What is the dress code at Meteora?

Everyone must have their shoulders covered. Women must wear a long skirt that falls below the knee; men must wear long trousers. Shorts are not permitted for either, and the rule is strictly enforced at the entrance to each monastery.

Do they provide skirts at Meteora?

Yes. Wrap-around skirts are usually available to borrow at the entrance for women who arrive without a long skirt. There is no equivalent loan for men, so men should arrive already wearing long trousers.

Can men wear shorts at Meteora?

No. Men must wear long trousers to enter the monasteries; shorts are not accepted, and unlike the wrap skirts lent to women, there is no cover-up provided for men.

Does the dress code apply to children at Meteora?

The monasteries are active places of worship and modest dress is expected of visitors generally. To avoid any issue at the entrance, dress children modestly too — covered shoulders and legs covered below the knee.

Meteora Dress Code: What to Wear to the Monasteries

The rules, in short

EveryoneShoulders must be covered. No bare shoulders, vest tops or strappy dresses.

WomenA long skirt that falls below the knee. Trousers and shorts are not accepted for women.

MenLong trousers. Shorts are not accepted.

NobodyNo shorts, and nothing that leaves the shoulders or knees uncovered.

The dress code applies at the entrance to each of the six monasteries and is strictly enforced — staff will stop anyone who isn't covered appropriately. It applies year-round, including in the summer heat, so plan your outfit around it rather than hoping for leniency on a hot day.

What's lent at the entrance

Women who arrive without a long skirt can usually borrow a wrap-around skirt at the entrance — most monasteries keep a supply by the door. It's a genuine safety net, but a shared, sometimes limited one, so it's more comfortable to bring your own long skirt or a light sarong you can tie on.

There is no equivalent cover-up lent to men. Men who turn up in shorts will not be admitted and can't borrow trousers, so this is the one to get right in advance — wear or pack long trousers.

The easy fix. Women: pack a light sarong or maxi skirt and a top or shawl that covers the shoulders. Men: lightweight long trousers. A packable layer over the shoulders solves the vest-top problem in seconds. On a guided day trip, your guide will remind the group of the dress code before you reach the entrance.

Dressing for the walk as well

The dress code isn't the only thing to dress for. Reaching the monasteries means staircases cut into the rock — Holy Trinity has around 130 steps, though St. Stephen is reached by a short bridge with no long climb. Add sturdy, closed, non-slip shoes, water, and sun protection to your covered shoulders and long legs, and you're set for both the monasteries and the climb. See which monastery to visit for how the six compare on access.

A quick packing checklist

Top or layer that covers the shoulders (everyone)
Long skirt below the knee or a sarong to tie on (women)
Long trousers (men — no loaner provided)
Sturdy closed shoes with grip, for the rock-cut steps
Water and sun protection

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