See Also
• Top Meteora hotel recommendations
• Meteora Travel Guide
• Travelling to Meteora from Athens
• Mainland Greece Travel Guide
• Athens Travel Guide
Meteora Tips & Recommendations
- There are two main areas to stay when visiting the Meteora: the town of Kalambaka and the village of Kastraki. Briefly, Kastraki provides more charm and Kalambaka has more commerce; both have plenty of great hotels and restaurants and daily bus service to the monasteries. It takes only 15 minutes to walk (or a very short bus/taxi ride) between the two, making it easy to stay in one location and visit the other.
- Top Accommodations near Meteora: Hotel Doupiani House (Kastraki), Divani Meteora (Kalambaka)
- Experiencing the Meteora Monasteries through an organized tour is highly recommended. A few companies in Kalambaka/Kastraki offer comparable tours, all providing an excellent experience. We suggest Visit Meteora. A classic combination, highly proposed, is taking their 5-Hour Hiking Tour in the morning, followed by an evening Sunset Tour.
- A strict dress code was enforced inside the monasteries: skirts reaching below the knee for women and long pants or below-the-knee shorts for men were mandatory; sleeveless clothing was prohibited for both groups. Skirts and shawls were generally offered to borrow or purchase at the entrance of monasteries for those unprepared.
- Booking.com is the best website for searching and reserving lodging near the Meteora.
The 11 Best Places to Eat in Kalambaka and Kastraki
Best Restaurants in Kalambaka
1. Meteoron Panorama – Kalambaka • $$-$$$
With delectable cuisine, exceptional friendly service, and the best restaurant views in Kalambaka, Meteoron Panorama is Meteora’s “don’t-miss” restaurant. The menu includes updated variations of classic Greek dishes at a good variety of price points; standouts encompass the slow cooked baby lamb, clay-pot beef, and truffle risotto. Decor inside is stylish and cozy, but call ahead to make reservations for terrace seating, where the stunning rocky backdrop seems close enough to touch. Located at the western end of Kalambaka along the road to Kastraki.
+30 2432 078128
2. Meteora Restaurant – Kalambaka • $$-$$$
The Meteora Restaurant, owned by the same family since 1925, was one of the earliest restaurants in the region and remains one of the best. The Gkertsou family offers a menu full of special dishes handed down from their grandmother, such as eggplant saganaki, moussaka, and homemade sausage. There are plenty of non-meat and dairy options too. Its charming rustic interior and spacious outdoor area shaded by trees – home to singing avians – ensure a perfect ambiance throughout the year. Situated on Town Hall Square near the local transport hub, taxi stand, and tourist center.
+30 2432 022316
3. Valia Calda – Kalambaka • $$-$$$
Amid so numerous conventional tavernas offering comparable items, Valia Calda goes hyper-regional, specializing in the ancestral cuisine of the Vlach persons of the Meteora region. Originating in the surrounding hills, these recipes incorporate ingredients like wild herbs and mushrooms, regionally-developed produce, river trout, and lamb to create dishes that are at once time-honored and thoroughly innovative. This is one of the Meteora’s finest eateries for vegans, with many animal-free options on the menu. Fantastic central location on Kalambaka’s east end, just a 10-minute walk from the train station.
+30 2432 300930
4. Patisserie Rompos – Kalambaka • $
A gem of a sweets shop, located directly on the main street. Rombos makes an excellent stop for something delightful, with mouth-watering items that range from exquisite cakes and pastries to gelato to traditional local Halva – a soft, traditional confection that’s a must-sample. There’s a reason it’s stayed in business since 1924.
+30 2432 022269
5. The Diner & Cocktail Bar – Kalambaka • $$
A good choice for a superb meal when you’re looking for something beyond the conventional tavern, The Diner offers something for everyone, at nearly any time of day. Open at 10am for breakfast and into the wee hours serving outstanding cocktails, their menu ranges from burgers and sandwiches to pizzas to pancakes to salads, with a surprising number of creative vegan dishes available. Centrally positioned just off Dimoula Square, the heart of Kalambaka’s late night party scene.
+30 2432 075728
6. Taverna to Paramithi – Kalambaka • $$
Taverna to Paramithi has all the traits of a great Greek taverna: traditional cuisine, rustic interior, and a charming vine-covered patio – often with live music in the evenings. If ambience is what you’re after, it’s worth the few minutes’ walk west of the town center to visit this local gem.
+30 2432 024441
7. Feel the Rocks – Kalambaka • $$-$$$
Sleek and stylish all day cafe/restaurant/bar with a fabulous rooftop terrace. Feel the Rocks offers a wide-ranging international menu including American breakfast staples, burgers and sandwiches, pasta dishes, and grilled meats, with outstanding dishes including orzo with mushrooms and chicken teriyaki. Their cocktail creations are top-notch, with classics and innovative originals (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) expertly crafted at the rooftop bar. Cigars and shisha are also offered. Situated right on Dimoula Square, with great Meteora views.
+30 2432 079171
Best Restaurants in Kastraki
8. Qastiro – Kastraki • $$
Nestled within a rustic stone building atop the serene edge of Kastraki village, mellow Qastiro balances rustic charm with refined sophistication, offering a carefully curated menu including light bistro fare (featuring great pizza) and an extensive selection of beverages – from fresh juices and coffee to local spirits and terrific cocktails. The indoor decor creates a cozy atmosphere, and the panoramic views of Holy Spirit rock from the stone patio can’t be rivaled.
+30 2432 078062
9. Taverna Gardenia – Kastraki • $$
Top-quality traditional dining in the heart of the village. The Plakia family has owned and operated this tavern since the 1930’s, serving well-made comforting dishes like moussaka, pork souvlaki, and stuffed peppers within a vibrant and welcoming environment. The excellent serving staff make you feel as though you’re part of the family too. Excellent central village position just across from the church.
+30 6972 700698
10. Batalogianni Zoi – Kastraki • $$
A humble staircase away from street level leads down to the agreeable family-run tavern`s dining room in the central village; out back is a gorgeous garden terrace with spectacular perspectives of the Meteora and upper village. Savor these perspectives while delighting in a customary menu of char-grilled meats and veggie dishes – particularly the stuffed eggplant is delectable – and a respectable assortment of local wines.
+30 2432 023253
11. Efrosino – Kastraki • $$-$$$
Situated in the shade of a big tree at the start of Kastraki village, Efrosino has a bright and airy outdoor area at the front and center. Traditional Greek favorites are lovingly prepared here, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Large portions, friendly service, great prices.
+30 2432 078131
