Kastoria sits on a peninsula in Lake Orestiada in western Macedonia. Misty winter mornings, dozens of Byzantine churches, grand mansions and the Ragoutsaria carnival make it a memorable festive-season trip.
Highlights
- A walk or drive around Lake Orestiada
- Byzantine churches with frescoes
- Doltso and Apozari quarters with restored mansions
- The Dragon's Cave by the lake
- Ragoutsaria festival around Epiphany (6–8 January)
Kastoria grew rich from the fur trade, and its old quarters are full of mansions built by merchant families. The town also has a remarkable number of Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches.
Ragoutsaria
Right after the Christmas season, around Epiphany, Kastoria celebrates Ragoutsaria — days of masquerade, brass bands and street parties that draw visitors from across Greece.
☀️ Best time to visit
Winter for the lake mists and Ragoutsaria; spring and autumn for walks around the lake.
🧭 Getting there & around
Kastoria airport has limited flights from Athens. By car it is about 2.5 hours from Thessaloniki via the Egnatia motorway.
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Kastoria guides & articles
Kastoria in Winter: Lakeside Christmas and the Ragoutsaria Festival
Kastoria transforms into a winter wonderland during the festive season, offering a unique blend of Byzantine heritage, grand mansion architecture, and the lively Ragoutsaria carnival.
The Best Beaches in and Around Kastoria
While Kastoria is a mountain town known for its Byzantine history rather than coastal swimming, its location on Lake Orestiada offers a unique lakeside experience.
What to Eat in Kastoria: A Local Food Guide
Kastoria offers a unique culinary landscape shaped by its lakeside location and rugged Macedonian mountains. Discover the traditional dishes that define this historic town.
