Lovers of holidays in Greece can visit their beloved country not only in the warm season. In the picturesque place of the prefecture of Kastoria is located Vigla ski resort. It proves that in the winter period Greece is no less prestigious and attractive for tourists than in the summer.

19 km from the city of Florina, where the mountains of Varnunda and Virno connect, at an altitude of 1600-1900m 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 5 lifts in total – 3 tow-tow and 2 chairlifts. The enchanting views of Vigla-Pisoderi will provide you with unforgettable impressions of sports weekends in this resort.

The great thing is that visiting this Greek resort is not limited to just sports mountain recreation. Sightseeing in the vicinity of Vigla is a must for all curious travelers. In Pisoderi it will be interesting to visit the ancient monastery of Agias Triadas and the famous natural spring of Aliakmon, 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 Mauritius has gained the greatest popularity. In the Byzantine Museum you can see a rare collection of icons of the 12th-18th centuries, and in Florina it is worth visiting the art gallery and the Museum of Folk Art.

Vigla Ski Slope

There are no hotels in the 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.

Relaxing on the beaches under the warm sun, walking around the sights, skiing and enjoying the beautiful winter nature – having arrived in VIGL, you will see that Greece is different.

Florina is a great choice for your stay, because in addition to the fact that the city itself is charming, it is also located not far from the ski resort. The surrounding villages are also a good choice for accommodation.

Slopes and lifts

Vigla is a ski resort in Greece, which has been around for over 20 years. The ski season here lasts from mid-November to mid-April. The altitude difference is 1880-1610 meters. There are five slopes in total at the resort: two green, two blue and one red. There are special children’s slopes, which are located just below the main skiing areas. Two lifts: children’s and adult (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.

Slopes

Iraklis (red) – 1450 m
Aphrodite (blue + red) – 1850 m
Ira (sports, black) – 800 m
Pisoderi (red + black) – 2500 m
Archarion (2 slopes, blue) – 800 m each
Pedikes (4 children’s slopes, green) – 200-500 m
Snowboard (red) – 2000 m
Dromon Andochis – 5000 m (+10000 m)
Periferiaki Turistiki – 6000 m
For snowmobiles
Periferiaki Archarion – 5000 m

* Designation: black – very difficult, red – difficult, blue – easy, green – very easy

Lifts

Pisoderi Ι (2-seater, chairlift) – 1400 m
Pisoderi ΙΙ (2-seater, chairlift – 2000 m
Ski Lift
Baby Lift
Baby Lift

Rent equipment

Skis – €15
Snowboards – €17
Ticket for lifts – €15 (adult), €12 (child)
Snowmobiles – €20 / 20 minutes

Ski lessons – €30 per hour / person, €15 per hour / group

What to see

Agias Triadas monastery in Pisoderi
Agias Paraskevis temple
Aliakmon springs (or “Mother of Waters”, as the locals call them)
Prespes, ruins of Agios Achilleos, micro Prespa
European center for the protection of brown bear

Sights

The most interesting churches of the city of Kastoria are Agia Anargia (Saints of the Silversmiths, 10th century), St. Stephen (14th century), Virgin Mary of Mauritius, St. George, St. Nicholas of Kosinji. The oldest church in the city is considered to be the church of Panagia Kumberlidiki (10th century). Of the museums, it is worth visiting the Byzantine Museum, located on the site of the ancient Acropolis, where a unique collection of icons from the 12th-17th centuries is collected.

Entertainment

In addition to skiing, you can go snowmobiling and snowboarding.

Vigla Ski Resort 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, predatory, forest and waterfowl birds.

In a beautiful three-level chalet – several bars and a restaurant with live music, apartments. The chalet constantly hosts discos and night skiing with torches, so you won’t be bored there.

The complex’s 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. This includes skiing, snowboarding, evening programs in nature, and the so-called “snowtupping” (riding on an inflatable circle). And how much joy and delight snowmobiling causes! Everything you need for a wonderful winter pastime is 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). Total number of rooms fund in the vicinity of the resort – 2000 places.

Limneon Resort & Spa

The Limneon Resort & Spa is located on a picturesque The hotel is spread over 2.2 hectares 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 can admire the magnificent natural beauty of Lake Kastoria and immerse themselves in a world of relaxation and harmony.

In the morning, Orizontes Restaurant serves a rich American buffet breakfast. During breakfast, guests can watch the sunrise over Lake Orestiada.

Cherry Bar and Restaurant offers creative and traditional Greek cuisine, as well as other delicious dishes throughout the day. The restaurant is tastefully decorated with a thoughtful combination of black and white.

The outdoor pools of Limneon Resort & Spa are connected by a waterfall. There is also an indoor pool. During the day, guests can enjoy a refreshing sorbet and light meals at the bar next to the pool, which is located next to the garden.

Orologopoulos Mansion Luxury Hotel

The traditional Orologopoulos Mansion, built in the local architectural style, is located in the Dolzo area of the Old Town of Kastoria. It offers elegant rooms with free WiFi. Lake Kastoria is 150 metres away.

Individually decorated with stylish and antique elements, the air-conditioned rooms and suites of Orologopoulos offer views of the sea. overlooks 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 daily at the complex. Light snacks and drinks from the snack bar are served al fresco. A mini market and taverns can be found 100 metres away.

A bus stop is just 200 metres away. Kastoria National Airport is 12 km away. Free public parking is possible nearby.

Esperos Palace Luxury & Spa Hotel

The stylish Esperos Palace Luxury Hotel & Spa is located in the Funtukli area, 5 minutes from the city center. The luxurious public areas are finished in gray marble, and the floors in the rooms are laid with oak.

The rooms at Esperos Palace Hotel combine style and comfort. Amenities include a flat-screen TV and free Wi-Fi. The spacious bathrooms are decorated in marble and come with a hairdryer.

Esperos Hotel features a well-equipped wellness centre, which includes an indoor heated pool, which is available at an additional cost. Guests can choose from 2 saunas, a steam bath and a fitness centre. Massages, as well as facial and body treatments, are available.

Esperos Palace Hotel’s restaurant serves delicious Greek cuisine. Guests can enjoy a cocktail or coffee at the bar. The Prive Club area is the ideal place for business or private meetings.

Venetula’s Mansion

The Venetula Guest House is built in a neoclassical style and is located in in the centre of Kastoria (Doltso). It offers lake views. It offers uniquely decorated rooms, free Wi-Fi and free private parking.

The rooms of Venetula’s Mansion are tastefully decorated in neutral tones and traditionally furnished. All rooms have a private bathroom with a shower and a hairdryer. Some also feature a decorative fireplace.

Guests can also enjoy breakfast in the dining room by the fireplace. Venetula also has a lovely sun terrace with parasols. The seating area offers beautiful views of the scenic Kastoria.

Staff at the reception of Venetula’s Mansion can provide information on tourist attractions in the area, including the Petrified Forest of Nostimon (24 km away).

Restaurants

The resort has a lovely split-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. Everyone organizes their meals to their own taste – there are just shops with products for those who like to cook on their own, there are taverns with excellent national cuisine – tourists mainly have dinner there.