I am just beginning a travel plan with my son for Greece.
Where would I stay near Meteora.
How are the roads in the area.
What towns are of interest in the area.
I have a year to plan, and I'm interested in cultural features and small village visits along with
beaches. Any suggestions on a two week Itinerary.
I also need some help on the language.
Thanks
madden
1
grecophile
I assume you’ll be flying into Athens and there are good roads all the way from there to Meteora. The best place to stay in the area is Kastraki which is closer to the rocks than Kalambaka being just about within walking distance although it would be advisable to use a car if you’re intending to visit Grand Meteoron.
For two weeks in the area, I would suggest Pelion which is around 3 hours from Meteora. There are a number of traditional villages, mountain scenery with dense forests and two coastlines – the Aegean which has the best beaches and the Pagasitic Gulf which is gentler, has calmer waters and fine sunsets. Ten days or so is not too much time to spend in the area.
As for picking up some of the language, the BBC’s Greek Language and People offers a good grounding in the basics.
2
dianab1
I once took the country road from Pertouli to Neraidochori, via Doliana, Amaranto, Milotpotas, to Kastraki - beautiful scenery, with a mixture of rivers, streams, green pastures, and small villages. Neriadochori and Pertouli are the most tourist developed ones although still very traditional with old stone houses, a main square etc.,
The complete route per way took no more than approx 90 mins.
3
hydronetta
If Meteora is a must in your itinerary I would propose an off the beaten track itinerary. From Meteora you can drive through the beautiful mountains to Ioannina and visit Zachorohoria in Epirus (if you like mountains). Then from there you can go to Lefkas island (they say it has beautiful beaches) for beach holidays. Then on return you can visit Delphi and or time permitting head to Peloponnese (albeit I don't know the situation because of fires this summer).
Central Greece also (the area near to Meteora and Lake Plastira) is also nice and non touristy.
Another option is to drive from Athens to Delphi and then you can reach Meteora by the evening.
Driving needs great care because the roads are not that wide (it's mountainous area)
Pro tip
Lonely Planet
trusted partner
trusted partner