Discover the lakeside town that feels made for strolling and daydreaming!
Atmospheric, elegant, historic, and full with surprises—this is how Kastoria reveals from the very first glance. Built amphitheatrically on a peninsula embraced by Lake Orestiada, the city seems tailor-made for leisurely walks and quiet reverie. At times romantic, dressed in the golden-red hues of autumn; at others mysterious, wrapped in veils of mist; and at others bathed in dazzling light, Kastoria is a year-round destination in its own right—a city break that rewards you every single time.
Strolls along the lake and historic neighbourhoods
In the cobbled lanes of Doltso and Apozari, you will walk among old Kastorian mansions with their enclosed balconies (sachnisia) and corbels(fourousia), as if they were whispering stories of merchants and craftsmen who once made Kastoria one of the most prosperous cities of Macedonia. Nearby, the elegant interwar neoclassical buildings revive the city’s urban grandeur and the refined aesthetic of an entire era, while along the lakeside promenade, the plane trees enchant you with their colours and reflections on the calm surface of the water. Your gaze cannot help but linger on the wooden Kastorian boats, a timeless symbol of the city’s connection to the lake and of a centuries-old tradition that remains alive today.
A city, a mosaic of history and culture
It won’t take long before you realise that the city, beyond its beauty, also resembles an open-air museum, with numerous monuments of its Byzantine past—churches and monasteries scattered both within and beyond the urban fabric. At the same time, you discover its multicultural identity in places such as the Medrese and the restored Kursum Mosque, or in the silent traces of the former Jewish district. Within this mosaic of history and culture, the city’s relationship with fur craftsmanship also stands out—deeply rooted in the past, it became closely linked to its economic prosperity and international reputation, evolving into a global centre of fur production and trade.
Municipality of Kastoria
A real-life painting around the lake
Nestled in the embrace of the Grammos and Vitsi mountains, Kastoria unfolds like an impressionist painting by a great artist: meticulously crafted down to the finest detail. With Lake Orestiada—one of the most beautiful lakes in Greece—at its heart, it is an ideal base from which to explore the natural beauty and rich history of the entire region.
Kastoria is rightly considered one of the most popular destinations in West Macedonia. Using the city as your starting point, you will soon discover a unique tapestry of picturesque settlements, Byzantine churches, monasteries, and archaeological sites, set in a welcoming landscape where natural beauty meets a history that stretches from the Neolithic era to the present day. The lakeside town, which serves as the seat of the Municipality of Kastoria, captivates visitors with its colours, shimmering reflections on the water, elegant mansions, charming neighbourhoods, stone-paved alleys, and romantic atmosphere. As you wander through its streets, you will discover why Kastoria is often described as an “open-air Byzantine museum”, where history, spirituality, art, and architecture come together in its remarkable Byzantine churches.
Around the tranquil lake and across the surrounding mountain slopes, lakeside settlements and mountain villages such as Aposkepos, Kefalari, and Sidirochori invite you to discover breathtaking views and unforgettable landscapes. In winter, Mount Vitsi becomes a destination for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, while those seeking relaxation can enjoy the serene panorama of the lake and forested mountains. A visit to Polykeraso is also a must, where you can admire its distinctive architecture and explore the only officially designated traditional settlement in the Regional Unit of Kastoria.
Dare to follow the course of the Aliakmonas River as it crosses the Orestida plateau on a unique road trip, irrigating fertile farmland and imprinting the marvelous changes of the seasons along its banks. Prepare to be deeply moved in the martyr village of Kleisoura—birthplace of Agios Markos (Saint Mark) and homeland of scholars and merchants—which remains a symbol of memory and resilience after its double destruction by the Ottomans and the German troops. A beautiful surprise also awaits you in the cinematic setting of Koresteia, the adobe villages that quite deliberately starred in unforgettable scenes of cinema and television. Two of the region’s hidden gems reveal themselves in the Koromilia Gorge, crossed by the Ladopotamos River, and at the alpine Lake Oktara of Mali Madi, where rare natural landscapes invite exploration.
Finally, to delve deeper into the region’s long and fascinating history, the local museums open a window into the stories and heritage that shaped the area. At the same time, festivals and culinary traditions invite you to experience its cultural identity and everyday life, keeping local customs alive throughout the year and offering moments of connection, celebration, and discovery for both residents and visitors.
One thing is certain: from your very first visit, you will realise that this is a place you cannot fully discover in a single trip. Each return reveals a new side of it, offering something different to explore and experience.
Kastoria’s story unfolds — from the Byzantine castle-town of the past to the lakeside city of today
Kastoria carries within it a long and fascinating history, with roots reaching back to the late 5th century BC, when the Macedonian king Archelaus founded the ancient city of Celetrum. Centuries later, Emperor Justinian established the Byzantine castle-town that would become the core of present-day Kastoria. As you walk through the city, centuries of history seem to unfold before you: from the raids of Bulgarians and Normans to the city’s golden Byzantine era, when it flourished as an important ecclesiastical centre under the Archbishopric of Ohrid. Byzantines, Serbs, Albanians, Ottomans, and Jews all left their mark here, creating a unique mosaic of cultures and influences.
During Ottoman rule, Kastoria prospered through the fur trade and became home to a flourishing Jewish community, mainly of Sephardic origin, which contributed to the city’s social and cultural life for centuries. Later, during the Macedonian Struggle, the city became a major centre of events, with figures such as Metropolitan Germanos Karavangelis and Pavlos Melas shaping its history. The 20th century brought new challenges, as Kastoria welcomed refugees from Asia Minor and endured the hardships of the German occupation, during which its long-standing Jewish community was almost entirely lost in the Holocaust. The following years were marked by the Civil War, whose darkest chapters unfolded on Mount Grammos and Mount Vitsi. Yet the city recovered in the postwar years, with fur craftsmanship once again playing a central role in its economic revival.Today, as you stroll along the lakefront or wander through the cobbled streets of its historic neighbourhoods, you discover a city where the past remains alive, woven into the character and everyday life of modern Kastoria.
Personalities who left their mark
Kastoria, a land of heroes, poets, and artists, has been shaped by figures who left a lasting imprint on its history and cultural identity. Among them are, notably, Pavlos Melas, a national hero; Manolakis Kastorianos, a great benefactor; Athanasios Christopoulos, a poet and man of letters; the brothers Ioannis and Panagiotis Emmanouil, companions of Rigas Feraios; Germanos Karavangelis, a leading figure of the Macedonian Struggle; Leonidas Papazoglou, a pioneer of photography; Stylianos Pelekanidis, an archaeologist and Byzantinist; and Lucas Samaras, an internationally acclaimed contemporary artist.
The traditions of Kastoria, a reason to celebrate all year round
From the Christmas bonfires and the Ragoutsaria Carnival to the springtime Lazarines and the summer village fairs, Kastoria keeps its traditions alive throughout the year, with every season bringing its own unique customs and experiences.
If you are keen to experience a different side of Kastoria, start with its lake. By canoe or kayak, you...
If you are keen to experience a different side of Kastoria, start with its lake. By canoe or kayak, you can enjoy city views while rowing—a perspective quite a few have experienced—while the calm of Lake Orestiada envelops you. A simple stroll that will create memories to cherish for a lifetime.
Water Skiing
If you enjoy action, try water skiing on the lake. A short training session and a few adaptation exercises will...
If you enjoy action, try water skiing on the lake. A short training session and a few adaptation exercises will help you become familiar with the sport, before adrenaline takes over. If you prefer something more entertaining, tubes and banana boats promise speed, fun, and intense moments on the water.
Pedal boats
For calmer, more relaxed moments with gentle physical activity, pedal boats are ideal. They require no special skills and they...
For calmer, more relaxed moments with gentle physical activity, pedal boats are ideal. They require no special skills and they are stable and easy to use, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely ride on the lake—even with a coffee in hand.
Boat tour
Do not miss the boat tour aboard “OLYMPIA”. The route around the Kastoria peninsula reveals landscapes of rare serenity, while...
Do not miss the boat tour aboard “OLYMPIA”. The route around the Kastoria peninsula reveals landscapes of rare serenity, while views of plane trees and willows are reflected in the water. From the deck, you can see the Dragon’s Cave, Panagia Mavriotissa, as well as the city’s mansions bathed in natural light. A delightful leisure trip that connects the lake’s past with the city’s present.
Guided tours
If you wish to get to know Kastoria through its stories, try a thematic guided tour or walking route. Along...
If you wish to get to know Kastoria through its stories, try a thematic guided tour or walking route. Along with a certified tour guide, you will wander through alleys and old neighbourhoods, discovering landmarks, hidden spots, tales, legends, and traditions that shaped the city as we know it today.
Cycling
Cycling is also a wonderful way to explore the area. Just rent a bike and ride around the lake, or...
Cycling is also a wonderful way to explore the area. Just rent a bike and ride around the lake, or head out of town toward nearby villages and hills.
Paratrike flight
If you wish to see the lake from above, dare to opt for a paratrike flight! You can soar over...
If you wish to see the lake from above, dare to opt for a paratrike flight! You can soar over the city, the lake, and the surrounding mountains in a unique experience of strong emotion and absolute freedom that you will be talking about for a long time.
Kastoria off-road
Looking for more “earthbound” adventures? Follow an off-road 4×4 route, through forests and mountain passes, that promises thrilling moments. That...
Looking for more “earthbound” adventures? Follow an off-road 4×4 route, through forests and mountain passes, that promises thrilling moments. That way, you will discover places seemingly untouched by time and people, enjoying nature up close while combining dynamic driving with authentic exploration.
Hiking
Hiking in Kastoria is an experience of its own. The short loop around the lake leads you through postcard-like landscapes,...
Hiking in Kastoria is an experience of its own. The short loop around the lake leads you through postcard-like landscapes, as plane trees with golden leaves, old mansions, churches, natural sounds, and the calm water surface create the ideal backdrop for strolls and romantic moments. Deciding to climb toward Agios Athanasios will reward you with an amazing view: the lake and city spread out before you in breathtaking panorama. In case you are seeking more demanding physical challenges, hiking or mountaineering in the surrounding mountains will delight you with routes through forests, ravines, and alpine meadows, offering breathtaking views.
When Kastoria sets the table
Welcoming and authentic, the city and its surrounding villages invite you to sit at their table, drink their wine, and get to know them better.
Kastorian cuisine—Balkan, Macedonian, and rural—is deeply rooted in the land, the seasons, and the traditions of the lake, with rich, hearty flavours that warm both body and soul. Among the most iconic dishes, makalo meatballs with flour-based sauce, oven-baked giant beans, and sarma made with pickled cabbage hold a steady place on the winter menu. The cuisine’s centrepiece is carp, the lake’s most prominent fish, masterfully prepared in the garoufa soup or baked with red sauce in the famous saltsistos tavas. As for traditional sweets, try the distinctive “saliarioi”: wonderful fasting Kastorian shortbread cookies flavored with orange and cinnamon.
Wine and local wineries
Tasting Kastoria’s delight is not complete without a glass of its wine. The slopes around the lake, with the favourable agiami wind and the cool breezes of Grammos and Vitsi, produce distinctive local wines that reflect the character of the land. A final taste that perfectly captures the essence of Kastoria—where landscape, tradition, and flavour come together in lasting harmony.
