Kalabaka
Kalabaka (sometimes Kalambaka) is a town in Thessaly in northern Greece. Kalabaka is primarily known as the gateway for visiting the nearby cliff top monasteries of Meteora. This magnificent Greek Orthodox temple complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, looms over the modern town and provides a fascinating insight into Greek history of the 14th to 16th centuries. There are many monasteries to visit and many of them house on-site museums showcasing religious art and other historical artefacts, such as ancient manuscripts. Key monasteries include Great Meteoron (the largest and oldest), St. Stephen (the most accessible) and Holy Trinity (which offers the best views over the town and its surrounds). The area is also renowned for rock climbing, with 170 peaks and over 600 different bolted routes to choose from.