Meteora and fear of heights?

Just a suggestion because I have not been there yet: There are probably many videos on YouTube showing you exactly what to expect.
Also a caveat: I would not have described myself as being particularly afraid of heights before this incident, but when I visited the Cliffs of Moher, I just could not make myself walk along the path (which is a good distance away from the cliff edge)--it was very unexpected, so sometimes you just don't know how you will react to a place until you are there. I'd go anyway, because there are so many monasteries there that there are bound to be a few that you feel okay with, plus just looking up is quite wonderful. If your wife wants to go up and you don't feel you can, I would suggest renting a bike to tool around while you wait.

I also have acrophobia with the edge of mountain dropoffs a particular trigger. I don’t have the same problem if I’m inside a vehicle or a building which you will be at the Meteora monastery. ( I’ve been to the observation deck of the N.Y. World Trade Center in 1980 and on a bus on the Cerro de la Muerte without any problem). There’s a road that leads to the monastery parking lot which is behind the monastery itself. So it’s dozens and dozens of feet away from any cliff edge which is on the other side of the monastery,
To me, it looks fine, and I think it’s only when inside the monastery that there might be a problem for someone with acrophobia. Simple solution for me would be to step back from the window if the view were too bothersome.

You've described my fear of heights perfectly. I was in Meteora in April and I don't remember any height triggers. I don't remember either of the monasteries we visited having any overlooks near edges. There may have been an open moat style bridge to get to one, but it was wide and not very high.

Not all of the monasteries are the same. I think Kenko is referencing the Great Meteora Monastery but there are others. For that one, indeed, you drive up and park behind it. Then you have the choice to walk over to the monastery.

I have the same fear of heights that you describe - no problem when enclosed, so driving the small road up and around to all the monasteries wasn’t a problem. But there are a couple I have to either walk very carefully and slowly in (they are not dangerous - it’s just my head). And you always have a choice. Most of the scenery is dramatic but you can choose where you are at any time you are outside the car. I have not yet been across to Rousanos - Saint Barbara or Holy Trinity. St. Stephan was the easiest (but was also the most crowded the day I was there, BECAUSE it’s the easiest).

If you can manage being 10 feet from an edge and looking out (not down), you can do it. If you can manage the drive (whether you or someone else is driving), then it will be worth it. The scenery is amazing and enough of the monasteries are not as crazy drop-off to get to as they look like to make it worthwhile. And no one makes you walk to an edge. Several of them have a bit of an uphill walk or lots of steps to get to, though. And to be honest, 3 in one day maxes me out. (I have been twice.)

CWSocial knows my fear is greater than hers. So if I can do it, I bet you can, too.

Thanks for these replies! Per Valadelphia's suggestion, I've begun to look for videos -- so far, not quite enough detail provided in them to relieve my worry, but I'll keep looking. CWSocial: you mention a moat-style bridge that you had to go over. I've seen pictures of that, I think. Do you or anyone else know how high it is above the gorge? If its just a few dozen feet, I could handle it. If its 100 feet or more, that's almost certainly a deal breaker. Anyone out there with a number?

Varlaam has a short one, but for me it was doable because the drop was not bad. And it has a beautiful terrace area. St Stephen the same, only shorter bridge and less drop. Both felt more like a moat. But remember, there are a number of monasteries and you are not tricked into going where you can’t. Plan to drive the loop and go into any that look doable. You don’t need to do them all.

Edit to add: you can tell I love this place. I have been twice and will probably be back next year. In spite of my fear of heights.

The one we went over to a Monastery was low, a few dozen feet. It didn't trigger me in the slightest.

There's a big bridge over a gorge in the valley that is hiking distance from the monasteries. That one is a few hundred feet high. The surface is very wide, at least wide enough for a car. I stayed away from the sides and was fine looking out into the valley.

You don't cross that bridge for any of the monasteries.

You will be surprised once you see that photos of hilltop monasteries aren’t as dramatic when you actually approach them. I also don’t remember being close to shear drop edges. I visited many. It’s an awesome place to visit.

Kenko did you drive yourself or did you hire a driver to go up to the monastery? I am not sure which would be more comfortable for me.

pajination, I dont like flying either. Unfortunately for me most planes dont have the little paper bag in the seat pocket any longer. BUT, i practice mental self-flagellation by taking every zip line and small plane I can find. I keep hoping someday it will be a cure.

Hi Pajination,

I totally understand what you’re feeling—I also struggle with acrophobia. When I visited Meteora, I made sure to stay a few steps back from the edge of each cliff, keeping close to the natural barriers and staying at the same level. While there are some viewpoints without railings, you really don’t need to get right up to the edge to enjoy the breathtaking views. You can take in the scenery from a safe distance, and the same goes for the monasteries—they’re designed so you can appreciate everything without having to face the drop-offs.

Hope this helps and makes you feel more comfortable about visiting!