Metéora (Greek: Μετέωρα, “suspended in the air”) is an outstanding complex of giant rock formations near the town of Kalambaka, in the district of Thessaly. The rocks rise over 400 metres above Kalambaka and the valley of river Peneus.

It is still unclear how these rocks were formed, but it is estimated that this happened approximately 60 million years ago. The most prevalent theory about their formation is through a big river that brought geological material, such as rocks, stones and minerals, to the region. Continuous weathering by rain, wind, as well as  earthquakes, gave them their present shape. It still remains a mystery, though, why such a unique place is not mentioned anywhere in the Greek mythology and why no Greek or foreign historian has written about it.

Between the 10^th century and today 30 monasteries of admirable architecture have been built on these natural sandstone rock pillars, but only six of them remain in a good condition and house religious communities nowadays. For centuries, these monasteries were almost inaccessible, and the monks climbed to the top of Metéora, using rope ladders fixed to the rocks with the aid of wooden poles carefully positioned in rock cracks. The supply of the monasteries was done using nets that hauled up food, water and other necessary goods, as well as people. It was only in the beginning of the 20^th century that steps were carved into the rock and facilitated the access to the monasteries. During the World War II, the region of Metéora was bombed and many art treasures were stolen.

There are dozens of activities to do at Metéora or the surrounding region. Rock climbing is of course the most obvious one, but also one absolutely worth trying. The sandstone rocks provide natural grips, which render Metéora the ideal choice for beginners. For those of you falling under this category, the routes found at the rock of Doupiani are probably the best choice, as the difficulty of many of them does not exceed grade IV. All routes have been traditionally established from the base upwards, which may in some cases look surreal, as some of them continue vertically for almost 500 metres. The most difficult ones are Crazy Dance (IX) and Orchidea (grade VIII), followed by Efialtis (grade VIII), Action Direct (grade VIII) and many others.

Metéora is a breathtaking and unique monument of natural and cultural importance, and it is righteously included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List. If you visit this part of Greece, make sure you don’t miss this amazing attraction. Kalambaka, the nearest big town, is an ideal starting point for your excursions to Metéora and to dozens of other great places that are absolutely worth seeing!

Olive oil, cereals, plenty of fresh or dried vegetables and fruit, fish and seafood, dairy products and a moderate amount of meat, as well as many spices and herbs, all accompanied by good wine or infusion drinks. The Mediterranean lifestyle, however, is not just about healthy food; rather it constitutes a set of practices and traditions, requiring skills and knowledge that are passed intact from one generation to the other, with women playing a vital role in the transmission of expertise, as well as knowledge of celebrations and techniques. Some of these practices are crop and livestock farming, harvesting, fishing, conservation, processing, preparation and consumption of food. This way of life strongly promotes social interaction, since communal meals are the cornerstone of social customs and festive events. This lifestyle is rooted in respect for the environment and the conservation of biodiversity.

All these show that a healthy diet is part of a general well-balanced way of life, where moderation and respect for nature play a key-role. Local traditions have evolved through the centuries in tight relation with the surrounding environment and have led to a lifestyle in complete harmony with it. Being in harmony with our body and soul, the people around us and nature appears to be the answer to a healthy and prosperous life.

During your visit in Greece, you will get to understand more about the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle and you will get the chance to taste all these dishes that are not only very healthy but also delicious. For example the famous Greek Salad or “Village Salad” as it is called in Greek, the vegetables stuffed with rice and herbs called “Gemista”, and the tastiest grilled fish and seafood you have ever tried!

Greece has very rich wild flora and a temperate climate that benefits of long sunshine periods. The climate and geography of the country contribute to the its plant diversity, which counts more than 7,600 different species with over 10% of them only found on Greek territory. This makes Greece’s honey unique in matter of taste and diversity. Many Greek honey types come from various conifers, such as fir trees and pine trees and these usually has a darker colour and a thicker texture. Among them, the fir tree honey coming from the forests of Peloponnese in South Greece has a golden colour and a uniquely creamy texture and fine taste. Other types of honey come from blossoms of aromatic or other plants. Thyme honey is a very good example of honey coming from aromatic plants and one valued much in Greece because of its unique and delicious taste. Thyme honey usually has dark or medium brown colour and clear texture, while blossom honey is usually lighter in colour slightly runnier.

Beekeeping or apiculture, which means the maintenance of honey bee colonies in bee hives by humans, is well developed in Greece and an important part of the country’s agriculture with a long-lasting tradition. Greece has the 7th position in the world’s biggest honey producers giving it one of the top positions.

As a result, Greek honey is a traditional and high-quality product, such as you may know from feta cheese, olive oil or pistachio nuts, and it is exported and appreciated all around the world. You will be able to find genuine Greek honey among other groceries on the Hellas Holiday online shop for Greek products under the category “Food”.

There are three trains per day on weekdays and five trains per day on the weekends and a one-way trip will last roughly one hour. One hour, during which you will be able to enjoy one of the most spectacular cogwheel trips. Be sure to get early enough at the train station as the trains are usually fully booked, especially during the holidays. It is also possible to walk down along the tracks and gorge or to stop in the middle of the train trip at a picturesque village called Zachlorou and walk the rest of the way (13 km) to Diakopto.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Once arrived at Diakopto (sometimes spelt Diakofto), the first monument you will see is the old steam locomotive No 8003, which served the route for over 70 years for a cumulated total of 2 million kilometres. More modern but also retired trains that served this railway in the past can also been seen, for example the train called by the locals Odontotos (greek word for having teeth) because of its cogwheels and composed of two wagons with a diesel engine in between. Diakopto itself is a small town of roughly 7000 habitants in the municipality of Achaea and is located at the Korinthiakos Gulf at sea-level.

You can read more about the Kalavryta destination on the Hellas Holiday web site as well as search and book your accommodation in Diakopto or Kalavryta. Be sure not to miss this fantastic trip with the Diakopto-Kalavryta cogwheel train; it is a great experience!

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Another famous attraction in the region of Kalavryta is the Diakopto-Kalavryta Railway, which is a 22-km trip of a bit more than an hour duration, driving you through caves and beautiful rivers, water falls and peculiar rock formations on its single line narrow railway. This little cogwheel train will bring you down to Diakopto, where you will be able to enjoy the nice view to the Korinthiakos Gulf, as well as Mounts Vardousia (2495 m), Giona (2510 m) and Parnassos (2457 m) in the background.

But that is not all; the surroundings of Kalavryta, smaller mountains covered with fir trees and pine trees, and valleys of platanus trees, offer many small picturesque villages, such as Planitero, which are undoubtedly worth a stroll. In Planitero, the local restaurants have their own trout, salmon and sturgeon hatcheries, where you can can taste fresh fish. Last but not least, the Cave of the Lakes in Kastria, will amaze you with its stalactites and stalagmites, formed over thousands of years, and its clear blue lakes, which are the result of rain and snow melting through the hill. A short guided tour in the cave is offered.

You do not even need to worry about finding a hotel room suitable for you, as there are almost 30 hotels, hostels, guesthouses and apartments dispersed around Kalavryta. Hellas Holiday has made your job even easier by providing you with a list of accommodations in the region of Kalavryta, as well as a map of Kalavryta with accommodations.

Nowadays, the most characteristic crop of Aegina is definitely the pistachio. Pistachio trees were imported in the early 20th century and now inhabit most of the surface of the beautiful Saronic island of Aegina. The climate and soil of the island proved to be ideal for pistachio trees and with the time the culture supported the local economy of the island. That is why, since three years, Aegina has started to celebrate the pistachio nut with Fistiki Fest.

The diverse exhibitors at Fistiki Fest will delight you with with a wide palette of delicacies all featuring the pistachio nut in some form. If you get the chance to pass by this festival, do not miss the green pistachio liquor; it is tasty and refreshing at the same time. But that’s not all, exhibitors also include local honey of exceptional taste, handmade ceramic pottery in many different colors and patterns, and handmade jewelery. The festivities go on all whole day long, and include concerts or other kinds of entertainment during the evening.

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

Also noteworthy is the pistachio dessert competition, which takes place the last day of the festival, usually a Sunday. For that event, a jury composed of chefs and connoisseurs from the Hellenic Chef’s Association assemble in order to taste various traditional or eccentric creations all including pistachio nuts. Watch the video above or photo gallery below and catch a glimpse at a member of the jury commenting on one of the desserts.

For hotels in Aegina visit our main Hellas Holiday website.

Vagia has sufficient accommodation facilities, hotels and rooms to let as well as taverns and cafés along the sea-side, where you will be able to relax and enjoy fresh sea food in all quietude. Furthermore, Vagia offers easy access to archaeological and historical sites and is a great starting point to explore the island.

Vagia is the ideal place if you are looking to avoid the crowd without being far away from other villages or historical sites on the beautiful island of Aegina.