The natural environment of Kastoria Prefecture is special and diverse. The lake, the rivers and the mountains create a kaleidoscopic landscape that offers strong emotions to the visitors.
THE SMALL ROUND OF THE LAKE
Either for walking or biking and seven kilometers long besides the lake could be characterized the most beautiful stroll in the town. Right next to the traditional neighborhood of Doltso with the amazing manors, we follow the lakeside way, making our first stop at the Byzantine church of Agios Nikolaos, built on the rock.
The magical route offers the opportunity to realize how close the Kastorians feel to the lake. Some fish using their fishing rods either alone or whole bands of people, others just take a walk and some relax on the benches alongside the road by the lake.
When you reach Panagia Mavriotissa you see the plane that has been characterized a protected natural monument as it has been standing there for nine hundred years. Right next to it several street vendors sell local products (legumes, nuts, pickles, tea) to visitors.
The peace of the lake is often interrupted by birds that dive into the water while seeking for their food. Ducks, pelicans, marabous, swans and cormorants tranquilly live together in this small heaven. You might meet some fishermen that throw their nets with their “ships”, as the Kastorians characteristically call their boats.
Strangely shaped boats, made of water elm wood or elm wood from Lefkada Island, 5 to 7 meters long and 50 to 60 cm deep. The two ends are called sterns and the sides are called ledges. For many centuries this has been the only mean of transportation in the lake. Next, on the hill you can see the post-Byzantine church of the Transfiguration of the Savior.
Where the road by the lake reaches the seventh and last kilometer lies the Nautical Club of Kastoria. The athletes of the Club spend most part of their day while practicing at the lake. The club has a long tradition in rowing and has won many medals and titles. T
he one before last stop is the Tsiatsiapa manor, which was built in 1754. The small round of the lake ends on the hill of Agios Athanasios, at Tsardaki location.
THE GREAT ROUND OF THE LAKE
This round gives the opportunity to the visitor to enjoy the full grandeur of the lake. Following the south exit from Kastoria we come accross Dispilio after seven kilometers. At Nisi location the very important settlement of Dispilio was excavated in 1992. If you are attracted to caves, you should seek an interesting cave to visit at Douchlo. Other important sites are the bridges of the villages Giole, Tsesme, Lakos and Granovoda because they are fine samples of the traditional architecture.
Five kilometers after Dispilio, lies Krepeni settlement. The tradition says that there is a ghost in the area that goes from house to house and messes around with the Kastorians.
The church of Agios Nikolaos that lies outside the village Mavrochori dates to the 16th century. This building is what has survived from the old monastery. There are magnificent wall paintings inside this church. It is worth noting that on the exterior wall of the narthex there is a depiction of the Slaughter of the Infants.
The view of the lake from another spot, from the quay on the beach of Mavrochori is unique. One can relax in a specially formed space under the planes by the lake, tasting amazing traditional local appetizers. From here you can take the boat and tour the lake.
At the northern side of Mavrochori, alongside the lake lies Polikarpi. The roads of the village are suitable for hiking both on the side of the lake and the side of the plain, which is verdant with apple trees.
Next, turning from the main street, one meets Foteini settlement, with a panoramic view of Kastoria. The oak forest Kaniakos with a total surface of 4000 hectares lies there.
The one before last stop of the round is Metamorphosi village. The oak and beech forest, named Kouri offers a magnificent view. Just outside the borders of the village is located the church of the Transfiguration of the Savior, sated to the 8th century. Next, we meet Tichio. The round of the lake ends by entering the town through the beautiful suburb Chloi.
CROSSING VITSI
This time, the round sets off the road that leads to Florina. Crossing the suburb Chloi, the villages Aposkepos, Kefalari and Sidirochori and right after the junction for Tichio, the road ascends offering a unique view to the lake and the plain of Kastoria. At the foothill of Vitsi, 14 kilometers away from the town, there are two churches at the village Vissinia, the one of Agios Nikolaos of 1884 and the one of Agios Athanasios of 1884, a stone bridge of 1880 and two water mills of 1910, which are all very important sites of the area.
After Vissinia, at an altitude of 1,190 meters lies Oxia village. The village there includes the churches of Agios Konstantinos and Eleni as well as Prophet Jeremy’s. The mushrooms monopolize the interest of locals and visitors. The loyal friends of the mushrooms meet every year in Oxia where the Mushroom Festival is organized in mid July. Several mushroom varieties from the surrounding slopes are cooked or baked to treat the visitors.
To reach the ski center of Vitsi, we drive through thick forests, cross the junctions to Polikeraso and Perikopi and at an altitude of 1,800 meters, among oak and beech forests; we meet three of the most amazing ski runs of the country. The ski center is open from December to March with runs from 1,000 to 2,500 meters long.
On the way to Florina, two and half kilometers after the ski center and at an altitude of 2,216 meters, near the mountain peak lies the Monument of those who died during the Civil War. The remarkably beautiful, thick forest is a shelter for many animal species, as for example the brown bear that is threatened with extinction.
THE VIRGIN FORESTS OF GRAMMOS – EPTACHORI
Starting off from Kastoria, following the road that takes us to Nestorio, we pass by the villages Maniaki, Kolokinthou, Mesopotamia and Kalochori. At the junction to Kranochori and Ptelea, there is a small hill where the ancient town Vattina was built.
To visit the village Agia Anna and admire the waterfalls and the monuments, you should make a by pass for approximately one kilometer from the central road. Outside the village, in a deep gorge are found the ruins of a monument, which is estimated to have been built in the 13th century. This is the monument of Taxiarches of Tsouka, which is a fine sample of post-Byzantine art. Among the huge nut trees, at the edge of the cliff lie the remains of three churches: Taxiarches, Zoodochos Pigi and a single aisled temple.
Coming back on to the main street, only 25 kilometers away from Kastoria, at an altitude of 950 meters we meet the largest settlement of the wider area, Nestorio, the “gate to Grammos”. This area crosses a branch of the international walking path E6 (that sets off from Sweden, crosses Europe and reaches the coast of Adriatic, continuing through Greece from Igoumenitsa and ends up to Samothrace). The path follows the route: Zouzouli, Pentalofos, Vioi, Nea Koliti, Nestorio, Kastoria, Kranionas, Gavros and goes on to Florina Prefecture.
One of the area’s sites is the church of Pammegiston Taxiarches which was built in 1858, the mills of Ralli and Sereni and the square of the legendary Alexandros Papaterpos. Nestorio is famous for the River Party that is organized every August at a unique place by Aliakmonas River. Thousands of campers visit the place every year and participate in this grand festival that was firstly organized by a small group of people in 1974.
One can set off from Nestorio and start exploring Mt Grammos. The forests with the rich fauna are also full of beeches, firs and black pine trees. One of the routes that you can follow, if you have the proper car and fine weather is via the abandoned villages Livadotopi, Giannochori, Monopilo, Slimnitsa (Trilofo) and Fousia. Then follows the gorgeous forest of black pine trees of Barouga (which has been declared a protected natural monument since 1985) and right after that lies the grand valley of Grammousta at an altitude of 1,400 meters. This famous village was heavily hurt during the civil war. The ruins of the bombarded church at the entrance of the village are all that has been left from this period. The village is an ideal base for hiking on the peaks around and the lake Gistova, at an altitude of 2,300 meters.
Driving southwards, we reach the bridge of Saradaporo, where we take the turn to find the mountain peaks called Arrenes. This road leads to the tableland of the spring Trakosara where, according to the locals, the water is so light that it only weighs 300 drams.
Here lies Lake Moutsalia, at an altitude of 1,740 meters, with emerald water, full of water lilies on which lives a species of Alpine merman that the locals call ‘fish with legs’. Driving southwards, we pass by the villages Pefkofito and Chrisi and then we reach Eptachori, a small village very close to the border with Grevena Prefecture.
It is built at an altitude of 880 meters and the view is amazing as it is surrounded by thick forests. The village was established in the first years of Ottoman Occupation when seven smaller settlements were united in their effort to deal with the invasions of the Albanian Turks. Among others, it is worth visiting the area of the monastery of Agios Georgios. Its interior main church, built in 1625, bears fantastic wall paintings of 1632 as well as strange engravings with zodiac signs on the wooden door that separates the narthex from the main church. On the way back to Nestorio, we pass by Kipseli, Palea Kotili and New Kotili, on the other side of Mt Grammos.
TOWARDS THE PETRIFIED FOREST
Setting off Kastoria, at a distance of 12 kilometers on the way to Dispilio, the visitor gets to the junction towards Argos Orestiko, the main settlement of the said Municipality. The town spares the church of Prophet Elias as well as some manors of the early 20th century, while outside the church lies the archaeological site of Ancient Dioklitianoupoli. Part of the wall survives in the area, as well as roman tombs and three Paleochristian churches with mosaic floors. A Classical Antiquity Museum operates in Argos Orestikon.
Four kilometers further we come across the sulphurous springs of Ammoudara. All around the year a hydrotherapeutic unit with modern infrastructure operates here. The spring water reaches 15ο C. Nearby villages that you can visit are Votani, Dialechto and Velos.
On the way towards Asproekklisia and Scalochori, we reach Nostimo, at an altitude of 920 meters, which is one of the Kastanochoria. Here lies the famous Petrified Forest aged 15-20 million years old, with tropical and subtropical plants. Rare sea fossils like starfishes, mussels, shells, snails, shark teeth etc. are scattered all over the villages. Fossils of animal origin have also been found, with high scientific importance, as they overturn the historic facts that are known so far.
The existence of a petrified tooth of a prehistoric huge herbivore animal is very impressive, as well as the shark’s tooth, since it is estimated that the shark would be 20-25 meters long. These amazing findings are exhibited at the small Museum of the Petrified Forest, which is open all days of the week (tel: 2467084588,84566). Before the route is complete, we meet the villages Anthiro, Spilio and Agios Elias, where we can visit the post-Byzantine monastery of Agios Athanasios Zikovistas.
AT KORESTIA
On the way to Korestia, we meet Lefki and Koromilia, with the beautiful single arched bridge that was built over Ladopotamos River in 1865. In Koromilia you can visit the chapel of Agios Nikolaos and the fantastic gorge that is 70 meters deep and 2.5 kilometers long. Following the way that leads to Prespes, you pass by the villages of Korestia. They are quite impressive, although most of them are abandoned, with houses made of burned clay and roofs made of canes and tiles. This settlement of Korestia is relatively new and this is where the residents of Gavros settled. Next, we find Agios Antonios and Chalara that stand out among nut trees. Outside Chalara is the chapel of Agios Athanasios, which was built in 1800 and the adobe built church of Holy Mother, built in 1717. We are greeted by the nostalgic water mill of 1900 that stands out as a sleepless guard of the area. The next villages northwards are Makrochori, Melas and Ano Melas. The area was named after the fighter Pavlos Melas, because this is where he died. The house where he took refuge in and was killed by the Turks now operates as a museum with heirlooms from the Macedonian War. At that time this village was called Statista.
AT THE NORTH GATE OF GRAMMOS
Setting off the west part of the town, 11 kilometers further we meet Mesopotamia and its thick forest. Mesopotamia is a large village next to a forest by the river full of planes, poplars, willows and matchwoods. The visitor can enjoy picnicking at the areas configured especially for such purposes and he can also admire the view and taste treats.
After Mesopotamia, on the way to Dipotamia, we meet Agia Kiriaki, Oinoi, Polianemo, Akodio, Chionato and Komninades. Dipotamia lies at an altitude of 1,500 meters and is the base for the north slopes of Grammos. The visitor can visit the remarkable Folklore Museum of the village. There is also a spa in the area, more specifically at Mesovrachos position. The view to the Kastoria lake and Albania from the tops of Alevitsa, Ammouda and Taxiarchia are amazing. There are observatories of the Forest Service at the peak of Alevitsa.
The area of north Grammos is a biotope for bears, deer and many other rare animal and bird species. Here, on the riverbanks of Alakmonas live alpine mermen, Mediterranean tortoises and otters.
Finally, on the way to Kristalopigi, we get to the settlements of Ierapigi and Dendrochori.
AT THE FOOTHILL OF ONDRIA
The mountain massif of Ondria is ideal for hiking via natural paths. Many of the slopes are used for climbing.
Setting off Kastoria, and driving along the local road towards Voio of Kozani we follow the route Lachanokipi, Lakomata, Asproneri, Kria Nera and Zevgostasio to reach Kastanofito (Chestnut plant) after 3 kilometers; a settlement that has been named after the many chestnuts of the area. Every year, on the last Sunday of October the Association and the village inhabitants organize the Chestnut. In Kastanofito you can visit the great collection of photographs that have been collected at the Folklore Museum and present the everyday life of the people from 1912 till today.
In Zevgostasio, the church of the Dormition of Holy Virgin is a quite important Byzantine museum of the 11th century with fantastic wall paintings. At the settlement Spilea lies the church of Agia Kiriaki of 1754 and a 30 meters waterfall that is accessible via a path. From Spilea we go on to Melanthio, a village that is connected to historic battles during the Macedonian War. In the area Pitsiria there is a through cave where the villagers used to take refuge during the Occupation. The church of Zoodochos Pigi, built in 1850 and the Folklore Museum are among the village’s sites.
The next settlement, called Vrahos, an irrigation dam is under construction and will create an artificial lake. This village is the ideal base for dashes to the two tops of Mount Voio, the small (1530m) and large (1589m) Ontria. One can get an amazing view from the small waterfalls at “Bougiazi” as well as “Simio” positions, with a panoramic view to Kastoria and Kozani. The mountain massif of Odria is ideal for walks through natural paths where the visitor has the opportunity to admire the beauty of the forest.
The firs, the oaks and beeches create a scene of incomparable beauty throughout the year and especially in autumn. Many of the Mountain Ondria tops are used as climbing positions by several climbing societies. Also Niki, Petropoulaki and Laga are nearby small villages that you can visit.
PORIA – CHILIODENDRO – TSAKONI – PENTAVRISO – OMORFOEKKLISIA – IPSILO – AVGI
On the way that leads to Nestorio, we leave behind us the villages Poria, Chiliodendro and Tsakoni and we reach the foothill of Grammos, where Pentavrisos is built at the 760 meters. According to the researchers and the clues that came to light from excavations in 1999, there used to be an urban center of classical antiquity at Pentavriso. Also a piece of the most ancient sepulcher relief of Ano Macedonia, dated in 400 BC was found in the region.
Next we get to the villages Avgi and Ipsilo where the archaeologists have gathered important findings of the classical antiquity from ancient Orestida (tomb inscriptions, crest, ceramic workshop).
Near the village Avgi a prehistoric settlement has been found. Next stop of the route is Omorfokklisia that was named after the church of Agios Georgios, a really fantastic building that is dated to the 11th century and belongs to the domed, cross-in-square style. The church that used to be the main church [katholikon] of an old monastery is decorated at the exterior with highly artistic ceramics.
Apart from the wall paintings, the church is also decorated by a unique whole length relief of Agios Georgios. According to tradition, this rare wooden sculpture of the 13th century was brought from Giannena by two sister nuns on sleighs. The loyals used to try to stick coins on this relief – that looks like a statue – so as to get the favour of the Saint. There is a complex of rocks above the church at a depth of 20 meters and on the west side there is a 12 hectares forest.
ABELOKIPI – MILITSA – KOSTARAZI – VOGATSIKO – GERMA
On this route towards Grevena, we aim to the good food. Only 8 kilometers away from Kastoria we find the village Abelokipi, where we can enjoy the delicious meat and traditional recipes in the numerous taverns. The next village is Militsa. Look for the church of Agia Paraskevi that was built during the Ottoman occupation as well as the church of the town’s patron saint, Agios Minas.
Next we get to Kostarazi, which is a new settlement built on the ruins of the previous one that was destroyed by the Germans. The area is ideal for walking at the Bania spring and the tops of Prophet Elias and Agios Thomas, where you can enjoy a lovely view. The next stop is Vogatsiko, built on small hills at a picturesque place at an altitude of 777 meters. Vogatsiko, the place where Ion Dragoumis was born is a village with obvious marks of a past blooming. Beautiful houses, Macedonian manors, the picturesque chapel of Agios Nikolaos, many stone fountains, all compose a remarkable setting. If you love fishing, Aliakmonas River flows very close by, southwards to the village.
The route ends at Germa village, that took its name from the Macedonian warrior Captain Germas, who died in the summer of 1907 in a cave outside the village. This area has a tradition in the dairy products. It is worth going for a walk in the paths of the thick forest Mouriki and enjoy the beauty of the landscape.
KORISOS – KLISOURA
Always setting off Kastoria, we take the road that leads to Edessa. Thirteen kilometers away, at the foothill of mount Gavros we meet Korisos, a picturesque settlement and center of the Agioi Anargiri Municipality. It lies at a beautiful site right across the lake of Kastoria. From Korisos we can visit the monastery of Agios Nikolaos and the monastery of Agioi Anargiroi in Melissotopos, located in a thick forest. It is one of the largest and more ancient monasteries in Kastoria prefecture. At the neighboring settlement of Vasiliada lies the monastery of Agia Paraskevi that initially run as a glebe of the monastery of Agioi Anargiroi and today is autonomous, as well as the monastery of Agios Nikolaos Tsirilovos. Leaving Vasileiada and village Verga behind us, we reach the legendary village of Klisoura that lies among the mountains Vitsi and Mouriki to see the running waters and the thick forests, full of oaks and beeches. The village, during the period 1750-1880 flourished and was known as a trading center. At that time approximately 6,500 people lived in Klisoura and the rich habitants of Klisoura, activated all around Europe, built magnificent manors. Three kilometers outside the village is the monastery of Holy Virgin, at an idyllic area full of tall oaks. The whole area is ideal for hiking and mountain biking.
