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.
The short answer
Admission is €5 per person at each monastery, paid in cash at the gate; there is no combined ticket and cards are not accepted. From April to October the monasteries open around 09:00 and close at 16:00 or 17:00, each one closes on one weekday, and on Saturdays and Sundays all six are open. Get cash in Kalambaka, as there are no ATMs on the road up.
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, when all six are open.
Cash rules for the gate
- €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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.