A Guide To Western Macedonia

Western Macedonia is a true hidden gem that has managed to preserve the essence of Greece, making it the perfect destination for anyone wanting a truly authentic Greek experience.

What struck me the most was the spectacular natural beauty of the region, defined by mountains, lakes, rivers, forests and beautiful fields.

I was also so amazed by the kind hospitality of the locals too, all so proud of their homeland and heritage and so happy to share their moments with everyone and show their livelihoods and passions whole heartedly.

A trip here truly has something for everyone to experience from mouth-watering food made from organic produce, fantastic wines, quaint towns and villages that have remained true to tradition and age-old customs, beautiful lakes and rivers to experience by rafting, canoeing or kayaking, aerial views if zip-lining is your thing, and gorgeous trails for hiking!

I recommend visiting Kastoria, Grevena, Florina and Nymfaio– each has something different to offer, making it ideal for a clockwise round-trip.

Kastoria

Kastoria was well known for being one of Europe’s most thriving fur and leather industries in the 1970’s and the name Kastoria means “beaver” in Greek.  This gorgeous town is situated on a narrow peninsula that stretches out into the calming waters of Lake Orestiada.

As part of the former Ottoman empire, historic Kastoria was built following the same architectural style as seen in Berat, Albania. White-washed stone houses with dozens of windows are beautiful and unique to this particular region.

Lake Orestiada

During your time in Kastoria you can’t miss Lake Orestiada, declared a monument of beauty by the Ministry of Culture in Greece. Lake Orestiada is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in the country and I recommend going for waterfront walks and just taking in those mesmerising views.

Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Mavriotissa (Panagia Mavriotissa).

One of the oldest and most beautiful monasteries in the area is the Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Mavriotissa (Panagia Mavriotissa) that dates back to the 11th century. It is also one of the oldest in the Western Macedonia region of Greece.

Holy Monastery of the Virgin Mary Mavriotissa (Panagia Mavriotissa).

The frescoes on the façade of the church are gorgeous, and just a short walk away you can enjoy the lake and the area’s beauty and tranquility.

Grevena

Grevena is known as the mushroom capital of Greece and here you can go truffle hunting in the Valia Kalda Valley with specially trained dogs, an experience which is so wholesome! Our dogs found some truffle which we then enjoyed grated over our lunch dish.

Mushroom sauce

Mushroom pasta

If you’re an adventure seeker, rafting on the rivers Venetikos and Aliakmonas is a fun activity, taking you through a unique natural landscape, surrounded by forests with huge plane tree and sandstone rocks.

Rafting

The degree of rapids difficulty varies from grade 2 to grade 3 depending on the seasons and the water level. It was grade 3 when we visited.

The views were just so serene and diverse and it really is striking.

Florina

Florina was my favourite part of the trip and it is known as the place where “Greece begins.”

Prespa National Park

Boat trip

View from hermitage church

Hermitage caves

Wine tasting at Alpha Estate

The grounds of the estate are pretty to walk around with a glass, as is a walk through the vines.

One of my top highlights from the trip was a visit to the Naoumidis pepper farm, where Petros is extremely passionate about growing the famous Florina pepper. We got to go pepper picking and tasting and try some incredible produce made with the organically grown peppers.

Florina peppers

Don’t miss this experience, especially if you are a foodie. I promise you haven’t tasted peppers this fresh and bursting full of flavour! I am now a red pepper convert.

Nymfaio

Nymfaio is a beautiful village located just outside Florina that looks like it is straight out of a fairy tale!

Nymfaio

Highly recommend strolling through the town, it is so charming!

Nymfaio

Nymfaio is also home to The Arcturos Environmental Centre and Bear Sanctuary, where rescued orphan brown bear cubs, injured bears, and bears saved from the dancing bear trade reside.

Arcturos actively works for the conservation of the brown bear and its habitat in Greece and the Balkans. It played a crucial role in ending the dancing bear trade in Greece and continues to work towards the end of illegal captivity in the wider regions of the Balkans.

Rescued bears remain at the sanctuary for the rest of their lives, provided their circumstances exclude any possibility of rehabilitation and release to their natural environment. They live in large, natural forest enclosures where they can live a peaceful life away from harm.

Bear sanctuary

I highly recommend visiting to see the wonderful conditions the bears are living in as well as to support the work done for their upkeep. I work closely with FOUR PAWS and this is a sanctuary they co-operate closely with.

Getting to Western Macedonia

Fly to Thessaloniki

You can fly to Thessaloniki and then take the Egnatia Motorway. I’d recommend hiring a car so that you can fully immerse yourself into each region.

Train from Thessaloniki

I was kindly invited on a press trip to experience Western Macedonia but all views and photos are my own.