Galery

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27 km from Kastoria, after Argos Orestiko, you can find the Fossilised Forest of Nostimo aged 20 million years. The findings are many and unique. There was a prehistoric sea that irrigated the area; you can see a tooth of a prehistoric shark, as well as fossilised oysters, sea urchins and shells. Besides marine animals, plants that grow in tropical and subtropical climates were also discovered. The most important plant discoveries include the petrified palm trees that have not been discovered anywhere else in mainland Greece. You will also see elephant teeth aged 3.5 million years. All findings are kept in the school. There are always guards, but it is best to call before you go (phone: 24670-84588).

You can also take a nice walk in the abandoned village of Mavrokampos. The houses there are made of bricks, and the roofs are covered with tiles.

Those who enjoy sports activities will love the ski centre of Vitsiou. Located 27 km on the road to Visinia-Oksia-Vitsiou, you will find Vitsiou winter resort at an altitude of 1,610 m (phone: 24670-24884). The ski centre has 3 lifts and 5 slopes. The central slope is 1,000 m long, the side north-eastern one is 2,500 m long and the side north-western one is 1,300 m long. If you get tired, a coffee bar and a restaurant also operate at the ski centre.

Very close to the city, just 8 km away, you can find the village of Koromilia. If you park your car at its end, you can take a walk through the gorge of Koromilia.

Nestorio is located 28 km away. There, the River Party festival is organised annually featuring artists from across the country and many visitors. At the foot of Grammos you can see the mouth of Aliakmonas.

If you have special interests

The School for manufacture and study of traditional musical instruments – this is the only such school in Europe and probably the only one in the world, too. It was established two years ago and accepts 5-6 students per year. They study for four years and Yiannis Koukouringos is the school’s principal.

How to get there

By plane - from Athens, the airport is located in Argos Orestiko

By car - 510 km from Athens and 210 km from Thessaloniki.

Where to stay

Hotel Vergoula – an old restored house, overlooking the lake, phone: 24670-23415

Hotel Kastoria - above the lake, at the beginning of the north beach, phone: 24670-29453

Chloe Hotel- located in the area of Chloe, phone: 24670-21300