Top 15 Must-See Attractions in Kalambaka, Greece

In the Thessaly Valley, Kalambaka is a town overlooked by the breathtaking rock formations of Meteora. Surrounded by natural greenery, these towering sandstone and conglomerate pillars rise up to 400 meters and are topped with monasteries, collectively recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The pillars were formed through geological activity and sculpted by the forces of wind and water, creating a breathtaking panorama with monasteries that appear to defy gravity. Historically, enterprising monks relied on rope lifts to transport themselves hundreds of meters from the valley floor; however, modern visitors are fortunate to use stairways to explore these historical complexes, the most ancient of which dates back to the early 1300s.

All six prominent monasteries boast churches adorned with exquisite frescoes, while interiors include refectories, kitchens, and living quarters.

Let us delve into the most significant attractions in Kalambaka:

1. Holy Monastery of Great Meteoro

The largest and most ancient of the Meteora monasteries was founded in the 14th century by St Athanasios the Meteorite, marking the inception of organized monasticism in this unique location.

The term “Meteoro” can be translated as “suspended in the air,” which aptly describes its appearance. The main church dates to the establishment of the monastery, while the frescoes were crafted in the 15th and 16th centuries.

A museum located here showcases a variety of icons and codices which visitors can admire. Following this, you may visit the sacristy, refectory (featuring a table from the 1500s), kitchen, scriptorium, and the halls of New Martyrs (previously a nursing home and hospital). It is hardly an exaggeration to say that the consistent view of Meteora’s monumental rock formations may leave you in awe.

2. The Varlaam Monastery

Located directly across from the Great Meteoro Monastery, the Varlaam Monastery was established a little later, in the mid-14th century by the ascetic monk Hosios Varlaam.

You will access this monastery by crossing a narrow bridge and may encounter one of the seven monks residing in the gardens, who will warmly welcome visitors.

The current structures were completed in 1541, with the main church decorated in 1548. The frescoes here are highly regarded and were produced by the hagiographer Frangos Katalanos, who hails from Thebes.

Other remarkable aspects include the frescoes in the exonarthex, painted in 1566. The monastery’s tower still retains its 16th-century windlass and rope basket, which were once the sole means of transporting individuals and supplies to the monastery.

The former refectory has now been transformed into a museum housing vestments and icons, many of which feature Renaissance artistry.

3. Monastery of the Holy Trinity

At first glance, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity, perched atop its striking rock above Kalambaka, conveys that reaching it will be a challenge.

Your journey begins by following a path south to the base of the rock, leading to a climb of 140 steps.

Dating back to 1362, the Monastery of the Holy Trinity saw its remaining structures built in the 1470s. The frescoes in the main church depict scenes such as the Last Supper and Jesus washing his disciples’ feet, created in 1741 by two monks.

A charming chapel dedicated to St John the Baptist has been carved from the rock and embellished with frescoes painted in 1682, including one portraying Sisoes the Monk at the tomb of Alexander the Great.

Fans of James Bond may recognize this monastery from the climax of the 1981 film “For Your Eyes Only.”

4. Roussanou Monastery

The Roussanou Monastery, inhabited by nuns and dedicated to St Barbara, is likely named after the first hermit who lived on this rock.

Positioned on a lower pedestal, Roussanou is relatively easier to access than many other monasteries.

This monastery, established in the early 16th century, features a compact cruciform distyle church that was painted in 1560. The specific artist remains unknown, yet the frescoes are exceptionally crafted in the style of the Cretan School, which merges Eastern and Western artistic influences.

Like many buildings at Meteora, Roussanou includes a beautifully adorned exonarthex with a barrel vault.

Due to the unusual shape of the rock, Roussanou is oriented toward the north rather than following the traditional east, providing a veranda with captivating vistas of Meteora’s enchanting landscape.

5. Monastery of St Stephen

Another of Meteora’s more accessible monasteries, St Stephen is situated on the plain rather than a cliff top, making it a suitable option for individuals with mobility challenges.

Home to nuns, St Stephen experienced significant destruction during World War II when it was reportedly occupied by insurgents.

The original hermit settlement dates back to the 1100s, with a small, war-damaged chapel dedicated to St Stephen constructed in 1545. The larger main church, established in the 18th century, honors St Charalambos and houses relics of this saint, who was allegedly martyred at the age of 113 in 202 AD. Signs of the Second World War and the subsequent civil war are evident, with bullet holes visible on some of the icons.

The panoramic views from this monastery are as picturesque as one would hope, offering sweeping vistas of the Thessaly Valley, the Pinios River, and the Pindos Mountains in the distance.

6. Monastery of St Nikolaos Anapafsas

The Monastery of St Nikolaos, situated along the route from Kastraki to Great Meteoro, emerged in the late 14th century.

The etymology of “Anapafsas” remains unclear, but in Greek, “anapafsys” means “resting,” which could indicate its initial purpose as a respite location before ascending to Great Meteoro.

Perched on a notably narrow rock, St Nikolaos Anapafsas lacks a courtyard, presents the smallest footprint among its counterparts, and is structured over multiple tiers.

A small chapel at the entrance contains frescoes dating back to the 1300s.

The main church, situated above, was adorned by the esteemed 16th-century artist Theophanes the Cretan in 1527. Visitors should be sure to view the ossuary, the monks’ quarters, and the Chapel of St John the Baptist.

7. Natural History Museum of Meteora & Mushroom Museum

Back in Kalambaka, you will find an intriguing museum that opened in 2014, dedicated to examining the wildlife and botany of the region.

The museum features well-curated dioramas displaying taxidermized animals in simulated habitats.

More than 350 species of mammals and birds are showcased, accompanied by insightful information regarding their behaviors and dietary patterns.

Located on the second floor, the museum’s alternate department focuses on mushrooms, a culinary specialty of the Meteora region.

You can see models of the 250 different mushroom species that thrive on the Thessaly Plain, with visual representations capturing each species during three stages of its lifecycle.

8. Theopetra Cave

A limestone outcrop situated just 10 minutes from Kalambaka harbors a cave exhibiting evidence of human habitation that dates back at least 130,000 years.

Footprints from 135,000 years ago, alongside Mesolithic skeletons, coal, and remnants of plants and seeds, provide a fascinating insight into the culinary practices of early inhabitants.

The Theopetra Cave also contains the world’s oldest man-made structure, a stone wall that once blocked the majority of the cavern’s entrance, likely serving to shield occupants from the elements during the Ice Age.

This wall is thought to have been constructed around 23,000 years ago.

As of 2018, the cave was undergoing renovations, but while awaiting its reopening, visitors can explore the information center which showcases some of the cave’s discoveries.

9. Kalambaka Town

Kalambaka offers phenomenal photography opportunities as the town is dwarfed by two of Meteora’s towering rocks, which stand in monumental clusters to the north with residences and churches nestled at their base.

If you manage to divert your gaze from these stunning natural formations, you will discover much to appreciate within the town, especially in its historic center filled with winding cobblestone streets.

Known as Stagi during the Medieval era, Kalambaka served as a significant settlement throughout the Byzantine Empire. Two churches from this period, St John the Baptist and the Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, will be explored further below.

Local souvenir shops offer a variety of handmade items, including embroidery, leather sandals, and intricately carved wooden crafts.

10. Church of the Assumption

Situated beneath the Aea rock is a Byzantine church that was consecrated in the 11th century, built atop an earlier early-Christian basilica.

Notably interesting about this monument is the presence of spolia (re-used ancient stone) embedded in its walls.

Some of these marble stones originate from an ancient Greek temple, potentially that of Apollo.

The contemporary church is structured as a three-aisled basilica (with a central section elevated above the sides) and features a wooden roof.

Traces of frescoes painted in the 11th and 12th centuries can be observed on the eastern and southern walls, while the majority of the other artworks were created by the son of Theophanes the Cretan and date back to 1573.

11. Hiking

Although challenging for the calves, hiking provides the most rewarding way to traverse Meteora’s grand monasteries and the extraordinary rock formations.

Numerous stairways and side trails beckon exploration, while the two primary routes are the Eastern Trail (half-day) and the Western Trail (full-day). The Eastern Trail initiates at the Monastery of St Stephen and progresses along the valley to the Holy Trinity, situated atop Kalambaka.

The Western Trail necessitates more experience and preparation; however, it leads to four monasteries: Great Meteoro, Varlaam, Roussanou, and St Nikolaos Anapafsas.

Along the way, expect to encounter caves and panoramic viewpoints, including one that offers a view of all six monasteries simultaneously.

12. Scrambling

This activity presents a more intricate challenge than merely walking through Meteora.

Scrambling is a guided experience that merges hiking with climbing, requiring you to don a helmet and harness to access locations typically beyond reach.

One such expedition will guide you up the Great Saint, Meteora’s tallest rock, towering 400 meters above Kalambaka.

The trail measures only three kilometers in length, yet a significant portion is vertical, compelling you to navigate via cordatas over steep drops and ascend historic stairways meticulously carved from the rock by the monks of the former Monastery of the Twelve Apostles.

13. Rock Climbing

For avid climbers, Meteora’s seemingly endless columns soaring hundreds of meters high resemble a colossal playground, and during summer, it can be entertaining merely to observe the experts at work.

Long before tourists arrived, hermits and subsequently monks practiced climbing these geological formations, thus enhancing the region’s historical intrigue alongside its breathtaking views and the sense of accomplishment climbers enjoy.

A number of companies offer to transport climbers from their accommodations to various climbing walls.

All necessary equipment is supplied, and the conglomerate stone of the cliffs presents numerous hand and footholds.

Many routes are now equipped with bolts, facilitating quick and easy single-pitch climbs.

14. Hellenic Culture Museum

This well-presented museum serves as a gallery for books and educational resources, originating from the personal library of the book collector Pavlos Balogiannis.

For those curious about Meteora’s unique geology, the museum provides informative exhibits and a short film.

Visitors can also view archival footage showcasing a monk being hoisted to his monastery utilizing a rope net, explaining how these monumental structures were constructed.

An entire room is dedicated to Aesop’s fables, while the collection encompasses modern Greek literature alongside historical manuscripts displayed in glass cases.

The educational section features a reconstructed classroom showcasing vintage posters and charts.

15. Local Cuisine

As one might anticipate, a town with a museum partly focused on mushrooms showcases numerous products derived from this fungus.

In the shop within the museum, you can purchase truffle flakes, truffle oil, dried mushrooms, powdered mushrooms, mushrooms preserved in oil, and even a unique mushroom liqueur.

During the autumn and winter months, opportunities to organize mushroom foraging and truffle hunting excursions are also available.

Aside from mushrooms, the local cuisine emphasizes fresh produce such as yogurt, cheese, honey, fruits, and high-quality meats.

Patrons at a taverna can savor local specialties, including leek sausage or lamb stew with aubergine.

The sweet soutzoukos, crafted from grape must and nuts, stands out as a notable delicacy, and nearby Diava offers visits to family-run wineries across the Pineios River.