Travel Guide Kastoria

For the anecdote, the name of the city of Kastoria would come from the beavers that swarmed in the beautiful lake on which the city was built. To be seen... It is true, however, that after the end of the Turkish occupation in 1912, Kastoria did indeed experience a significant development thanks to the fur trade. Thanks to the then derisory cost of living and the market value of their furs, many inhabitants made their fortune quickly and in a way unequalled in Greece. Today, this pretty modern town of 40,000 inhabitants, situated on a small peninsula, offers a picturesque and varied appearance, with the heritage of its past, its countless traditional houses, the archontika, and its numerous Byzantine churches (the town has more than 70). Very pleasant and easy to live in, Kastoria spreads its bars and restaurants around the lake front constituted by Alexandrou street in the south, and Nikis street in the north. At the back of the town, on the other side of the lake, the atmosphere is quieter. There is a shady place, one or two less trendy cafés and a few taverns. All along, a magnificent walk lined with trees and benches. Between these two arteries lies the old town, with its monuments, shops and hotels Let's go. Accessible by bus from Thessaloniki (www.ktelmacedonia.gr) and by plane from Athens (small airport of Argos Orestiko).