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Where to stay in Meteora: Top hotels in Kalabaka & Kastraki

Where you stay in Meteora defines your entire experience, from sunrise views over the rock pinnacles to how peacefully you rest each night. Choose Kalabaka if you want easy access to restaurants, the train station, and a lively town atmosphere. Or opt for Kastraki village, where stone houses sit beneath towering cliffs and monasteries feel almost within reach.

For the best experience, plan at least two nights in Meteora. Spend one evening watching the sunset glow across the rocks and another morning starting early to explore the monasteries. Mornings and late afternoons offer the most magical light and fewer crowds, making every moment unforgettable.

Best areas to stay in Meteora

Meteora rock formations and village view on a private day tour from Athens.

Kalabaka (town center convenience)

Why stay here: This is the transport hub with the train station, most restaurants, shops, and tour desks. Kastraki sits just next door, about 2km away, so you can walk about 25 minutes or hop a quick €4–€5 taxi between the two.

Who it’s for: Travelers without a car, families, and anyone who wants many dinner choices.

Pros: Practical base, wide hotel range, easy tour pickups and taxi access.

Cons: More traffic and town noise; fewer direct rock views than Kastraki.

Meteora rock formations with caves and nearby buildings in Greece.

Kastraki (village closer to the rocks)

Why stay here: Smaller, scenic, and right under Meteora’s pillars. Many rooms face the cliffs. From upper Kastraki, you can walk roughly 1km to the first monastery (St. Nikolaos Anapafsas). The preserved old quarter (Mesochori) adds cobbled lanes and small chapels to your evening strolls.

Who it’s for: Couples, photographers, hikers, and anyone who wants a village feel with viewpoints nearby.

Pros: Views and trail access from the village.

Cons: Fewer shops than Kalabaka; dinner options wind down earlier.

Meteora monasteries perched on rock formations at sunset, Greece.

Surrounding villages (Trikala countryside stays)

Why stay here: Boutique guesthouses and nature stays offer maximum quiet and space, great if you’re driving and want a retreat vibe.

Who it’s for: Road‑trippers, wellness seekers, and anyone planning slow mornings and sunset runs to the viewpoints.

Pros: Quiet surroundings, a true taste of local life, and the ease of on-site parking.

Cons: You’ll need a car or transfers for monasteries and town dinners.

Top hotels in Meteora

Couple enjoying a private jacuzzi at Gellert Thermal Bath, Budapest.

Luxury

  • Divani Meteora Hotel (Kalabaka): Landmark property with an outdoor pool plus an indoor wellness area with sauna, steam room, and an indoor pool with jacuzzi seats. Handy for tour pickups and quick taxis.
  • Grand Meteora Hotel (Kastraki): Full‑service stay at the foot of the rocks with restaurant, lounge, and spa facilities.
  • Amalia Hotel Meteora (Theopetra, just outside Kalabaka): Resort‑style hotel with large gardens and a big outdoor pool, good if you want space and easy parking and you don’t mind a short drive.
House with stone facade and red roof in Kastraki village, Greece, with Meteora rock formations in the background.

Mid‑range

  • Meteora Hotel at Kastraki (Kastraki hillside): Set at one of the village’s highest points with panoramic views, plus pool, café‑bar, and parking.
  • Tsikeli Boutique Hotel Meteora (Kastraki): Intimate boutique stay beneath the cliffs for adults only; some suites add saunas or hot tubs.
  • Dellas Boutique Hotel (between Kastraki and Kalabaka): Stone‑built property near the road to the monasteries; request a Meteora‑view room.
  • Monastiri Guesthouse (Kalabaka): Charming guesthouse under the rocks with a small outdoor pool, close to cafés and the station.
  • Pyrgos Adrachti (Kastraki): High on the village slopes with striking views, about 1km from the first monastery.
  • Doupiani House (Kastraki): Garden‑ringed hotel known for its rock-facing views, ideal for a slow coffee before a sunset walk.
Elegant hotel room with a double bed, ornate curtains, and a writing desk.

Budget

  • The Storyteller Boutique House (Kalabaka): Guesthouse in the center, walkable to cafés and tour pickups.
  • Mythos Guesthouse (Kalabaka): Central, traditional guesthouse with balconies that frame the rocks.
  • Hotel Gogos (Kastraki): A friendly, good-value stay in central Kastraki, just steps from local tavernas and the road leading up to the monasteries.
  • Hotel Galaxy (Kalabaka): Wallet‑friendly hotel in the town center.
  • Hotel Kosta Famissi (Kalabaka): Long‑running hotel at the town entrance; upper floors face the rocks and rates stay friendly.

How to choose the right stay for you

  • If you have no car: Base in Kalambaka or central Kastraki for easy taxi and tour pickups and walkable dinners. The two are about 2km apart, so plan on a 25‑minute walk or a short taxi.
  • If you're chasing views and ambiance: Pick Kastraki or a hillside hotel with balcony views. You’ll wake up to cliffs and can stroll to sunset lookouts. St. Nikolaos Anapafsas sits about 1km above the village.
  • If you want convenience and services: Kalabaka has the most hotels, restaurants, and visitor services.
  • If you prefer quiet and nature: Countryside and outer‑Kastraki stays feel calm and spacious, especially if you’re driving.
  • For hikers: Trails begin right from Kastraki and weave between the two towns, offering everything from short scenic paths to rewarding half-day loops through the rocks.

Tips for booking hotels in Meteora

  • Book early for spring–autumn: Rooms with better rock views often sell out first.
  • Ask for the view: Many properties offer multiple room types, so request a Meteora‑facing room when you book.
  • Confirm parking and transfers: Village streets are narrow. Ask about on‑site parking, shuttles, or reliable taxi contacts. If you’re driving to popular sunset viewpoints, arrive early for parking.
  • Check breakfast and evening dining: Check breakfast and dinner options before booking. Kastraki tends to quiet down earlier in the evening than Kalabaka, which is useful to know if you’re arriving late or want more dining choices.
  • Budget for Greece’s climate fee: A per‑room nightly ‘Climate Crisis Resilience’ fee varies by hotel category and season and is usually paid on‑site. Check your booking for the current amount.
  • 2-night duration: Stay for two nights if you can. Spend one evening watching the sunset and one morning catching the sunrise. You’ll skip the midday heat and crowds.

Frequently asked questions about where to stay in Meteora

How far are the hotels from the monasteries?

Most Kalabaka hotels are a 10-minute drive from the base of the monasteries. In Kastraki, some guesthouses are within a 15–20 minute walk.

Is parking available at Meteora hotels?

Yes, most hotels in both Kalabaka and Kastraki offer free parking, either on-site or in adjacent lots.

Can I find rooms suitable for families?

Yes, many mid-range hotels offer triple or quad rooms. Look for terms like "family suite" or “connecting rooms.”

What are typical check-in and check-out times?

Check-in is usually after 2pm, and check-out is by 11am. Early check-in and luggage storage are often available on request.

Should you stay in Kalabaka or Kastraki?

Kalabaka offers more hotels and restaurants. Kastraki is quieter, with better rock views. The towns are only 2km apart — about a 25-minute walk.

How many nights should you stay in Meteora?

Stay at least 2 nights, one for the sunset tour, and one for monasteries in the morning. Add a third night if you plan longer hikes.

Do you need a car in Meteora?

Not really. You can explore with guided tours, taxis, and short walks. The KTEL bus no longer runs regularly, so check local options before visiting.

Which areas are best for walking to monasteries?

Kastraki is closest to the main trails and lower monasteries like St. Nikolaos. You can also walk between Kalabaka and Kastraki using marked routes.

How far in advance should you book?

From April to October, book 6–10 weeks ahead. For rooms with views or balconies, secure 2–3 months early. Winter bookings are easier, except during holidays.