Greece
An atmospheric city in West Macedonia, built amphitheatrically on a peninsula of Lake Orestiada. It is famous for its historic mansions, Byzantine churches, and long-standing fur-making tradition.
An impressive cave with 7 underground lakes and 10 rooms full of stalactites, discovered accidentally during road construction works.
An 11th-century Byzantine monastery built next to the lake, known for its rare exterior frescoes depicting emperors.
Visit to the Dragon's Cave
North side of the peninsula · 1 hour
You will tour one of the most impressive caves in Greece, which features seven underground lakes and ten rooms with unique stalactites. The route is fully shaped and illuminated, allowing you to see this rare geological phenomenon next to the lake up close.
Why it's worth it: It is the ideal first stop as it is located at the beginning of the lakeside route and the interior temperature is stable.
Pilgrimage to the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa
Tip of the peninsula · 45 minutes
You will visit this historic 11th-century Byzantine monastery located right on the shores of Lake Orestiada. Admire the rare exterior frescoes and the serene landscape with the centuries-old plane trees surrounding the temple.
Why it's worth it: It is located a very short distance from the Dragon's Cave and offers a moment of peace by the water.
Restaurant/Tavern · Traditional Kastorian · €€
Wild boar with plums and sarmadakia.
Restaurant · Creative Greek · €€€
Dishes with local mushrooms and fine meats.
Meze restaurant · Greek · €
Tigania (pork pan-fry) and variety of local cheeses.
Fish tavern · Lake & Seafood · €€
Grivadi and charcoal-grilled trout.
Tavern · Macedonian · €€
Kastorian pie and house-made sausage.
Kastoria National Airport 'Aristotelis' (KSO), located in Argos Orestiko, about 12 km from the city.
The old town (Doltso) and the lakeside zone are extremely pedestrian-friendly, although there are several uphills in the narrow alleys.
Rate and reply directly beneath each review, just like in a community.
Give ratings, share your experience, and reply in the right review thread.
Log in to leave a review
Sign inBest time to visit
October, November, January
Recommended duration
2 days
Estimated cost
80-130€ per person/day
Climate
Continental with cold winters and frequent fogs
Language
Greek
Housed at the top of the Byzantine citadel hill, it hosts one of the richest collections of Byzantine icons in the world.
A faithful reconstruction of a Neolithic settlement on wooden platforms, where the famous Dispilio tablet with the oldest writing was found.
One of the oldest and most imposing mansions of Kastoria in the Apozari district, recently restored and operating as a museum.
Stroll in the Doltso District
Old Town (South side) · 1.5 hours
You will wander through the cobbled alleys of Kastoria's most picturesque district, dominated by the imposing fur merchants' mansions of the 18th and 19th centuries. The area is full of Byzantine churches hidden among the houses and traditional cafes.
Why it's worth it: At noon, the district bustles with life and is the best spot to feel the historical atmosphere of the city.
Small Lake Tour
Lakeside road · 2 hours
You will enjoy a relaxing walk or bike ride under the huge plane trees leaning over the waters of the lake. The route offers continuous views of the lake and the opportunity to see the swans and ducks living there up close.
Why it's worth it: The afternoon light creates wonderful reflections on the waters, making the route magical.
Boat Ride on the 'Olympia'
Kastoria Waterfront · 45 minutes
You will board the municipal boat for a short cruise on Lake Orestiada, watching the city light up amphitheatrically on the peninsula. It is the best way to see Kastoria from a different perspective.
Why it's worth it: The evening lake breeze and the city lights create an utterly romantic experience.
South Waterfront
South Waterfront · Local & Modern
Enjoy your coffee by the lake accompanied by a traditional Kastorian cheese pie or bougatsa.
Caption: Kastorian cheese pie with rustic phyllo pastry.
Doltso Square
Doltso Square · Traditional Macedonian
Dine in one of the stone buildings of the square, tasting dishes based on local ingredients.
Caption: Sarmadakia with sauerkraut (armia).
North Waterfront
North Waterfront · Meze restaurants
Choose a table right by the waves to try fresh lake fish or local meats.
Caption: Grivadi (lake fish) baked in the oven.
Prehistoric Lakeside Settlement of Dispilio
Dispilio (7 km from the city) · 1.5 hours
You will tour a faithful reconstruction of a Neolithic settlement with huts built on wooden platforms in the lake. You will learn about the life of people 7,500 years ago and see replicas of the findings discovered in the area.
Why it's worth it: The morning light is ideal for photos at the open archaeological site.
Byzantine Museum of Kastoria
Byzantine Citadel Hill · 1.5 hours
You will admire one of the most important collections of Byzantine and post-Byzantine icons globally, dating from the 12th to the 17th century. The museum is housed in a modern building offering panoramic views of the lake.
Why it's worth it: Visiting an indoor space is ideal for the hours when the sun is strongest.
Visit to the Aquarium of Kastoria
City Entrance · 1 hour
You will get to know the freshwater aquatic world of Greece at the largest aquarium in the Balkans. You will see endemic fish species of Lake Orestiada as well as other rivers and lakes of the country up close.
Why it's worth it: It is located near the city exit, facilitating the transition from Dispilio.
Exploration of the Apozari District
North side of the city · 1.5 hours
You will walk through the second historic district of the city, where the impressive Tsiatsiapas Mansion is located. The area is full of Byzantine temples and mansions witnessing the economic boom of Kastoria due to fur-making.
Why it's worth it: The tranquility of the north side in the afternoon lends itself to a relaxing historical search.
Sunset on Prophet Elias
Hill above the city · 1 hour
You will ascend the hill of Prophet Elias to enjoy the most breathtaking view of Kastoria and the lake from above. From here you can see the entire peninsula and the surrounding mountains of West Macedonia.
Why it's worth it: It is the best spot to close your trip with an impressive sunset.
City Center
City Center · Bakery
Try fresh baked goods from the traditional bakeries of the center before heading out to Dispilio.
Caption: Thessaloniki koulouri and local cookies.
Dispilio
Dispilio · Fish tavern
After visiting the settlement, sit at one of the village's taverns for traditional meze dishes.
Caption: Baked Kastoria giant beans.
Apozari District
Apozari District · Creative Greek
Dine in a restored mansion or a modern restaurant overlooking the north side of the lake.
Caption: Meatballs with 'makalo' sauce (local recipe).
The General Hospital of Kastoria is located in the Mavriotissa area and covers all emergency cases.
The capital of Epirus, built on the shores of the picturesque Lake Pamvotis. It is famous for its rich history, the imposing Castle, the unique small island of the lake, and its tradition in silversmithing.
Photo byon
A traditional town in Thessaly that serves as a gateway to the enchanting Lake Plastira.
Kavala combines its amphitheatric architecture with a rich history and nearby beaches.
Photo byon