Meteora monasteries — admission, opening hours & cash rules
Three simple rules: €5 per monastery, cash only, in euros. Each monastery closes one day a week. On weekends, all six are open.
Closing days at a glance (summer)
From April through October. Each monastery is open every other day of the week, with the usual hours of 09:00–16:00 or 17:00.
| Monastery | Closed | Admission |
|---|---|---|
| Great Meteoron Monastery | Tuesday (summer); Tue/Wed/Thu in winter | €5, cash only |
| Monastery of Varlaam | Friday (summer); Thu/Fri in winter | €5, cash only |
| Monastery of Roussanou | Wednesday | €5, cash only |
| Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas | Friday | €5, cash only |
| Monastery of the Holy Trinity | Thursday | €5, cash only |
| Monastery of St. Stephen | Monday | €5, cash only |
Winter changes (November to March)
From November through March, hours shrink to roughly 09:00–14:00 or 15:00, and some monasteries add a second closing day:
- Great Meteoron closes Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday in winter.
- Varlaam closes Thursday and Friday in winter.
- The other four keep their single weekly closing day.
In practice, Saturday and Sunday are the safest days to visit in winter — all six are open.
Cash rules — read before you go
- €5 per monastery, cash only. Every traveller, every gate. Two monasteries = €10 per person.
- No card terminals. No ATMs at the rocks. Withdraw cash in Kalambaka before driving up.
- Children under 12 are usually free, but don’t bet on it — bring enough cash for everyone in your group.
- Day-trip prices to Meteora do not include monastery admission. The bus driver and guide cannot pay for you.
Frequently asked questions
-
How much is admission to each monastery?
€5 per person, per monastery, paid in cash at the gate. Cards are not accepted. Children under 12 typically enter free.
-
Can I buy a combined ticket for all six?
No. There is no central ticket office — each monastery sells its own admission at its own gate. You pay separately at each one you enter.
-
Is there an ATM nearby?
The nearest ATMs are in Kalambaka, the town below the rocks (about 5 minutes by car). Take cash out before driving up to the monasteries — there are no machines on the road.
-
Are all monasteries open on weekends?
Yes. On Saturdays and Sundays all six monasteries are open. Each weekday, one or two are closed (see the table above).
-
How early should I arrive?
The gates open around 09:00. Arriving in the first hour means smaller crowds, particularly at Great Meteoron and Varlaam.
-
Do hours change for religious holidays?
Yes — Orthodox holidays (especially Easter and the 15th of August / Dormition of the Virgin) can shift opening hours or close monasteries entirely. Call the relevant monastery in advance if you’re travelling on a known holiday.