The Lakeside Jewel of Northern Greece

This charming town is built on the hillside around a narrow peninsula, nestled between the mountains of Grammos and Vitsi, and washed by the calm waters of Lake Orestiada. The best way to explore the city is to take a tour around the lake starting from the south shore to the north.

Take a stroll on the narrow pathway along the lake’s coast; you will be touched by its beauty and tranquillity. The promenade shaded by beech and plane trees as well as the neighbouring forests create a mystical atmosphere and foster a wide variety of fauna.

Touring the Lake

Orestiada Lake is home to 200 different species, among them, some rare and endangered. During your walk, stop by the Dragon’s Cave, where you’ll get to see seven underground lakes and chambers with astonishing stalactites. If you want to admire the city from above, follow the green path towards Profitis Ilias Church and continue even higher up to Agios Athanasios hill.

Tour the neighbourhoods

At a short distance from the lake you’ll encounter the old neighbourhood Doltso, a picturesque corner of the town where buildings date back to the 17th and 18th century, when the city thrived due to the fur  trade. Lots of buildings have been converted into museums, such as Neratzi Aivazi mansion, which houses the Folk Art Museum, the Emmanouil mansion where the Costume Museum is located. Apozari is the second oldest aristocratic neighbourhood of the town. You will be impressed by the Byzantine churches, and the beautiful mansions -typical examples of Macedonian architecture.

Conference Hotel

How to reach the conference hotel

Kastoria can be reached from both Thessaloniki and Athens airport by car. The nearest airport is Thessaloniki (2 hours drive)

There will be a conference shuttle bus leaving from Thessaloniki airport on May 12th, and May 13th, and on May 17th