TRIP To DELPHI And METEORA From ATHENS
Let’s explore some archaeological ancient Greek sites which are located at 2 to 3 hours from Athens by road. These ancient sites are located in beautiful mountainous regions with lots of olive farms all around. I must say that no Greek trip is complete with some attractions from mainlands. My Greek trip included a couple of islands hopping with some interesting ancient cities from mainlands. So in this post, I will take you around the Greek mainland by taking a trip to Delphi and Meteora from Athens.
Archaeological Delphi, surrounded by Greek mountainous countryside is about 180km (Two and half hour drive) from Athens.
There are many UNESCO sites in Delphi. Delphi is famous for top Greek UNESCO world’s Heritage sites like Temple of Apollo, Oracle, Delphi Theatre, Treasury of Athenians, the Polygonal Wall, Monument of Platea and Delphi Museum. Click here to book your full day trip to Delphi from Athens with lunch at the beautiful village of Arachova
First stop – Tholos of Delphi | Trip to Delphi And Meteora From Athens
Second stop at Delphi’s famous archaeological site of an ancient settlement on Mount Parnassus overlooking beautiful hills, slopes, valleys, and ruins. This is walking up activity down and up the hill on natural stairs and paths. It takes around 2 hours.
After visiting archaeological sites of Delphi, the trip passes through the scenic village of Arachova at about 1000m altitude. Arachova is the best winter resort of Greece and famous for skiing.
Lunch at Arachova
Then proceed to Kalampaka for visiting monasteries of Meteora. Kalampaka is the nearest staying option for Meteora visit which is at a distance of about 221km. approximately from Arachova. If you are opting for Meteora visit then consider for a 2 day trip from Athens with a night stay at Kalampaka. Click here to book 2 days trip to Delphi – Meteora with a night stay.
METEORA TOURS FROM ATHENS | VISIT METEORA | DAY TRIPS FROM ATHENS | Trip to Delphi And Meteora From Athens
Kalampaka is a small Greek town built at the foot of the majestic grey rocks and is crowded by the Meteora monasteries.
Night stay in Kalampaka(Kalambaka) There are many great staying options in Kalampaka for your reference.
Read about Tips to know before visiting Meteora. Next day, an early morning visit to Neolithic Era monasteries since 9th A.D. Group of monks move up to clifftop and built monasteries on top of rock towers.
From the top of monasteries, there are stunning views of farms & villages in the plains. There are a total of 6 monasteries those are still functioning. These monasteries are accessed by road, rock-cut stairways and pathways. In actual, there are 24 monasteries at Meteora, but now many of them are ruins and only 6 are still functioning. Till 17th-century monks get their supplies from basket rope-ways.
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Monastery of Great Meteron
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Monastery of Varlaam
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Monastery of Rousanou
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Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
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Monastery of St. Stephen
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Monastery of Holy Trinity
Hiking to all monasteries through manmade rock-cut stairs and paths, then proceed to traditional Greek Lunch at Kalampaka(Kalambaka).
Hiking to Monasteries along the forest and natural path
Going back to Kalampaka(Kalambaka town)
There are many viewpoints along the drives to get the beautiful views of all pillar rocks with the valley villages.
After having lunch in Kalampaka(Kalambaka), return back to Athens via small towns of Domokos, Kamena Vourlal(seaside village) and Thermopyles. In between a small stop at Statue of Leonidas as a memorial of the battle of 300 Spartans against thousands of Persian soldiers.
Arrive in Athens late evening.
These places can be covered by rent a car or many tour services available from Athens. Also, you can reach here by train from Athens. Select your stay at Kalampaka(near Meteora) for your mainland tours from Athens from the below-given map.
If you are interested in classical Greece or ancient historical Greek sites then book for 4 days Classical tour to Mycenae, Epidaurus, Olympia, Delphi & Meteora by clicking here.
Tips for Day trips from Athens | Tours from Athens
- These are a high walking activity which requires lots of physical stamina.
- Many places are not accessed by strollers and wheelchairs as there are natural cut rock stairs.
- Lots of water consumed during visiting historic activities. Carry lots of water/juices.
- Head should be covered in a monastery and follow proper clothing like full pants and no skin show.
- All monasteries are closed on specific days of the week like Monday, Tuesday, etc. but not all on the same day. Check closing days before going.
- Avoid during rains.
- Try local Greek cuisine. Vegetarians can also relish here as lots of vegan varieties too.
- Explore the Greek countryside with locals. They are very friendly.
- Lots of souvenirs shops selling antique brass artifacts which are cost effective.
- Start early from Athens as driving takes lots of time due to mountainous drive and also seeing places through foot takes a lot of time.
- On the way to Delphi is Hosios Loukas Monastery, one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Greece, if you’re interested in historic mosaic art.
- Read to know more about before visiting Delphi and Meteora monasteries.
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What to do in Athens ? Click here
Planning to visit Greek islands like Santorini. Click here.
Plan Greece itinerary. Then Click here
Enjoy your Trip to Delphi and Meteora From Athens. Keep traveling…… Keep discovering the world in more exciting ways
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Looking for Meteora day trip suggestions.Is it ok to plan by own or a guided tour will help
You can also self drive by renting a car, but I took a guide cum drive till here. You can get it through Get your guide or check some reviews of good guides at trip advisor. People do self drive also but it is hilly drive and also we are going to interiors so many people might not understand English. The drive is very scenic and enjoyable with lots of stops. this 2 days road trip is highly recommended
OMG Yukti, this is such a visual treat!! The natural pillars and hill-like rounded boulders are absolutely stunning. This post has given my serious wanderlust goals!! My kids would be specially kicked about the Temple of Apollo 🙂
Yes Richa, Delphi and Meteora are must visit in Greece but not many people know about it and they prefer islands.
Hi Yukti – This is the second post today that I have come across about Meteora. And I can see the beauty of this place is really out-worldly! Love the details of your post and the incredible pictures! I am sure coming back to discover more of your travel pics since I love traveling myself!
Wow your pictures are amazing! Delphi looks great but Monastery of Rousanou looks out of the world! I didn’t know about these places when I went to Athens, should have definitely considered a day-trip here.
Lovely post! I live in greece and I can confirm that indeed you can get so many vegan or vegetarian options here when it comes to greek cuisine!
The Meteora looks like a magical place to visit! It must be even more beautiful in real life! I am kind of jelous because I love to travel and I havent been to Meteora yet! Thanks for reminding me that I need to get there!
Athens is so beautiful, I absolutely love Greek architecture! Thank you for sharing! 🙂
Wow. What coincidence. i just posted about Meteora on my blog. love your pictures. Helped me reminesce all over again! Did the trip pretty much the way you did. One of my favourite places ever!
Yes.. it is my favorite from Greece
I can say I was pretty amazed when i read the title! I haven’t seen anyone posting about Delphi and Meteora when going to Greece. I’m from Greece and I’ve even never been in Delphi yet.. I’ve visited meteora with scool when i was in high school, and it’s trully majestic! I still remember the steak I ate in a small tavern in Kalampaka. I hope you liked it, and I’m pretty sure you enjoyed the food there too!
I love Greece, such a beautiful country full of lovely people. I went to Delphi when I was 15 and loved it. I could almost feel its historic atmosphere..Reading your post, I just want to go back now 🙂
This post reminded me of the time we got to visit Greece, visiting Delphi and Meteora were the highlights of our trip.
These are my bucket list. It looks so historical and super beautiful. Which one is your favorite place?
Looks so beautiful! Your pictures are amazing! Thanks for sharing!
xoxo,
Gabi
How beautiful! Athens has been on my list for a really long time, do you have any more recommendations in Greece?
what kind of recommendations you want ? Plz. specify.
Greece is such a dream destination, thanks for the tips
These are some great ancient architecture. I have no idea about all these but Yes I enjoyed all these pictures you shared here on this article. Specially the “Monastery of Varlaam”.
Oh wow! I would love to visit here someday. Looks so beautiful place. I will definitely put this on my list.
I have heard but good things about Delphi. I really amaze in Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas. looks so awesome and breathtaking.
I have heard so much about Delphi, temple of Apollo and other archaeological sites but I have never been there. After looking at the pics you have shared, I wish to visit these places soon. 🙂
I know that I had read about all of those city states while I was growing up in school but now I think I am getting a better picture as to why they existed. Just the landscape for some of those places seems to call for little enclaves of people gathered together in tribes of sorts. I love the architecture there. I really am going to have to go there sometime in the near future.
I heard a lot about Delphi and Meteora.i love to visit historical places and archaeological sites.For this reason, i want to visite Delphi and Meteora. I was collecting information about these places and at last found your article. thanks for sharing and nice pictures.
The images are so pretty. I liked the one with the view of mountains where the red roofs are seen from far away. Also, surprised to see places like Delphi and Oracle are actually close together. Big names in the IT industry.
Yes IT industry has lots of ancient greek names
Wow. This post totally gave me a different perspective about Greece. Here I am thinking all there is to see in Greece is the Parthenon and Santorini. I wish I could live in Greece for 6 months so I can explore every beautiful place.