Kastoria

This charming town on the shores of a lake offers many hiking opportunities, old architecture, and rich history. It's also a photographer's heaven.

How to go Where to stay
A part of the city of Kastoria and the mountain in the background reflecting at the calm waters of the lake.
photo: Spiros Vathis / CC BY-ND 2.0

Kastoria Things to Do

A few white and black horses on green pasture surrounded by trees.
photo: stefg74 / CC BY 2.0
distant ≈ 31km
#1

Artemis Outdoor Activities

Sklithro

At the Artemis Outdoor Activities at Sklithro, you can participate in sport activities, like horseback riding, canoeing, and mountain biking.

An overview of the lakes Chimaditida and Zazari from a spot very close to Nymfaio village.
photo: Giannismits / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 38.9km
#2

Lakes Chimaditida & Zazari

The lakes the surrounding wetlands are home to dozens of wildlife species. Sit by the street lamps at dusk for a dreamy landscape.

The pedestrian bridge that connects the island of Agios Achillios in Small Prespa with the mainland.
photo: Daniel Enchev / CC BY 2.0
hidden gem
distant ≈ 41.9km
#3

Prespa National Park

Biodiverse lakes shared among three countries. Take a boat tour to watch wildlife, old monasteries, and climb up to a cave chapel.

People feeding swans, ducks, and other birds by the shore of Kastoria lake.
photo: Annatsach / CC BY-SA 4.0
hidden gem
#4

Lake of Kastoria (Orestiada)

A photographic heaven with swans and ducks, light reflections, and a frozen landscape in winter, this lake's beauty is distinguished.

The shelter's wooden fence among a winter landscape, and a sign asking for people to not be noisy.
photo: Spiros Vathis / CC BY-ND 2.0
distant ≈ 35.4km
#5

Arcturos Brown Bear Sanctuary

A shelter for injured bears and wolves. With your visit not only will you admire these animals, but you'll also be supporting the important work done here.

A white wolf in the Arcturos Wolf Sanctuary in Agrapidies of Nymfaio.
photo: Iliasakk / CC BY-SA 4.0
distant ≈ 37.2km
#6

Arcturos Wolf Sanctuary

A 70-acre protected forest area where rescued wolves (from illegal captivity) are integrated in their natural ecosystem.

Visitors on a guided tour inside the Dragon's Cave of Kastoria.
photo: Mari ban / CC BY-SA 4.0
#7

Dragon's Cave in Kastoria

Can you tell the difference between stalagmites and stalactites? A tour in the the Dragon's Cave might help you answer. Mind that it's a small cave.

A snowy slope and a lift of the ski center of Pisoderi - Viglas.
photo: Ckyr / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 39.2km
#8

Ski Center Viglas - Pisoderi

At an altitude of 1650 meters, this ski resort is famous for its snow quality and its long slopes. Experienced skiers won't find any challenge here.

+ 2 Kastoria Things to Do →

Kastoria Attractions

A picture of the Byzantine Church of Panagia Koumpelidiki in Kastoria with an old woman looking at it.
photo: Kürschner
#1

Byzantine Church of Panagia Koumpelidiki

One of the city trademarks that dates back to the 11th century and is located at the Byzantine Acropolis.

A building of the Monastery of Virgin Mary Mauriotissa in Kastoria.
photo: C messier
hidden gem
#2

Monastery of Virgin Mary Mauriotissa

Just 5 km from Kastoria, this monastery is known for its rare hagiography. Here you can enjoy the lake and the area's beauty and tranquility.

The panoramic view of the city from Prophet Elias Hill at Kastoria.
photo: fot-oscar / CC BY-ND 2.0
#3

Prophet Elias Church & Hill

Apart from enjoying a drink in the café or visiting the Prophet Elias chapel, this spot offers an amazing panoramic view of the whole city.

The ruins of the Basilica of St. Achillios in the Small Prespa lake.
photo: stefg74 / CC BY 2.0
distant ≈ 46.6km
#4

St. Achillius Basilica (Ag. Achillios Island)

The lake island got its name from this Byzantine church dedicated to St. Achillios. You will be immersed in history and visual awesomeness.

A picture showing the outside of the the Byzantine church of Saint Stephen in Kastoria.
photo: Мико / CC BY-SA 3.0
#5

Church of St. Stephen

With frescoes from the 9th, 10th, 13th, 14th century, this church is ideal place to observe the evolution of hagiography over the centuries.

An image of the small church of Saint Nicholas of Kasnitzis in Kastoria.
photo: Todor Georgiev / CC BY-SA 3.0
#6

Church of Saint Nicholas of Kasnitzis

Small Byzantine Church of the 12th century that bears its founder's name and dedicated to St. Nicholas. It's located in the Omonia Square.

Kastoria Why visit?

  • The castor town or beaver town. They live in the lake.
  • Traditional architecture, scenic lake, and Byzantine sightseeing.
  • Great hiking trails in nearby hills.

Kastoria Museums

A picture showing the exterior of Emmanouil Mansion, house of the Museum of Costumes of Kastoria.
photo: Macedonian Heritage / CC BY-SA 3.0
#1

Museum of Costumes «Emmanouil Mansion»

The Museum of Costumes is housed in a traditional 1750 mansion. Together old-Greece clothes fashion, it hosts collections of jewelry and coins.

Inside a room of the Folklore Museum of Kastoria with items of everyday life of the past centuries.
photo: ΟρεστιάδεςΕΠ
#2

Folklore Museum of Kastoria

The folklore museum is housed in a well-preserved mansion. It exhibits items of everyday life used by people living here 200 or more years ago.

The front yard and the main entrance of the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria.
photo: Macedonian Heritage / CC BY-SA 3.0
#3

Byzantine Museum of Kastoria

This museum focuses on hagiography (Byzantine paintings of religious figures) and hosts artifacts of exceptional art.

A picture depicting the outside of the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle in Kastoria.
photo: Алиса Селезньова / CC BY-SA 3.0
#4

Museum of the Macedonian Struggle

Through the exhibits of this collection, you will explore the history and intrigues of the Macedonian Struggle fought between Greeks, Bulgarians and Serbs.

Petrified Oyster, in the Museum of Petrified Forest at Nostimo of Kastoria.
photo: Macedonian Heritage / CC BY-SA 3.0
distant ≈ 21.4km
#5

Museum of Petrified Forest

Nostimo Kastoria

At a 40 minute drive from Kastoria, this museum has one employee who runs it, guides tourists, and also excavates 20 million year old fossils.

Kastoria Day Trips

An overview of the central part of the Nymfaio village with the traditional stone-built houses of local architecture.
photo: Мико / CC BY-SA 4.0
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Nymfaio

Nymfaio is a fairytale destination at an altitude of 1350 meters, famous for its stone house architecture and its breathtaking natural landscape.

The exterior of the building of the railway station of Florina.
photo: Christaras A / CC BY-SA 3.0
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Florina

You enjoy Florina better in the winter. With wild animal sanctuaries, hiking trails, and ski resorts close by, this is an excellent place for day trips.

The yard of Agios Minas, the main church of the village of Emporio.
photo: Erisa Desu
distant ≈ 35.8km

Emporio

Kozani

An old traditional settlement ideal for quiet and relaxing winter vacations. Excellent base for daily excursions to interesting locations around.

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