Things To Do
in Kastoriá
Kastoriá is a picturesque lakeside city in northern Greece known for its peninsula of stone mansions, Byzantine churches, and the shimmering waters of Lake Orestiada. The town blends Ottoman-era and neoclassical architecture with a compact, walkable Old Town (Doltso) lined with traditional cafes and tavernas. Kastoria has a long history in the fur trade and a strong regional culinary tradition centered on freshwater fish and hearty Macedonian dishes.
Surrounded by forested hills and mountain villages, it makes a calm base for cultural sightseeing and nature excursions year-round.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your journey at the Byzantine Museum of Kastoriá, where you can admire exquisite artifacts and stunning frescoes from the Byzantine era. The museum's serene atmosphere will allow you to absorb the rich history of the region and its influence on Greek art. Take your time to appreciate the detailed craftsmanship and immerse yourself in the stories behind each piece.
After lunch at a quaint local taverna, spend your afternoon strolling through the picturesque streets of the old town, where traditional architecture meets vibrant culture. Don’t miss the chance to visit the stunning lakeside promenade, capturing breathtaking views of Lake Ochrida and the surrounding mountains. Allow yourself to get lost in the charming alleys filled with artisan shops and small cafes.
As the sun sets, enjoy a relaxing dinner at a waterfront restaurant, savoring regional dishes while listening to the soothing sounds of nature. The twinkling lights reflecting off the lake will create a magical ambiance for your evening. Consider taking a peaceful lakeside walk to digest your meal and appreciate the tranquility of Kastoriá under the stars.
Begin your day with a visit to the Monastery of St. John the Baptist, nestled in a serene forest setting. The early morning light filtering through the trees creates a divine atmosphere, perfect for exploring the monastery’s chapel and its beautiful grounds. Take part in a short guided tour to learn about the monastery's history and significance in the local community.
For lunch, return to town and indulge in some delicious local cuisine at a family-run eatery. Afterward, head to the nearby cave of the Dragon, where you can explore the fascinating geological formations and learn about the legends surrounding this site. Don't forget to take pictures and appreciate the natural beauty around you.
As night falls, choose to enjoy a traditional Greek performance at a local cultural center, where deft musicians and dancers showcase the vibrant history of the region. The energy of the performers and the engaging atmosphere will make for an unforgettable evening. Wrap up your day with a late-night coffee at a local cafe, relishing in the community's warmth and hospitality.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $10-15 |
| 🍽️Three-course meal for two at mid-range restaurant | $40-70 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-3 |
| 🏨Night in a mid-range hotel (double) | $60-120 |
| 🚕Taxi short ride | $3-10 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful lakeside setting with photogenic Old Town and architecture
- Close access to mountain villages and conservation projects like Arcturos
- Limited nightlife and fewer international transport links than larger Greek cities
- Some services and menus may be seasonal or limited outside peak times
- "Καλημέρα (Kalimera)" - Good morning
- "Ευχαριστώ (Efharistó)" - Thank you
- "Παρακαλώ (Parakaló)" - Please / You're welcome
- "Συγγνώμη (Signómi)" - Excuse me / Sorry
- "Πού είναι η λίμνη; (Poú eínai i límni?)" - Where is the lake?
Places to Visit in Kastoriá
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic reflections of stone mansions and churches on the calm lake surface—best at golden hour or after sunset with lights on.
Narrow cobbled lanes, wooden balconies and neoclassical facades provide atmospheric street photography opportunities.
Close-up shots of frescoes, domes and church exteriors—Panagia Mavriotissa and smaller chapels are photogenic (respect interior rules).
Traditional stone-built village set in fir forests—excellent for winter snow scenes and autumn colors.
Several elevated viewpoints around the lake offer panoramic vistas of the peninsula and surrounding hills, ideal at sunrise or sunset.
Food in Kastoriá
Kastoriá Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh trout from Lake Orestiada, usually grilled or oven-baked; the local specialty and widely available at waterfront tavernas.
Must-Try!
Traditional cheese and spinach–cheese pies made with phyllo; breakfast or snack staples found in bakeries and cafés.
Hearty stews or lamb dishes slow-roasted with herbs—popular in tavern menus, especially in cooler months.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Small local market and bakeries where you can buy fresh bread, pies, local cheeses, olives and seasonal produce; try loukoumades or local pastries.
Scattered kiosks and cafés along the peninsula sell quick snacks, coffee and sweets—perfect for people-watching and light bites.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Polite greetings matter—say ‘Kalimera’ (good morning) or ‘Kalispera’ (good evening) and shake hands for first-time meetings; close friends may exchange kisses on the cheek.
Dress modestly when entering churches, speak quietly, and avoid touching icons or interrupting services; ask permission before photographing inside.
Locals are hospitable—accept small offers of food or drink; declining should be done politely. Conversations about politics or sensitive historical topics are best approached cautiously.
Safety
Tipping in Kastoriá
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory—round up the bill or leave 5–10% in sit-down restaurants for good service. Small tips for taxi drivers, hotel porters and guides are customary.
Credit and debit cards are accepted at larger hotels and restaurants; many small tavernas, markets and rural businesses prefer cash (euros). ATMs are available in town.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Warm, sunny days and pleasant evenings—ideal for lakeside dining and hiking; nights are cooler than lowland coasts. Expect peak tourist numbers on weekends and holiday periods.
Crisp air and colorful foliage in the hills make this a scenic time for photography and walking; harvest and food festivals sometimes occur.
Cold, often with snow in surrounding mountains; cozy tavernas and hearty regional dishes shine in winter. Road conditions can be icy—check forecasts if driving.
Mild temperatures, wildflowers and flowing streams—great for outdoor activities and visiting mountain villages before the summer crowds.
Kastoriá at Night
Hiking in Kastoriá
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A network of forested trails on Mount Vitsi offering panoramic views, mixed terrain and routes suitable for half-day to full-day hikes.
Gentle village-to-woodland walks around Nymfaio combined with visits to the Arcturos centre; good for wildlife spotting and nature photography.
Nearby Prespa region offers lakeside walks and birdwatching routes—best combined as a longer day trip from Kastoria for nature enthusiasts.
Airports
How to reach Kastoriá by plane.
Nearest regional airport (approx. 60–80 km by road depending on route) with limited domestic flights; rental cars or transfers connect to Kastoria.
Major international airport about 200–240 km away (roughly 2.5–3.5 hours by car); frequent flights and good car-rental/bus connections for onward travel to Kastoria.
Smaller regional airport to the southwest (approx. 150 km); useful for some domestic connections and a longer scenic drive to Kastoria.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority of residents are ethnic Greeks, including families with long regional roots and businesses focused on local trades and agriculture.
Like many regional towns, Kastoria has an older age profile in parts of the population, with tight-knit village communities in surrounding areas.
Tourists increase in summer and holiday periods; visitors include Greeks from other regions and foreign travelers seeking culture and nature.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Local and regional football clubs are popular—matches draw local supporters and community interest.
Basketball enjoys a steady following across Greece and local teams and school competitions are common.
Recreational fishing on Lake Orestiada and small-boat rowing are traditional lake activities for locals.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Kastoriá.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are available (salads, bean stews, pies, grilled vegetables), but menus emphasize fish and meat—ask for vegetable-based mezes and cheese pies.
Vegan choices are more limited outside larger restaurants; rely on salads, legumes, grilled vegetables and roasted potatoes, and communicate restrictions clearly.
Traditional pies use phyllo (gluten), so gluten‑free options can be scarce; smaller tavernas may not have dedicated gluten‑free facilities—plan ahead and ask staff about ingredients.