[2025 Kastraki Attraction] Travel Guide for Monastery of Varlaam (Updated Mar)

Meteora - UNESCO World Heritage Site in Greece that houses stunning multiple Eastern Orthodox Monasteries. We drove 4 hours from Athens to visit the site. This was during the Chritmas /New Year period thus there's also many local Greeks that visiting the area in the same time. There are currently 6 monastries still in operation and we visited 2 of them Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron and Holy Monastery of Varlaam. As a foreigner, we paid 3 euro per entry and I believed it is free for Greek. The landscape around the area was stunning and there are multiple photo spots along the route which you can take beautiful photos from. For whoever that wants to visit - recommend to be there earlier in the morning as from 1200 onwards, there are many locals which would cramp the small road and is hard to drive due to limited carpark spaces and everyone park on the side of the road. The monastries also closes around 1400/1500 during winter time #greece #meteora #monastery #unesco

Hey girls! Want to explore the romance and mystery of Greece? This 2-day Greece travel guide will take you on a tour of Greece, so save it now! -- 🌟Itinerary: Day 1: Ieros Naos Agiou Georgiou - Delphi Ruins - Delphi Archaeological Museum On the first day, we will visit the mysterious Ieros Naos Agiou Georgiou and experience the ancient religious atmosphere. Then, we will head to the Delphi Ruins to trace the historical traces of ancient Greece. Finally, we will visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum to see the precious collection of artifacts. Day 2: Meteora Monastery - Holy Trinity Monastery - Varlaam Monastery - Thermopylae Ruins On the second day, we will visit the historic Meteora Monastery and experience its majesty and tranquility. Next, we will visit the Holy Trinity Monastery and Varlaam Monastery to learn about monastic culture. Finally, we will arrive at the Thermopylae Ruins to relive the glory and vicissitudes of the ancient battlefield.🏰 Return: After two days of exciting travel, we will return home with full memories and gains, looking forward to the next adventure!🛫 -- Must-see attractions: 🏰 Meteora Monastery: A church suspended in the air, built on a cliff, is breathtaking! 🏛️ Delphi Ruins: In the ancient Greek religious sanctuary, the open-air theater and the sacred road echo the history of a thousand years. 🎨 Delphi Archaeological Museum: The silver statue of a bull and Roman treasures, the calm exhibits tell the glory of ancient Greece. 🖼️ Holy Trinity Monastery: The beauty of religious murals quietly blooms in this simple and restrained space. ⛪️ Varlaam Monastery: The ancient church of 1350 is an indispensable cultural treasure of ancient Greece. -- Travel essentials: 🎒Greece packing list, easy to go! 📞SIM card + plug adapter: When you arrive in Greece, the Internet and charging are the most important things, so prepare a local SIM card and a European plug adapter in advance, so you can communicate without barriers and have a full battery! 🪪Documents: Passport, visa, driver's license translation, and don't forget the copies, important documents are safely backed up, so you can play with peace of mind. 👗Clothing: In January, the temperature difference between day and night in Greece is large, so bring a warm coat and light sneakers. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also essential, so you can enjoy the sun without getting hurt! -- Greece trip, enjoy the romance and mystery of the Aegean Sea, follow this guide, and easily start your dream trip!

How to spend 2 days in Greece? Check out this guide for a stress-free trip to romantic Greece! -- 💼 Itinerary: Discover Greece's ancient ruins and religious sites Day 1: Ieros Naos Agiou Georgiou > Delphi > Delphi Archaeological Museum On the first day, visit the mysterious Ieros Naos Agiou Georgiou and soak up the religious atmosphere. Then, head to Delphi to learn about ancient Greek civilization. Finally, visit the Delphi Archaeological Museum to see precious artifacts. Day 2: Meteora > Varlaam Monastery > Viewpoint On the second day, visit Meteora and Varlaam Monastery to admire the unique religious architecture. In the evening, head to the viewpoint to enjoy the stunning mountain views and end your trip on a high note. 🌄 -- Attractions: 🌟 Meteora: Perched on a high rock, this church is like a bright pearl in the sky. 🏛️ Delphi: Want to experience the charm of ancient Greece? This is the place to be! The open-air theater and sacred road will take you back to the classical era. 🎨 Delphi Archaeological Museum: The silver bull and Roman artifacts are all understated and tell the story of ancient Greek history and culture. 💒 Varlaam Monastery: This church is 1,350 years old and a true treasure of ancient Greek culture. Don't miss it! -- Tips: 1️⃣ Try local dishes like lamb kebabs and Greek salad 🥗. They're delicious! 2️⃣ Compare prices for local specialties. Handicrafts and olive oil are great buys 👍. 3️⃣ You need a visa to visit Greece, so prepare your documents in advance 📋. 4️⃣ The sun is strong in summer, so bring sunscreen 🧴 and a sun hat 👒. 5️⃣ The Acropolis of Athens is a must-see. Wear comfortable shoes 👟 for climbing. -- Visit Greece for a romantic and relaxing trip that will be an unforgettable memory!

Meteora in Greece is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is famous for the stunning rock formations and also the ancient monasteries built high on top of the rocks. It is one of the highlights of my Greece trip. Getting There - Went there with a day tour group and it is about 4hours bus ride from Athens. But totally worth it. Attractions - Only a few monasteries are still operating now. 1. First highlight is definitely the majestic natural rock formations. Take time to admire the natural wonder and enormous rock columns. 2. The Holy Monastery of Varlaam - Second biggest monastery in Meteora, it is named after a monk. He managed to climb up a cliff in 14th century and establish the monastery. The museum has many valuable relics and art. 3. Monastery of St. Stephen - This monastery is now a nunnery. You can get breathtaking views from the monastery and also learn about the religion. Food & Restaurants - Had some delicious traditional greek food in a tavern in Kastraki. Had some delicious moussaka. #travellerswonderland #greece #100waysoftravel #meteora #awesomepic

Embark on a journey to the awe-inspiring Meteora, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Greece. This mystical destination, with its towering rock formations crowned by monasteries, offers a spiritual and breathtaking experience. Clifftop Marvels: Picture yourself standing atop towering sandstone pillars, where ancient monasteries seem to touch the heavens. Each monastery tells a story of resilience and devotion. Visit Varlaam and Great Meteoron for a glimpse into the monks' ascetic lives and panoramic views that defy imagination. Hiking Among the Clouds: Lace up your boots and hike the well-worn trails that connect these celestial structures. The trails lead through lush forests and offer glimpses of rock-hewn caves, creating a surreal atmosphere. Be sure to catch the sunrise or sunset for a truly ethereal experience. Local Flavors: Indulge in the local cuisine at the foot of these monolithic wonders. Try traditional dishes like moussaka and souvlaki at one of the family-run tavernas. Pair your meal with a glass of robust Greek wine while enjoying the backdrop of the sun setting behind the imposing rocks. Sunset at Theopetra Cave: Venture to Theopetra Cave, an archaeological wonder, and witness the sunset. This cave, inhabited since the Paleolithic era, offers a glimpse into the region's ancient history. As the sun dips below the horizon, the cave takes on an otherworldly glow. Photography Tips: Capture the mystical atmosphere by experimenting with different angles and exposures. The changing light throughout the day paints the rocks in various hues, providing ample opportunities for stunning photographs. Tips and Tricks: Respect Monastic Rules: If entering the monasteries, adhere to the dress code and be mindful of the monks' way of life. Guided Tours: Consider joining a guided tour to gain insights into the history and legends surrounding Meteora. Pack Comfortable Shoes: Exploring Meteora involves some walking and hiking, so comfortable shoes are a must. Local Handicrafts: Support local artisans by purchasing handmade crafts and souvenirs unique to the region. #MeteoraMagic #GreeceGetaway #RockFormationReverie #MonasticWonders #freehotelstay#historicallandmarks#familytrip