Meteora and Zagori hiking

Kastraki (meaning ‘small castle’) is a small, peaceful and very picturesque village nestled among the gigantic cliffs of Meteora. Despite its rapid growth in recent years, the village has retained its old atmosphere and authentic Greek feel. The people of Kastraki share a particular affection for flowers. You can see impressive flower displays even in the yards of the humblest houses.

To reach Kastraki from Athens or Thessaloniki you will first have to take a train or bus to Kalambaka. From there it is just a short local bus or taxi ride to Kastraki. Please note that it isn’t possible to pre-book a taxi from Kalambaka to Kastraki. A local taxi should cost around €10 for up to 4 people.

Overnight: Kastraki.

Distance: 9.4 km | Ascent: 400 m | Descent: 400 m | 4 hrs approx.

Self-guided walk to the spectacular monasteries of Ypapanti, Megalo Meteoron and Varlaam.

Your first walk begins in the shadow of the imposing Doupiani rock, under the ruins of the ancient Pantokratoros Monastery. You will walk across the immense and famous rock formations to the northern side of Meteora. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to visit the hidden monastery of Ypapanti (Mon-Fri only), as well as the monasteries of Great Meteoron and Varlaam. Finally, you descend from the rocks via an ancient footpath that was used by the monks for centuries before the construction of roads.

The walk can be shortened to 7 km by skipping Ypapanti.

Overnight: Kastraki.

Today you have the opportunity to learn about the history of this fascinating site as you join a great guided hike. On this 3-hour hike you will discover the caves of Meteora before a spectacular clifftop walk to Agio Pnevma (The Rock of Holy Spirit). The view from the top of the cliff is absolutely breath-taking!

Starting from Kastraki, you will climb some 250 metres above the village while enjoying incredible views over the surrounding area. The rock of Agio Pnevma is located in the middle of the valley that extends from the village towards the vast rock complex of Meteora. As you reach the top, you find yourself walking along a plateau where a small chapel dedicated to the Holy Spirit once stood. On the northern side of Agio Pnevma, you will reach the ‘prison cave’ where expelled monks were once incarcerated. Finally, you pass beneath the cave of Ag. Georgos before descending back to the central square of Kastraki.

Overnight: Kastraki.

Today you will travel by public bus to the beautiful town of Ioannina. Buses run twice daily (departing from Kalambaka at approx. 9.00 and 15.30. Journey time 2½ hrs, ticket not included). You may prefer to book a private transfer (105 km / 2 hours, bookable at an extra cost).

Ioannina is a beautiful town situated on the shore of Lake Pamvotis in the foothills of the Pindos Mountains. The city was once the home of Ali Pasha, a famous ruler of the Ottoman Empire. The well-preserved Ottoman city offers plenty of attractions: the Itch-Kale (fortress) of Ali Pasha, the Byzantine Museum and the Fetiche Mosque, just to name a few. You can also take a boat trip to the small island in the lake. Along the shore you will find numerous taverns for a lovely lakeside dinner.

Overnight: Ioannina.

Distance: 7.7 km | Ascent: 325 m | Descent: 325 m | 3 hrs approx.

A private taxi transfer is included this morning to take you to your next hiking location. In just an hour you will find yourself in the heart of the Zagori region – your destination is the village of Monondendri, situated at the rim of the famous Vikos Gorge. Along the way, you will make photo stops at two of the gorge’s famous stone bridges; the Kokkorou bridge and the Plakidas bridge.

After checking in at your hotel, you have the option of taking one (or more) of 3 walks to different viewpoints over the stunning gorge. The nearest viewpoint is at the abandoned monastery of Agia Paraskevi, while the most famous is the Oxya viewpoint. This is reached via the ‘stone forest’, a series of eroded rock pillars with a bizarre appearance. The third option is the lesser-known viewpoint at the chapel of Agioi Apostoloi. Each viewpoint offers wonderful photo opportunities as you enjoy panoramic views over the awe-inspiring Vikos Gorge.

Overnight: Monodendri.

Distance: 12.5 km | Ascent: 700 m | Descent: 1,000 m | 5 hrs approx.

Today’s hike through the famous Vikos Gorge is sure to be a real highlight of your walking holiday! You will begin by descending 400 metres from Monodendri village to the bottom of the gorge. You then walk through the gorge, mostly staying close to the riverbed but occasionally climbing higher along the side of the gorge. You will have lots of opportunities to cool your feet or even take a refreshing swim in turquoise river. When you reach the beautiful springs of Voidomatis, you begin your ascent on an old cobbled path to the village of Vikos. From the village you can enjoy yet another fantastic view over the gorge.

Overnight: Vikos.

Distance: 13 km | Ascent: 1,000 m | Descent: 900 m | 5 hrs approx.

OR

Distance: 8 km | Ascent: 750 m | Descent: 600 m | 3 hrs approx.

You begin your final hike by descending once again to the Voidomatis springs. On the way you have the option to make a small detour to the church of the once bigger monastery of Panagia tou Vikou. At the icy springs of Voidomatis you cross the river. Until June there is a chance that you have to take off your boots to go across. You then follow the zigzagging path uphill on the other side.

Just before entering the village of Mikro Papingo, you have the option to make a loop to the ‘Kokkino Lithari’, meaning the ‘Red Rock’. From this point, you have a superb view of the Papingo villages and surroundings. Back in Mikro Papingo, you continue towards the Kolombithres (rock pools). These natural pools are a great spot to spend some time, especially during summer. After an afternoon relaxation at the pools, you walk to nearby Megalo Papingo for your last night.

Overnight: Megalo Papingo.

After breakfast you have a prebooked taxi transfer to the bus station of Ioannina or to Ioannina airport for your onward travel. We would also be happy to book extension nights in Ioannina, Thessaloniki or Athens on request.