Meteora-Holy Ghost

Possibly the most impressive tower of Meteora, with some of the best and most popular long routes such as the spectacular ‘Pillar of Dreams’ (also known as Traumpfeiler). You can easily drive to the monastery of Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas, park about 700m past it (39.721184, 21.630211) and marvel at the view of the jaw-dropping northeast pillar. Topping-out on the rounded summit of Holy Ghost is unforgettable. It is a huge, sprawling meadow in the center of Meteora with 360° views! After you write your names in the summit register, follow the cairns to walk southwest above the ‘Way of the Water’. At the last cairn, there is a single eyebolt to the left (east) at an obvious water runoff. Rappel down 10m from here. Then, rappel down twice more (2 x 40m) to a large balcony with trees and a small chapel carved into the rock. From there, a pleasant path descends to the col near the ‘Corner of Madness’. If you turn left, you will walk back along the approach trail to the base of ‘Pillar of Dreams’ and Holy Ghost Guardian, where you have parked (20 min). If you turn right, you will come to a point above the houses of Kastraki. From there you can walk down to the village square, take a break if you wish, and then rightwards again to the parking area (25 min – not allowing for beers).