Kastoria

Kastoria (Population: 35,874 (2011)) is a lakeside city in Macedonia, northern Greece.

By plane to Argos Orestiko, 15 km away from the Kastoria city centre. Airlines are only available through Athens.

Or by air to Thessaloniki, and then 2 hours travel to Kastoria by car (or bus).

• Visit the numerous Byzantine churches.
• See the beautiful lake
• 40.5192821.272861 Saint Stephen Church (Agios Stefanos). One of Kastoria’s most important early Byzantine churches, Saint Stephen dates possibly to around 900 AD. Its exterior is notable for alternating stone and brick bands and distinctive cartwheel brick motifs in the apse. Inside, surviving frescoes — though damaged — include an early Last Judgement in the narthex, and later 12th-century Christological imagery in the nave.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 40.5158621.268232 Church of the Archangel of the Metropolis (Church of the Taxiarchs, Archangels Michael and Gabriel) (near the Metropolis area of Kastoria). A refined early Byzantine basilica, broadly contemporary with Agios Stefanos. It is especially notable for its exterior and interior frescoes, including monumental depictions of the Archangels and an unusual cycle of Passion scenes.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 40.5181321.268763 Saint Mary Koumbelidiki (Virgin of the Little Dome). One of Kastoria’s most distinctive early Byzantine churches, likely to date from the early 10th century. Its rare domed triconch plan makes it architecturally unique in the town, with later additions to the western end. Inside are layered frescoes from different periods, including a 12th-century Nativity scene above the west door.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 40.5201821.272374 Church of Agioi Anargyroi. One of Kastoria’s more mature Byzantine churches, Agioi Anargyroi (11th century) reflects a shift toward broader and more balanced basilica proportions. It is especially notable for its richly carved doorway and decorative brickwork on the exterior. Inside, layered frescoes from the 11th–13th centuries include figures of saints and remnants of a founders’ portrait.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 40.5170321.26825 Saint Nicholas of Kasnitzis Church. Dating from the second half of the 12th century, this small church was founded by Nikiforos “of Kasnitzi,” whose inscription survives on the west wall. It is a simple, aisleless, wooden-roofed hall with a modest narthex, but its interior frescoes are among the best preserved in Kastoria. Particularly notable is the west wall composition combining the Koimisis, Transfiguration, and Ascension, alongside striking warrior saints and a figure of St Nicholas.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 40.509821.29036 Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa. Set on the lakeshore a short drive or walk from Kastoria, the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa is one of the most atmospheric Byzantine sites in the region. The core church likely dates to the 11th century, with later additions including a narthex and a 14th-century side chapel. It is especially renowned for its extensive frescoes from multiple periods, including a notable Koimisis on the west wall.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 40.51936121.2685567 Byzantine Museum of Kastoria. Housed in a restored Ottoman-era building, this museum brings together fresco fragments, icons, manuscripts, and ecclesiastical objects rescued from the city’s many churches. It provides useful context for the painting styles and architectural phases seen across Kastoria’s monuments.  (updated Jul 2026)
• 40.5055821.284538 Dragon’s Cave (Spilia tou Drakou). A striking lakeside cave system near the causeway, featuring illuminated chambers, underground lakes, and impressive stalactites and stalagmites. It adds a natural counterpart to the city’s dense Byzantine heritage.  (updated Jul 2026)
• Prophet Elias Viewpoint. (updated Jul 2026)
• 40.48547521.2922079 Dispilio Neolithic Settlement. An open-air archaeological site reconstructing a Neolithic lakeside settlement on Lake Orestiada. It offers a much earlier historical layer, with reconstructions of wooden dwellings and finds from one of Europe’s oldest known lake villages.  (updated Jul 2026)

• Go for skiing at the two near ski centres.

Buy Furs from the numerous local furriers Buy Fur accessories as well. Take a walk by the beautiful lake

• Visit the world's biggest fur trade centre Edika ^{[dead link]} Also buy furs from Mailon Furs

Good local 'tsipouro' (just like ouzo) and wine

The city of Kastoria is very touristic and has a lot of great places to spend your night.