Morning Light on Lake Orestiada

 

 

Kastoria awakens with the first light of May. Lake Orestiada reflects the city’s silhouette like a living canvas that changes with every passing moment. As you arrive via the lakeside road, the mirrored houses and green hills that embrace the town create a scene straight out of a painting.

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The City Awakens – A Stroll Through Doltso

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Your journey begins in the charming Doltso neighborhood. A traditional guesthouse here offers the perfect base for exploring. On a morning walk along the lake, rowers and fishermen animate the peaceful setting.

A café by the water serves up revani (a syrup-soaked semolina cake)—a sweet introduction to local flavors.

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Afternoon in Apózari – Mansions of the Past

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The afternoon leads you north to the Apózari district, another old quarter perched on the peninsula. Cobbled alleys, flower-filled courtyards, and elegant mansions with wooden balconies whisper stories of bygone wealth and trade.

At the Tsiatsiapas Mansion, carved wooden ceilings and frescoes open a window to Kastoria’s Ottoman and Byzantine past.

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Nightfall by the Lake – Culinary Warmth

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At night, the town lights dance across the water, casting a spell over the quiet streets. A traditional tavern offers heartwarming dishes: pork and beans, stuffed spicy peppers, and the best galaktoboureko (custard pie) you’ve ever tasted. The local cuisine, shaped by mountain produce and age-old recipes, will stay with you long after the meal ends.

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Among Byzantine Echoes

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The next day begins with a walk through the city’s historic churches. The Saints Anargyroi and St. Stephen churches offer rare examples of Byzantine architecture. Inside, sunlight streams through stained-glass windows and illuminates ancient frescoes that seem almost alive.

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Noon at the City Walls

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At Davaki Square, remnants of medieval fortifications hint at Kastoria’s long and layered history. Not far off, the old medrese (Islamic school) stands as a quiet reminder of the Ottoman era. Kastoria is a living palimpsest—a city of overlapping cultures and times.

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The Clay Villages of Korestia – A Journey Through Time

 

 

As you leave the city, the road climbs toward the Vitsi Pass and into the Korestia region—one of Western Macedonia’s most hidden and haunting landscapes.

 

Here, the houses are made of clay, straw, and stone—examples of early bioclimatic architecture, blending into the earth like relics from another time. The view is breathtaking. Villages like Kraniōnas, Melas, and Agios Antonios seem frozen in time, almost surreal in their silence. Though nearly deserted today, they retain their raw authenticity and powerful presence.

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History’s Footprints & Cinematic Beauty

 

 

The Korestia region was a key battleground during the Macedonian Struggle and the Greek Civil War. In the village of Melas, the Greek hero Pavlos Melas was killed in 1904, an event that deeply moved the nation.

 

Filmmakers like Theo Angelopoulos and Pantelis Voulgaris found inspiration here, transforming these forgotten villages into cinematic backdrops. Even the popular series about Saint Paisios was filmed in Korestia.

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Sidirochori

 The Hidden Gem Above Kastoria

 

 

Perched on the lush slopes of Mount Vitsi, just 10 km from the city of Kastoria, the traditional village of Sidirochorioffers breathtaking views, pure mountain air, and the kind of tranquility that soothes the soul. This historic settlement, with its stone houses and narrow alleys, feels untouched by time—an authentic escape in Western Macedonia.

 

Here, nature and tradition coexist in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hiking through oak forests or simply enjoying a local tsipouro by the fireplace, Sidirochori welcomes you with open arms and a warm heart.

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Loggas Hotel

 Where Comfort Meets Nature

 

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Nestled at the edge of the Sidirochori village, Hotel Loggas is a destination in itself. Built entirely of wood and stone, it blends seamlessly into the landscape and offers panoramic views of Kastoria’s lake and valley.

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Each room offers comfort and warmth, with a rustic-chic aesthetic that honors local architecture. Enjoy a rich traditional breakfast with homemade pies and local honey, relax by the fireplace wine - bar, or take a dip in the pool overlooking the mountains. 

Hotel Loggas is also a sought-after destination for yoga retreats and wellness getaways. Surrounded by forested hills and silence, it’s the perfect setting to reconnect with yourself. Yoga sessions can be arranged in the panoramic hall or outdoors, in harmony with nature. Special wellness packages are available upon request.

With its cozy atmosphere, excellent hospitality, and ideal location, Loggas Hotel is the perfect base for exploring Kastoria, Vitsi, Pisoderi, Prespes, the four Macedonian lakes and the Korestia villages.

 

Looking for peace, authenticity, and a touch of luxury?

Discover Loggas Hotel in Sidirochori – where mountain charm meets mindful living.

 

​Loggas Hotel

Sidirochori, Kastoria – Greece

www.loggas-hotel.gr

Tel. 003 2467072424

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 Discover the Winter Magic of Western Macedonia

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Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a nature lover looking for snowy serenity, Western Macedonia offers two unforgettable mountain destinations: Pissoderi Ski Center and Vigla Vitsi.

 

Pissoderi Ski Center

Located just outside Florina, Pissoderi is one of Greece’s oldest and most atmospheric ski resorts. Surrounded by a pristine alpine forest, it features slopes for all levels, a cozy chalet with panoramic views, and a peaceful mountain vibe that makes it ideal for skiing, snowboarding, or simply relaxing in the snow.

 

Vigla Vitsi

Near the border with North Macedonia, Vigla combines winter adventure with cultural charm. With well-maintained trails, family-friendly sledding areas, and stunning views of the Prespa Lakes, it’s a destination that blends outdoor fun with authentic village life.

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