The Meteora monasteries are "rather unmissable. From steep sandstone rock formations rising from the valley of Thessaly, they look down on everything. Sometimes it seems as if the monasteries have grown out of the rocks. This unique and rugged landscape, with its towering rocks and expansive views, is itself a wonder of nature. And you only really see it when you are there. Indeed, the views from the monasteries are phenomenal; at times it seems as if the buildings are floating in the air. Especially at sunrise and sunset, the view is magical.

Since 1988, the monasteries of Meteora have been on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This unique spot is a gem when it comes to nature. They are super holy hotspots for the Orthodox Christian world, with a religious tradition dating back some 1,000 years. The first hermits and monks apparently had a penchant for solitary and hard-to-reach living – and found the steep cliffs of Meteora the perfect "no neighbors in sight" place.

By the 14th century, monasteries had become veritable fortresses, a kind of medieval sky lounges, built specifically to keep out enemies and protect spiritual life. Monks had a serious retreat here: no neighbors, a tricky climb for visitors, and a view that leaves you silent – and once you get to the top, there's no coming back down, either!

The architecture of the monasteries is truly a feat and the building was by no means an easy task. Building a church on steep, barely accessible rocks without a crane, elevator or even a decent ladder at your disposal. In order to get everything to the top, the monks had to literally hoist themselves and their materials up with ropes, nets and pulleys stretched like cable cars. By the way, these are still in use (sporadically). If you are lucky you can still see monastic residents going up in a tray. By the way, this is done electrically these days. After hundreds of years the monasteries still stand proudly on top of the rocks, as if they always belonged there.

Inside the monasteries you will find some of the finest Byzantine artwork and icons. The walls are covered with frescoes depicting Biblical stories and the lives of saints. These paintings sometimes date back to the 15th century and give an impression of the rich artistic and religious heritage of Eastern Orthodoxy. The monasteries also house ancient manuscripts and relics, offering a wonderful insight into the history and culture of this place.

Although today stairs have been carved into the rocks and bridges built to facilitate access, the climb to the monasteries remains a unique experience. You get a glimpse of the challenges the monks faced centuries ago. The stairs winding along the rocks, the narrow passages, and the sense of height give you a sense of adventure and bring you closer to the past. Along the way, you can enjoy phenomenal views of the plain and surrounding mountains, making the experience even more special. Not to mention the bike ride there! Visual feasting all day long!

The Meteora monasteries are unique in the world. And the great thing is, they are just as beautiful in real life as in the pictures! We have a bicycle tour that allows you to visit them. Either individually or in a group. Enjoy!