Kastoria map

Capital: Kastoria

Overview:

Kastoria lies among the mountains Vitsi and Grammos, on a small peninsula of Orestiada Lake, and borders to Albania. Archaeological excavations brought to light the first Lake settlement dating back 5,000 BC. Other impressive sites, in combination with wonderful natural landscapes, the waters of Aliakmonas River, lakes, waterfalls and forests comprise the beautiful Kilkis image. The city is known for its fur production, while tradition and culture have remained intact until today.

Best Kastoria Sites:

• Dispilio Lake Dwelling

• The Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa in the lake

• The 80 Byzantine and Post-Byzantine churches

• The famous Monastery of Virgin Mary in Klissoura village and numerous other monasteries

Places to visit:

• Aliakmonas River, the largest of Greece, home to many endangered bird species

• The Ammoudara Health Spa

• The Fossil Forest (Nostimo)

• The Kastoria Lake

• The mountainous complex of Vitsi and Vitsi Ski Resort

• The Mount Grammos

• The famous Vlach village of Klissoura, other traditional villages (Gavros, Kastanophyto, Nostimo) and picturesque settlement of Aposkepo, with old stone fountains

Special Events:

Cultural tradition is lively preserved in Kastoria through local customs. Some of the events taking place are the "Ragoustsaria" (January 8^th) with a large parade of masked merry-makers, the carnival festivities of "Boubounes", the Chestnut Festival in Kastanophyto (mid-October), and other local religious celebrations. It is also organized the International Fur Exhibition, as well as the three-day River Party in Nestorio on the banks of River Aliakmonas (August 1^st-3^rd), the "Orestia", the "Cultural August" and the "Week of Emigrant Kastorians".