The city is built on the peninsula that dives into the Orestiadalake. At an altitude of 623 m between the large mountain ranges of Vitsi and Grammo and having very nice climate, it is considered to be one of the most beautiful, traditional and enchanting cities of Greece, with a splendid history which goes back many centuries.
Many elements belonging to the byzantine civilization can be found to this day in Kastoria; Byzantine walls, Byzantine churches, traditional mansions of unique architecture, an integral part of the modern city which constitutes an International Fur production and trading center. The beautiful natural environment with the dominant position of the Lake of Kastoria composes the city’s identity.
The lake of Orestiada in Kastoria is considered to be one of the most beautiful lakes of Greece from a morphological point of view and it has been declared a “Monument of natural beauty” by the Ministry of Civilization.
It is estimated that it was formed approximately 10 million years ago (Miocene epoch). Its size today is approximately 28 km2 and its greatest depth is approximately 90 m. The existence of a large diversity of plants, animals and fish is remarkable.
The Hellenic Ornithological Society has included it in the list of the most important areas for birds in Greece.
For a few days, almost every winter, the lake freezes creating a totally different aspect of the landscape.
Kastoria city is a living museum, with monuments that take you on a journey from the Neolithic era to today, with a major stop in Byzantium. Its more than 70 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches, mansions and neoclassical architecture form a unique ensemble of art and culture, covering a history of 10 centuries.
It’ s a good choise to visit the sights below:
Kastoria & around
Prehistoric lake settlement
Cave of Kastoria – ¨ The Cave of the Dragon¨
Panagia Mavriotissa Monastery
Freshwater Aquarium Kastoria
Museum of the Macedonian Struggle (Kastoria)
Old town of Kastoria ¨Ntoltso¨
Mansions of Kastoria
Byzantine Churches
Byzantine Museum
Wax & Folklore Museum
Petrified Forest of Nostimo
Archaeological Museum of Argos Orestiko
Crossing mount Vitsi
Tourist Boat Cruise on the lake
Excursions
Tour to traditional settlement of Nymfaio – Arcturos
Tour to Nestorio & to mountainous masse of Grammos.
Tour to small and big Prespa (lake)
Vitsi Ski Resort
Walks & Cycling: Walking on the beach, running, cycling under the plane trees and the willow trees are frequent recreational activities. The lake forest is one of the few of its kind, still existing in our country and it comprises of enormous plane trees, poplar trees, willow trees and many climbing plants.
Photography: Kastoria is of special interest to every amateur or professional photographer, offering wonderful photograph themes such as sunrise and sunset, ornaments of the lake, churches and mansions of unique architecture.
Fishing: Angling at the side of the lake is a wonderful experience owing to its natural beauty. There are many kinds of fish in the lake, such as tench, northern pike, Prussian carp, wels catfish etc.
Rowing – sailing: Apart from exercise, rowing and sailing offer an interesting spectacle since greek as well as international competitions are frequently organized.
If you own a small sailing boat you can discover the city by sailing in the lake waters. You can also ski on the calm waters of the lake.
Canoeing & Kayak: The calm waters of the lake are ideal for canoeing & kayak, the unique view of the city of Kastoria through the water and the sounds of water and birds will calm you. The more adventurous can visit nearby rivers to descend to more rushing waters.
Skiing: If you like skiing, in winter time you can visit the skiing centre of Vitsiou( 30 minutes), of Vigla (50 minutes), of Vasilitsa ( 90 minutes).
Local market: Kastoria is known all over the world for its large production of great quality and beauty fur products. You have thus the opportunity of combining your visit to Kastoria with the purchase of furs of unique quality at reasonable prices.