Monasteries of the Meteors - Thermopylae - Athens

Difficult access to natural fortifications attracted Christian hermits, whose settlements were later formed into monasteries. Treasures - icons, ancient manuscripts and books, relics of saints - are kept under the domes of six operating today's monasteries. I suggest visiting two of the most famous monasteries - the Great Meteors and St. Varlaam. The most important thing to keep in mind is that each monastery has a different timetable. So you should check the days and hours of work at the site or ask me in advance.

The Monastery of Barlaam with frescoes of Ephraim of Syria in the Basilica of All Saints and the Museum of Ancient Manuscripts and Carved Crosses. If you still have time and energy left, you can visit the convent of St. Stephen, the most accessible for tired feet, there is no need to climb.

Stop for pictures on the observation deck with a panoramic view and start returning to Athens.

Stop in the famous Thermopylae (entrance from the old national road). The name translates from Greek as "hot gate". There is a monument to Leonidas and 300 Spartans. Nearby, in the place of the Battle of the Spartans with the Persian army, hot healing springs are beaten from the rock. The water temperature all year round is about 40 degrees Celsius. Swimming is free, but the place is not equipped. If you are going to bathe, be careful, the rocks are slippery.

Have lunch in a fish tavern in the resort town of Kamena Vourla on the seashore, and if desired, swim and go further. Athens is 2 hours away.

Stay at a hotel you already know. Farewell walk through Athens and dinner in a tavern on Plaka or in a restaurant on Likavittos hill with a panoramic view of Athens.