Landmarks

Discover the landmarks that shape Meteora beyond the famous monastery road. From hidden cave monasteries and traditional villages to stone bridges, forests and panoramic viewpoints, these sites reveal the natural beauty and spiritual depth of the Meteora UNESCO Global Geopark.

Meteora is world-known for its monasteries, but its true character unfolds across a much wider landscape. Scattered throughout the UNESCO Global Geopark are landmarks that tell stories of nature, faith and everyday life—many of them hidden far from the main roads and accessible only by foot or off-road routes.

Along the way, you’ll encounter dramatic rock pillars rising from the valley floor, secluded cave monasteries carved into cliff faces, and quiet forested areas where nature dominates the scene. Traditional mountain villages such as Vlachava offer panoramic viewpoints and a glimpse into local life, while historic stone bridges like Psyras span mountain rivers that once connected remote communities.

These landmarks are not just sights to photograph—they are places that help you understand Meteora’s geology, monastic heritage and human history. Exploring them together creates a richer, more complete experience of the region, revealing a side of Meteora that few visitors ever see.

Psyras Stone Arch Bridge

The Psyras Stone Arch Bridge is a hidden historic bridge spanning the Ionas river, nestled among trees and flowing water below Meteora.

Explore

Palaiopanagia Cave Monastery

Palaiopanagia is a hidden 14th-century cave monastery carved deep into a natural rock cavity, tucked away in the forests above Meteora.

Explore

Vlachava Village

Vlachava is a traditional mountain village perched above Meteora, offering some of the most expansive panoramic views in the area.

Explore

Ypapanti Area

Hidden away from the main roads, Ypapanti offers a sense of isolation and raw beauty, with rugged rock formations, quiet dirt tracks and sweeping views over the valley.

Explore