Meteora Guide for Budget Travelers
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The famous Meteora monasteries are the most sought after sight in Greece due to it's incredible views from the top of the many rock formations. For hundreds of years, monks used removal ladders to boost themselves up on to the monasteries. A new practice came in giving monks a basket to host themselves through the air. Right up until the 1920s, the basket strategy was the most popular way of transportation for the monks.
Seven main monasteries sit high above the valley in this central region of Greece. Take a 5-hour hike to visit all of these beautiful buildings. Each monastery will cost 3€ per entry. Meteora is considered the 8th Wonder of the Modern World. |
Price of Services in Meteora
Hostels - Hostels in Thessaloniki are reasonable priced for being the second largest city in Greece. The summer will be more expensive than the fall and winter months as expected. The starting price for a 5-15 dorm room in the fall or winter will start from 12€ ($13USD). Anything in the summer time for a 5-15 bed dorm will cost upward up of 20€ ($22USD). Anything under 5 beds will usually cost more. Expect to pay 15€ ($17USD) or more for 2-4 person dorm room in the fall or winter. Summer prices for a 2-4 bed dorm will start at 25€ ($28USD). Private dorm rooms in the fall or winter will start around 20€ ($30USD). Summer prices for a private will be anywhere from 45-60€ ($50-67USD). Weekends will also effect prices. The most expensive days to rent a hostel bed is Friday and Saturday night.
Food Costs - Food in Thessaloniki is reasonable priced if you go for delicious gyros. Greece is known for a being a reasonable priced country for food. Starting prices for a budget breakfast will be 3€ ($3.50USD), 3€ ($3.50USD) for a budget lunch and 5€ ($6USD) for a budget sit-down dinner. Upper scale restaurants will cost a pretty penny. Expect to pay 2€ ($2.50USD) or more for a light beer (pint).
Transportation - Transportation to Meteora from Kalabaka and Trikala is affordable. A bus from the main part of Trikala via KTEA coach bus is 2.60€ for a one-way ticket. The buses leave every hour, but most of the time they are late. The Trikala bus will take you to Kalabaka where you need to either persuade the driver to keep going to Kastraki or walk 20-mintues to the small town. Taxis from Kastraki to Kalabaka is 3€. The best way to get to Meteora from any city in the area is by bus.
Activities - All the monasteries in Meteora cost 3€ per entry. Be sure to wear pants to get in.
Food Costs - Food in Thessaloniki is reasonable priced if you go for delicious gyros. Greece is known for a being a reasonable priced country for food. Starting prices for a budget breakfast will be 3€ ($3.50USD), 3€ ($3.50USD) for a budget lunch and 5€ ($6USD) for a budget sit-down dinner. Upper scale restaurants will cost a pretty penny. Expect to pay 2€ ($2.50USD) or more for a light beer (pint).
Transportation - Transportation to Meteora from Kalabaka and Trikala is affordable. A bus from the main part of Trikala via KTEA coach bus is 2.60€ for a one-way ticket. The buses leave every hour, but most of the time they are late. The Trikala bus will take you to Kalabaka where you need to either persuade the driver to keep going to Kastraki or walk 20-mintues to the small town. Taxis from Kastraki to Kalabaka is 3€. The best way to get to Meteora from any city in the area is by bus.
Activities - All the monasteries in Meteora cost 3€ per entry. Be sure to wear pants to get in.
Best Ways to Save Money
Book in Advance - To save some added dough, always book your transportation, hostels and tours in advance. Doing this can save upward of 40-50%.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually .80€ ($.90USD) per bottle (.5L). Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 10€($11USD) a day if you budget right.
Couchsurfing - Staying with a local instead of a hostel will save a ton of money. But don't use this site solely to help your wallet. It's a great way to make new friends who can show you the "local" spots that tourists don't know about. Couchsurfing hosts tend to ignore abusers of the system. Offer to cook a meal or two in exchange for their gratitude.
Buy Food at Grocery Stores - Buy your food and beer at a grocery store. Food and beer will be 60-70% cheaper than a restaurant. Beer in a grocery store is usually .80€ ($.90USD) per bottle (.5L). Buying food at a grocery store can be done with 10€($11USD) a day if you budget right.
Couchsurfing - Staying with a local instead of a hostel will save a ton of money. But don't use this site solely to help your wallet. It's a great way to make new friends who can show you the "local" spots that tourists don't know about. Couchsurfing hosts tend to ignore abusers of the system. Offer to cook a meal or two in exchange for their gratitude.
Red Flags
Hotels in Meteora - Don't stay in the surrounding towns near Meteora. The price of a hotel room is 3x more than a hostel in Trikala.
Hidden Gems
Hostel Meteora - This is the only hostel in the area. Be sure to book in advance if you are deciding to stay in the peak-season as the hostel will have plenty of backpackers. The price of this hostel is 12€ a night in the non-peak season. The price in the peak-season will change on availability.
Top 3 Things To Do in Meteora
#1 The MonasteriesBe sure to see as many of the monasteries as possible. Each one has an unique architecture and feeling as you walk inside. Once inside, the views are spectacular.
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#2 Picnic During DuskTake a few friends up for a picnic as dusk settles in this gorgeous region. The best part about this area is the sun setting while the mountains change shades of blue. It an unreal experience that everyone needs to see.
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#3 Trekking MeteoraDon't drive to the top. Take the trekking paths to see the monasteries. The views from the different vantage points are unbelievable. Being within nature is one of the best things to do while traveling. Take the time to really feel the natural vibe of this region.
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