Tour report
Among Rocks, Open Landscapes and Silent Walls
Shortly after 5:30 a.m., we set off from Asprovalta. The sun is still low as we travel via Katerini towards Larisa. Passing the impressive Mount Olympus, we experience a constant shift in scenery: mountains and coastline, open plains and alpine landscapes accompany us on our journey through Greece. Travelling via Trikala, we reach Kalambaka at around 9:30 a.m. Our first glimpses of Meteora’s extraordinary rock formations make it clear why this place lingers in the memory for so long. We choose to visit the Agía Triáda Monastery, the Holy Trinity. Parking and the ascent are quick, and at the top we are greeted by views stretching far across the Thessalian plain. Three monks still live in the monastery. For a moment, despite the many visitors, the place feels peaceful and removed from the world. From around 10 a.m., however, more and more cars and tour buses begin to fill the access roads. After our visit, we therefore decide against seeing another monastery as planned. What remains is the impression of a remarkable place – and the certainty that we would like to return.
Moment
„High above Kalambaka, a landscape unfolds that feels unfamiliar, peaceful and overwhelming all at once.“
Route
The route.
We set off from Asprovalta shortly after 5:30 a.m. The route leads via Katerini, past Mount Olympus to Larisa, then on through Trikala to Kalambaka and the Meteora monasteries. We arrive at around 9:30 a.m. and then visit the Agía Triáda Monastery. From around 10 a.m., expect large numbers of visitors arriving by car and tour bus.
Personal note
What stays with us most is the early start: the first light over Asprovalta, the changing landscapes along the way and, finally, the view from Agía Triáda. Next time, we would like to arrive even earlier and allow more time for the other monasteries.
Tour participants