EXPLORING THE HIKING PATHS OF METEORA

How better to explore these miracles of nature and human endeavor than to pull on a pair of hiking shoes and set out amidst the beauty of Meteora?

More than any other place in Greece,?Meteora?is where nature and spirituality converge most spectacularly. So you can stand there and admire the needle-like rock formations as miracles of geology and the monasteries as impossibly perched eyries… or you can put on a pair of walking shoes and explore them as one of the great hiking locations of Greece.

Don’t be fooled by the dramatic scenery. The magic of walking in Meteora is that the hiking paths are truly for the entire family. Most follow a gentle incline (rising 200-500m) and the scenery is so spectacular that you’ll have no trouble completing walks of around 8km.

There’s nothing to stop you turning up and following a well-marked path. But the best experience is to join a group and benefit from inside knowledge.

How else are you going to follow the paths taken by monks, who first came here 15 centuries ago, and discover the caves they sought refuge in? You’ll be shown around at least one monastery and learn what makes this a?UNESCO World Heritage Site?(if your eyes haven’t told you already).

DON’T MISS

There are numerous paths to follow but a great place to start is Kastraki, a village just north of Kalambaka.

Pick up a path at?St Nicholas, the monastery in the village, and head towards the cave of?St George the Mandilas. Look out for the colourful headscarves pinned to the rockface by climbers

The path leads past the ruined monastery of?Pantocrator?and up through a lush forest to the restored monastery of?Ypapanti?and, finally, to the two largest monasteries,?Great Meteoron?and?Varlaam.

Other walks take you to the?Byzantine Church of the Virgin Mary?or the?Hermitages of Badova.

If you’re on a guided tour, ask what?plants and herbs?around you are edible.

For afternoon strolls, find a spot for?a sunset view?that will make your heart skip a beat.

GET PLANNING

Hiking path

• Distance: 7-8km
• Elevation Gain: 200m
• Walking time: 4-5hrs?
• Age: 7+ ?

There’s no need for technical hiking equipment when walking the hiking paths of Meteora.

Getting there

To Kalampaka

From Athens:

• By car: 360km (4hrs15mins)
• By train (from Larissis Station): 4hrs10mins. More info
• By bus (from Tris Gefires Bus Station): Regular daily service. Approx. 5hrs15mins.?More info

From Thessaloniki:

• By car: 230km (3hrs)
• By train (via Paleofarsalos): Approx. 4hrs?
• By bus (from Makedonia Station via Trikala): Regular daily service, 3hrs.

To Trikala

From Athens:

• By car: 330km (3hrs45mins)
• By train (from Larissis Station): 3hrs55mins.
• By bus (from Tris Gefires Bus Station): Regular daily service. Approx. 4hrs15mins.?

From Thessaloniki:

• By car: 214km (2hrs30mins)
• By train (via Paleofarsalos): Approx. 4hrs
• By bus (from Makedonia Station): Regular daily service, 2hrs25min.

When to go

• Hiking in Meteora is an all-year-round experience, with each season offering its own palette of colours and charm.
• Spring (March-May) is especially beautiful, with nature in full bloom and the hiking paths quieter than the peak summer months.?
• Autumn (September-late October) is also perfect for hiking, with fewer people and temperatures ideal to enjoy the changing colours of nature.?
• Check out the monastery opening days and times before you visit. They change from winter to summer.

If you visit over Orthodox Easter, there’s a mystical atmosphere to the monasteries.

Where to stay

• Kalampaka has a rich history, with ancient and Byzantine attractions and plenty of hotels, eating options and shops with handmade souvenirs. You’ll enjoy the sausages and dairy products, and make sure you don’t leave without trying one of the homemade pies.
• For something a bit quieter, the village of Kastraki is quaintness itself. Meaning ‘small castle’, it oozes peace and quiet. You’ll love the stone-built houses with clay-tiled roofs.
• If you are after something a little livelier, but with a charming riverside feel and residents who get about on bicycles, then head to Trikala, the nearest city.

What to pack

Be aware that sleeveless tops, shorts and skirts over the knee are prohibited in monasteries. For ladies, skirts and shawls are available at the entrance.

There’s no need for technical hiking equipment when walking the hiking paths of Meteora.

Otherwise, you’ll be fine with:

• Light hiking shoes (not sports, or open-toed)
• Comfortable clothes
• A small backpack holding a waterproof jacket (for rainy days)
• A water bottle and a snack
• The mandatory hat, sunglasses and sunscreen

For more information contact GreekEscapes.com at 416-461-0815, send us email at [email protected] or Contact us via our site