Kastoria Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of the Epirus and Western Macedonia region, Kastoria is a hidden gem of Greece. This charming city, located on the banks of the beautiful Lake Orestiada, boasts a rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and a unique blend of cultures.

One of the main attractions of Kastoria is its picturesque lake, which offers breathtaking views and a peaceful atmosphere. Visitors can take a leisurely stroll along the promenade, rent a boat to explore the calm waters, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings. The lake is also home to various species of birds, making it a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Walking through the streets of Kastoria feels like stepping back in time. The city's architecture reflects its Byzantine and Ottoman past, with charming old mansions and traditional houses lining the narrow cobblestone streets. The Byzantine Museum, housed in a restored 9th-century church, showcases a collection of religious artifacts and icons, providing a glimpse into the city's rich Byzantine heritage.

For those interested in history, a visit to the Kastoria Archaeological Museum is a must. Here, you can explore the region's ancient past through a collection of artifacts, including pottery, sculptures, and jewelry. The museum offers a fascinating insight into the lives of the people who once inhabited this land.

Kastoria is also known for its traditional fur industry, which has been thriving for centuries. The city is dotted with fur shops and workshops where visitors can learn about the craftsmanship behind these luxurious garments. For a truly unique experience, you can even visit a fur factory and witness the intricate process of creating fur products.

No visit to Kastoria would be complete without indulging in the city's culinary delights. The local cuisine is a delicious fusion of Greek, Ottoman, and Balkan flavors, resulting in a mouthwatering array of dishes. From hearty stews to savory pies and sweet pastries, there is something to satisfy every palate.

Local name: Καστοριά Population: 13.4 thous.Area: 22.12 mi²Architectural style: Byzantine architectureElevation: 2129 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 40°31'5"N, 21°15'59"E

Location

Epirus and Western MacedoniaGreece

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Kastoria Top Attractions

Kastoria Attractions - What to See and Explore

Kastoria offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Byzantine Museum of Kastoria, Folklore Museum of Kastoria, Costume Museum, Museum of the Macedonian Struggle. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Specialty museum
Byzantine Museum of Kastoria
The Byzantine Museum of Kastoria is a museum in Kastoria, Macedonia, Greece, dedicated to religious art from the area's late Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods.
Museum • History museum
Folklore Museum of Kastoria
The Folklore Museum of Kastoria also known as Folklore Museum “Nerantzis-Aivazis”, located in Kastoria, Macedonia, Greece, is housed in one of the city's oldest mansions, the Nerantzis-Aivazis residence near the lake, at 10 Kapetan Lazou Street. The museum has been operating since 1972, and is run by Harmony.
Museum • Fashion museum
Costume Museum
The Costume Museum of Kastoria located in the northern Greek city of Kastoria, opened in 1999 and is run by "Harmony", a music and literary association. It is housed in the residence of the Emmanouil brothers, a two-storey building of the 18th century on the edge of Kastoria lake.

Museum • History museum • Military museum
Museum of the Macedonian Struggle
The Museum of the Macedonian Struggle in Kastoria, Macedonia, Greece is housed in a traditional old mansion that belonged to the teacher and fighter Anastasios Pehion.
Church • Monastery
Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa
The Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa is a monastery that is built on the spot where troops of Byzantine military commander George Palaiologos encircled the attacking Normans in 1083. It is believed that the emperor Alexios I Komnenos built the monastery there to commemorate the event.
Church
Church of St. Athanasius of Mouzaki
St. Athanasius of Mouzaki is a Greek Orthodox church located in Kastoria, Greece. It was built in 1383–84 by the brothers Theodore II and Stoya of the house of Muzaka, a noble Albanian family that controlled the city at the time, and dedicated to St.
Museum
Monuments Museum
Kastoria Monuments Museum is a private museum that displays scale models of the monuments of Kastoria, Greece. It is located on the ground floor of an apartment building on the shore of Kastoria lake.
Museum
Delinanios Folklore Museum
The Delinanios Folklore Museum is a museum in Kastoria, West Macedonia, Greece.

Day trips

Kastoria – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Kastoria, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Edessa Waterfalls (Edessa), Pisoderi, Old Hemp Factory of Edessa (Edessa).

46 milesNE
Waterfall, Park
Edessa Waterfalls, Edessa
Nestled in the city of Edessa, Greece, the Edessa Waterfalls are a breathtaking spectacle of nature that entice visitors from across the globe. This nature preserve is famed for its series of majestic waterfalls, with the grandest of them, the Karanos Falls, plunging...
19 milesN
Winter sport, Ski area
Pisoderi
Nestled in the picturesque mountain ranges of Northern Greece, Pisoderi is a hidden gem for winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Known for its ski area, Pisoderi offers a serene escape with stunning natural beauty and a variety of slopes to cater to both...
46 milesNE
Museum
Old Hemp Factory of Edessa, Edessa
The Hemp Factory of Edessa, Greece, was an industrial unit focused on the creation of ropes from Indian hemp twine. It was the largest of the four hemp factories in Greece, in production and facilities.
39 milesE
Village, Winter sport, Ski area
Kato Vermio
Nestled in the picturesque mountain ranges of northern Greece, Kato Vermio is a hidden gem among ski enthusiasts and winter sport aficionados. This ski area is renowned for its pristine, powdery slopes and the breathtaking scenery that surrounds it.
44 milesSW
Natural attraction, Body of water, Park
Drakolimni, Vikos–Aoös National Park
Drakolimni is the name of several alpine or sub-alpine lakes in northwestern Greece Epirus region: the ones in mountain Tymfi and Smolikas are the most widely known.