Kastraki is a charming mountain village located at the base of Meteora’s sandstone pillars. With stone houses, quiet tavernas, and lanes framed by cliffs, it offers travelers a peaceful window into everyday Greek life surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
Kastraki lies about 2km from Kalabaka, the main gateway to Meteora. You can reach it by car, local bus, or on foot via a short uphill walk. In fact, many Meteora day tours include a stop here for lunch or sightseeing.
Many Meteora day trips from Athens or Thessaloniki pause in Kastraki for a short break. You can stretch your legs, enjoy a quick walk through the stone lanes, or grab coffee with a view of the cliffs. It’s the perfect way to experience the village’s charm before heading up to the monasteries.
Spend the night in a traditional stone-built guesthouse with wooden beams, flowered courtyards, and mountain views. You’ll wake up to birdsong with hiking trails starting just steps away. Staying overnight also lets you catch the golden-hour light over Meteora’s rock pillars.
Follow the centuries-old paths once used by monks. Marked trails lead directly from Kastraki to monasteries such as Roussanou, Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas, and Great Meteoron. The hike takes 30–60 minutes, depending on your route and rewards you with sweeping views.
Settle in at a family-run taverna! Try grilled lamb, moussaka, or fresh tzatziki served with local wine. The combination of warm hospitality, open-air seating, and Meteora’s glowing cliffs makes dinner here unforgettable.
A short walk from Kastraki brings you to the Chapel of Doupiani, set at the base of Meteora’s cliffs. This small, centuries-old chapel once served as a refuge for hermits before the monasteries were founded. The quiet setting and fresco-covered interior offer a glimpse into Meteora’s earliest monastic life.
Yes. It’s about a 25–30 minute walk uphill from Kalabaka, following a scenic road that winds beneath the Meteora cliffs. If you’re carrying luggage or visiting in summer, take a short taxi ride or use a tour shuttle for comfort.
Yes, it is. Kastraki is quieter, more traditional, and closer to the monasteries. You’ll wake up to views of the rock pillars and can walk to trailheads in minutes. Kalabaka is livelier, but Kastraki offers a more authentic and peaceful setting.
Yes. Several well-marked trails start right from the village, leading to monasteries like Roussanou, Varlaam, and Great Meteoron. Wear sturdy shoes because the paths can be steep.
You’ll find family-run tavernas serving grilled meats, homemade stews, and local wine. Many have outdoor terraces with views of the Meteora cliffs. Try dining at sunset for a memorable experience.
Yes. The village stays open through all seasons, though it’s liveliest from April to October. In winter, some guesthouses and restaurants may shorten hours.
The closest monastery, Roussanou, is about a 20-minute uphill walk from the village center. Others like Great Meteoron and Varlaam are a short drive or a moderate hike away.
Yes. Most hotels and tavernas have free parking. If you’re driving to the monasteries, you’ll find roadside spots near each one, though they can fill up midday in summer.
Yes. You can walk, hire local taxis, or join small-group tours that start in the village. Many guesthouses also help arrange monastery transfers or bike rentals.
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