In all the monasteries there are interesting icon stores. The icons are not made in series by machines, they offer a great variety and the average prices at the shops of Meteora are usually half of what the regular store charge.
Regarding the monks, when it comes to tourists and shopping the situation seems to be a little ironic, since the idea of going to a place like Meteora is usually related to isolation and meditation.
However, the million visitors that come to Meteora every year, accompanied by the guided tours and gift sales made especially for them makes us think about just the opposite to what the monks and nuns went to look for.
In fact, all monasteries close at least one day of the week in order to give them the chance of praying and fulfilling other activities that are part of their religious service alone, and away from the curious looks of the intrigued tourists.
