Tuesday, March 25, 2014

The city of Pogradec and its surrounding area, as one of the Albanian beauty pearls, provides much to discover for its visitors. The region dominated by the fantastic Ohrid Lake, surrounded by fields nestled before picturesque mountains, will be your panorama throughout your holidays in Pogradec. The harmony of nature, and the friendliness of the inhabitants, will bring you back again and again.
The sunny days at the beaches along the lake, the strolls along the promenade, as well as the various specialty dishes and local wine enjoyed in the restaurants will provide unforgettable moments for you
Pogradeci is one of the most charming tourist resorts in Albania because of its position near the Ohrid Lake, which distinguishes itself for clear water. Fish Koran, which is similar to the trout, is reared in this lake. Besides the beautiful beach, your staying in Pogradec is made more interesting by the excursion to the tourist center of Drilon (5 km eastward) with crystal clear fountains that fill the beautiful channels surrounded with trees and by ornamental plants.

Kastoria (Greek: Καστοριά) is one of the fifty-one prefectures (nomes) of Greece. Its capital is Kastoria city, and its population was estimated at 51,934 inhabitants in the most recent census.
The prefecture of Kastoria: is located in the northwestern side of the Western Macedonia region of Greece. It is one of the most mountainous prefectures where there exist noteworthy prehistoric and byzantine monuments.

The city of Kastoria, built in a peninsula surrounded by the lake Orestiada, is 520 kilometers away from Athens and 200 kilometers away from Thessaloniki. There is a regular direct flight connection between the prefecture of Kastoria and the capital city of Athens.
Kastoria and the surrounding area are internationally known as centers of the manufacturing and trading of furs. Fur manufacturing dates back more than a thousand years and the economic activity of the prefecture centers around furs. Every year an international fur exhibition takes place in Kastoria.
Rich elements of Byzantine culture (Byzantine walls and churches) as well as traditional mansions of the 17th and 18thcenturies unique for their architectural design are located in the city of Kastoria. Other places of interest are the Byzantine Museum, the 74 Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches and the Folklore Museum “Nerantzi – Aibazi”. The imposing mountains of Vitsi and Grammos, the Orestiada lake and the rich cultural heritage are some distinctive characteristics that make the city of Kastoria and the surrounding areas a tourist attraction for all seasons of the year.