Vacation Packages to Kalambaka

General Information About Kalambaka

Kalambaka is a city in Greece located in the administrative unit of Thessaly, specifically in the Trikala prefecture, which is located between a not-so-high mountain and the rocky masses on which the well-known city in the air of Meteora was built.

Geographically, Kalambaka stands out for offering a postcard in which the presence of rocky surfaces with the most unusual shapes prevails, thanks to erosion. The climate of the region is Mediterranean.

One of the most interesting sites that can be visited in Kalambaka is its 14th century Cathedral. In this you can appreciate both the Byzantine and the paleochristian influence.

In turn, this beautiful site is the gateway to the incredible monasteries in the sky of Meteora and a mandatory stop on your visit to Kastraki.

Traces of History in Kalambaka

During World War II, the Axis armies carried out an entire campaign in Africa and Greece. For this reason, the Greek soldiers went to take refuge in the monasteries located on the tops of the Meteora mountains.

These monasteries were created by monks who had retired to live in the mountains as hermits since the 11th century, due to the belief in the possibility of getting closer to Divinity by being as close to heaven as possible.

When soldiers used these temples as shelter, the Nazi party responded by shelling the area. Consequently, several of the monasteries were destroyed and their treasures lost or stolen.

The town of Kalambaka, the closest to the monasteries, was also attacked by bombers and partially destroyed.

However, both the town and the monasteries were rebuilt and in the year 1988, the Meteora Monasteries were named as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

Only 6 of the monasteries remain. One of them inhabited only by nuns and its access gate is Kalambaka, a very picturesque city that enjoys the best views.

Kalambaka Highlights

What to Eat If You Travel to Kalambaka

Kalambaka is an excellent destination for lovers of good food, because there you will find the best of typical Greek cuisine, with an abundant gastronomic offer and at a very good price.

A very delicious traditional dish that we recommend is Horiatiki, a delicious salad made with tomatoes, peppers, cheese, cucumber, onion, black olives and aromatic herbs.

Another typical dish that you can try is moussaka, a traditional Greek recipe that consists of layers of sliced ​​aubergine, minced lamb and tomato, covered in bechamel sauce.

You can also find this recipe made with mushrooms, which, by the way, are a local product from the area.

Likewise, an exquisite dish is Spanakópita, a puff pastry cake with spinach and feta cheese that satisfies all palates.

In turn, this meal has the benefit that it is very easy to transport if you want to eat on the way to an excursion, or in the middle of it, enjoying the best scenery while enjoying the best flavors.

And as for dessert, don't leave without eating the typical Greek yogurt with honey and plums, you won't regret it.

As for drinks, we encourage you to order the wine that the waiter recommends to accompany your dish in restaurants, as the selection of wines will not disappoint you.

The Byzantine Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary

This wonderful Byzantine Church is located in the highest part of Kalambaka, which has a beautiful basilica plan with impressive frescoes.

It is a site that is not so touristically exploited, which offers the possibility of visiting the temple peacefully and at your own pace.

If you are an art lover, without a doubt you cannot miss this jewel, because plunged into darkness and stillness, it has some exquisite works of art.

Also, if you are attracted to religious tourism and to know the different places of worship, since the church is active today.

The tour is estimated to last approximately one hour and the site opens its doors from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Visit the Meteora Monasteries From Kalambaka

The monasteries are the jewel of Meteora, because if their architecture and the incredible natural scenery on which they stand take your breath away, getting to know them from the inside is not far behind.

That is why we recommend you during your visit to Kalambaka to visit the Monasteries of the city of heaven.

Inside these temples you will observe that the walls are covered by impressive paintings with religious motifs, which only find a break in the exquisite stained glass windows through which natural light enters.

The monks who carry out their lives in these Meteora facilities carry out their daily lives with a very different rhythm than today, since they have been completely immersed in the task of cultivating their spirituality.

This is why these architectural jewels stand as monuments to peace and tranquility, in which the structures in the middle of the heavens come together in perfect communion with the atmosphere of contemplation and connection with the divine.

What to Give If You Travel to Kalambaka

If you are planning a trip to Kalambaka and you are one of those who enjoy bringing a beautiful present typical of the place to your loved ones, you should know that this picturesque destination has very good options to entertain your loved ones.

Great options are the objects painted with the postcards that the landscape offers. Well, the images you get when you arrive in Kalambaka have captivated more than one artist and you will find that several local artisans offer their productions inspired by the natural beauty of the site.

Likewise, being so close to Meteora, Kalambaka has been imbued with an atmosphere of spirituality and connection with the divine and inner peace. For this reason, you will find many gifts with religious motives, which will captivate even non-believers due to their delicate finishes.

How to Get Around Kalambaka

To move around Kalambaka you will find different options. Undoubtedly, the most comfortable will be by car, so renting a car or booking private transfers from Greca are the best alternatives.

Especially since the different monasteries located in nearby Meteora are located on different peaks, which are accessed by different roads, so having a car will give you much more freedom to organize your itinerary to your liking.

If this does not convince you, you can also move around the destination by bus, by train or by hiring one day excursions from Greca.

The options to organize your itinerary are multiple, so you will be able to access all the outstanding sites of Kalambaka without much difficulty. Of course, keep in mind that some paths require some physical effort, as you will find sections to do on foot.

Tips to Visit Kalambaka and Meteora

If you are planning a trip to Kalambaka you should take into account some fundamental aspects to optimize your trip.

First of all, remember that the most interesting places to visit in Kalambaka and Meteora are religious places, where certain rules apply according to clothing and ways of behaving.

For this reason, we recommend that if you want to visit temples and churches, you wear clothing that covers your shoulders and legs, such as shirts and t-shirts with pants and long skirts.

Also, do not forget to combine these garments with comfortable shoes because at many times you will have to walk a lot.

Likewise, as many of these centers of interest are located in height, the sun is quite strong and more so in the months that correspond to the summer. Therefore, we recommend you to wear sunscreen, a hat, and bring plenty of water.

The best hours to visit the attractions are during sunrise and sunset, when the light is dimmer and you can appreciate the landscape more and take the best photos.

What to See and Do in Kalambaka

Kalambaka is an amazing destination for the most curious and adventurous travelers, as its fabulous landscape are combined with wonderful architectural sites and a splendid cultural heritage.

Due to its proximity to Meteora, Kalambaka is usually the gateway to this destination and a picturesque city in which to dine, walk and sleep after the busy excursions carried out throughout the day.

In turn, given its proximity to Athens, this destination is usually combined with your trip to Kalambaka, an enclave more than recommended for the most curious travelers.

Do you want to know the most unusual rock formations? Would you like to see the most beautiful frescoes inside places of worship? Do you want to enjoy the visit to the Meteora monasteries?

In that case, book your trip to Kalambaka right now. You can build your trip through Kalambaka with Greca according to your preferences and needs. Make your dreams come true today and travel to Kalambaka!