Embark on a journey through ancient Greece, where the vibrant energy of Athens, the historic tales of Sparta, and the serene beauty of Metéora await to captivate your senses.
Hello! It's exciting to hear about your upcoming trip to Greece. I have some useful travel tips for your destinations: Athens, Sparta, and Metéora.
Best Time to Visit:
The best times to visit Athens are between March and May and from September to November, when weather is pleasant. You can add a visit to Sparta during the same period. October through April is a good time to visit Metéora, due to less crowds and cooler temperatures.
Route and Accessibility:
Athens has an international airport, making it an easy starting point for your Greek adventure. From Athens, you can take a bus or a train to reach Sparta in approximately 3 hours. Metéora is quite secluded, usually, tourists make their way via train from Athens or Thessaloniki.
Accommodation and Booking:
All three locations, particularly Athens, offer a variety of accommodations from budget to luxury. Book in advance especially during peak season. Metéora is small, so hotel options are limited. You may want to consider staying in nearby Kalabaka.
Clothing and Essentials:
Pack lightweight clothes for the warm seasons and layers for the cooler months. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, especially for Metéora's steep and rocky areas. Don't forget sun protection essentials, like a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
Health and Safety:
Always stay hydrated and wear sunscreen. Greece is generally safe, but like anywhere, be aware of your surroundings. Given the rocky terrain in Metéora, careful footing is crucial.
Local Etiquette and Respect:
When visiting monasteries in Metéora, modest dressing is required. No sleeveless tops or shorts, women might be required to wear a skirt but usually there are wrap-arounds available at the monasteries. Locals appreciate efforts to speak Greek, so consider learning a few basic phrases.