Florina, often referred to as the “City of Letters and Arts,” is a fascinating cultural crossroads in Greece. Nestled among lush fir and oak forests, the area is characterized by a rich geological landscape and an extensive network of waterways. The region is steeped in history, dating back to at least 10,000 BCE, and is associated with the ancient Greek god of the north wind, Boreas. Historically known as “Lygkos” or “Lygkistis,” the area was named after the mythical hero Lygkeas or the lynx animal.
Today, Florina is celebrated for its stunning landscapes, blending natural beauty with cultural heritage. The city features the Hellenistic city ruins located near Agios Panteleimonas Hill, revealing its historical importance. Florina also serves as a vibrant cultural hub, hosting art and literary events year-round, and offers numerous attractions such as traditional architecture, museums, and culinary experiences.
For a closer look at Florina’s beauty and cultural offerings, you can explore its official website here.
The city of Florina underwent a remarkable cultural and economic transformation around 1893, owing to its railway connection with Thessaloniki. This newfound wealth is well represented in the eclectic architecture of early 20th-century buildings. A great way to start your visit is by exploring the Archaeological Museum next to the Railway Station. One of the old buildings in the station now houses an Art Gallery showcasing works by local artists. A defining feature of the city is the Sakoulevas River, which you can walk along, starting from Ioannou Arti Street. On the left bank, you will see the Second Primary School, the House of Tegos Sapountzis (the first Mayor of Florina in 1912), the workshops of two local artists, the Modern Art Museum, and the House of Voyiatzis—featured in Theo Angelopoulos’ film “The Beekeeper.” Across the river, you’ll find the three-story “House of Peios,” one of the most striking traditional mansions in Florina. Continue your tour at Dikeosinis Square (meaning Justice), where you can admire well-preserved public buildings, including the old prison and the Turkish Baths. If you need a break, visit one of the hive-shaped cafes on Melas Pedestrian Street to enjoy a coffee or a local treat.
Florina is known for its unique local products, such as the famous Florina red peppers, Prespes beans, mountain tea, spoon sweets, and intricately crafted candles. Ski enthusiasts can also enjoy the slopes at the Vigla Ski Center in the village of Pisoderi, located 19 kilometers from Florina at an altitude of 1,600-1,900 meters.
The city celebrates numerous joyful events throughout the year, including Florina’s Fires at midnight on December 23rd in Eroon Square, the revival of the “Barbaria” custom on New Year’s Day, and the “Leyistia” festival, held during the first ten days of August.
Prespes Lakes:
Just 45 km west of Florina, on the borders with the Republic of North Macedonia and Albania, lies Prespes National Park, an important habitat and the first transboundary protected area in the Balkans. This vast wetland, covering 4,900 square kilometers, is home to over half of Greece’s bird, amphibian, and mammal species. Notably, nine of the twenty-three fish species found here are endemic. The Megali (Big) Prespa Lake marks the boundary between three countries, with most of it belonging to North Macedonia. The waters of Megali Prespa connect with Mikri (Small) Prespa, which is mostly in Greece, except for a small portion shared with Albania. Mikri Prespa also boasts two islands: Agios Achilleios and Vidronisi.
On the shores of Megali Prespa, you’ll find the village of Psarades, known for its traditional Macedonian-style houses. Enjoy freshly caught fish in the lakeside tavernas or rent a boat to explore the lake, where you can see the unique “askitaria” (hermit cells) with 14th-15th-century rock paintings. During the Ottoman period, the area’s natural beauty and isolation attracted monks who built their hermitages along the shore.
South of Psarades, on the northwest side of Mikri Prespa, lies Agios Achilleios Island, connected to the shore by a 650-meter-long floating bridge. The island is famous for its Byzantine monuments, including the impressive three-aisled basilica of Agios Achilleios. If visiting in the third week of August, be sure to experience the colorful “Prespia” cultural festival held on the island. The nearby village of Agios Germanos and other villages around Prespes are home to ancient churches and traditional stone-built houses, well worth exploring. These villages are divided between the lakes of Pano Prespa (including Pylos, Pyxos, and Vrontero) and Kato Prespa (Laimos, Miliona, Plati, Kallithea, Lefkonas, Karyes, Oxia, and Mikrolimni).
In addition to swimming, fishing, and rowing, the lakes offer fantastic bird-watching opportunities, with four observatories in the area (at Koula, Palaia Pyli, Mikrolimni, and Vromolimni). Adventurers can also try off-road routes from Psarades to Pyxos, from Pyli to Daseri (5 km), from Oxia to Sfíka (10 km), and from Vrontero to the Kokkali Cave. Hiking trails on Agios Achilleios Island, such as the route from Mikrolimni to Kranies (90 minutes) and from Psarades to Roti Cap and the Metamorfosi hermitage (35 minutes), offer incredible views. The European path E6 passes through Agios Germanos, and more challenging hikes, like the one to Vigla Pisoderiou (27.5 km, approximately 13 hours), can also be undertaken.
Florina Nature:
Only 53 km from Florina, the stone village of Nymfaio is perched on the eastern side of Mount Vitsi, at an altitude of 1,346 meters. Once a thriving center of gold and silver trade between the 17th and 19th centuries, the village has undergone a revival thanks to local efforts and state support. Today, Nymfaio is recognized as one of the most impressive traditional settlements in Greece. The village is home to grand mansions (such as those of Boutari, Missiou, Mertzou, Tsirli, and Papadopoulou), Agios Nikolaos Church, and the Nykios School, which now houses the conference and training center of Thessaloniki’s Aristotle University.
Be sure to visit the Gold- and Silversmith, Folk Art, and History Museum, located in the former Neveska Chrisikos House, to learn about the village’s rich history in gold and silversmithing. For a truly immersive experience, follow the stone-paved hiking path to Sklithro and Agrapidia.
Nymfaio is also known for the “Arcturos Environmental Centre” in Aetos village, dedicated to preserving the natural environment. The center is home to a brown bear sanctuary for bears that cannot survive in the wild and a wolf sanctuary in Agratida (12 km to the east). With over 50,000 visitors annually, the center raises awareness of environmental issues and promotes sustainable development. Nearby, you can visit the lakes Himaritida and Zazari, which are vital natural habitats for a variety of mammals, birds, and amphibians.
In Nymfaio, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as mountain climbing, off-roading, bird watching at the lakes, and hiking (such as the 50-minute trek from the village to the Profitis Elias chapel, or the 4-hour hike to Drosopigi). Mountain biking routes to Drosopigi and Florina city are also popular.
