Kastoria, Greece: The Complete Travel Guide

By Anthia Vlassopoulou
Co-founder and CEO of Greece Insiders, writing about Greek travel since 2012

The hidden gem of Kastoria in northwestern Greece sits on the end of a narrow peninsula, in the heart of Lake Orestiada. Ancient Byzantine churches and centuries-old Ottoman mansions, as well as the old fur trade, have made Kastoria one of the wealthiest cities in the region. Surrounded by mountains and water, the city has a very special Balkan feel and atmosphere, a true change from the typical Greek holiday destination.

This guide will explain everything you need to know about planning a trip to Kastoria. We have listed the best places to visit, the lake’s influence on the city, and how to get to Kastoria from Athens. We have also included a few tips and tricks to help you on your way.

What Is Kastoria Known For?

Kastoria is a city with a rich history in a unique setting. The city is situated on the end of a peninsula in Lake Orestiada. For centuries, Kastoria has been a center of fur trade. The city’s wealthy merchants, from the 17th century onwards, have built impressive stone mansions. In addition, the city is home to more than 50 Byzantine churches, making Kastoria an attractive destination for architects, historians and travelers interested in faith and crafts.

Is Kastoria Worth Visiting?

Yes, Kastoria is worth visiting. It is a very different place from the typical Greek island, but that is not to say it is in any way inferior. A few days in the historic quarter, by the lakes, and among the town’s many Byzantine churches is time very well spent. There’s nothing here for party animals or fans of beach life, but nature lovers, history buffs, and keen photographers will find plenty to keep them occupied. You can see the main sights in two or three days, and then move on to the rest of northern Greece.

Best Things to Do in Kastoria

Kastoria is a place for slow travelers. Historic areas, a lake, and the story of how the city made its wealth are the main points of interest. Strolling along cobblestone streets with big mansions on either side of them and learning about the city’s fur trade are two of the main experiences in the city. Most of the highlights are within walking distance from each other. Below you will read the highlights of Kastoria that are worth seeing during your stay in the city.

Wander the Historic Doltso and Apozari Quarters

Doltso and Apozari, the two oldest neighborhoods of Kastoria’s old town, are located on either side of the peninsula. The narrow cobbled streets of the two old town quarters are lined with old mansions. Many of the old houses have stone staircases, wooden balconies, and hidden inner courts. The best time for photography in Doltso and Apozari is early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Discover Kastoria’s Byzantine Churches and Frescoes

In addition to the above-mentioned frescoes, Kastoria has more than 50 surviving Byzantine churches. Many are small and hidden between houses, unlike larger churches that stand in the middle of squares. Most of the churches in Kastoria date back to the 10th century, and a few have opened their doors to visitors. However, visiting the majority of these churches outside of services is not possible. For this reason, a guided tour of a few of the churches through the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria is recommended to see the frescoes.

Step Inside a Restored Ottoman Mansion

In the 17th century, the wealthiest fur merchants from Kastoria built grand stone mansions, known locally as archondika. Today, many of these beautiful buildings still stand, and a handful have been restored and operate as museums, giving visitors a glimpse into the wonderful hand-painted interiors, stunning carved wooden ceilings, and even period furniture, an easy, indoor way to spend an hour that suits senior-friendly trips in Greece well. They were the pride and joy of Kastoria’s wealthy merchants from the Ottoman era.

Visit the Byzantine Museum of Kastoria

The Byzantine Museum of Kastoria features icons and frescoes in its collections, as well as other artifacts from Kastoria’s churches and monasteries, dating from the 12th to 14th centuries. Instead of being spread out in locked-up churches all over Kastoria, the Museum presents them in a very organized way, with adequate information in English to help visitors. Occasionally, the Museum staff may also be able to arrange a visit to churches that are usually closed to the public.

Learn the Story Behind Kastoria’s Fur Trade

Kastoria’s name seems to originate from the Greek word for beaver. From the 14th century onwards, local furriers supplied the Byzantine courts with all kinds of furs. A trade that, in time, would generate sufficient funds to build the beautiful mansions that today still stand. In Kastoria today, more than 300 fur businesses are active. Some are large factories, but there are also small family businesses. Visitors can get a look behind the scenes of one of these workshops.

Taste Local Specialties in the Old Town

The dishes are hearty and are based on beans, local cheese, and fish from the lakes. Many restaurants along the waterfront serve traditional dishes such as baked feta, dolmades, and eggplant cooked over low heat. The small cafes in the area serve tsipouro and simple mezes. It is worth looking for the local pastry of flaky dough called bougatsa.

The food in the Old Town is served in a traditional setting. It allows visitors the opportunity to experience the rhythm of the city. If destinations like this make you want to explore more of the country, start planning your trip to Greece and explore our vacation packages, or request one tailored to places just like this.

Lake Orestiada: Kastoria’s Natural Heart

Lake Orestiada is at the heart of Kastoria, a natural jewel that encircles the peninsula on most of its sides. It is a very scenic spot and rich in terms of wildlife. For the local inhabitants, it is a place of leisure, for their morning strolls and for their evening fishing. One of the richest bird habitats in Greece is located in Lake Orestiada. In this section, you can read about the wildlife of the lake, the routes and the lesser-known spots of the area.

Wildlife and Birdwatching on the Lake

Lake Orestiada supports more than 200 bird species such as herons, cormorants and other waterbirds that roost in the lake’s reed beds and the surrounding forests. For birdwatching, the best time of day is early morning before the town of Kastoria wakes up. Lake Orestiada’s biodiversity is unparalleled and can rival some of Greece’s protected wetlands, part of a wider stretch of lakes and mountain villages that make Greece worth exploring beyond its cities. Therefore, for the best birdwatching, take your binoculars and head for the lake’s northern shore, which is quieter than the rest of the lake.

Cycling and Walking the Peninsula Loop

The road around the peninsula is approximately 9km long. Many cyclists and walking parties use it. The route is generally flat, with a few sections of forest and a few monasteries, quiet coves and other places of interest, which makes it an easy, low-effort outing for family trips to Greece. Bicycles are available by the hour from some shops in the town center. Two hours would be sufficient time to complete the circuit, allowing for the odd stopping place for a photograph along the way.

Caves, Monasteries, and Hidden Corners Around the Water

After departing the old town of Kastoria and entering the ring of hills, there are a variety of worthwhile attractions and sites to visit. These include the old Dragon’s Cave, housing impressive stalactites, and its lakeside Mavriotissa Monastery with a centuries-old plane tree growing in its front yard, a quiet, little-visited corner that works well for a honeymoon in Greece looking for something away from the islands. Throughout the lake’s shoreline, there are a variety of historical war shelters and grottos, rarely visited by people.

How to Get from Athens to Kastoria

Traveling from Athens to Kastoria can be easier than you think. There are 3 options, depending on your budget and time. The first way to travel is by a direct flight from SKY Express, lasting approximately an hour. The second way is by car. Although this method of traveling is flexible and very scenic, it lasts for almost the whole day. The last way to travel to Kastoria from Athens is by bus, with a stop in Thessaloniki, which adds a lot of time to the overall travel time. You can find out more about the 3 ways of traveling in the table below.

Best Time to Visit Kastoria

The best time to visit Kastoria depends on what kind of holiday you are looking for. In autumn, the fantastic colors of the trees by the lake create a wonderful backdrop for your strolls. In winter, the city turns snowy and quiet, one of the more memorable ways to spend December away from the islands, and hosts the Ragoutsaria Carnival. In spring, the weather is mild, and the number of tourists is low. Summer, although warm, is quiet in comparison to the islands. Each season brings its own distinct atmosphere to the city.

Day Trips and Onward Travel from Kastoria

Kastoria’s location on the borders of Albania and North Macedonia offers many opportunities for onward travel. While here, it is worth taking a half-day trip to Nymfaio, a remote and beautiful stone-built village in the mountains, home to a bear sanctuary, an easy shared outing for groups of friends travelling in Greece looking to get outside the city for a few hours. Prespa Lakes region and its wetlands and monasteries are also popular with travelers.

If you are continuing your travels abroad, Korca (Albania) is a 1-hour taxi ride from Kastoria, while Bitola (North Macedonia) is a 2-hour drive. So Kastoria is a great base for completing a Balkans-Greece itinerary.

Practical Tips for Visiting Kastoria

A few practical details can make your visit to Kastoria smoother, especially since it’s a smaller city with fewer tourist services than Greece’s more popular destinations.

• Most churches stay locked outside of services; visiting with a guide from the Byzantine Museum is the most reliable way to see the interiors.
• Comfortable shoes are essential, since the old quarters are built on steep, cobbled streets and staircases.
• Many restaurants and shops close for a few hours in the early afternoon, so plan meals and errands around this.
• There’s no railway station in Kastoria, so buses and driving are your main options for regional travel.
• Cash is still preferred at smaller cafes and workshops, even though card payment is becoming more common.
• Book accommodation early during the Ragoutsaria Carnival in January, as rooms fill up quickly across the city.

Plan Your Trip to Kastoria

Kastoria is a part of Greece that you can easily overlook, but will definitely remember once you have seen it. It has a huge number of Byzantine churches and Ottoman mansions and is surrounded by a lake that shapes the daily life of the citizens of Kastoria.

Whether you’re flying in from Athens for a long weekend or adding Kastoria to a longer Balkans route, a little planning goes a long way in a city this rich in detail. For more guides on northern Greece and beyond, explore the rest of Greece Insiders and start building your next itinerary today.