Visitors to the Greek islands and the mainland resorts may feel that they are seeing the most beautiful parts of the country. But more adventurous travelers who find themselves in towns such as Kastoria will have a different opinion. Unassuming Kastoria has a magnificent location along a headland that juts into Lake Kastoria.

There are 54 Byzantine churches, some of them over 1,000 years old, including the ninth century church of Taxiarkhes tis Mitropoleos. It has some superb frescoes, added over the centuries. Most of the churches are usually locked.

Although small, the Byzantine Museum is worth seeing for the beautifully detailed and colourful examples of icons form Kastoria’s churches. The museum is situated at the top of the town just off the main Plateia Dexamenis.