Kastoria

Kastoria is situated at the western end of Western MacedoniaÂ 190 km from Thessaloniki and 515 km from Athens.

The creation of the Egnatia Highway has shorten by far the time distances and allowed quick access to the city from both Thessaloniki and from Igoumenitsa and Ioannina.

The town lies between two mountains, Grammos and Vitsi, at an altitude of 620 meters. It is built on a peninsula west of the lake â€œOrestidaâ€, also known as â€œLake of Kastoriaâ€. The lake gives the city a unique atmosphere during all seasons even during the winter when the water usually becomes ice.
Around the lake you can enjoy the city's nightlife with cafes, restaurants and bars.

Byzantine churches

Today in Kastoria there are countless Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, such as:

* The monastery of Our Lady of Mavriotissas (12th century)
* The church of the Virgin Mary Tsontou Varda (19th century)
* The church of the Archangel Metropolis (13th century)
* The church of Three Saints (14th century)
* The church of St. Nicholas Magaleios (16th century)

A visit to Mavriotissa gives the visitor a chance for a walk on the banks of the lake. The lakeside road is paved, but narrow and allows one direction driving. The vegetation is lush and climbs up the hill. The branches of the trees hang over the water.
Mansions

Of particular interest are the mansions of Kastoria which represent the economic rise of the city during the 17th and 18th century.
The mansions were built by Macedonians and continental builders. It was a time when Kastoria and the surrounding area experienced strong economic growth from the fur trade in Greece and abroad. Some features of this architecture are the few and small windows and the strong shelf roofs.

Accommodation

You will find many places to stay, both in Kastoria and the surrounding countryside and villages. There are many hotels, hostels and rented rooms.
We stayed in Longas hotel, outside the city with a spectacular view across Kastoria and the lake and excellent service (http://www.loggas.net/).

Activities

Kastoria is considered an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The options can satisfy all interests

Hiking on the E4 and E6 international paths that pass through the area.

Skiing in the ski resort of Pissoderi and Vitsi

The mountain with the forested slopes of the rare flora and fauna is one of the most interesting destinations for nature lovers. The highest peak is 2126 meters high. The route from Kastoria to Florina through Vitsi is one of the best road routes in Greece. You should pay a visit.

Visit the Prespa Lakes and the Prespa National Park.

Visit the Petrified Forest, a unique geological monument aged twenty million years (20.000.000)

Also visit the surrounding areas such as Argos Orestiko, Mesopotamia and Nestorio.

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