Climbing and scrambling on the Kastraki rocks

What it is

The Meteora towers are sandstone and conglomerate: a rock made of cemented pebbles, formed in an ancient delta and uplifted millions of years ago. When climbing, you grip rounded stones embedded in the wall. Around Kastraki there are nearly 800 routes spread over about 15 sectors, at all levels, many traditional and multi-pitch, and some sport routes. The best-known rock is Doupiani, beside the village, which also has routes for beginners.

There are two ways to do it here: with a guide, if you have never climbed or have no gear, or on your own, if you already climb.

With a guide: scrambling or climbing

Visit Meteora, a Kalambaka agency, runs two outings:

• Scramble and via ferrata to the Great Saint rock. About 3 hours, leaving at 8:30 from Mesochori, the old quarter of Kastraki. It is about 3 km and about 400 m of ascent to the summit of the Great Saint, the highest rock in Meteora, with scrambling sections, fixed ropes and carved steps. No experience is needed, but good fitness is. It includes an English-speaking mountain guide, harness, helmet and via ferrata equipment. From age 8, in groups of up to 12. Hotel pick-up is paid separately.
• Rock climbing. About 3 hours, at 8:30, meeting at the Saint Nicholas Anapafsas car park. The guide chooses routes to suit your level, from beginners to experienced climbers, and teaches technique and safety. Groups of up to 4. It includes harness, helmet, ropes, belay devices and climbing shoes.

Neither publishes a price on its page: the booking calendar gives it. You can cancel free up to 24 hours before. If the weather is bad, the outing is changed or cancelled.

On your own

If you climb, bring your gear. There are two reference route guides: the Sport Climbing Guide Meteora & Theopetra by Vangelis Batsiou, a local climber, and Greece Sport Climbing: The Best Of, by Aris Theodoropoulos. Many routes are multi-pitch. For Doupiani, the approach is a short walk along the old monks' path, and people usually stay in the area of Camping Vrachos, in Kastraki. Bear in mind that in 2021, after some earthquakes, stones fell from some towers.

When to go

Spring and autumn are the season. In July and August the rock heats up and in Trikala the average high exceeds 33 °C: climb only first thing, which is why guided outings start at 8:30. In winter there are good days, but cold and rain; with wet rock, do not climb.

What to bring

For the guided outing: mountain footwear with a good sole or closed trainers (no sandals), sportswear, at least a litre of water per person, sun protection, sunglasses, a light waterproof and a small rucksack. The technical gear is provided by the agency.

With teenagers

The Great Saint scramble works well with teenagers: there is height, ropes and a summit, and you do not need to know how to climb. The minimum age is 8, although the agency says it depends on the child. It is not for anyone with a fear of heights.

Where to sleep and eat

Kastraki is the climbers' village: besides Camping Vrachos, there is the Hotel Kastraki. For dinner, Stefanos Tavern and the Taverna-Ouzeri Pappas are in the village.