Gavros village and the Unknown “Small” Meteora

Very close to the Mourganis or Mykanis River (the ancient “Ion”), a tributary of the Peneios, and just 25 km from Kalambaka, Gavros is a beautiful village renowned for its traditional atmosphere. Even more impressive is the surrounding landscape (part of the Natura 2000 network), a complex of weathered rock formations sculpted by time, water, and wind—rightfully earning the area the nickname “Small Meteora.”

The village’s roughly 200 inhabitants, mostly livestock farmers, keep local traditions and the authentic rural way of life alive. They revive customs such as the “Klidonas” on the eve of May Day—with roots in ancient Greece—the “Rogatzaria” (“Loukatziaria”) on New Year’s Day, and traditional weddings accompanied by four days of ceremonial festivities. One of the most important celebrations for the village is the August 15th festival, featuring live music, dancing, and warm hospitality reminiscent of bygone times.

The Hermitages of Gavros

The history and spirituality of the area are reflected in the hermitages of Saint Nicholas and Saint Theodosios, built within the rocks of the “Small Meteora.” A short distance east of the village lies the small monastery of Saint Nicholas, carved into a cave and preserved in its authentic form—a two-story stone cell with wooden beams and a mud roof, virtually untouched by later alterations. Inside, two layers of frescoes survive—the older dating to 1753 and the newer to 1893—along with a remarkable carved wooden iconostasis from the 16th century.

To the northwest, the hermitage of Saint Theodosios stands as a unique monument of Byzantine humility and mysticism. Its frescoes, dating from the 18^th to the 19^th century, reveal artistic influences from Meteora, while the site’s isolation and natural formation capture the essence of ascetic life. Earlier, poorly executed restorations were recently removed, restoring the monument to its original form. At the same time, the original access path to the hermitage was revealed, much of which remains intact to this day. At the foot of the hermitage, beside the Mourgani River, there is now a recreation area where cultural events are often held.

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Hiking Routes

In recent years, the Municipality of Meteora and the Gavros Hiking and Mountaineering Association (S.P.OR. Gavrou) have highlighted the area through a well-organized network of trails totaling 17.5 kilometers, as well as climbing fields. These routes connect Gavros with historical and natural landmarks such as Saint Demetrios and the Tzitzilopetra rock, offering hiking experiences amid pristine nature and geological wonders. From vantage points like the “Arkouda” peak and the “Petra” viewpoint, the panoramic view over the greater Meteora area and the mountains surrounding Thessaly is breathtaking. For travelers seeking authenticity, nature, and culture away from the crowds, Gavros’ “Small Meteora” are a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered!