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If you have done the things to do in Greece, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Kalampaka.
Kalampaka, a hidden gem nestled amongst the clouds in northern Greece, offers a plethora of activities that will take your breath away, just like the stunning views of its towering rock formations.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Kalampaka:
1. Meteora Monasteries
A complex of six magnificent Eastern Orthodox monasteries built on top of towering rock formations in central Greece.
What to see or do: Marvel at the breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, explore the ancient monasteries and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the place.
Don’t miss: Visiting the monastery of Great Meteoron, which is the largest and oldest of the six monasteries, and also houses an interesting museum with a rich collection of religious artifacts.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit is early in the morning when the monasteries are less crowded and the lighting is perfect for photography.
2. Theopetra Cave
Theopetra Cave is an archaeological site in Kalambaka, Greece, known for being one of the oldest human-made structures in the world.
What to see or do: Visitors can witness the cave’s impressive rock formations and view the ancient dwellings, including a stone wall and fireplace, that were once inhabited by humans over 23,000 years ago.
Don’t miss: The stunning views of the surrounding valley from the cave’s entrance are not to be missed.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to wear comfortable and sturdy shoes, as there is a short hike to reach the cave entrance. Additionally, visitors may want to arrive early in the day to avoid the crowds.
3. Great Meteoron Monastery
Great Meteoron Monastery is one of the six functioning monasteries located in Meteora, an area of towering rock formations in central Greece.
What to see or do: Visitors can admire the impressive architecture of the monastery and its stunning location perched on top of a towering rock formation.
Inside the monastery, one can see many holy relics, remarkable frescoes, and beautiful chapels.
Don’t miss: The ancient wine press and the monastic kitchen which features a variety of cooking utensils and tools.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to visit the monastery early in the morning to avoid the crowds. As a sign of respect, visitors should dress conservatively and not take photos inside the chapels.
It’s also a good idea to wear comfortable shoes, as there are many steps to climb.
4. Monastery of Varlaam
The Monastery of Varlaam is a stunning Eastern Orthodox monastery located on top of a rocky pillar in the town of Kalampaka, Greece.
It is one of the six active monasteries in Meteora and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the monastery’s museum, which houses a collection of religious artifacts and manuscripts from the Byzantine era. They can also take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from the monastery’s courtyard.
Don’t miss: Make sure to check out the monastery’s impressive frescoes, which depict scenes from the Bible and are considered some of the finest examples of Byzantine art.
Insider travel tips: – Visitors must dress modestly when visiting the monastery – long pants and covered shoulders are required.
5. Holy Trinity Monastery
Holy Trinity Monastery is a beautiful Eastern Orthodox Monastery that is nestled on top of a rock formation in Kalampaka, Greece.
What to see or do: Visitors can take in panoramic views of the surrounding valley, as well as view incredible frescoes and architecture.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the Holy Trinity Monastery is the uniquely designed domed church, which was made famous in the James Bond film, ‘For Your Eyes Only’.
Insider travel tips: The walk up to the monastery can be demanding, so be sure to wear comfortable shoes and bring plenty of water.
Also, it’s best to arrive early in the day to avoid crowds and ensure a peaceful visit.
6. Agios Nikolaos Anapafsas Monastery
Anapafsas Monastery is one of the six active monasteries in Meteora, Greece. Located in Kalampaka, it is named after the refreshment (anapafsas) provided to pilgrims by the monastery in ancient times.
What to see or do: Visit the church and admire the frescoes painted by the famous Cretan painter, Theophanes Strelitzas. Take in the stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys from the monastery’s balcony.
Don’t forget to explore the small museum inside the monastery.
Don’t miss: The beautifully preserved frescoes in the church depict scenes from the life of Christ and are considered some of the finest examples of post-Byzantine art.
Make sure to also see the small chapel on the lower level of the monastery, which is dedicated to Saint Anthony.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes, as there are plenty of stairs to climb to reach the monastery. Be mindful of the dress code and cover your shoulders and knees when entering the monastery.
Finally, the best time to visit is early in the morning or late in the afternoon when there are fewer tourists.
7. Museum of Natural History
The Museum of Natural History is a small yet fascinating museum located in the town of Kalampaka, Greece.
What to see or do: The museum showcases the diverse flora and fauna of the region, including fossils, reptiles, birds, mammals, and insects.
Visitors can admire the intricate patterns of butterfly wings, marvel at the size of a preserved crocodile, and learn about the unique geology of the area.
Don’t miss: One of the main highlights of the museum is the stunning collection of bird eggs, some of which are extremely rare and only found in the surrounding mountains.
The museum also houses a small shop that sells souvenirs and books related to nature and conservation.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is easily accessible, as it is located in the center of Kalampaka and can be reached on foot or by car.
8. Roussanou Monastery
Roussanou Monastery is a Greek Orthodox monastery located on a rock formation in the Meteora region of central Greece.
What to see or do: Visitors can witness the stunning architecture and frescoes inside the monastery’s chapel. The panoramic view of the nearby mountains is breathtaking.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to climb to the top of the monastery for an even better view of the surrounding landscape.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and get the best light for photos. Dress modestly and be respectful of the religious site.
Some parts of the monastery may be closed for restoration so check ahead before visiting.
9. Byzantine Museum of Kalampaka
The Byzantine Museum of Kalampaka is a small yet informative museum focused on the Byzantine history and art of the region.
What to see or do: The museum houses a collection of religious artifacts, icons, and murals from various churches and monasteries of Kalampaka and nearby areas.
Visitors can admire the intricate details and symbolism of the artworks and learn about their historical and cultural significance.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of the museum is a replica of a 14th-century wooden templon (iconostasis) from the Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary in the nearby village of Kastraki.
Insider travel tips: – The museum is located near the town center of Kalampaka, within walking distance from the Meteora monasteries.
10. The Church of the Assumption of Virgin Mary
A stunning Eastern Orthodox church located in Kalampaka, Greece.
What to see or do: Take in the beautiful Byzantine architecture and marvel at the intricate frescoes that adorn the walls and ceiling. Attend a worship service to experience the incredible acoustics within the church.
Don’t miss: The detailed mural depicting the Second Coming of Christ, as well as the image of the Virgin Mary on the front of the church.
Insider travel tips: Modest dress is required to enter the church, and photography is not allowed inside. Plan to visit in the morning when the light is best for viewing the frescoes.
It is also recommended to hire a knowledgeable guide to fully appreciate the history and significance of the church.
11. Archaeological Collection of Kalampaka
Archaeological museum located in Kalampaka, Greece featuring artifacts from the prehistoric times to the late antiquity period.
What to see or do: Explore the museum’s extensive collection of artifacts including pottery, tools, and sculptures that date back to the early Neolithic period. Visitors can also view exhibits that showcase the ancient Greek culture and the development of the area.
Don’t miss: One of the must-see artifacts is the “Dancing Girl” figurine, which was discovered in 1969 in the nearby village of Sesklo.
Another highlight is the statue of Athena from the 4th century BC and the ancient gold and silver coins on display.
Insider travel tips: The museum can get crowded during peak tourist season, so plan your visit accordingly to avoid the crowds.
12. St Stephen’s Monastery
St Stephen’s Monastery is a historic Eastern Orthodox Monastery located in Kalampaka, Greece. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the six functioning monasteries in the Meteora region.
What to see or do: Visitors can witness stunning frescoes, murals, and religious artifacts from the Byzantine era inside the Monastery. The Monastery also has a small museum and a church that is open to visitors.
The outdoor terrace provides panoramic views of the surrounding town of Kalampaka and the rugged, rocky terrain of Meteora.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking view from the Monastery’s terrace is the highlight of a visit to St Stephen’s Monastery. The Monastery’s church with its beautiful frescoes and intricate woodwork is also a must-see for visitors.
Insider travel tips: – Visitors are requested to dress appropriately while entering the Monastery. Shoulder and knees should be covered.
13. Trikala Castle
Trikala Castle is a Byzantine fortress located on a rocky hilltop in the city of Trikala, Greece.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the castle’s walls, towers, and gates, and take in the scenic views of the surrounding valley.
Don’t miss: The interior of the castle’s main tower, which houses a small museum with exhibits on the castle’s history and the city of Trikala.
Insider travel tips: Wear comfortable shoes as the castle’s many steps and uneven terrain can be challenging. Visit during the cooler months for more comfortable weather, and catch the sunset for breathtaking views.
14. Grand Cave of Theopetra
The Grand Cave of Theopetra is a unique and ancient cave located in the town of Kalampaka in Greece.
What to see or do: Visitors can explore the cave and admire its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The cave is also famous for its archaeological significance, as it has been inhabited by humans for over 100,000 years.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the cave is the 23,000-year-old stone wall that has been preserved within it. This wall features some of the oldest known examples of portable art in Greece, including paintings of animals and humans.
Insider travel tips: Be sure to book a tour in advance to get the most out of your visit.
It’s also worth noting that there is a short hike involved in reaching the cave from the parking area, so wear comfortable shoes and bring water.
If you’re interested in the history and archaeology of the cave, hiring a guide is highly recommended.