After exploring the Olympus National Park, we continued our journey to the enchanting Meteora. We stayed there for two days and were completely captivated by the area. On the first day, we arrived in the afternoon and checked into the large Vrachos Kastraki campsite in Kastraki. Meteora is divided into two villages: Kastraki and Kalabaka (the larger village), and we decided to explore the area on foot.
Walking around the boulders
We did a 10-kilometer loop that took us around rocky boulders, which are teeming with climbers. We started the hike right at our campsite and followed the Meteora Trail Run signs. We walked most of the way in a cool and beautiful forest, only at the end did we descend down the famous paved path that leads from the town of Kalabaka to the Holy Trinity Monastery. The trail was well-trodden and brought us to a viewpoint every now and then. It was quite strenuous (up and down all the time). We also came across cute Greek turtles along the way. You can find a map of where exactly we walked on my Strava or here .
Visit to the Monastery of St. Nicholas Anapausas
The next day we went to visit another famous monastery - Agios Nikolaos or St. Nicholas Anapausas . The entrance fee for adults costs €6, and women must adhere to certain dress codes when entering. Entry is only possible in a skirt or with a scarf over their hips. Skirts are available for rent and cost an additional €1.
The monasteries of Meteora were initially accessible only by ladders, which preserved their isolation. Later, steps were built, but they still require some climbing and walking to visit. The monasteries are built of stone, combined with wooden elements. The monasteries contain numerous churches, frescoes and icons that testify to the rich religious and cultural heritage of the area. In 1988, the monasteries were included in the UNESCO World Heritage List for their unique architecture, historical importance and religious significance. Despite their tourist popularity, they retain their spiritual significance and still serve as sanctuaries for monks and pilgrims. Today, four monasteries are still in operation: Great Meteoron (the largest), Varlaam, Rousanou and St. Nicholas Anapausas (the smallest).
After the visit to Meteora, it was time to visit Delphi.