Fodor’s Includes Meteora Among Top Places to Go in Europe in 2025

Meteora, Thessaly.

Meteora in Thessaly, one of Greece’s important religious sites, earned a spot among Europe’s top destinations for 2025, as highlighted by Fodor’s Travel magazine.

Fodor’s Travel annually releases its “Go List” highlighting top destinations to consider for the upcoming year. The Go List 2025 features 25 locations worldwide that promise unique experiences and adventures. 

This year, the list recommends a visit to Meteora to marvel at the stunning Orthodox monasteries perched on cliffs, offering breathtaking views. With their distinctive heritage, these monasteries are recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and captivate around 2.5 million visitors annually.

“‘Meteora’ in Greek means “dangling in mid-air”, and that’s exactly what you’ll see looking up as you drive into the valley town of Kalampaka: gigantic rock formations born millions of years ago and perched on the top: 24 ancient monasteries built some 600 years ago by monks seeking solitude and closeness to God,” Fodor’s experts describe. 

Photo source: mythessaly.com

Six of the monasteries are open to the public, attracting visitors who want to immerse themselves in spirituality and discover their inner self. Additionally, the unique morphology of the landscape is an attraction for extreme sports enthusiasts, making it an ideal destination for many climbers who dare to scale the steep cliffs. 

Experts recommend visiting the hermit caves of Badovas, taking a sunset tour, exploring the Mushroom Museum and the Digital Projection Center of Meteora’s History and Culture, strolling through the picturesque village of Kastraki, hiking to Agios Stefanos Monastery (a 30-minute trek), and savoring the region’s excellent local cuisine.

For those eager to uncover Europe’s hidden gems, the Go List 2025 highlights destinations such as Camargue in France, Helsinki in Finland, the Masurian Lake District in Poland, and Vestmannaeyjar in Iceland.