We couldn’t find anything for that search. But we’d love to know what you’re looking for — feel free to drop a comment on any post and tell us what you’d like to see next.

Show me more

Home - Travel Destinations - Kastoria Greece – Experience a Spectacular Autumn

If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

We link to affiliated partners at no extra cost to you.

Looking for an Autumn Show-Stopper destination in Greece?

Look no further. We found a beautiful place called Kastoria…

This beautiful destination is situated on Orestiada Lake, and will definitely take a special place in your heart, once you visit.

The beautiful city of Kastoria is in Northern Greece in the Region of Western Macedonia. Situated on the banks of Lake Orestiada, in a valley surrounded by limestone Mountains, this is the hidden gem of Greece.

I think not many people think of Greece without thinking of Santorini and Oia, but very few people know of the existence of Kastoria.

This place transforms in autumn into a peaceful, almost secret hideaway.

Visiting in autumn is special—the trees lining the lake and winding streets turn gold, amber, and deep red, reflecting in the water and giving the town a warm, almost magical glow. The air is crisp but not cold, perfect for wandering the cobbled streets of the old town, where centuries-old mansions with their wooden balconies lean over narrow alleys.

Autumn also brings a calm atmosphere.

The summer crowds have thinned, leaving cozy cafes by the lake where you can sip local coffee or warm up with a creamy Greek dessert while watching the sunset over the water. Take a stroll along the lakeside promenade, and you might see locals fishing or ducks gliding across the glassy surface. For a short hike, the surrounding hills are alive with autumn colors, offering views that stretch across the lake and the town.

Evening walks feel intimate, the old town’s lamps casting soft glows on the stone paths, and the restaurants serve hearty Macedonian dishes—roast meats, fresh fish, and seasonal mushrooms—that match the season’s mood perfectly.

This is the perfect destination for slowing down, wandering without plan, and experiencing the softer, more intimate side of Greek life.

If you love to plan ahead, here are some things to do:

There are beautiful pathways all along the lake, so an early morning stroll or late evening to watch the city lights, is very pretty. Or just park yourself on one of the benches next to the lake and enjoy the serenity of everything around you.
This is bird watching paradise.
Lake Orestiada is beautiful and the home to many birds and fish species. If you have time you can also stop at the freshwater aquarium.
Stop at the Dragon’s Cave. A series of seven underground lakes and rooms filled with Stalactites.
You can visit Profitis Ilias Church and Agios Athanasios viewpoint for beautiful vistas and photo opportunities.
Kastoria is especially beautiful in autumn – a Photographers dream.
You can also view the city from a boat on the lake or go to the Doltso (the old neighborhood and a very pretty part of the town, with buildings dating back to the 17^th and 18^th centuries.

More Places to visit:

The Folklore Museum
Byzantine Museum of Kastoria
Emmanouil Mansion Lodges
The Costume Museum
Apozari (a beautiful neighbourhood in Kastoria)

International Airport

Kastoria itself doesn’t have a big international airport, so most visitors fly into nearby airports and then make the journey by car or bus. The closest airport is Kastoria National Airport (AOK), but it mainly handles domestic flights, so international travelers usually fly into Thessaloniki Airport (SKG), which is about 3–4 hours’ drive away. From Thessaloniki, you can rent a car or take a combination of bus and taxi to reach Kastoria, which also gives you a chance to enjoy the changing landscapes of Northern Greece along the way.

How to get from Thessaloniki to Kastoria

You can travel from Thessaloniki by bus, shuttle, train or car. Bus would be your cheapest option. We would suggest car hire as it is a 2 hour drive and a bit faster to get there.

Once you arrive, having a car is really handy. It lets you explore the lakeside, the surrounding hills, and nearby villages at your own pace—something public transport doesn’t always cover well in this quiet, scenic region.

Voria Paralia Apartment

Boasting air-conditioned accommodation with a balcony, Voria Paralia is situated in Kastoria. The property features lake and city views, and is 1.3 km from Byzantine Museum of Kastoria. - booking.com

An Autumn Walk in Kastoria Greece

The lake curves gently around the town, reflecting the changing skies in autumn.

Seasonal Tip:

Pack layers. Days are mild, but mornings and evenings can be crisp. A light jacket, comfortable walking shoes, and a scarf will keep you cozy while exploring the lake and streets.

The promenade along the lake is perfect for early morning walks or sunset reflections, where swans and ducks glide across the calm water and the soft light makes every café terrace inviting.

Fur & Craft Shopping:

Kastoria has a long fur-making history, but you’ll also find small artisan shops selling pottery, jewelry, and local crafts. Autumn is less crowded, so shopping is relaxed.

1-Day Itinerary

Here’s a one-day autumn itinerary for first-time visitors to Kastoria.

Morning – Lakeside and Sunrise:
Start early along Lake Orestiada. The morning mist on the water and the reflection of autumn leaves make for magical photos. Grab a coffee from a lakeside café and enjoy a quiet stroll along the promenade. The light in autumn is soft, perfect for capturing the lake’s calm waters.
Mid-Morning – Old Town Exploration:
Head into the cobbled streets of Kastoria’s old town. Wander past 18th- and 19th-century mansions, peek into small museums, and notice the hidden Byzantine churches with their intricate frescoes. Autumn’s golden tones bring warmth to the wooden balconies and narrow alleys.
Lunch – Lakeside Taverna:
Stop at a taverna by the lake for a hearty Macedonian meal. Try fresh fish, mushroom dishes, or a meat pie (kreatopita). Pair it with local wine or a warm herbal tea, especially if the air is crisp.
Afternoon – Scenic Drive or Short Hike:
Take a short drive or hike to the hills surrounding Kastoria. Trails offer panoramic views over the lake and the town, with autumn leaves painting the landscape in reds, oranges, and golds. The Psarades area by the lake is also lovely for a peaceful walk or birdwatching.
Late Afternoon – Craft and Fur Shopping:
Return to town for a relaxed stroll through artisan shops. Kastoria is known for fur, but you’ll also find local jewelry, pottery, and other handmade items. Autumn makes the town quieter, so browsing feels calm and personal.
Evening – Sunset and Dinner:
Finish the day at another lakeside spot, watching the sun set over the water. The reflection of the colorful trees creates a perfect end to the day. Enjoy dinner at a cozy taverna, sampling seasonal dishes and desserts. Finish with a slow walk along the promenade, the old town lit softly by street lamps.

It’s a destination that leaves you feeling both rested and inspired, a hidden treasure of Northern Greece waiting to be discovered.

If you liked this guide, you may not want to miss our Greece Travel and Home Guide for more destinations, stories, travel tips, and recipes to try at home.