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SEE KALABAKA

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Table of Contents: 
SEE KALABAKA TOWN.
METEORA
KASTRAKI 

See Kalambaka and its hidden surprises.
Kalabaka town from St Stephen.

See Kalabaka because it is more than just a place you pass through to Meteora.

Hermit monks came to the area sometime in the 9th-century A.D. setting up home in caves near Kastraki. Invaders gave them a reason to move to the top of the rocks in the sky (Meteora.) When it was safe to come back down, they began settling in the area of present-day Kalabaka.

Much of the town does exist because of the UNESCO World Heritage site on the hill. Hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops line the main street waiting for the tour buses.

But there are other areas where the day-trippers do not venture. Let’s look at those places.

Come, let’s see the charming town of Kalabaka and understand why a few hours is not enough time.

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See Kalabaka

The town area that is of any interest to most tourists fans out from Dimoula Square.

You will see Kalabaka is a small town.
The square marks the center of town for visitors.

Trikalon Street has many of the touristy shops, travel offices, and restaurants that can handle the large bus groups.

Walk south (downhill) through the square and it continues down to Pindou, a divided two-way street. Two minutes’ walk to the right is the Kalabaka train station.

Three minutes’ walk to the left is the Natural History and mushroom Museum.

A block west from Dimoula Square and a block south is the Greek Education Museum.

No matter where you go, you can always get your bearings as to which way is north.

The rocks run the entire north side of the town.
You can see the rocks of Meteora from just about every corner.

 

Other Views in Kalabaka

The oldest church in Kalabaka.
Holy Temple of Dormition of the Virgin Mary.

 

The charming town creeping up the hills.
A Greek Orthodox Church.

 

When the day-trippers leave, the town becomes more Greek.
The town at sunset.

With the parting of the day-trippers, the town begins to settle down. It becomes more of a Greek village than a shopping mall.

You can find some good tavernas, off the main roads, but nightlife is over around 11:00 PM.

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See Meteora

The main reason you visit is for the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Meteora.

From the terrace you can see Kalabaka and other monasteries.
Monastery of Great Meteoron

 

This is one of the most photographed as you can view it from three sides.
Holy Monastery of Holy Trinity

 

Due to the hike up and no place for buses to park means you can sometimes have the place to yourself.
The Monastery of Rousanou

 

Another monastery requiring strong legs and knees to visit.
Holy Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapafsas

 

Although it began as a monastery for men, today it is home to a handful of nuns.
Holy Monastery of St. Stephen.

 

Although you cannot see it from town, from the terrace, you can see Kalabaka.
Holy Monastery of Varlaam.

 

The terrace at Varlaam is closer to heaven.
The terrace offers a place of tranquility.

 

At Varlaam they would raise monks in a net.
The view before going over the side in a net.

 

Varlaam and St Stephen require the fewest steps.
Despite the addition of steps and bridges, the climb can still be tough.

 

Many of the items they use today do not vary greatly from the old ones.
The old kitchen at the Holy Monastery of Great Meteoron.

Each monastery has its own hours and rules. Hours vary in the winter. What parts of the monastery are open to the public also vary.

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See Kastraki

Kastraki is the area where the hermits first began settling. Today, it is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site and also has the designation of a Greek Traditional Village.

There is not a lot to the village and it is easiest to see on foot.

This is as close to a town center as they have. The museum is opposite the church.
Church of Peter and Paul on Memorial Park.

 

The paths do not have the greatest markings and I recommend a guide to lead you.
From Kastraki, many hiking paths leave for the rocks.

 

You can see Kalabaka is just further down the hill.
Hermit caves are visible from many locations around Kastraki.

 

This is the most famous monk as it is believed he brought about miracles.
St George Mandila hermitage.

 

For those looking to hike and taste the traditional dishes of the region, Kastraki is the best base.

Read more about Kalabaka cuisine.

See Kalabaka Summary

As you can see, Kalabaka offers more than just monasteries. Make sure to leave plenty of time to explore Meteora, but save time for Kalabaka and Kastraki.

Make sure there is time for either a sunrise or sunset from the rocks. And make sure to sample the local cuisine and wine.

Come, see Kalabaka and discover for yourself.

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