Kastoria

Kastoria is very similar to Ohrid, which is located nearby, in Macedonia. A similar lake, a similar town and similar mountains with snow caps. Despite the tourist attraction, the main source of income is fur. There are hundreds of fur factories in the city, and at the entrance there is a huge shopping center, you will not miss it.

There are many ancient churches of the Byzantine era in Kastoria and several beautiful mansions that can be visited. However, we were more interested in a walk on the embankment along Lake Orestiada. It may not be as well-groomed as in Nafplion, but the views are beautiful. Beautiful landscapes is the main thing, why you should come here.














Since the city is surrounded by mountains, you can find good viewpoints. We found three such places. Attention! They are not for a mass tourist, only for well-prepared lovers of nature walks.

The most beautiful place is the mountain above the city, 1070 meters high (N 40 31.667 E 21 14.511). You can get here on foot from the city (use the maps.me app to find the path), although it is rather far to go. By car you can get here N 40 31.714 E 21 14.024, further up only on an SUV or 3 km on foot. At the very top you will see one of the best panoramas in Greece.


The second place is approximately at this point N 40 30.974 E 21 14.713. By car you can get here N 40 30.844 E 21 14.528 and then climb up the hill on foot. View is the following.


The third mountain is located on the peninsula itself (N 40 31.015 E 21 16.951) and is visible in previous photos. You can go by car and on foot (use the maps.me app to find the path). On the very top there is a restaurant and a beautiful view.


Since we had a car we stopped for the night not in the city, but a few kilometers away, at the Limneon Resort & Spa (booking.com). If the price suits you, then take it without hesitation, the hotel is excellent.

Getting there: A huge parking lot on the waterfront N 40 31.225 E 21 15.727. On the bus from Thessaloniki (schedule).