Meteora
 

Inspired by the poster who admitted she was afraid of heights, I have a similar concern. I have the opportunity to go to Greece in January. I want to go to the monasteries in Meteora, but the ascent, and more particularly, the descent, look terrifying. I know I'll have to be in good shape to do it, but what really scares me is the prospect of falling. How dangerous are those steps, especially in inclement weather? Have there been serious accidents there? Some of the monasteries appear to have some sort of concrete blocks on the side, but is this any protection? Thanks for your thoughts.

We were there a few years ago. It was on a tour and a bus took us up to the top. I believe that tourists only have access to the main monastery and its surronding buildings. The view of the valley below is spectacular. My recollection is that you walk across a bridge to the main building. It's pretty high and I'm not fond of heights either. Your message implied you were going to climb the mountains. They are so steep and I think that only a very experienced climber could do it. It's a great place to visit! Enjoy

I was there a little over a year ago, and from what I remember the pictures of the moasteries make you think "how in the world am I going to get up there?" The pics are deceiving. A few of them you can drive pretty far up to, and I never remember feeling like the steps were dangerous whatsoever. I felt like the steps going up to the cupola of St. Peter's a few weeks ago were more scarey.

I would agree that it takes some endurance to do the monasteries.

Thanks for your replies. I was really getting worried about this, but now I'm relieved. Peejay, at this point, I am also planning to go on a tour, so that would be great if the bus could get us up most or all of the way. What tour group did you go with? Thanks again for your replies.

Diana Go for it! I am in my 60's and this was a thrilling experience for me. And I had such a "high" to think that I had walked up to the various monastaries. I have no recollection of any trepidation on the steps. The memories of this trip will remain with me always. I don't recall any concern about safety. Do not miss this experience. CJ

Diana, We were on a cruise of the Mediterrean (sp?) and it was a one day side trip arranged by the cruise line. We're also in our 60's and there was some walking but the bus did take us very near the top. You will definetly enjoy the experience.One additional item was that there were a lot of cats all over the place. It seemed odd to see so many of them at the top.

Meteora is an unforgettable experience. I agree with previous remarks that the photos make the various (not just one) monasteries look less accessible than they are. If you're traveling independently, you can drive to the highest monastery, too, so you don't have to have a tour. The roads are not scary, and the only place your fear of heights might kick in is if you choose to look DOWN out of some of the windows in some of the buildings.
Vera

Is actual admission to the monasteries still limited to men only?

Admission to the Meteora monasteries is not limited to men only. That's elsewhere in Greece. There is also a convent up on the cliffs with the monasteries.

Vera

That "men only" is Athos.