The prefecture of Kastoria borders with Ioannina, Grevena, Kozani and Florina, while a part of it is at the Greek border with Albania. The area is dominated by the mountains of Pindos, Grammos, Voio and Vitsi, while it is crossed by Aliakmonas. It consists of 15 municipalities and the capital is the town of Kastoria.

AREAS OF INTEREST

Kastoria

This city combines nature, history, tradition and culture, which certainly offers the visitor wonderful experiences and memories.

The name comes from Kastor, one of the Dioskouroi. Kastoria is an ideal destination for the lovers of the Byzantine history. Lake dwelling Mavriotissa with its folkloric frescoes of 1200, Agii Anargyri with the amazing paintings of Virgin Mary Koumpelidiki and other 40 beautiful churches.

During your ride you should not miss a visit to Ntoltso and Apozari neighborhoods. There, you will admire the imposing mansions of the 17th and 18th century and wander into past eras. The Natzi, the Mpassara and the Arampatzi mansions stir up a special interest.

Also for anyone who visits the region, it is worth to see the forest, the lake, the view from Prophet Elias and the stone bridges. Finally, a visit to the costume museum, the Folklore Museum and the Temple Church of Saint Anargyri of the 11th century is adviced.

One can reach Kastoria easily by plane since it has an international airport or by car in just 2 hours from Thessaloniki or 5 to 6 hours from Athens.

Argos Orestiko

It is the capital of the municipality Orestidos. It is located on the borders of the prefecture of Kozani and its population is estimated at 11000 inhabitants. It is also called Chroupista. Argos Orestiko was founded in the 7th century and experienced prosperity especially in the 15th century and onwards due to textiles and fur processing workshops. In the area attractions include the paleochristian temple of St. George, the triklitos Byzantine temple of St. George, the walls of the Roman city Dioklitianoupoli (out of Diocleziano), the Petrified Forest of Nostimo and the spas.

Nestorio

It is the largest village of Grammos. Located at 950 meters, it has a population of around 3000 inhabitants and is characterized by traditional architecture and beauty since the visitor can meet Grammos, Aliakmonas and Kastro there. It is divided into two settlements: Ano Nestorio and Kato Nestorio, which actually are now united. The fans of agritourism and nature’s sports are rewarded here. Moreover the River Party is a special event which takes place every August next to Aliakmonas and lasts 3 days.

Old and New Kotyli

They are picturesque villages at an altitude of 1450 meters and a distance of 10 km away from Nestorio and they are characterized by lush vegetation of beeches, black pine and fir trees. The thumping rock of 130 m, which is known as «Death of Kotyli» is unique. It took its name from the savage battles of the Civil War during which the rebels fell from the cliff to escape. Finally, it is worth to admire the view from the hilltop at Profylakio Tower at 1700 m. It is easy to see the outline of Olympus in the east, while in the north you face Vitsi and Kaimaktsalan.

Kypseli

It is one of 9 Grammochoria (villages of Grammos) that have Nestorio as center. Located at a distance of 50 km from Kastoria it took its name from its characteristic geomorphology. The inhabited houses are around 80 and they are all located at the heart of a coniferous forest with pine and fir trees. The Byzantine church of Agia Paraskevi is characteristic.