Where to stay in Trikala: The best areas and 23 accommodations

Trikala is a city that surprises those who visit it for the first time. It boasts a lively cycle path along the Lithaios River, a market brimming with cafes and meze restaurants that never empty, and a neighbourhood, Varousi, reminiscent of another era with its stone houses. Furthermore, it's just twenty minutes from Kalabaka and Meteora, making the area an ideal base for a two- or three-day getaway.

Your choice of accommodation mainly depends on what you want to see. If you're interested in the city of Trikala itself, with its riverside strolls, clocks, and the narrow streets of the old market, then the centre or Varousi are the natural choices. However, if your main objective is Meteora, then it might be more advantageous to stay in Kalabaka, right in the shadow of the rocks, so you can catch the sunrise at the monasteries without a long drive.

Below you'll find an analysis of the three main accommodation areas, each with its advantages and disadvantages, and 23 accommodations, from simple city hotels to studios and traditional mansions, allowing you to choose what suits your trip.

What to see and do in Trikala

Trikala was built around the castle that dominates the city, on a site where fortifications existed since Byzantine times. Its current form is mainly Ottoman, and the walk up there, through the alleys of Varousi, is one of the first experiences worth having. From the walls, the view stretches across the entire city and to the first hills towards Kalabaka.

Varousi is the old district beneath the castle, with 19th-century stone and wooden mansions, many of which have been converted into small guesthouses or cafes. A stroll there, especially in the morning before it gets crowded, gives a sense of the old town quite different from the modern market. A little further down, in the centre, Asklipiou pedestrian street and the square with the clocks gather most of the shops and restaurants.

The Lithaios River flows through the city and has a designated cycle path and promenade on both banks, with bridges connecting them at several points. In the evening, when the lights come on, it's one of the most popular spots for residents to stroll. If you have time, rent a bicycle and follow the route to the city's outskirts, where the landscape opens up into agricultural land.

Trikala's gastronomy is closely linked to the plain of Thessaly. You'll find many meze restaurants around the market, focusing on meat, cheeses, and local cured meats, as well as traditional sweets in patisseries that have been operating for decades. Prices are generally lower than in other large cities, making dining out an easy daily habit for visitors.

The region's big draw, however, is twenty to twenty-five minutes away, in Kalabaka and Meteora. The rock formations with monasteries that seem to float in the air are a unique sight, and it's worth visiting them either early in the morning to avoid the tourist buses or late in the afternoon for sunset. If you stay in Kalabaka, you have the advantage of reaching them within minutes.

For transport, Trikala is served by a train connecting it to the line towards Kalabaka and Palaiofarsalo, as well as by KTEL intercity buses with regular routes to Larissa and Athens. Within the city, the centre is easily accessible on foot, while for Kalabaka, you'll need a car or local bus.

The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild for both city strolls and climbing to Meteora. Summer can be quite hot in the plain, while winter offers a different, quieter picture of the monasteries, especially when it snows.

The best areas to stay in Trikala

1. Trikala City Centre, The most convenient base for walks, dining, and the Lithaios River

Trikala city centre gathers the market, Asklipiou pedestrian street, and the area around the square with the clocks. It's the most practical choice if you want to have everything within arm's reach, from cafes and restaurants to shops and the Lithaios cycle path. Most accommodation options here are classic city hotels, but there are also smaller studios in renovated buildings. Access to Kalabaka and the castle is easy either by car or a short walk.

Advantages:

• Everything within walking distance
• Plenty of dining and cafe options
• Easy access to train and KTEL bus station

Disadvantages:

• Can be busy and noisy on Friday and Saturday evenings
• Less picturesque than Varousi

Recommended accommodations:

1. Hotel Padelidaki
A hotel in the city centre, near the market, with simple and functional rooms for those who want everything within walking distance.

• Average cost: approx. 55€ per night

2. Panellinion Hotel
One of the city's most well-known hotels, with a long history, centrally located near the square, suitable for short or business stays.

• Average cost: approx. 60€ per night

3. Sleep On It
A small, modern accommodation in the centre, with simple aesthetics, convenient for couples or solo travellers seeking a clean and quiet room.

• Average cost: approx. 50€ per night

4. Hotel Lithaion
A hotel near the Lithaios River, with easy access to the cycle path and the city's central points, ideal for families.

• Average cost: approx. 65€ per night

5. Hotel Ntinas
A family-run hotel in the centre of Trikala, offering friendly service and rooms that meet basic accommodation needs without unnecessary extras.

• Average cost: approx. 45€ per night

6. Ananti Resort & Spa
A more modern and larger complex in the city, with amenities beyond just a room, suitable for those seeking something more luxurious.

• Average cost: approx. 90€ per night

7. Gallery Art Hotel
A boutique hotel with an emphasis on aesthetics, in a central location, a good choice for couples who want something more personal than a typical hotel.

• Average cost: approx. 75€ per night

8. Achillion Hotel
An older hotel in the city offering simple accommodation, good value, and a central location, convenient for budget travellers.

• Average cost: approx. 42€ per night

2. Varousi and around the castle, For those seeking old-town atmosphere and tranquillity

Varousi is the historic district at the foot of Trikala Castle, with stone houses, narrow cobbled streets, and less traffic than the city centre. Here you'll find mainly studios and apartments in renovated old buildings, ideal for those who want to wake up to this atmosphere and walk down to the market whenever needed. The area is quieter at night, making it a good choice for couples and families not looking for nightlife.

Advantages:

• Picturesque, historic atmosphere
• Quieter environment at night
• Close to the castle and the ascent paths

Disadvantages:

• Some roads are narrow for cars
• A bit further from the main market on foot

Recommended accommodations:

9. Aeton Melathron Hotel
A small hotel in an old building, with character and comfortable rooms, a good choice for those who want to stay near the historic neighbourhood.

• Average cost: approx. 70€ per night

10. Loft bianco nero Trikala
A modern loft with simple, clean decor, suitable for couples who want their own space without the typical hotel atmosphere.

• Average cost: approx. 55€ per night

11. Stylish studio apartment with private yard Trikala
A studio with its own yard, quiet location, and comfortable space, convenient for those who want a bit more room than a simple hotel room.

• Average cost: approx. 60€ per night

12. Cozy Loft Trikala
A small, cosy loft with a functional layout, a good choice for a short stay for two people who want comfort without a high cost.

• Average cost: approx. 50€ per night

13. Full House Trikala Escape
An entire house for rent, suitable for groups or families who want more space and independence than a hotel room.

• Average cost: approx. 95€ per night

14. Nomads Rooms Trikala
An affordable accommodation option with simple rooms, convenient for budget travellers who simply want a clean place to sleep.

• Average cost: approx. 35€ per night

15. To Spiti tou Mylou ton Xotikon Trikala (The House of the Elves' Mill Trikala)
A unique, themed house with a personal touch, a good choice for those who want something different from a typical hotel room.

• Average cost: approx. 65€ per night

3. Kalabaka, beneath Meteora, The most convenient base if your main goal is the monasteries

Kalabaka is located at the foot of the Meteora rocks, about twenty minutes from Trikala. If you plan to spend most of your time there, staying in Kalabaka saves you travel time and allows you to reach the monasteries early in the morning or stay for sunset without the stress of returning. The town has developed several accommodation options, from small boutique hotels to larger complexes, most with views of the rocks.

Advantages:

• Minimum distance from Meteora
• Many options with rock views
• Good base for hiking the area's trails

Disadvantages:

• Further from the market and life of Trikala
• More tourist traffic in summer

Recommended accommodations:

16. Konaki of Meteora Boutique Living
A boutique accommodation with tasteful decor and views of the rocks, a good choice for couples looking for something more special.

• Average cost: approx. 85€ per night

17. Spartacus House
A small accommodation with a simple, welcoming atmosphere, a convenient starting point for visiting the Meteora monasteries.

• Average cost: approx. 55€ per night

18. Meteora Living Rooms
Comfortable apartments with modern furnishings, suitable for families or groups who want more space near Meteora.

• Average cost: approx. 70€ per night

19. Famissi Eden Hotel
A hotel with a quiet environment and basic amenities, a good choice for those seeking simple, convenient accommodation near the monasteries.

• Average cost: approx. 60€ per night

20. Divani Meteora Hotel
A larger hotel with full amenities, suitable for groups, families, or those wanting something more organised near the rocks.

• Average cost: approx. 100€ per night

21. Guesthouse Arsenis
A family-run guesthouse with personal service, good value, and close proximity to the hiking trails leading to the monasteries.

• Average cost: approx. 50€ per night

22. Oreades Hotel
A simple, well-maintained hotel in Kalabaka, with views of the rocks from many rooms and a convenient location.

• Average cost: approx. 58€ per night

23. Tsikeli Boutique Hotel Meteora, Adults Friendly
A boutique hotel exclusively for adults, with a quiet atmosphere, ideal for couples seeking a relaxing stay near Meteora.

• Average cost: approx. 80€ per night

Practical tips before booking

• Book early if you want a view of Meteora. Accommodations in Kalabaka with rock views fill up quickly in spring and autumn, so book a few weeks in advance.
• A car helps a lot. If you want to combine the city and Meteora, a car gives you freedom, as the distances between points are not easily covered on foot.
• Go to the monasteries early in the morning. Tourist buses usually arrive after ten in the morning, so an earlier visit offers a quieter experience.
• Try local meze restaurants in the market. Around Asklipiou street and the square, you'll find many options with reasonable prices and local Thessalian products.
• Cycle along the Lithaios. Several accommodations in the centre are near the cycle path, a pleasant option for an afternoon or morning ride.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I stay in Trikala if I mainly want to see Meteora?

The best option is Kalabaka, located at the foot of the rocks, which saves you travel time, especially if you want to go early in the morning or stay for sunset.

Which area is best for walks and dining in Trikala?

The city centre, around Asklipiou street and the square with the clocks, gathers most of the restaurants and cafes and is the most convenient base if you want to get around on foot.

Is it worth staying in Varousi?

Yes, if you're interested in the old-town atmosphere and want a quieter environment at night, with easy access to the castle and the surrounding trails.

How far is Kalabaka from Trikala?

The distance is about twenty minutes by car, which makes combining stays in both cities easy if you have more days.

What is the best time of year to visit Trikala and Meteora?

Spring and autumn have mild temperatures, suitable for both city walks and climbing to the monasteries, while summer can be quite hot.

Do I need a car to stay in Trikala?

Not necessarily within the city, as the centre can be covered on foot, but if you want to visit Kalabaka and Meteora, a car greatly facilitates travel.

Conclusion

If you want to experience the city's daily life, with strolls through the market and along the Lithaios, the city centre or Varousi are the most convenient choices, with Varousi offering additional atmosphere and tranquillity. However, if the main reason for your trip is Meteora, then Kalabaka gives you the convenience of being close to the monasteries whenever you wish. In both cases, Trikala offers good value for money, with options covering everything from budget travellers to those seeking something more comfortable.

See also our guides on where to stay in Drama and accommodation in Georgioupoli.