"How did you end up in Kastoria?
I’m used to the question by now. And I can’t blame people for asking – Kastoria isn’t exactly well-known. To be honest, it’s a world away from what most people picture when they think of Greece. No crowded beaches. No crazy nightlife. No Acropolis. Yet, I decided to make it my base to live and work remotely.
How I Found It
I’ve always loved Greece. During a visit to Thessaloniki, a local told me about Kastoria, a beautiful city built on a lake. I had never heard of it, but my curiosity was sparked, so I Googled it. The photos looked amazing, and I decided I had to see it for myself. A few months after that first visit, I made it my permanent base.
The drive here is easy: two hours northwest from Thessaloniki on a great highway. About 45 minutes into the drive, as you start climbing into the mountains, something hits you. You realize this is a completely different side of Greece. All of a sudden, you are surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks.
When you finally enter the valley, the view opens up: Kastoria, nestled on a peninsula with Mount Vitsi rising in the background, its image perfectly mirrored in the water. It is truly beautiful.
Daily Life in Kastoria
For me, the perfect start to the day is a lakeside run. The Gyrolimnia, the promenade that loops around the peninsula – is lined with massive plane trees. Every season gives the loop its own distinct character, from snowy and quiet in the winter, to rich gold-and-red tones in the autumn, to lush green in the summer. Honestly, this 8 km loop is easily one of the most beautiful runs in Greece.
After working for a few hours, I usually grab a traditional choriatiki pita (village-style pie) for a quick lunch. Once the afternoon work shift is done, grabbing a beer at one of the cafes on the northern lakeside promenade, watching the sun sink behind the mountains, is the perfect way to unwind. Later on, if the mood strikes, there are plenty of relaxed spots to head out for a meze.
Weekends and Seasons
Because Kastoria is a mountain city in the north, you get real seasons here. What you do on the weekend depends entirely on the time of year.
Winter means snow. The Pisoderi ski center in neighboring Florina is just an hour away, making it an easy day trip. Having the option to hit the slopes just 60 minutes from my desk is amazing.
And the weekends? You’ve probably guessed by now that this isn’t a high-energy party spot. What brought me here—and what keeps me here—is the nature literally on the doorstep. The area is surrounded by charming villages, each with its own local character, small events, and incredible tavernas serving authentic, local food.
The hiking options are endless. Even just heading up Mount Psalida, the mountain rising right next to the city, gives you an incredible panoramic view. Looking down at the entire layout of Kastoria from up there is spectacular.
The Verdict
I’ve traveled a lot, and I admit I’m pretty picky. But Kastoria caught me completely. For anyone looking for raw nature, deep authenticity, and a sense of calmness to focus and live well, this is the spot to be.
It’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay a while. And that’s the reason why I decided to build the first coworking space in the city – M97 Workspace. I wanted to create a meeting point for local professionals working from home and for travelers and digital nomads, making it easier to stay productive in this beautiful city.
If you’re looking to escape the noise, get some focused work done, and experience a completely different side of Greece, you’re always welcome to drop by for a desk and a coffee. Kastoria is waiting!
