Kastoria is one of the most charming and historic destinations in Northern Greece, ideal for those seeking a combination of natural beauty, Byzantine tradition and a cosmopolitan air. Action Luxury Transfer gives you the opportunity to discover this distinctive castle-town by organising a fully personalised, private excursion with a luxury minivan and a professional driver.
- From Thessaloniki: The distance is 190 kilometres and the journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes.
The city of Kastoria is objectively a beautiful and picturesque town. Perhaps one of the most beautiful towns in Northern Greece. The lake, the mirror of the town, exudes calm and relaxation.
The old town of Kastoria, with its many wonderful mansions, lends the town a picturesque and noble character. It is one of the most aristocratic and historic destinations.
History & Tradition
- Byzantine Heritage: Kastoria is the only town in Greece that preserves intact such a rich Byzantine and post-Byzantine memory. It has more than 70 Byzantine churches.
- The Art of Fur Making: Interwoven with the identity of the town for over 5 centuries. It brought enormous economic and intellectual flourishing, which is reflected in the impressive mansions.
- The Mansions: Large, imposing buildings of the 17th and 18th centuries with interior galleries (doxata), wood carvings and wall paintings.
Touring the town reveals landscapes of unique beauty and monuments of deep historical significance:
- Lake Orestiada: The ultimate trademark of the region, declared a Monument of Natural Beauty, offers an idyllic lakeside route.
- The Dragon's Cave: An impressive natural attraction with stalactites and seven underground lakes
- The Traditional Quarters of Doltso & Apozari: A stroll along the cobbled alleys that transports the visitor to the town's era of prosperity.
- Holy Monastery of Panagia Mavriotissa: A historic 11th-century monastery, built in a magical setting next to the water.
Kastoria preserves its Byzantine and post-Byzantine heritage unaltered, while the long tradition of fur making, spanning more than five centuries, is reflected in the magnificent mansions of the 17th and 18th centuries. The cultural identity of the place is highlighted through its remarkable museums:
- Byzantine Museum: It houses one of the most important and richest collections of Byzantine icons in the world.
- Folklore Museum (Neratzi Aivazi Mansion): A faithful reconstruction of the everyday life of the old Kastorian nobility.
- Costume Museum: Housed in the Mansion of the Emmanuel Brothers and presenting the local costume tradition.
- Prehistoric Lakeside Settlement of Dispilio: A unique open-air eco-museum that recreates the life of one of the oldest settlements in Europe.
The local cuisine is in itself a distinct reason to visit. It is based on the fresh produce of the Macedonian land, the fish of the lake and the region's famous legumes. During your stay, it is worth trying the renowned smoked trout, the traditional sarmades (stuffed cabbage rolls), the wild mushrooms and the local giant beans.
- Departure at 08:00 from Thessaloniki and return at 20:00.
- Possibility to adapt the programme according to the passengers' wishes.
- Participants under 15 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
