Western Macedonia Travel Guide
The old town of Kastoria on Lake Orestiada. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Western Macedonia is the mountainous interior of Greek Macedonia: lakes, forests and old fur-trade towns, far from the tourist routes. Kastoria sits on a peninsula in Lake Orestiada, ringed by Byzantine churches and the mansions of its old fur merchants.
The Prespa lakes, Great and Small Prespa, lie on the borders with Albania and North Macedonia: a national park and one of Europe's great birdwatching sites, home to Dalmatian pelicans. Florina, near the northern border, is the base for the Vigla-Pisoderi ski center.
Key destinations in Western Macedonia
Kastoria old townThe lake town: Byzantine churches and fur-merchant mansions on the peninsula.
Prespa lakesThe border lakes: Dalmatian pelicans, the island of Agios Achillios.
NymfaioThe stone mountain village and the Arcturos bear sanctuary.
FlorinaThe northern town, gateway to the Vigla-Pisoderi ski center.
Hover a region to explore it. Click a city pin to open its guide.
Top Cities & towns in Western Macedonia
Regional food
- Lake fish and trout
- Florina red peppers (the famous sweet peppers)
Getting there
Kozani is about 130 km west of Thessaloniki on the Egnatia Odos. KTEL buses link the towns with Thessaloniki; a car is the practical way to see the lakes.