When going on vacation to Greece, somewhere, deep in the subconscious, there was the thought that Greece is not only a magnificent sea and beaches, but also the opportunity to buy a Greek fur coat! This thought suddenly became reality when, in our room at the Sithonia Hotel in Porto Carras, the maid left an advertisement about a proposed trip to Kastoria, the “fur” capital of Greece. There were 4 days left until the end of the vacation and a certain amount on two credit cards, which, according to my calculations, should have been enough to buy a fur coat.
The next day, early in the morning, a minibus with 10 tourists from our hotel went to Kastoria. We had to cover about 380 km. one way. A Russian-speaking guide was traveling with us, and the cost of the trip - 50 euros per person, included, in addition to visiting places where Greek fur coats were sold, lunch and a tour of Kastoria. Four hours on the road flew by. The guide was caught as a joker; The views from the window were magnificent, and besides, the guide told in detail how to choose a high-quality fur coat.
Kastoria - an integrated journey into the world of Greek fur
The city of Kastoria, located in Western Macedonia, on the shores of the picturesque Lake Orestiada, has long been famous for its skilled furriers, who have been producing high-quality fur coats of excellent manufacture and unsurpassed tailoring since the times of the Byzantine Empire.
The history of the origins of the furrier's craft in Greece dates back to the 13th century, when the beginnings were laid for the organized processing of fur in Kastoria, and already in the 16th century, fur products gained great popularity among representatives of the upper strata of society, becoming a mandatory attribute of winter clothing. By the 17th century, Kastorian furriers had founded large fur houses in many European cities, including Constantinople, where the Kastorian Furriers' Guild was particularly influential. The modern generation of fur manufacturers continues the furrier craft traditions established in the distant past: the city of Kastoria is still associated with the furriers of Greece and, in general, with the fur industry, being not just the capital of Greek furriers, but also an internationally recognized center for the production and distribution of finished products made from fur.
It is safe to say that the words “Kastoria” and “fur” have long been synonymous. Today, there are about 1,500 fur factories in the Kastoria region, where high-quality products are made from the best semi-finished fur products purchased at famous fur auctions of international importance held in Denmark, Finland, America and Canada. The factories of Kastoria employ highly qualified craftsmen who are famous throughout the world for their art and technology of sewing fur products - especially in models sewn in “dissolution” (when the fur fabric is created on the basis of narrow strips of fur), which today is often called “Greek”. In addition, the design of products here is developed by famous world-famous fashion designers, so fur products made in Kastoria factories are distinguished not only by the high quality of the primary material and unsurpassed tailoring skills, but also by a unique, exclusive design. All this together, combined with an innovative approach to the production process and the use of advanced technologies, allows the fur factories of Kastoria to produce modern products of small and large shapes from different types of fur - from hats, gloves, belts and various fur accessories to full-fledged products that meet the requirements of the most sophisticated buyers around the world. Nowadays, fur factories in Kastoria conduct particularly active trade with the countries of Eastern Europe and the CIS, as well as with Russia, where fur products are a necessary item of women's and men's wardrobe, even children's. In recent years, the export of fur products made in Kastoria has increased significantly. Moreover, it is believed that in 2014 it increased, compared to 2013, by 4.6%, and in 2015 it will be another 6.6% more, which, accordingly, will lead to the creation of new jobs, with a total increasing production capacity.
Paralia Katerini
Paralia Katerini is another resort in northern Greece known for its fur specialization. Moreover, it is located significantly closer to Thessaloniki - the distance is about 80 km.
In terms of assortment, Paralia Katerini is somewhat inferior to Kastoria, but the strength of the resort is its prices, which are often even lower than in the fur capital.
In addition to more pleasant prices, according to ordinary people, bargaining in Paralia Katerinis is also more successful, especially if you are lucky enough to meet the owner of the store.
A knowledgeable buyer does not go to the capital for furs
By choosing this destination, travelers expect to combine business with pleasure: unlike Kastoria, Paralia Katerini is located on the Aegean coast and is quite close to Thessaloniki airport, as well as such attractions as Olympus, the Macedonian sanctuary of Dion, the Venetian castle of Platamon and many others. If you wish, you can also go to Meteora from here.
Paralia Katerini, to a greater extent than Kastoria, focuses on the budget buyer, and therefore the assortment here is “bent” towards economical models. This does not mean that you cannot find an expensive fur coat here, but, nevertheless, if you are interested in exclusive options at a price of 5,000 Euros, then it is better not to be lazy and go to Kastoria.
Factories in Kastoria that we visit as part of the Fur fashion tour:
Factories in Kastoria:
- AVANTI FURS
- NAOMI FURS
- PKZ FURS
- EGO GROUP
- MARCO VARNI FUR FASHION
- GLIAGIAS BROS
- ERTON FUR MANUFAKTURES
- VITANIOTIS BROS
- CHRISOS FURS
- RIZOS FURS
- IMAGE FURS
- DIOS FURS
- NITSA FURS
- ELEGANT FURS
- AFRODITE FURS
- MANZARIS FURS
- ESTELL FURS
Factories on Edika:
- KARATAGLIDIS XARALAMPOS
- BOURTSOS
- KAZEPIDIS NICK
- KIORPELIDIS LAZAROS
- ILIAS DIULGERIS
- ARIMANI
- PAPADOPOULOS FURS
- TSADILAS GEORG-BELFUR
- PROTOGEROS PETROS FURS
- LIANASRIMOS PANAGIOTIS
- BY LAZAROS
- MITSIADIS ANASTASIOS
- BABAKOS CHRISTOS
- BOGDANOU VASSILIKI
- VELENTZAS BROS
- CARLA MOSSE
- TSAPAS LARRY
- ELEGANT FURS
- TRASSIAS EVAGGELOS
- PETROU PETROS
- GEORGE SKOKLIDI FURS
- VLAXOU GEORGIOS
- GOLDGREK SA
- GIANNAKI FURS
- GIANNAKIS IOANNIS
- GUBIDENI ERMIONI
- KAPOULIS FURS
- ZISIS FURS-LAPEL
- FASHION FURS
- ZIEBEL FURS
- BROS N.VLACHOU OVE
- TSIARTAS FURS
- ART FUR
- BYZANTINE SIARAFERAS
- IDEA FUR MODA
- L.LAZAROU -A.BASSOU OEE
- MAKRIS KONSTANTINOS
- CHRIS MALEGANOS
- PAPAVASILIOY
- MANOLAS FURS
- KORFUR
- COUMBANI COLLECTION
- KOUFOGIANNI FOTEINI
- KIRIAZOS FILIPPOS
- MAILON
- KARAKOSTA JOIN
- DIVA
- ZALAS FURS
- TSORPATSOGLOU AIKATERINI
- FINESE
- XATZH ANNA
- POYLIOS FURS
- SARAFAS ATHANASIOS
- GIANNI LTD
- PAPADIMITRIOU VASSILIOS
- GIORGIO DINO
Crete
Features of shubbing in Crete are determined by the geography of the island. There is no single trading center here. Shops are scattered mainly along the coast, closer to vacationers: in small resort towns and along main roads.
Moreover, the most developed part of the island - both in terms of infrastructure and access to attractions - is the section of the northern coast between Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos, and therefore most of the large shopping centers specializing in fur are located here.
Shops in Crete are scattered throughout the island
It is believed that in terms of assortment, the island as a whole is not inferior to Kastoria and Paralia Katerini, but, unlike northern cities, where you can leave your car and try to get around everything on foot, in Crete you will have to travel.
Prices on the island are also not high: due to strong competition, traders are forced to keep themselves within the bounds of decency. The weak point of Crete (which is also typical for Rhodes) is the more noticeable presence of Chinese goods passed off as Greek. Therefore, you need to keep your ears open.
Grekoblog wrote more about this here.
Rhodes
Like Crete, in the summer Rhodes turns into one of the main tourist centers in Greece. There are a lot of vacationers here, and therefore there are also a lot of fur shops.
In general, the situation in Rhodes is practically no different from Crete. The only difference is that the size of the island is noticeably smaller, and therefore you can also make your choice faster. Grekoblog devoted a separate article to the features of fur shopping on the island.
The assortment and prices in Athens are a solid four
Factory AVANTI
The AVANTI factory was one of the first in Greece, in 1864. Its founder was A. Kranias. Today it is the largest factory in Kastoria, has an exhibition hall and a creative workshop. The best quality furs are purchased by the factory owners at the world's leading fur auctions. The plant works with different raw materials - mink, lynx, astrakhan fur, and many other furs. The production lines are equipped with modern technology, and every season designers present their new developments to the audience.
KASTORIA 1st Klm. DISPILIO Kastoria 521 00 Kastoria GREECE
Tel. +302467085900
www.avantifurs.gr
How to get there
The small town is located in the mountains in the north-west of mainland Greece, in Macedonia, and it is much colder here than in most of the country.
Perhaps it was the climate that became the main reason for the development of furrier and fur crafts in these places, because there is snow on the mountains and often sub-zero temperatures.
The easiest way to get to Kastoria is from Thessaloniki. Not long ago, these two cities were connected by a new highway, which can be reached by car in just over 2 hours.
The journey to Kastoria by bus will take about 4 hours (360 km), the bus runs from 7.30 am every two hours from Thessaloniki bus station.
As a rule, a two-day stop in Kastoria is certainly included in various “fur tours”, so you can get to the town by tourist bus, which depart from Athens and other large Greek cities along the “fur” route.
What to see
Lake Orestiada
The symbol and main decoration of the city. Large, inhabited by swans and geese (a family of pelicans also lives here), it creates a unique landscape for almost anywhere in the city.
You can walk around the lake or take a one-way road, you can sit on its shore in a tavern or take a ride on an old boat (5 euros).
But they will definitely recommend fishing in Orestiada; previously, this trade fed the whole city along with the furrier’s craft. But on the contrary, you won’t be able to swim in the legendary lake, simply because it is not accepted here.
Dragon Cave
Another creation of nature, located near the center of Kastoria and discovered by local residents in 1940.
A huge cave with a dozen underground lakes is perfectly lit and equipped for a safe walk.
The tour lasts about 20 minutes and a ticket costs 6 euros. The guides speak only Greek and English, but Russian tourists are given a brochure.
The Dragon Cave can be reached on foot (about an hour) or by taxi (15 euros).
Antiquities and museums
Despite the fact that the city of Kastoria was founded before our era, almost no ancient buildings have survived here with the exception of a few walls of once majestic buildings.
But 73 churches, monasteries, as well as several mansions from the Byzantine era remained undamaged.
The Byzantine Museum, located on a hill, is a must-see. Ticket price is 5 euros.
Factory Orestico
Located in the city of Argos, five minutes by car from Aristotelis airport, near the city of Kastoria. Modern production - modern services, here you can sew fur coats and other fur products to order, according to a drawing or photograph, when computer technology is used to create accurate measurements and patterns.
Particular attention is paid to the constant modernization of mechanical equipment. Absolutely all machines provide maximum productivity and optimization of production processes.
FactoryPAPADOPOULOSFURS
H. Papadopoulos was able to develop his own brand, and in 1865 he founded his own production of exclusive fur products, while also producing models for everyday wear. They are distinguished by the production of a family line of fur coats - women's, men's, children's. In addition, they produce fur products in non-standard sizes. Another distinctive feature is that the fur coats of this brand use decorative metal elements.
Petra Kastoria GREECE
Tel. +30 24670 80793-97
www.pkzfurs.com
Factory RIZOSFURS
The Rizos Furs factory was created at the turn of the 20th century, and its peculiarity is the modern youth trends of the models, the use of Blackglama black mink fur, which is purchased in Denmark, the USA and Canada. The factory has a large exhibition center where buyers can see all the collections and try on each model. A distinctive feature of the products of this factory is the use of colored and dyed fur.
5 TOKA STR., 52100 Kastoria – HELLAS,
Tel. +30 2467027506
rizosfurs.com/ru
