Lovers of vacations in Greece can visit their favorite country not only in the warm season. Ski resort Vigla is located in the picturesque place of Kastoria nome . He proves that in winter Greece is no less prestigious and attractive for tourists than in summer.
19 km from the city of Florina, where the Varnunda and Virno mountains meet, at an altitude of 1600-1900m, there is one of the best ski centers in Greece – Vigla-Pisoderi, which meets all modern requirements and is able to satisfy the needs of even the most demanding skiers and snowboarders. There are a total of 5 lifts – 3 cable-towing and 2 cable-chair lifts. The magical views of Vigla-Pisoderi will provide you with an unforgettable vivid impression of sports weekends at this resort.
It is wonderful that visiting this Greek resort is not limited to a sports mountain vacation. Sightseeing in the vicinity of Vigla is a must for all inquisitive travelers. In Pisodera, it will be interesting to visit the ancient monastery of Agias Triadas and the famous natural spring Alyakmon, in Kastoria – the churches of St. Stephen, Panagia Kumberlidiki, Agia Anargia and other churches of the Byzantine and post-Byzantine period decorated with unique frescoes. The church of the Holy Mother of God Mauriotisa gained the greatest popularity. In the Byzantine Museum you can see a rare collection of icons of the 12th-18th centuries, and in Florina you should visit the art gallery and the Museum of Folk Art.
Vigla ski slope
There are no hotels in Vigla resort itself. The most convenient place to stay is one of the nearest cities of Kastoria, with an excellent selection of hotels: Limneon, Limneon Crystal, Loggas, Nostos, Athena Palace.
Resting on the beaches under the warm sun, sightseeing, skiing and enjoying the beautiful winter nature – when you come to VIGL, you will see that Greece is different.
Florina is an excellent choice for your stay, because in addition to the fact that the city itself is charming, it is also located not far from a ski resort. Nearby villages are also a good choice for accommodation.
Tracks and lifts
Vigla is a ski resort in Greece , which is more than 20 years old. The ski season here lasts from mid-November to mid-April. The height difference is 1880-1610 meters. The resort has a total of five tracks: two green, two blue and one red. There are special children’s tracks, which are located just below the main skating areas. Two lifts: children’s and adult’s (capacity 750 people per hour). The resort is quite inexpensive and may be suitable for those who are just planning to start skiing or have little experience.
Tracks
- Iraklis (red) – 1450 m
- Aphrodite (blue + red) – 1850 m
- Ira (sports, black) – 800 m
- Pisoderi (red + black) – 2500 m
- Archarion (2 tracks, blue) – 800 m each
- Pedikes (4 children’s tracks, green) – 200-500 m
- Snowboard (red) – 2000 m
- Dromon Andohis – 5000m (+10000m)
- Periferiaki Turistyki – 6000 m
- For snowmobiles
- Periferiaki Archarion – 5000 m
* Notation: black – very difficult, red – difficult, blue – easy, green – very easy
Elevators
- Pisoderi Ι (2-seater, chairlift) – 1400 m
- Pisoderi ΙΙ (2-seater, chairlift – 2000 m
- Ski lift
- Baby Lift
- Baby Lift
Equipment rental
- Skis – 15 €
- Snowboards – 17 €
- Lift ticket – €15 (adult), €12 (child)
- Snowshoes – 20 € / 20 minutes
Skiing lessons – €30 per hour / person, €15 per hour / group
What to see
- Monastery of Agias Triadas in Pisodera
- temple of Agias Paraskevis
- Aliakmon springs (or “Mother of Water”, as the locals call them)
- prespes, ruins of Aghiu Achilia, micro Prespa
- European Brown Bear Protection Center
Attractions
The most interesting churches of the city of Kastoria are Agii Anargii (silverless saints, 10th century), St. Stephen (14th century), Theotokos Mavriotisa, St. George, St. Nicholas of Kosindzi. The oldest church in the city is the Church of Panagia Cumberlidiki (10th century). From the museums, it is worth visiting the Byzantine Museum, located on the site of the ancient Acropolis, where a unique collection of icons of the XII-XVII centuries has been collected.
Entertainment
In addition to skiing, you can ride snowmobiles and snowboards.
The Vigla ski complex is located on the territory of a nature reserve, where you can meet various representatives of the animal world: bears, foxes, wolves, roe deer, hares, birds of prey, forest and waterfowl.
In a beautiful three-level chalet, there are several bars and a restaurant with live music, apartments. Discos and night skating with torches are constantly held in the chalet, so you won’t have to be bored there.
Complex instructors pay great attention to all guests, but beginners, youth and children’s groups are surrounded by special attention. It is wonderful that the owners of the complex develop programs for each group individually with tour operators. These are skiing vacations, snowboarding, evening programs in nature, and so-called “snowtopping” (riding on an inflatable circle). And how much joy and admiration is caused by riding snowmobiles! Everything you need for a wonderful winter vacation is available at the Vigla base: 500 pairs of skis, boots, snowmobiles, etc.
Hotels
There are no hotels in the resort itself. You can stay in the nearest city – Kastor (22 kilometers). The total number of rooms in the vicinity of the resort is 2,000 places.
Limneon Resort & Spa
Limneon Resort & Spa is set on 2.2 hectares of scenic grounds and offers lake views from its rooms and suites. The complex consists of 2 buildings: Limneon Crystal and Limneon Golden.
From the Noufaro Spa, guests will be able to admire the wonderful natural beauty of Kastor Lake and immerse themselves in the world of relaxation and harmony.
In the morning, the Orizontes restaurant serves a rich American breakfast buffet. During breakfast, guests will be able to watch the sunrise over Lake Orestiada.
Cherry’s all-day a la carte restaurant and bar offers creative and traditional Greek cuisine, as well as other delicious dishes. The excellent decoration of the restaurant is done with taste and the use of thoughtful combinations of black and white colors.
Limneon Resort & Spa’s outdoor pools are connected by a waterfall. The hotel also has an indoor pool. During the day, guests of the hotel can enjoy cool sherbet and light meals at the pool bar, which is located next to the garden.
Orologopoulos Mansion Luxury Hotel
Orologopoulos Mansion is a traditional complex in the local architectural style, located in the Dolzo area of the Old Town of Kastoria. It offers elegant rooms with free WiFi. Lake Kastoria is 150 meters away.
Orologopoulos rooms and suites are individually decorated and decorated with stylish and antique elements and are equipped with air conditioning. The windows overlook the garden. Each room and suite has beamed or wooden ceilings, a minibar and a flat-screen TV with satellite and cable channels.
A Greek buffet breakfast is served every morning in the complex. Light snacks and drinks from the snack bar are served in the open air. A mini market and taverns are 100 meters away.
There is a bus stop just 200 meters away. Kastoria National Airport is 12 km away. Free public parking is available nearby.
Esperos Palace Luxury & Spa Hotel
The stylish Esperos Palace Luxury Spa Hotel is located in the Funtukli district, 5 minutes from the city center. The luxurious common areas are decorated with gray marble, and the floors in the rooms are laid with oak.
The rooms of the Esperos Palace hotel successfully combine style and comfort. Amenities include a flat-screen TV and free wireless Internet access / Wi-Fi. The spacious bathrooms are decorated with marble and equipped with a hairdryer.
Hotel Esperos has a well-equipped wellness center with an indoor heated swimming pool for an additional fee. Guests have a choice of 2 saunas, a steam bath and a fitness center. Massage sessions, as well as facial and body treatments, are held.
The restaurant of the Esperos Palace Hotel serves delicious Greek cuisine. You can order a cocktail or coffee at the bar. The Prive club area will be an ideal place for business or private meetings.
Venetula’s Mansion
Guest house Venetula is built in neoclassical style and is located in the center of Kastoria (Doltso). It overlooks the lake. It offers uniquely decorated rooms, free Wi-Fi and free private parking.
Guest rooms at Venetula’s Mansion are tastefully decorated in neutral colors and traditionally furnished. All rooms have a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Some rooms also have a decorative fireplace.
In addition, guests can have breakfast in the morning by the fireplace in the dining room. The Venetula guest house also has a beautiful sun terrace with umbrellas. The cozy corner offers a beautiful view of the picturesque Kastoria.
Staff at the reception at Venetula’s Mansion can provide information on local tourist attractions, including the Nostimon Petrified Forest (24 km away).
Restaurants
The resort has a beautiful two-level tavern serving excellent spaghetti, sausages, moussaka or pizza. After skiing, you can enjoy a mug of hot mulled wine.
The restaurant has 150 seats. Greek and Italian cuisine is served here. In winter, mulled wine, cognac and aromatic sausages are very popular. There is a separate bar. Meals are organized by everyone to their own taste – there are just shops with products for those who like to cook on their own, there are also taverns with excellent national cuisine – tourists mainly have dinner there.