With its idyllic location on a peninsula surrounded by a lake and mountains, Kastoria is one of Greece’s most scenic destinations. The charming old town features historic streets that wind up the hillside, dozens of Byzantine churches, and stunning views of the lake. During our road trip through Greece, Kastoria turned out to be one of the most unexpected and delightful surprises. In this blog, we’ll take you through the highlights of this hidden gem in northern Greece, including the most beautiful sights to discover in Kastoria.
Where is Kastoria in Greece?
Kastoria is located in the far north of Greece, in the region of Macedonia. The borders with neighboring countries Albania and North Macedonia are not far from here. Just slightly north of Kastoria lies Lake Prespa, where the borders of Greece, Albania, and North Macedonia meet.
Kastoria enjoys an idyllic setting on Lake Orestiada. Or better yet — in the lake itself. The town sits on a narrow strip of land that connects the mainland to a peninsula, placing Kastoria right in the heart of the lake. The views across the water from Kastoria, and of Kastoria from the lakeshore, are incredibly photogenic. The dramatic mountain peaks in the background, often topped with snow during parts of the year, add even more beauty to the scene. These mountains are also a popular ski destination for Greeks.
Where to Stay in Kastoria
The best area to stay in Kastoria is right in the town located on the peninsula. This places you close to all the main sights and many charming accommodations offer wonderful views of the lake and the mountains that surround Kastoria.
Booking.com (function(d, sc, u) { var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0]; s.type = ‘text/javascript’; s.async = true; s.src = u + ‘?v=’ + (+new Date()); p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p); })(document, ‘script’, ‘//cf.bstatic.com/static/affiliate_base/js/flexiproduct.js’);Here are some of the most beautiful hotels in Kastoria:
- Orolopoulos Mansion Luxury Hotel is the perfect choice if you’re looking for a dazzlingly beautiful luxury hotel right in the middle of the historic streets. The hotel itself is set in one of Kastoria’s authentic mansions, with an interior that fits perfectly with the historic atmosphere of the town.
- Hotel Tsarsi is ideal if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly place to stay in the old part of Kastoria. The rooms are attractively decorated with plenty of blue, and from the hotel, you can walk straight into all the picturesque streets of the city.
- Hotel Doltso is a great option if you want a hotel with a prime location, housed in a beautiful and traditional building. The historic style of the building is beautifully reflected in the design of both the rooms and the cozy lobby.
- Paralimnio Suites offers beautifully decorated rooms with a modern, sleek look — lots of glass, black details, and neutral tones. The excellent reviews highlight the wonderful view, the comfort of the rooms, and the high level of service.
The most beautiful hotels just outside Kastoria are:
- Espero’s Palace is located slightly outside the town, to the north of the old city. It receives rave reviews for its sleek, modern rooms, private swimming pool and wellness facilities, and above all, its excellent eye for design.
- Calma Hotel is an attractive option located north of Kastoria, right by the lake. With two swimming pools, wellness facilities, a bar, and a restaurant, combined with modern rooms featuring wooden floors and light colors — it’s no surprise this hotel gets such glowing reviews.
- Chloe Hotel offers views of both the lake and the Vitsi mountains. It’s popular for its beautifully designed rooms and suites, decorated in light and earthy tones. The view across the lake is truly stunning.
Top Places to Visit in Kastoria
#1 The old city
Kastoria’s historic city center is the main attraction of this destination. The old part of the city lies on the narrow strip of land that connects the mainland to the peninsula, with several historic districts scattered across Kastoria’s hills.
The old quarters of Kastoria include:
- Kato Agora, located at the narrowest part of the peninsula, where you’ll find most of the restaurants and shops. This area also features the old city walls and the town hall.
- Tzami home to the remains of the only surviving mosque in Kastoria.
- Dexameni situated in the heart of the city — here, you can visit the Byzantine Museum.
- Tsarsi and Omonoia , formerly the Jewish quarters. Notable sights in this area include the Agios Ioannis Prodromos and Agios Nikolaos Kasnitzi churches.
- Apozari located on the northern bank and filled with traditional ‘archondika’ (mansions). It also offers views of Mount Vitsi.
- Eleusa found at the highest point of Kastoria. Along Vitsiou Street, it’s the only place where you can see both shores of the lake.
- Mitropoli and Stavros positioned on a rocky outcrop in Kastoria. Highlights here include the Byzantine churches Taxiarchis of the Mitropolis and Agios Athanasios (also known as Mouzaki), along with the Cathedral of Kastoria.
- Ntoltso located on the southern bank and known for its many authentic mansions, museums, Byzantine churches, and the charming Ntoltso Square.
The neighborhoods are full of charm, with narrow streets that carry a strong historic atmosphere, dozens of Byzantine churches, cozy little squares, and beautiful views thanks to their location on the hillside. It’s definitely worth exploring the slopes and taking your time to discover the old quarters.
Don’t miss the many Byzantine churches scattered throughout Kastoria — some are so small they resemble old barns or houses at first glance, but the crosses and nameplates always reveal their true identity. One might feel dark and intimate inside, while another is decorated with stunning wall paintings. It’s rare to see so many historic churches clustered together in one place as you’ll find here.
#2 The Archondika – Historical Mansions
In addition to its many Byzantine churches, Kastoria is also known for its archondika — the historic mansions dating back to the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. During that time, Kastoria flourished thanks to trade and its booming fur industry. Kastoria’s furs are still well-known today, and you’ll find many fur shops throughout the city.
These traditional mansions stand out with their white facades and wooden details, built on sturdy bases of rough stone. You’ll quickly begin to recognize them, they’re dotted all over the city. The neighborhoods of Apozari, on the northern edge of town, and Ntoltso, on the southern side, are home to the largest concentration of these houses. Wealthy Greek families once lived in these districts, and their legacy is still visible today. The contrast between the houses is striking: some have been beautifully restored and now serve as museums, while others are crumbling and in poor condition.
#3 The two boulevards of Kastoria
Thanks to Kastoria’s unique location on the narrow strip of land connecting the mainland to the peninsula in Lake Orestiada, the town features not just one, but two scenic lakeside boulevards. The northern boulevard runs through the Apozari district and offers beautiful views of the mountain peaks north of Kastoria.
The southern boulevard is the longer of the two and stretches for miles. It begins near the large parking area at the town’s entrance, follows the shoreline along a dramatic rocky outcrop, and continues past the Ntoltso district. The first section is lined with terraces and has a trendy beach club vibe, a great spot to enjoy a drink on a sunny day! We highly recommend walking along both boulevards for a pleasant and easy stroll with lovely views across the lake. And if you’re in the mood for a longer walk, you can continue all the way around the peninsula. It’s a rewarding loop that covers several kilometers.
#4 Coffee and Breakfast at Ntoltso Square
Ntoltso was our favorite neighborhood in Kastoria. This charming district blends the southern boulevard with a lively network of authentic, atmospheric streets. You’ll find several museums here, including the Folklore Museum and the Museum of the Macedonian Struggle. While we didn’t go inside the museums, we thoroughly enjoyed the beautiful historic buildings that house them. Ntoltso is filled with striking archondika — the city’s traditional mansions — scattered throughout its streets. Vyzantiou Street, in particular, is especially photogenic with its cobblestones, elegant mansions, and vintage street lamps.
At the heart of Ntoltso lies Afon Emmanouil Square, also known simply as Ntoltso Square. This cozy spot is lined with terraces and restaurants, making it a lovely place to sit and relax. We highly recommend starting your day here with a coffee or breakfast. Idees Art Cafe & Shop is a great choice, they offer a nice menu featuring pancakes, a variety of hot chocolates, and fresh sandwiches.
#5 The Kastoria Viewpoint
While you can enjoy lovely views of the lake from within Kastoria itself, the best way to take in the full beauty of the town is from the Kastoria Viewpoint. Located on the southern shore, directly across from the peninsula, this scenic spot offers the most breathtaking views of Kastoria.
From the south, you’ll look across the shimmering lake toward the hills of Kastoria, framed by dramatic mountains in the background. For those who want a classic tourist photo, there’s even an “I Love Kastoria” sign nearby — we skipped the cliché shot, but we did take in the stunning view, as you can see in the photo below. Wondering how to find the exact spot? Just search for “Kastoria Viewpoint” on Google Maps.
#6 The Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa
One of the most surprising sights in Kastoria is the small monastery located at the eastern tip of the peninsula, nestled among hills and forests. This is the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa — also known as the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Mavriotissa or Ιερά Μονή Παναγίας Μαυριωτίσσης. You can reach it by car via the road that runs along the edge of the peninsula, though the same route also makes for a lovely, long walk with the monastery as a perfect halfway point.
Dating back to the 11th century, the monastery prospered over time thanks to the wealth brought in by Kastoria’s fur trade, which the town is still known for today. The site itself is not very large and consists of a few small buildings, with the chapel being the main highlight. The chapel walls are beautifully decorated during our visit, one of the exterior walls was undergoing restoration with support from EU funding and inside you’ll find remarkable frescoes from the 13th century. While not all of the artwork is in perfect condition, that only adds to the site’s historic charm. There is also a small souvenir shop and a café next to the monastery where you can take a break.
Camper Tip: Traveling by camper like we did? You can park right next to the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa and wake up to a stunning view of the lake!
#7 The Caves of Kastoria
Just outside Kastoria, not far from the Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa, you’ll find another popular attraction the fascinating Dragon’s Cave. This underground wonder can be explored on a guided tour that takes you through about 300 meters of winding passages and stunning underground lakes.
During the visit, you’ll walk with a guide past seven lakes, ten chambers, and five corridors. Wooden walkways stretch across the water, creating a scenic path through the cave system. The entire tour takes around 30 minutes and costs €6 per person. Keep in mind that photography is not allowed inside.
#8 A Short Road Trip Around Lake Orestiada
The area surrounding Kastoria is especially idyllic, thanks to the dramatic mountain peaks, the scenic peninsula, and the beautiful lake. That’s why we highly recommend taking a short road trip to explore it all. You can start by driving around the edge of the peninsula which also makes for a great long walk, but it’s just as fun to circle the entire lake by car.
Along the way, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Kastoria and the surrounding mountains. The route passes by several churches, including the Agios Nikolaos Church with its wall paintings and the impressive Church of Saint Nikanor, located just outside town. You’ll also drive past the Kastoria viewpoint and the prehistoric lakeside village of Dispilio. The full drive takes less than an hour, not counting any stops along the way.
