I had the pleasure of visiting Western Macedonia, a hidden gem of Greece. Most people think of the islands when they think of Greece, but West Macedonia proved that there is a lot more to Greece than just the islands. Bordering Albania and North Macedonia, West Macedonia shares some influences from the bordering countries but also remains very unique in its own way. I hope that this post will convince you to visit this beautiful region!
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What is special about Western Macedonia?
West Macedonia is completely the opposite of what people think of Greece. It really changed my perception of the country and introduced me to a whole new region. Here you will find mountains, forests, national parks, and also the most delicious food completely different from the islands. West Macedonia may not be the first place on your bucket list, but here is why it absolutely needs to be.
The nature
The nature is pretty special in this region. Inside the Pindus National park, you will find a deep forest, with incredible mountain views. Whereas in Prespa, you can see lakes and marshlands where some of the most scarce species in the world reside. The nature was definitely one of the most impressive factors of West Macedonia, as the natural beauty of this region may surprise a lot of people.
Unique places to visit
This region of Greece has lots of unique spots that you may not find anywhere else. For example, we visited a pepper farm, and were surprised how interesting this was. We got to have a tour of the farm and try some of the spreads made locally. These involved spreads of pepper mixed with pesto, eggplant, honey, and much more.
We also visited a bar sanctuary, and got to see bears up close. This is definitely a very unique experience you do not get to do in every destination!
The food
The food completely surprised me in Western Macedonia – and in the best way possible!
The cuisine in this region is not only Greek salads and fish. In fact, it is a lot more meat-heavy, taking influences from Albanian, Turkish and North Macedonian cuisines. Some of the food is even made up of pasta, risotto, and other Italian-style dishes topped with meat. Do not miss trying their fried halloumi as this was definitely the highlight of the trip for me.
Interestingly, the food also varies within West Macedonia. In one specific area, for example, you will find lots of peppers and beans, but in others you will see more rice and meat dishes.
The hospitable people
The hospitality of the Greeks is unsurprising, but it is felt first hand in this region. In order to experience the full extent of the hospitality of the locals here, stay a couple nights in a guest house. You will feel like you are stying in someone’s house (which you probably are) and you will be served the best breakfast, drinks, and all your needs will be catered for.
Must visit places in Western Macedonia
Kastoria
Kastoria is one of the most unique towns in the region, and one of the largest towns here too. Known for its fur production, the town is full of fur shops all around. However, the fur shops are not its only charm – the old town is very nice to explore. Walk around, have a coffee, admire the local culture, and have food in one of their many restaurants. We dined in “Palia Poli” and the food really couldn’t have been better.
Pindus National Park
Pindus National Park is one of the most impressive places in Western Macedonia. It is the largest national park in the country, spreading over 2,000 km2. The best time to visit the park is between May and October. October is a beautiful season here with the stunning autumn colours, and winter is also impressive with snow covered mountain tops.
The best ways to see the park include booking a jeep tour if you are short on time, or hiking and discovering new impressive spots in your own time. Nothing beats the feeling of waking up above the fog in a pine tree wonderland!
Prespa National Park
Prespa National Park, bordering with Albania and North Macedonia, is one of the best places in the country to see wildlife and a residue of history. The region takes its name after the two lakes, Lesser and Greater Prespa. These are two of the largest bodies of water in the Balkans and amongst the oldest in the world.
Some things to do in Prespa National Park include going for a boat ride on the Great Prespa Lake and wildlife spotting. Local fishermen offer boat trips and you can discover caves and hermitages from the 14th century. It is also possible to enter one of the caves for a really unique experience.
In the National Park, you can find more than 1800 species of plants and 450 species of animals. In fact, the Prespa region has 1,800 plant species, which makes up almost a third of the plant species found in Greece.
Florina
Florina is another small town in West Macedonia but it is definitely one not to be missed. With snow covered mountain views, small coffee shops, and rivers, this town is very different from any other town you may have visited before.
Arcturos Bear Sanctuary
Arcturos Bear Sanctuary in Nymfaio is an NGO founded in 1992, to fight the problem of wolf and bear imprisonment. Animals can end up here if they were held at inappropriate zoos, they were severely injured, or were found as orphans and their reintroduction wasn’t possible.
The sanctuary currently holds 22 bears within 60 hectares, giving the bears plenty of space to mimic being in the wild. Doing a tour here is a very fascinating activity, and you can watch bears in their habitat from only a few meters away.
How to get around in Western Macedonia
The best way to get around in this region is by car. The towns are located a couple hours from each other, and it is the perfect way to experience all the different regions. You can also book yourself some tours but there is no good options of public transport in the region.
Where to stay in Western Macedonia
There are many hotels and properties in West Macedonia, but these are the hotels that will give you the best experience based on which area you choose to stay in.
Lynx Mountain Resort
Luxor Hotel is located in Florina and is one of the most luxurious hotels in the region. Offering a spa with a sauna and an outdoor hot tub with mountain views, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the scenery.
The hotel also has a casino, a boutique, a bar with amazing cocktails, and luxurious rooms with a balcony. I highly recommend spending a couple nights in this hotel for a treat.
Enastron View Hotel
Enastron View Hotel in Kastoria is the best hotel with a view. The simple design of the hotel offers all the amenities that you may need. But the view from the rooms over the lake and the town is truly spectacular.
La Moara Guest House
If you want to feel like you are staying at someone’s house, La Moara Guest House is the perfect option. This is a house with a few rooms, all of which are very spacious. The best part about staying here is the breakfast spread – this is by far the best breakfast we had in West Macedonia!
I hope you enjoyed this post and that it inspired you to visit this beautiful region of Greece! You can read more about the must visit places in West Macedonia here.
