Explore the monasteries at sunset by E-Bike

Watching the sun set over Meteora is very popular, and with good reason. The serenity and stillness of the landscape against the changing tones of the sky makes it easy to understand why the monks chose this spiritual place as their base.

A great way to stay away from the crowds as much as possible is to take a half-day e-bike tour of the area with guide Vasilis or his wife Jenny. This is an easy tour, with the bike’s battery doing most of the work for you, and your guides offering an insight into the region and its history as you pedal.

You’ll meet your guide at the bike shop close to the main square in the town of Kalambaka. There’ll be a quick safety briefing and a tutorial on how to use the bike before you set off into the valley. This tour can be taken on a private basis or as part of a small group.

As you head uphill at a gentle pace, the landscape fans out before you and Vasilis or Jenny will lead you to interesting spots or lookouts to stop at along the way.

At each stop you’ll hear about the history and geology of the valley and learn about the monks who first sought refuge here. The story of how they built their precarious-looking cliff-top monasteries is one of legend, involving conflict, patronage and sheer determination.

Six of the monasteries remain in use and you’ll stop outside each one to hear a little more about them and their history as well as the people who inhabit them today.

Once you’ve seen the six monasteries, you’ll pedal on to a large rock which is a popular viewpoint at sunset. With the warm tones of the Grecian sun reflected on the enormous rocky outcrops around the valley, you’ll watch the sun set over the monasteries.

Once the light has faded, you’ll be issued with a reflective vest and make the cycle downhill back to the shop in Kalambaka where your tour will end.