Greek Taxi Tour Around Florina

Florina, the prefecture capital, is spread out over a hillside covered with wild chestnut trees. Aminteo, a modern market town, lies 41 kilometers from Florina, while 6 kilometers from there, on the shores of Lake Vegoritis, there is the picturesque vil­lage of Agios Panteleimonas, where an ancient set­tlement and cemetery have been excavated. Nimfeo (53 km. from Florina), on the slopes of Mt. Vitsi (alt. 1.350 m.), is both a winter and summer re­sort, with delightful houses built in the local style. Further up the mountain is the village of Pissoderi (alt. 1420 m.), where the Vigla ski center is located. The part of this prefecture that holds the greatest in­terest for visitors, Greek and foreign, is its two lakes, which form the natural borders of Greece with Alba­nia and the former Yugoslavia. These lakes, Mikri and Megali Prespa are situated 850 meters above sea level and are separately by a narrow strip of land.

The shores of the smaller lake are filled with reeds that every year provides shelter for many species of birds. Looking as though it is floating in the middle of the lake is the islet of Agios Ahilios, with both ancient and Byzantine ruins; its rocky coast harbors caves once used as shrines, whose walls are decorated with religious paintings.

On the shores of Megali Prespa, which may be either steep and rocky or flat and lush, there is a delightful little village called Psarades. Here, as well as at Agios Germanos, where there is a Byzantine church dedi­cated to St. Germanos with excellent frescoes, one finds tavemas serving freshly caught fish from the lakes. Niki (17 km. north of Florina) is one of the country's exit-entry posts.

USEFUL INFORMATION:

ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM OF FLORINA:

At the square near the train station, tel.: (23850) 28.206.

VIGLA-PISSODERI SKI CENTER:

tel.: (23850) 22.082. Parking, 2 ski tows, a ski school and rentals, alt. 1650 m., two slopes.

MOUNTAIN CLIMBING:

On Vitsi at Vigia Pissoderi, there is a refuge sleeping 70 People, with beds and blankets, a restaurant, electricity, water, heating, a kitchen, and fireplace. Information: Florina EOS (Alpine Society), tel.: (23850) 22.354.

SWIMMING:

At Koula beach on Megali Prespa and at Psarades.

FISHING:

In the lakes and rivers.

SPAS:

At Xino Nero.

SPECIALTIES:

Florina strawberries and red peppers, Aminteo wine.