The Hermit Caves of Badovas, near Kastraki Village, are ancient sanctuaries where monks once lived in solitude centuries before the Meteora monasteries were built. Visitors can see openings carved into vertical rock faces, wooden ladders, and small chapels that reveal the origins of Meteora’s spiritual community.
The caves are located just outside Kastraki Village, about a 10-minute drive or 30-minute walk from Kalabaka. Access is free and doesn’t require a ticket. You can reach them via a short hiking trail from Kastraki or include them on a guided Meteora walking or photography tour.
These caves mark the beginning of Meteora’s history. In the 9th century, hermits carved their homes into the cliffs, living in solitude and prayer long before the monasteries were built. Visiting this site gives you a glimpse into the humble beginnings of one of Greece’s most spiritual places.
A peaceful, scenic trail from Kastraki Village takes you to the Hermit Caves of Badovas in less than 30 minutes. The path winds through olive groves and rocky hillsides, offering beautiful views of the Kalabaka plain and Meteora’s famous rock pillars — perfect for anyone who enjoys light walks and great photo spots.
Amid the cliffs, you’ll come across small chapels like the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, some still showing traces of old frescoes. These simple sanctuaries are a reminder that worship here once meant carving faith directly into the rock.
The site combines history, geology, and raw natural beauty in one compact visit. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy walking, photography, or exploring places where the landscape itself tells a human story. Few spots in Meteora balance history and nature so seamlessly.
Dozens of caves dot the Badovas cliffside, some naturally formed, others shaped by hand into small sanctuaries. Peek inside and you’ll notice smoke-darkened walls, carved ledges, and stone platforms once used for sleeping or prayer. These simple spaces still echo the lives of the monks who sought peace here centuries ago.
If you look closely at the cliffs, you can still see remains of the old wooden ladders and rope pulleys that monks once used to reach their shelters. Hanging from the rocks, they show how devoted and brave those hermits were to live so high above the valley.
Guides and locals keep the legends of the hermits alive — tales of monks who took vows of silence, meditating for years in near darkness. Listening to these stories as you stand beneath the towering cliffs gives the site a haunting, almost timeless atmosphere.
The path to the Hermit Caves doubles as one of Meteora’s best light-hiking routes. In the early morning, soft pink light spreads across the valley, and by evening, the cliffs glow in warm golden tones. With fewer crowds and peaceful silence, it’s a perfect place for photography or downtime.
The caves sit behind Kastraki Village, at the base of Meteora’s southern cliffs. It’s about a 20-minute scenic walk or a short 5-minute drive from the village center.
Yes, the path is open to independent visitors. However, joining a guided Meteora tour offers valuable insight into the caves’ spiritual history, early hermit life, and hidden chapels that are easy to overlook.
No, visitors can’t go inside the caves. Most openings are high on vertical cliffs and were once reached only by ladders or ropes. You can view them safely from outside, near marked paths and lookouts.
The caves date back to the 9th–10th centuries AD and are considered Meteora’s earliest monastic dwellings. Hermits sought solitude here long before the great monasteries were built on the cliffs above.
The walk is short but moderately uneven, with rocky terrain and gentle slopes. It’s suitable for most visitors, though sturdy footwear is essential. Allow about 45 minutes for a relaxed round trip.
No, visiting the Hermit Caves of Badovas is free. The area is open to the public year-round, and no special tickets or monastery donation fee is required.
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photos and cooler temperatures. Spring and fall are ideal for hiking, with comfortable weather and fewer crowds.
You can drive or take a taxi to the small parking area near the trailhead, but space is limited. From there, it’s an easy 10–15 minute walk. To skip parking issues, it’s better to join a guided tour from Kalabaka or Kastraki.
No monks live there today, but the caves still hold deep spiritual significance and remain a sacred site that visitors can appreciate.
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