Day 10 Return Athens: A Return To The Heart Of Greece
Day 10 Return Athens brought us full circle — from Meteora’s misty cliffs to the glowing lights of Athens. Visiting ancient monasteries, riding the return train south, and sharing one final rooftop toast beneath the Acropolis made this the perfect finale to our Greek adventure.
Introduction: A Farewell Wrapped in Faith and Sunlight
Our last full day in Greece began with quiet reverence. From our guesthouse balcony in Kalambaka, we watched the sunrise gild the Meteora cliffs — those impossible stone pillars crowned with monasteries that seemed to float between heaven and earth. The morning air was cool and still, carrying the faint scent of pine and incense from the chapels above. Today would be our final journey before returning to Athens, and it felt fitting to end where faith, time, and nature met so beautifully.
We joined a small minibus tour (€25 per person / ~AUD 42) to visit several of the monasteries that have defined Meteora for centuries. Each monastery charged a small entry fee (€3), and though modest, the experience was priceless. The road wound upward through lush forests and switchbacks, each turn revealing a new breathtaking angle of the cliffs, shrouded in morning mist.
Morning: Among the Monasteries in the Sky
Our first stop was the Great Meteoron Monastery, the largest and oldest of the six active monasteries. The climb up its steep stone steps was a small pilgrimage in itself — about 300 stairs carved directly into the rock. Inside, the cool air was thick with candle smoke and the fragrance of beeswax. Faded frescoes glowed under flickering light, depicting centuries of devotion and endurance.
From the terrace, the view was dizzying — a panorama of valleys, mist, and faraway peaks. The silence here wasn’t empty; it was sacred. As bells chimed from another monastery across the cliffs, the sound seemed to hang in the sky forever.
We continued on to Varlaam Monastery, where monks once hoisted supplies in nets up sheer rock walls. Standing there, I imagined what life must have been like — isolated yet serene, suspended between the earth and divine. Day 10 Return Athens – The wind whipped around us, carrying the faint echo of chanting from a distant chapel.
Afternoon: The Journey South – Day 10 Return Athens
By noon, the sun had burned away the mist, revealing Meteora in full, staggering beauty. We lingered at a roadside lookout, sipping water and staring out at the monasteries perched like crowns on stone. Leaving felt bittersweet — but Athens awaited.
After a quick lunch in Kalambaka (Greek salad and grilled souvlaki €12 / ~AUD 20), we boarded the afternoon train to Athens (€20–25 / ~AUD 35–42). The rhythmic sway of the carriage lulled us into reflection. Olive groves rolled past the window, punctuated by white chapels and distant mountain silhouettes. The train hummed softly — a moving farewell song to the Greek countryside.
Arriving in Athens by evening, the city felt both familiar and new. The Acropolis loomed golden in the distance, and the air buzzed with life — traffic, laughter, and the faint strum of street musicians in Plaka.
Evening: A Toast to Greece
For our final night, we chose a rooftop bar overlooking the illuminated Acropolis. The view was everything — ancient marble glowing against a violet sky. We ordered cocktails (€10–12 each / ~AUD 17–20) and toasted to ten unforgettable days of discovery, laughter, and awe.
The smell of grilled lamb and oregano drifted from nearby tavernas, mingling with the jasmine that bloomed on the terrace. Around us, travelers spoke in hushed tones, everyone captivated by the same view — a living postcard of Greece’s eternal beauty.
Dinner was simple and perfect: moussaka (€14 / ~AUD 23), a plate of fried calamari (€12 / ~AUD 20), and a shared baklava dripping with honey (€6). The city pulsed gently below, and for a moment, time itself seemed to pause — Greece saying goodbye in her own timeless way.
Pro Traveler Tip – Day 10 Return Athens
When visiting Meteora, start early to avoid crowds and catch the morning light over the cliffs. Wear modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) — required for monastery entry. The train from Kalambaka to Athens offers first-class upgrades for a small fee (€5–10), well worth it for the extra comfort on the long ride.
Pro Traveler Warning
Be prepared for steep climbs at Meteora — many monasteries require hundreds of steps. Carry water, wear sturdy shoes, and note that some monasteries close midday. Check the official schedule before planning your visit.
Your Final Chapter in Greece
Day 10 was more than a return — it was a reminder of why we travel. From the silent majesty of Meteora to Athens’ lively heartbeat, the day captured the full spectrum of Greece’s soul: sacred, spirited, and endlessly inspiring. As the Acropolis lights faded into the night, we knew this wasn’t goodbye — just “until next time.”
Frequently Asked Questions – Day 10 Return Athens
How far is Meteora from Athens?
Meteora is about 360 km from Athens. The train journey between Kalambaka and Athens takes around 4–5 hours, while driving usually takes about 4 hours via Lamia or Trikala.
What’s the best way to return to Athens from Meteora?
The most comfortable and scenic option is by train. Tickets cost around €20–25 (~AUD 35–42). For flexibility, renting a car allows stops in charming towns along the way.
How many monasteries can I visit in Meteora?
Six monasteries remain active and open to visitors: Great Meteoron, Varlaam, Rousanou, St. Nicholas Anapausas, Holy Trinity, and St. Stephen. Each charges a small entry fee (€3 per person).
What should I wear when visiting Meteora monasteries?
Modest attire is required — shoulders and knees must be covered. Women often need to wear skirts (provided at entrances if needed). Men should avoid shorts and sleeveless shirts.
When is the best time to visit Meteora?
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) are ideal, offering mild weather and beautiful light for photography. Early mornings provide the most magical views and fewer crowds.
Are the Meteora monasteries difficult to reach?
Each monastery requires a climb — from 150 to over 300 steps — but the paths are well-maintained. Bring water, wear sturdy shoes, and take your time; the views are worth it.
Can I visit all the monasteries in one day?
It’s possible, but rushing would diminish the experience. Most travelers visit 2–3 monasteries in a day, combining it with scenic viewpoints and village stops in Kalambaka or Kastraki.
Where should I stay in Athens on the last night?
Choose a hotel or guesthouse in central neighborhoods like Plaka, Syntagma, or Koukaki for easy access to the Acropolis and dining options. Rooftop bars in these areas offer stunning night views.
What’s the best way to spend the last evening in Athens?
Enjoy a rooftop dinner or cocktail with Acropolis views, explore Plaka’s lit-up lanes, or take a twilight stroll through Anafiotika — Athens’ most charming old quarter.
Is first class on the train from Kalambaka to Athens worth it?
Yes. For an additional €5–10, you’ll get more space, reclining seats, and a quieter carriage — a comfortable choice for the 4-hour return journey after days of travel.
