Tours with Get Your Guide.
Accommodation: we use Booking.com to find the best hotels.
Car Hire: for great value car rental in Greece we recommend Localrent.com
Transport: FlixBus for intercity buses.
Flights: find cheapest flights with cashback on WayAway.
Airport Lounge Access: start your holiday the right way with Priority Pass.
Travel Medical Insurance: SafetyWing Nomad Insurance is the ideal choice for long-term travellers and digital nomads.
Top free things to do in Meteora Greece
We love a good bargain, and there’s no better bargain than getting something for free! For ease of reference, here is our list of the top free things to do in Meteora Greece.
- Main Observation Deck of Meteora
- Viewpoint Meteora
- Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery
- Kalambaka Library
- Theopetra Cave Museum
- Geological Formation Museum of Meteora
Keep reading to find out more about each destination.
Best free lookout in Meteora Greece: Main Observation Deck of Meteora
About Main Observation Deck of Meteora
Main Observation Deck of Meteora, also known as Sunrise Rock, is a free lookout point that offers incredible panoramic views of Meteora Greece. The observation deck is a natural rocky outcrop and not a man-made structure. There are no safety railings, so take extra care. There is free but limited parking nearby.
Why visit Main Observation Deck of Meteora
Main Observation Deck of Meteora offers incredible panoramic views of Meteora. You can see four different monasteries from this vantage point. It’s the perfect place to get iconic photos of the area.
How long to spend at Main Observation Deck of Meteora
Allow around half an hour at the Main Observation Deck of Meteora to admire the view and take plenty of photos.
Opening hours for Main Observation Deck of Meteora
Main Observation Deck of Meteora is open at all hours. We recommend visiting during the day. It’s particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset.
If you have money to spend at the Main Observation Deck of Meteora
Visit some of the monasteries while you’re in the area. Entry for each monastery is 3 euro (as at 2024). Monastery of the Holy Trinity at Meteora is a short walk from this observation deck.
Main Observation Deck of Meteora address
Plus Code: PJ9P+PR Kalabaka, Greece
Panoramic lookout in Meteora Greece: Viewpoint Meteora
About Viewpoint Meteora
Viewpoint Meteora is one of the best vantage points to see Meteora Greece for free. Located on the side of the road, this natural viewpoint is surrounded by some of the major monasteries in Meteora. It’s a particularly stunning location at sunrise and sunset.
Why visit Viewpoint Meteora Greece
Viewpoint Meteora is a must visit in Meteora due to its stunning views. Its position also provides plenty of great photo opportunities.
How long to spend at Viewpoint Meteora Greece
Allow around half an hour at the Viewpoint Meteora to enjoy the view and take plenty of photos.
Opening hours for Viewpoint Meteora Greece
Viewpoint Meteora is open at all hours. We recommend visiting during the day. It’s particularly stunning at sunrise and sunset.
If you have money to spend in Viewpoint Meteora Greece
Visit some of the monasteries while you’re in the area. Entry for each monastery is 3 euro (as at 2024). The Monastery of the Holy Monastery of Rousanos – Saint Barbara is a short walk from this viewpoint.
Viewpoint Meteora Greece address
Plus Code: PJCM+GP, Kalampaka 422 00, Greece
Scenic hiking trail in Meteora Greece: Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery
About Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery
Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery is a hiking trail from Kalambaka up to Holy Trinity Monastery in Meteora. It’s a beautiful natural setting with unbelievable views of Meteora. The path is paved with stones most of the way up apart from a section near the top. If you’re lucky you may see turtles along the path. The total distance is 1.1km with an ascent of 200 metres. This hike is best done in the early morning when there is some shade and it’s not in the heat of the day.
Why visit Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery
Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery is a scenic, if somewhat exhausting way to get to Holy Trinity Monastery.
How long to spend at Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery
Allow 45-60 minutes for the hike. Some people manage to do it in 20 minutes. Allow extra time if you like to stop along the way for photos.
Opening hours for Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery
Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery is open at all hours. However we recommend visiting during the day.
If you have money to spend in Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery
Visit Holy Trinity Monastery. Entry to Holy Trinity Monastery is 3 euro for adults (as at 2024).
Ascent trail to Holy Trinity Monastery address
Unnamed Road, Kalampaka 422 00, Greece
Plus Code: PJ6J+R9 Kalabaka, Greece
Modern library in Kalambaka Greece: Kalambaka Library
About Kalambaka Library
Kalambaka Library is a modern library that provides state-of-the-art technology and friendly staff. This new library is a great community space and a cultural anchor of the city. The library has a special focus on the needs of children and teens and also seeks to provide a place for informal learning. It was opened in 2015 and was the first project of the Kalambaka Educational, Literary and Cultural Civil Not for Profit Company (KDK), which was started by Diana Demoulas Merriam, whose family originated in Kalambaka.
Why visit Kalambaka Library
Kalambaka Library offers a clean, modern and peaceful space with a good collection of books and free wifi. All services of the library are provided free of charge. This library is particularly useful for digital nomads looking for a place to work.
How long to spend at Kalambaka Library
Allow 1 hour to visit Kalambaka Library. Digital nomads may wish to use Kalambaka Library as a working space.
Opening hours for Kalambaka Library
Monday: 9am-5pm.
Tuesday: 12pm-8pm.
Wednesday: 9am-8pm.
Thursday: 12pm-8pm.
Friday: 9am-5pm.
Saturday-Sunday: Closed.
If you have money to spend in Kalambaka Library
There are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby.
Kalambaka Library address
Rodou 9, Kalampaka 422 00, Greece
Plus Code: PJ4F+C7 Kalabaka, Greece
Archaeological museum near Meteora Greece: Theopetra Cave Museum
About Theopetra Cave Museum
Theopetra Cave Museum is an archaeological museum which provides context around the findings from the nearby Theopetra Cave. Unfortunately at this point in time only the museum is currently open. Theopetra Cave itself has been closed since 2016 due to safety reasons.
Theopetra Cave was excavated between 1987 to 2008 under the leadership of paleoanthropologist Dr. Nina Kyparissi-Apostolika. Prior to that the cave was still used by local shepherds as a temporary shelter. Evidence suggests humans used this cave as far back as 50,000 years ago. A number of fascinating discoveries have been made in Theopetra Cave. One such discover is a man-made stone wall which dates back to around 21,000 BCE. This is the world’s oldest man-made structure. Another important finding are the imprints of the oldest human footprints in Europe, which date back approximately 135,000 years. Additionally there are stone tools from the Palaeolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, Neolithic pottery, bone and shells as well as Paleolithic skeleton.
Why visit Theopetra Cave Museum
Theopetra Cave Museum is a small museum but provides interesting insights into the archaeological findings from Theopetra Cave. This includes ancient tools, jewellery and other artefacts. The exhibition includes plenty of information and the staff are also very helpful.
How long to spend at Theopetra Cave Museum
Allow 30 minutes to visit Theopetra Cave Museum.
Opening hours for Theopetra Cave Museum
Wednesday-Monday: 8am-4pm.
Tuesday: Closed.
If you have money to spend in Theopetra Cave Museum
We recommend spending money in Kalambaka before visiting Theopetra Cave Museum as there aren’t many opportunities to spend money near the museum.
Theopetra Cave Museum address
Θεόπετρα 422 00, Greece
Plus Code: MMGJ+74 Theopetra, Greece
Geological museum in Meteora Greece: Geological Formation Museum of Meteora
About Geological Formation Museum of Meteora
The Geological Formation Museum of Meteora provides interesting information on the karst mountain formations of Meteora. The museum spans over 2 storeys and is organised into 3 sections. The first section, known as Hall A or the waiting room, includes a 15 minute audiovisual presentation on the creation of Meteora. Hall B is the General Geology Hall. This provides information about geology and there are also samples of fossils, minerals and rocks from different parts of Greece. Finally Hall C is the Meteora Geological History Hall, and this provides deeper insight into the creation of Meteora.
The museum opened in 2018 and is located in the former building of the Primary School of Kastraki, which is a historical monument.
Why visit Geological Formation Museum of Meteora
The Geological Formation Museum of Meteora provides a comprehensive understanding of how the unusual stone pillars of Meteora were formed. We highly recommend including this museum in your Meteora visit in order to gain a better appreciation of the area. We do note however that the museum’s opening hours may not be consistent with its schedule, so there is the risk that it isn’t open when you plan to visit.
How long to spend at Geological Formation Museum of Meteora
Allow 1 hour to visit the Geological Formation Museum of Meteora.
Opening hours for Geological Formation Museum of Meteora
Monday-Friday: 8am-3pm.
Saturday-Sunday: 9am-4pm.
Please note that many people have reported that the museum was closed during their official opening hours.
If you have money to spend in Geological Formation Museum of Meteora
There’s a cafe next door to the museum.
Geological Formation Museum of Meteora address
Unnamed Road, Kastraki 422 00, Greece
Plus Code: PJ8C+Q9 Kastraki, Greece
Car hire in Meteora Greece
The closest car hire for Meteora is in Kalamata Greece.
Localrent.com is ideal for hiring a car in Greece, offering competitive rates and personalised service. The user-friendly platform connects you with local providers, featuring a wide range of vehicles to suit any trip. With transparent pricing, detailed rental info, and responsive customer support, booking is a breeze. Renting a car through Localrent.com gives you the freedom to explore Croatia’s historic cities, stunning coastlines, and scenic countryside at your own pace.
Where to stay in Meteora Greece?
When visiting Meteora, we recommend staying in the nearby town of Kalabaka, which is a scenic half-hour hike from the monasteries.
Here are our top accommodation picks in Kalabaka:
- Best hostel in Kalabaka – Meteora Central Hostel is run by a friendly and knowledgeable couple. This hostel is spotless and thoughtfully designed. It’s conveniently located near restaurants and the train station, with added privacy from bed curtains.
- Best budget hotel in Kalabaka – Hotel Gogos. Situated under the majestic Meteora rocks, Hotel Gogos offers breathtaking views and a tranquil garden area. The spotless rooms and warm hosts make it an ideal choice. Its proximity to the monasteries ensures an easy and enjoyable visit.
- Best mid-range hotel in Kalabaka – Centro Urban Suites is a contemporary hotel with incredible views of Meteora and is spotlessly clean and well-equipped. Nearby restaurants and a supermarket add to its convenience. The spacious, stylish rooms feature very comfortable beds, and the hosts are welcoming and hospitable.
- Best guesthouse in Kalabaka – Oikia Guesthouse is a beautiful property with stunning views of Meteora. Additionally, its rooftop patio is perfect for relaxation. The stylish, cosy rooms have extremely comfortable beds, and the owners provide exceptional hospitality and delicious breakfasts. The peaceful location is also close to excellent restaurants.
- Best luxury apartments in Kalabaka – Meteora Heaven and Earth Kastraki premium suites is a stunning property that combines elegance and comfort. The interior design is exquisite, and the suite well equipped. Additionally, the bed is enormous and cosy and the balcony offers breathtaking views.
- Best value apartments in Kalabaka – we stayed at Del Sol Meteora. The apartments were spacious, clean and comfortable. They were also centrally located.
Meteora Greece Blogs
You can find our Meteora Greece travel blogs below.
Greece Blogs
You can find our Greece travel blogs below.
18 Best FREE Things To Do in Athens Greece (with map)
6 Best FREE Things To Do in Meteora Greece (with map)
12 Best FREE Things To Do in Ioannina Greece (with map)
13 Best FREE Things To Do in Corfu Greece (with map)
Athens Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
Meteora Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
Ioannina Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
Corfu Destination Guide (2024): What You Need to Know
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