Getting from Astakos to Meteora

If you are heading to Meteora from Astakos you are making your way from a port town on the western coast of central Greece to one of the most extraordinary places in Greece, a complex of Byzantine monasteries built on top of rock pillars in the plain of Thessaly in central Greece. The two are actually relatively close by Greek standards, both in the western and central mainland.

Take the ferry

There is no ferry to Meteora. It is an inland destination with no sea connection. Getting there from Astakos means driving northeast via Agrinio and the E65 motorway to Kalambaka, the town at the base of the Meteora rocks.

Getting there by air

Meteora has no airport. The nearest town is Kalambaka, around 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Astakos via Agrinio and the E65 motorway. Note that as of 2026 the direct train service between Athens and Kalambaka remains suspended due to track damage and the KTEL bus is currently the main public transport option from Athens.

Your best option

Drive from Astakos northeast to Kalambaka via Agrinio and the E65 motorway. At around 2.5 to 3 hours it is one of the most direct and natural connections from Astakos and avoids Athens entirely. It is a genuinely scenic drive across central Greece. Plan at least two nights in Kalambaka as the monasteries and viewpoints deserve more than a rushed visit. The KTEL bus from Astakos via Agrinio also serves this route if you prefer not to drive.