The Holy Monastery of Varlaam is the second biggest monastery of Meteora. Located very close to Great Meteoro Monastery, it was founded in the mid 14th century by a monk named Varlaam. The chapel was finally decorated in 1548. The beautiful frescos in the monastery’s chapel of All Saints belong to the famous hagiographer of the 16th century Franco Catalano. The monastery has preserved the tower with the old pully system where you can see the net, used by the first monks to bring up people and provisions. The visitors can also see a very large 16th-century oak barrel used for water storage over the previous centuries. The monastery of Varlaam has opened recently a brand new museum, where visitors can admire the excellence of religious painted icons – mostly contemporary to the Renaissance period – and precious holy vestments of the priests from the Byzantine period.

The Holy Monastery of St. Stephen is one of the most accessible monasteries in Meteora, set on a lower rock and connected by a stone bridge. Founded in the 14th century, it offers stunning views of the surrounding cliffs and a peaceful atmosphere. Inside, you’ll find a beautiful church adorned with frescoes and icons, along with a collection of holy relics. The monastery's serene setting makes it a perfect spot to reflect and capture the incredible natural beauty of Meteora.

Enjoy a traditional Greek lunch in Kastraki, near the city of Kalampaka, before heading back to Thessaloniki.