It is a new face of Greece, that "unexpected" destination, with a Balkan atmosphere, perfect to discover in all seasons, even in winter: welcome to Kastoria, which is reflected in the waters of Lake Orestiada in western Macedonia, 190 kilometers from Thessaloniki.
Kahistory, magic and charm
Joined to the mainland by a small isthmus, Kastoria appears immersed in an idyllic environment, between the lake and the embrace of the vegetation, wrapped in charm and magic in a climate that has always been healthy.
The historic neighborhood of Stuff it is the starting point to get to know it better: characteristic and romantic, it houses the old and typical houses of the 18th and 19th centuries, the colorful "arconita“, both renovated and with a pleasantly decadent appearance.
Inside there are museums, bars and taverns, with elegant wooden finishes.
Walking through the narrow streets of the old city, it is easy to come across exhaustive panels that tell the history of the families that lived there, including Skoutaris and Picheon.
The remains of the city walls are still visible, but the pride of Kastoria is its numerous Byzantine and early Christian churches, pearls of rare beauty.
The imposing Byzantine church is worth mentioning. Agioi Anargyroi, between Anargyron and Gousi, and the churches of Agios Ioannis Prodramos e Agios Loukas, on the shores of the lake.
But that is not all. To mark on the list for a visit are the Kastoria Museum of Traditions, located in the rooms of the former Nerantzis Aivazis residence, and the Byzantine Museum, where you can admire a series of valuable icons.
What to do in Kastoria, including outdoor activities and festivals not to be missed
In addition to the attractions of the historic center, the pride of Kastoria is its lake and the hills that surround it like a hug and make it ideal for practice outdoor activities such as hiking, trekking and mountain bike tours: in fact, it is nine kilometers tracks and roads that border the lake and there is no shortage of bicycle and mountain bike rental centers.
Elegant and calm, Kastoria welcomes you to yours relaxed size and invites you to participate, stopping at one of the cozy bars along the lakeshore or taking a leisurely walk through the winding, steep alleys.
However, twice a year the city comes to life with events of great importance: the Festival Ragkountsaria, in January, an attractive festival that entertains with traditional dances and open taverns, and the Nestorius River Festival, between the end of July and the beginning of August, five days of events and celebrations with the participation of Greek and international musicians and DJs.
How to get to the city
The most convenient way to get to Kastoria is to use the extra-urban buses departing from Thessaloniki (two and a half hours of travel, six trips per day), Ioánnina (three and a half hours, four trips per day) and Athens (nine hours of travel, two trips per day).
The bus station is located on the southern shore of the lake, opposite the Olympic Flame Park, where there is also a tourist information kiosk.
In addition to buses, it is possible to use car rental or taxi. In addition, during the Nestorius River Festival, special buses are available that allow comfortable travel between the different areas of the event.
