Surrounded by mountains and built around the beautiful Lake Orestiada, Kastoria is one of the most atmospheric cities in Northern Greece and, in my opinion, one of the country’s most underrated destinations!!
I visited Kastoria during a weekend trip to Northern Greece and honestly loved the combination of lake views, traditional neighborhoods, Byzantine history and beautiful nature. It feels completely different from the Greek island destinations most international travelers are familiar with, making it a great choice if you want to discover another side of Greece.
Kastoria is particularly beautiful during autumn and winter, when the colors around the lake change and the surrounding mountains create an almost alpine atmosphere. But there is much more to the city than its scenery. You can walk along Lake Orestiada, explore centuries-old mansions in the neighborhoods of Doltso and Apozari, visit Byzantine churches, enter a cave filled with underground lakes and discover a reconstructed Neolithic settlement just outside the city.
In this Kastoria travel guide, I’ll show you the best things to do in Kastoria, how to get there, where to stay and everything you need to know before visiting.
Where is Kastoria?
Kastoria is located in Western Macedonia in Northern Greece, close to the borders with Albania and North Macedonia.
The city is built on a peninsula extending into Lake Orestiada, with mountains surrounding the entire area. This unique location is one of the reasons Kastoria has such distinctive scenery.
How to reach Kastoria
- From Athens: ~480 km | 4.5-5 hours by car
- From Thessaloniki: ~190 km | 2-2.5 hours by car
- Kastoria National Airport called “Aristotelis” : ~10-15 minutes from the city, with limited domestic flights so I would recommend checking the current schedule before planning your trip around the airport.
Best Things to Do in Kastoria
Despite being a relatively small city, Kastoria has plenty to see. You can easily spend a full weekend here, especially if you combine the city itself with some of the attractions around the lake.
1. Explore Lake Orestiada
You simply cannot visit Kastoria without spending time around Lake Orestiada, also known as Lake Kastoria. The lake is the heart of the city and one of the most beautiful parts of Kastoria. Mountains rise behind the water, while swans, ducks, pelicans and other bird species can often be spotted along the shoreline. One of my favorite things to do was simply walk beside the lake and enjoy the views. The atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, particularly early in the morning or around sunset.
You can also drive around much of the lake, stopping along the way for photos and different viewpoints.
Angel’s tip: Don’t just see the lake from the city center. Take some time to explore the quieter sections of the shoreline too – they were some of my favorite spots.
Taxidiaris Gatos cafe was one of my favorite, look at the view
2. Wander Around Doltso & Apozari
For a glimpse into old Kastoria, head to the traditional neighborhoods of Doltso and Apozari. Here you’ll find narrow streets, traditional Macedonian architecture and impressive mansions that once belonged to wealthy merchant families. Kastoria prospered for centuries through trade, particularly its famous fur industry, and some of that wealth can still be seen in the architecture of these historic neighborhoods. Doltso is especially lovely for a relaxed walk and is one of the best areas to photograph the more traditional side of the city.
3. Visit Panagia Mavriotissa Monastery
Continue along the lakeside road and you’ll eventually reach Panagia Mavriotissa Monastery, one of Kastoria’s most important religious landmarks. The monastery sits in a beautiful location right beside Lake Orestiada and dates back to the Byzantine period. Even if you’re not particularly interested in religious sites, the peaceful setting makes it worth including during a drive or walk around the lake.
4. Explore Dragon’s Cave
One of the places that surprised me most in Kastoria was Dragon’s Cave. Located close to the lake, the cave features an impressive underground landscape with stalactites, stalagmites and several underground lakes. According to local legend, a dragon once guarded a gold mine hidden inside the cave – which is how it eventually became known as the Cave of the Dragon.
Today, part of the cave has been developed for visitors, with walkways allowing you to explore its underground chambers. It’s completely different from what you might expect to find during a city break in Greece!
5. Visit the Kastoria Aquarium
Another interesting stop is the Kastoria Aquarium, which focuses exclusively on freshwater ecosystems.It is considered one of the largest freshwater aquariums in the Balkans and showcases fish and other species found in Greece’s lakes and rivers. It’s particularly worth considering if you’re visiting Kastoria with children or if the weather isn’t ideal for outdoor sightseeing.
6. Travel 7,500 Years Back in Time at Dispilio
Just a few minutes outside Kastoria lies one of the most fascinating archaeological sites in the area: the Neolithic Lakeside Settlement of Dispilio. The prehistoric settlement was discovered beside Lake Orestiada and dates back thousands of years. Today, visitors can walk through a reconstruction of the settlement and see how people are believed to have lived here during the Neolithic period, inside huts made using materials such as wood, reeds and clay. One of the most famous discoveries associated with Dispilio is the Dispilio Tablet, a wooden object bearing carved symbols and dating to approximately 5260 BC.
If you enjoy archaeology and ancient history, this is definitely worth adding to your Kastoria itinerary.
7. Discover Kastoria’s Fur-Making Tradition
Kastoria has been closely connected with the fur trade for centuries, and the industry played an important role in the city’s economic development. You’ll still see numerous fur shops and workshops around Kastoria today. Regardless of whether you’re interested in buying anything, it remains an important part of the city’s history and helps explain the wealth behind many of Kastoria’s impressive old mansions.
Where to Stay in Kastoria
During my trip, I stayed at Limneon Resort & Spa, located just outside the center of Kastoria.
I really enjoyed my stay here. The rooms were comfortable, breakfast was great, and the hotel has a large swimming pool. Its location outside the busy center also makes it a relaxing base if you’re exploring the area by car. If you prefer being able to walk everywhere, staying closer to Kastoria’s center or around the lake may be more convenient.
Where to Eat & Drink in Kastoria
Kastoria has plenty of great places for traditional food, coffee and drinks – many of them right by Lake Orestiada.
Πού να φάτε
- Palia Poli: My favorite! Great traditional Greek food in a beautiful setting near the lake.
- Kalnterimi: A popular choice for Greek and local flavors.
- Doltso Restaurant: Another good option in the historic Doltso neighborhood.
Local specialties to try: Giant beans, sarmades and other traditional dishes from Western Macedonia.
Coffee & Drinks
- Taxidiaris Gatos: My favorite spot for coffee or drinks by the lake!
- Lakefront cafés: You’ll find plenty of cafés and bars along the waterfront – perfect for enjoying the lake views.
- Idees Art Café: A lovely option in the historic Doltso area.
- Profitis Ilias: Head here for coffee with panoramic views over Kastoria and Lake Orestiada.
When is the Best Time to Visit Kastoria?
Kastoria can be visited throughout the year, but autumn and winter are particularly beautiful. During autumn, the trees surrounding Lake Orestiada turn shades of yellow, orange and red, while winter brings a completely different atmosphere to the city. Kastoria is known as a winter destination among Greeks, and during particularly cold periods parts of the lake can even freeze. Spring is another lovely option if you prefer milder temperatures and fewer winter conditions.
How Many Days Do You Need in Kastoria?
I would recommend spending a weekend in Kastoria. One day gives you enough time to see the main highlights, but a weekend allows you to explore at a much more relaxed pace. With two days, you can dedicate time to the lake and historic neighborhoods, visit Dragon’s Cave and the aquarium, and still have enough time to drive out to Dispilio.
If you have an additional day, Kastoria also makes a great base for discovering more of Western Macedonia and Northern Greece. (You can find some options below!)
Best Day Trips from Kastoria
Kastoria is also a great base for exploring more of Western Macedonia, with beautiful villages, nature and mountain destinations within easy driving distance.
- Nymfaio & Arcturos: Visit Nymfaio, one of Northern Greece’s most picturesque mountain villages, with stone houses, cobbled streets and beautiful forest scenery. Nearby, you can also visit the ARCTUROS Bear Conservation Area, home to rescued brown bears.
- Milia, Grevena: Around 40 minutes from Kastoria, the tiny village of Milia is home to a Natural History Museum displaying prehistoric finds from the area, including enormous mastodon tusks that earned a Guinness World Record.
- Florina & Prespa Lakes: For a full-day road trip, combine Florina with the Prespa Lakes. Walk along Florina’s Sakoulevas River before continuing to Prespa, where you can visit Agios Achilleios island, cross its floating footbridge and explore the beautiful lakeside scenery.
- Siatista: Around 30-40 minutes from Kastoria, Siatista is known for its impressive 18th and 19th-century mansions, built by wealthy merchant families. Some of them are open to visitors, making it an interesting stop if you love history and traditional architecture.
- Skiing near Kastoria: Visiting in winter? Vitsi Ski Center is the closest option to Kastoria, while Vigla–Pisoderi near Florina is another popular choice. Always check snow conditions and opening dates before visiting.
Is Kastoria Worth Visiting?
Kastoria offers a side of Greece that many international visitors never get to see. There are no whitewashed Cycladic villages or turquoise island beaches here. Instead, you’ll find a mountain-framed lake, Byzantine churches, historic mansions, prehistoric archaeology and a distinctly Northern Greek atmosphere. For me, that contrast is exactly what makes Kastoria interesting.
If you’re planning a road trip through Northern Greece or simply want to discover somewhere beyond Greece’s most famous destinations — Kastoria is definitely a city worth adding to your itinerary.
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