Kastoria: A Magical Stop on Our Greece Road Trip
We first heard about the charming town of Kastoria while on the ferry from Ancona to Patras. The tip stayed with us, and we promised ourselves we would definitely visit. And here we are—finally! It’s always such a surreal moment when plans made long ago suddenly become reality.
Driving to Kastoria: Bear Warnings and Serene Views
On the way to Kastoria, we noticed signs warning about bears. We’d certainly prefer spotting them safely from the road rather than encountering them up close in the wild. As we approached, the scenery transformed into a picture-perfect landscape—truly a picturesque town nestled beside a tranquil lake.
After a full day on the road, we took a leisurely stroll in the late afternoon sun along the lakeside boulevard. To our surprise, we spotted snakes basking in the sun on the stone walls by the water. The local street dogs, after our recent adventure, made us a bit tense at first, but fortunately, they were calm and friendly—a comfort that helped us slowly regain confidence.
New Friends on the Road
While walking, we struck up a conversation with two fellow Dutch travelers, Stephan and Patricia. They suggested we drive a bit further for an even better overnight spot. That evening, we parked side by side, delighted by the spontaneous companionship. They turned out to be such warm and fun people.
Our kids instantly bonded and chatted nonstop. They even helped Patricia with the dishes, tidied up the tablecloth, and showed off all their favorite tricks. It was another heartwarming moment on our family road trip through Greece.
A Peaceful Morning and a Magical Cave
For once, we woke up early the next morning. Diede has a new morning routine—gazing out the window from our bed. This time, the view was straight over the lake. “Hello duckies!” she said cheerfully. Within walking distance lies the famous Dragon Cave of Kastoria, and we decided to take a quick trip there. Exploring caves is always a fun yet slightly eerie experience.
On the way back, Jinte confessed she had been on edge the whole time, thinking the fire extinguishers inside the cave were there just in case a fire-breathing dragon appeared. Although she knew dragons aren’t real, it’s fun to imagine!
Onward to Thessaloniki and Future Adventures
After our visit to the cave, we waved goodbye to our kind neighbors and continued our journey toward Thessaloniki. On the way, we encountered something we hadn’t seen in a while—rain. We’re excited to explore Thessaloniki the next day.
This Friday, Johan’s parents will join us! They’ve rented a camper and will be traveling with us for nine days. We can’t wait to share this journey with them—more adventures, more memories, and more quality time with family.
Stay tuned as we continue exploring the beautiful landscapes, vibrant cities, and hidden gems of Greece!
