The natural sandstone towers of Meteora are the site of spectacular must-see monasteries. Atop gray-rock pinnacles jutting some 2,000 ft/600 m in the air (
meteora means "hanging between heaven and Earth"), these 11th-century religious centers contain ancient manuscripts, ornate icons and Byzantine artifacts. Spend at least a day in the area and visit the few monasteries still in use (there were originally 24). We suggest seeing
Megalo Meteoro (Metamorfossis), 615 ft/200 m high, or
Varlaam (built in 1542—stunning post-Byzantine art). You can even spend the night in one of the monasteries, though the accommodations are far from deluxe. (Male visitors are required to wear long pants; women have to cover their arms and legs.)
If you're not overnighting in a monastery, stay in Kalambaka. The town has post-Byzantine churches and an 11th-century cathedral (with frescoes) that are worth exploring.
Meteora is 160 mi/260 km northwest of Athens.
