Explore Trikala

Leave the city streets behind and the country around Trikala shows its much-admired natural side: mountains made for adventure, alongside calm lakes and rivers. In a landscape this varied, hours of exploring and unwinding pass easily.

Meteora

With its soaring rock pillars and the monasteries built on them, Meteora ranks among the most spectacular and recognisable landscapes in Greece.

Six monasteries are still active and open to visitors, and the ruins of earlier ones add a further chapter to the area's long story.

History is only part of the appeal: hikers and rock climbers come for trails that wind between the rocks and reward them with sweeping views.

For a quieter connection with the place, there is the planetarium, which presents the area in 3D, or the sunset watched from the high cliffs, a calm and inspiring way to end the day.

Kalambaka & Kastraki

Close by, Kalambaka and Kastraki are the places for local cooking and traditional hospitality.

Their tavernas pair authentic dishes with fine local wine and tsipouro.
On the menu, look for gioulbasi lamb, kokoretsi, prasotigania, sausage, kebab, pies and beef slow-cooked in a clay pot.

Kontosouvli (meat slow-roasted on a skewer), meat soup, pork or lamb kebab and stews such as stifado are further choices, along with plenty of other local specialities.

Elati

Elati lives up to its name (elato = fir tree): dense fir forests surround the village, which lies on the southwestern slopes of Koziakas and looks out over the peaks of Southern Pindos.

People come for its traditional architecture, its cobbled lanes and a calm, authentic atmosphere.

Kokkinos Vrachos (Red Rock) gives climbers routes of up to 60 meters in height, with a spectacular view waiting at the summit.

Arkoudotrypa Cave, at an altitude of 1.400 meters, is reached on a hike that ends in a sweeping panorama, and the cave carries its own weight in local history and folklore.

For a slower pace, Alsos of Prophet Elias offers a stone-built chapel, recreational facilities and gentle walks in nature.

Pertouli

If you are after a genuine mountain experience, Pertouli pairs striking scenery with a long list of outdoor activities.

The Pertouli Ski Center comes alive in winter with skiing and snowboarding, and conditions there are ideal for snowmobile rides.

Come summer, hikers take over the mountain trails, while horseback riders and mountain bikers are drawn to the area as well.

Pertouli Lake is just as popular, a peaceful spot for fishing and rowing surrounded by beautiful nature.

Plastira Lake

Among the finest natural settings in Thessaly, Plastira Lake gives visitors an experience all its own.

Green forests, pretty villages and high mountains frame the water, which lends itself to fishing, SUP, SUP yoga, canoeing-kayaking, water biking or boating.

Scenic hiking trails cross the surrounding area, and those after more adrenaline can try archery, cycling or off-road 4x4 excursions.

History and tradition run deep here too: in the villages around the lake you can taste local delicacies and get to know the heritage of the area.

Whatever you enjoy, from adrenaline-filled adventures to wide views over the countryside, Trikala and its surroundings have an activity to match. Travellers who crave excitement will find experiences here that stay with them, in mind and heart, long after the trip.

Mountain Biking on Mount Koziakas

Only a few kilometers outside Trikala, the Koziakas area is well suited to mountain bikers. Its trails range from easy rides for beginners to tougher ones for experienced cyclists, and every one of them opens onto fine views of the surrounding forests and the imposing mountain landscape, so the area lends itself to exploring and adventure in nature.

On Horseback Around Trikala

In the countryside of Koziakas and Meteora, close to Trikala, organised riding routes wind past picturesque villages and through valleys, with fine views of the natural landscape. Stables and riding centers in the Valtinou area, and in other places nearby, cater for every skill level. Part adventure, part relaxation, a ride here brings you close to nature and to the animals themselves.

Rafting the Acheloos River

For lovers of action, the Acheloos River near Trikala offers rafting of a special kind. Fast currents and powerful waterfalls make every run exciting and carry you through the untamed beauty of the landscape. Expect bursts of adrenaline and moments you will not forget on a descent of the Achelous.

Hiking in Tzoumerka National Park

Lying 80-90 km. from Trikala, Tzoumerka National Park is a wonderful place to explore on foot. Trails lead through dense forests, past crystal-clear streams and up to mountain peaks, and along the way you may spot rare species of plants and animals. Routes differ in length and difficulty, so hikers of every level are catered for, and the views of the surrounding landscape are superb throughout. Tzoumerka is easy to reach on a day trip from Trikala, which makes it an excellent choice for anyone who loves nature and adventure.

Mountaineering on Mount Olympus

Mount Olympus, 1 to 1.5 hours from Trikala, is among the best-known mountaineering areas in Greece. Its imposing peaks and dramatic views come with routes suited to every level of climber. Few feelings compare with reaching the summit, and along the way the beauty of the mountain and the silence around you make every step memorable.

Helicopter Flights (Meteora/Olympus)

Seeing Meteora or Mount Olympus from a helicopter is an adventure in its own right. From the air, the stone pillars and rock formations of Meteora, or the lofty summits of Olympus, take on an entirely new dimension and add something different to your exploration. Should this appeal to you, local tour operators can arrange it, with several options to choose from.

Life around Trikala blends the modern with the traditional, and both draw on a long history and a rich culture. Some of that heritage lies within the city itself, the rest in the surrounding region, and museums and local customs let you see tradition still very much alive.

Byzantine Castle of Trikala

One of the region's most impressive landmarks stands in the city itself. Emperor Ioustinianos had the Byzantine Castle of Trikala built in the 6th century AD, over the remains of ancient Trikki, and it survives in remarkably good condition as part of a chain of imposing Byzantine fortifications. Five towers and a line of battlements are arranged over three levels; the clock tower dominates the second level, and the third holds the inner fortress, the last refuge of the defenders. Thanks to its views and its historical weight, the castle ranks among the area's most important cultural attractions.

Clock Tower

The clock tower stands on the ancient Trikala Acropolis, on its eastern side, and is an impressive monument in its own right. Its clock used to run four minutes fast, a detail bound up with the history of the city: engineers of the time set it slightly ahead so that it would keep working smoothly and offset any lag in the mechanism. The fortress around it has four hundred years of history and remains an important landmark, bringing together the ancient and medieval sides of Trikki.

Tsitsanis Museum

Trikala itself is home to the new Tsitsanis Museum, devoted to Vassilis Tsitsanis, the great folk artist and composer. On display are objects from his personal and professional life, which shed light on his musical legacy and his close bond with the city. Documentaries and his timeless songs are part of the visit, and the museum also hosts special events, including exhibitions and live concerts linking music with local tradition.

Trikala Folklore Museum

Treasures of local history fill the Trikala Folklore Museum. Its collection traces the everyday life of the people of the region from the 19th century onward: traditional costumes, tools, musical instruments and objects once used in farming and agriculture, all offering a window onto the cultural roots of the area.

Museum of Natural History and Mushrooms

Children and nature lovers will enjoy the Museum of Natural History and Mushrooms in Kalambaka. The focus is on mushrooms: the species that grow in the region, their nutritional value and their history. Interactive experiences and workshops make it a great choice for families.

Monasteries of Meteora

Perched on towering rocks, the monasteries of Meteora are known around the world. The Monastery of Meteora, formally the Holy Monastery of the Transfiguration of the Savior, is the largest and the most accessible, while the Monastery of Saint Stephen rewards visitors with beautiful frescoes and breathtaking views. The Monastery of the Holy Trinity, which appears in the movie "James Bond: For Your Eyes Only", takes more effort to reach but is just as impressive, and Varlaam, the all-male community crowning a steep rock, is famed for its staircase. Every monastery in the area has its own unique frescoes, stories and spiritual significance.

Theopetra Cave

Theopetra Cave, near Meteora, is famed for its human footprints, approximately 130.000 years old. Its setting, a dramatic rock, attracts climbers, while other visitors come for its historical and geological significance. It is a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the natural and cultural heritage of the region.

Festivals and Local Customs

Food, dance and music sit at the centre of the traditional festivals the region is known for, occasions that bring locals and visitors together and give you a unique way into local culture. Every June, Megalochori hosts the Saint Vissarion Festival, one of the most famous in Trikala: a grand celebration of traditional music and dance, with grilled meats and dairy products among the local delicacies on offer. Visitors are welcome to join the dancing and sample the local specialties, and religious ceremonies in honor of Saint Vissarion are also part of the celebration.

Bazaar of Trikala

From the 14th to the 21st of September each year, Karyes, Trikala hosts the Bazaar of Trikala, a lively tradition of street vendors and dozens of stalls. The scents of grilled skewers, "wool of the old lady" (a traditional sweet), freshly baked halva from Farsala and local products fill the air and give the place its energy. The bazaar grew out of the historic livestock market and has been running since 1883; commercial and cultural events draw thousands of visitors every year, and live music, a funfair and jugglers add to the atmosphere.