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What to do and see at Kastraki Village

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.

How to access Kastraki Village

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.

Kastraki in a nutshell

The closest village to the monasteries

Kastraki sits directly beneath Meteora’s cliffs, closer than any other village. You can walk from your guesthouse to the monastery trails or viewpoints in minutes. The rocks rise so close that the landscape feels like part of the village itself. Peaceful, scenic, and unforgettable!

Authentic Greek hospitality

Kastraki’s warmth comes from its people. Family-run guesthouses serve homemade breakfasts, and tavernas welcome guests like old friends. Locals happily share travel tips or stories about Meteora’s past, making your stay feel personal, comfortable, and genuinely Greek from the first meal to the last.

Incredible sunrise & sunset views with walking trails

Kastraki offers incredible sunrise and sunset views, with trails leading through olive groves and pine forests to monasteries like Roussanou, Varlaam, and Great Meteoron. Watch the cliffs glow from the Chapel of Doupiani which is a favorite spot for hikers and photographers alike.

Traditional architecture

Every corner of Kastraki reflects old-world Thessalian charm. Red-tile roofs, cobblestone alleys, and whitewashed walls sit against the dramatic Meteora backdrop. Meanwhile, the village’s traditional houses and flower-filled courtyards create postcard-perfect scenes.

Local artisans and souvenirs

Kastraki’s small workshops preserve centuries-old craftsmanship. You’ll find hand-painted icons, wooden carvings, and ceramics inspired by Meteora’s monasteries. Buying directly from local artisans supports the community while giving you a meaningful keepsake from this remarkable mountain village.

Perfect for short breaks

Compact and peaceful, Kastraki is ideal for a short escape between monastery visits. Relax in a quiet café, stroll tree-shaded streets, or simply sit back and take in the mountain air. It’s a tranquil pause amid Meteora’s dramatic landscape.

What to do inside Kastraki Village

Group on a guided tour at Meteora, Greece, with rock formations in the background.
Elegant hotel room
Holy Monastery of Roussanou perched on a rock formation in Meteora, Greece, surrounded by lush greenery.
Clinking wine glasses at Cheese Museum in Paris.
Chapel of Doupiani with stone facade and cross, Meteora, Greece.
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Guided Meteora tour with Kastraki stop

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.

Stay overnight in a local guesthouse

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.

Hike from Kastraki to the monasteries

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.

Dinner with a view in a taverna

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.

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Visit the Chapel of Doupiani

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.

Know before you go

Visitors inside a Meteora monastery during a 1-day tour from Athens by train.
  • Distance from Kalabaka: Kastraki sits beneath the Meteora rock pillars, around 2km from Kalabaka.
  • Closest village to the monasteries: It’s the closest base to the monasteries, easily reached on foot, by taxi, or via guided tour.
  • Stays: Most accommodations are family-run guesthouses with views of the cliffs.
  • Eat & essentials: The village has traditional tavernas, cafés, and small stores for essentials.
  • Transport: Local buses and taxis link Kastraki with Kalabaka and monastery entrances.
  • Dress code: Modest clothing is required at the monasteries — women should wear skirts below the knee and men should wear long trousers. Everyone should cover shoulders.
  • Entry fee: Each monastery requests a small donation of around €3 per person, payable in cash at the entrance.
Cars parked on grass at Keukenhof parking area.
  • Kastraki is safe, but the rocky terrain and monastery paths can be steep and uneven. Avoid climbing unsupervised rock faces; surfaces become slippery after rain.
  • Park only in marked areas near monasteries and avoid stopping on narrow bends for photos.
  • Respect posted monastery rules, maintain silence inside chapels, and avoid prohibited drone use near the sites.

Frequently asked questions about Kastraki Village

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.