Family Adventure in the Majestic Meteora

Day 5: Touching the Sky in Meteora

Today was a day of soaring spirits, both literally and figuratively. Meteora has a way of making you feel like you're walking among the gods, and today's itinerary only amplified that sensation. From the tranquility of a mountaintop monastery to a sunset that painted the sky with fire, it was a day etched in my memory forever.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at NEROMILOS. Olivia and Ethan fueled up with some traditional Greek yogurt and homemade jams, while I opted for something a bit heartier to prepare for the day's explorations. With our bellies full, we set off to conquer the Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen.

Experience the spiritual tranquility and breathtaking views of the Holy Monastery of Saint Stephen in the enchanting Meteora region.
Saint Stephen's is unique among the Meteora monasteries. Unlike the others, which require a challenging climb up countless stairs, Saint Stephen's is easily accessible via a small bridge. This made it perfect for visiting with Ethan, and honestly, after a few days of scaling these rock formations, my knees appreciated the break. As we crossed the bridge, the views opened up before us, showcasing the vast Thessalian plain stretching out to the horizon.
Inside, the monastery was a haven of peace. The nuns, who have revitalized the monastery since the 1960s, maintained a serene and welcoming atmosphere. We explored the old chapel, admiring the restored frescoes that depicted biblical scenes with vibrant colors. Ethan was fascinated by the museum, which housed a collection of rare books and manuscripts. Olivia, ever the compassionate nurse, was particularly moved by the relics of Saint Charalambos, believed to offer protection against illness.
What struck me most was the sense of history and devotion that permeated the air. It's humbling to think about the countless monks and nuns who have dedicated their lives to prayer and contemplation in this extraordinary place. The monastery also had ample space around it, and they maintained a beautiful garden.

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quietest of places.

After immersing ourselves in the spiritual ambiance of Saint Stephen's, our stomachs began to rumble. We descended back into Kalabaka and found ourselves at Polyzos for lunch.
Savor the rich flavors of Greece at Polyzos, where authentic barbecue meets stunning views in Kalampaka.
This restaurant came highly recommended, and it didn't disappoint. We indulged in some authentic Greek cuisine, savoring the fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Ethan devoured a plate of souvlaki, while Olivia and I shared a moussaka, its layers of eggplant, meat, and béchamel sauce a symphony of flavors. It was the perfect midday refuel before our next adventure.
With our appetites satisfied, we decided to do a little shopping. Meteora Gift House caught our eye with its array of local crafts and souvenirs.
Explore the charm of Greek craftsmanship at Meteora Gift House - your destination for unique souvenirs and local treasures in Kalampaka.
We picked up a few small trinkets to remind us of our time here – a hand-painted icon for Olivia, a leather bracelet for Ethan, and a bottle of local honey for me to enjoy back in Hawthorne. I was tempted to get some real leather sandals, but I resisted.
As the afternoon wore on, we made our way to Nice View Sunset Cliff.
Experience breathtaking sunsets at Nice View Sunset Cliff, a serene tourist attraction in Kalampaka, Greece, offering stunning views of Meteora.
I'd heard whispers about this spot, a hidden gem known for its unparalleled views of the Meteora sunset. As we arrived, the sun was already beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the landscape. We found a comfortable spot on the cliff's edge and settled in to watch the spectacle unfold.
And what a spectacle it was! The sky transformed into a canvas of vibrant colors – oranges, pinks, purples – as the sun dipped below the horizon. The light danced across the towering rock formations, illuminating the monasteries perched atop them in a breathtaking display. It was a moment of pure magic, a reminder of the beauty and wonder that exists in the world. Ethan, usually so full of energy, was unusually quiet, captivated by the scene before him.
We lingered there until the last rays of light faded, reluctant to break the spell. As we walked back to the car, a sense of peace washed over me. It's moments like these that make travel so rewarding, when you witness something so extraordinary that it stays with you long after you've left.
For dinner, we ventured to Valia Calda Taverna Restaurant, eager to experience the local cuisine.
Discover authentic Greek cuisine amidst the breathtaking beauty of Meteora at Valia Calda Taverna.
This restaurant specializes in dishes inspired by the traditional recipes of the Vlach population from the Pindos Mountain range. We started with some savory meze, including sausage with leek and a spicy feta dip. For our main courses, Olivia chose the lamb with traditional pasta, while I opted for the grilled trout. Ethan, predictably, went for the meatballs. The food was delicious, the atmosphere cozy, and the service warm and welcoming. It was the perfect end to a perfect day.
As I sit here now, writing this in our cozy room at Archontiko Mesohori, I can't help but feel grateful for the experiences we've had today.
Experience the charm of Kastraki at Archontiko Mesohori, where comfort meets convenience in the heart of the city, perfect for every traveler.
Meteora has exceeded all my expectations, and I'm already looking forward to what tomorrow brings. We're planning to visit the Greek Education Museum and the town of Metsovo, eager to delve deeper into the region's history and culture. We'll start the day with breakfast at Octo Coffee & Breakfast, followed by lunch at Taverna-Ouzeri Pappas, and end it with dinner at Ambrosia Taverna Restaurant. And perhaps, if we're feeling adventurous, we'll check out CARGO Cocktail Bar for a nightcap. Until then, goodnight from Meteora.
Tomorrow, we’re off to the Greek Education Museum and Metsovo. I’m looking forward to learning more about the local culture and history, and maybe even trying some new dishes at Taverna-Ouzeri Pappas for lunch and Ambrosia Taverna Restaurant for dinner. If we have time, we might even check out CARGO Cocktail Bar for a drink.