Hiking Meteora’s Hermit Caves from Kastraki

Description

The afternoon Hiking Tour of Meteora’s Caves hikes up the rock of Aghio Pnevma (Holy Spirit), which is located in the middle of the valley that extends from the village of Kastraki towards the vast rock complex of Meteora.

The 3 hrs hiking Meteora’s caves will guide you on the trails near the village of Kastraki. On top, a chapel made inside a cave and dedicated to Holy Spirit was erected by the very first hermit of Meteora. A hermit monk named Varnavas lived there in the 10th century. So, one could say that this rock became the birthplace of the monastic community of Meteora. It’s the rock where all began more than a thousand years ago.

Walk in the footsteps of those first hermit monks of Meteora; see the caves where those faithful people chose to live centuries ago. Learn all the stories and the legends through the narrative of our guides. This hiking Meteora’s caves starts in the afternoon from the village of Kastraki, on the foothills of Aghio Pnevma rock, to lead you some 250 meters higher above the village. Filled with the most awesome views of the surrounding area you will then reach the prison cave of the monks, located on the northern side of Aghio Pnevma. The hike will then pass below the cave of St. George and it will finish at the central square of the Kastraki village.

This tour requires a good fitness state. Difficulty level: Intermediate.

Highlights:

• See the prison where the monks were expelled
• Unique views from the top of the Holy Spirit cliff
• Visit the cave chapel dedicated to the Holy Spirit
• Find the hermitage of St. George of "Mandilaras"
• An afternoon hike off the bitten tourists paths

Please note: This tour does not include hotel pick up and drop off service. This means that you will have to arrange your transfer on your own in order to reach the designated meeting point and start the tour.