Florina, is a town in West Macedonia, Greece. It lies in the north west part of Greece. The mountains around the town is spread out over a hill side covered with wild chestnut trees.
Florina is a market town with an economy dominated by cross-border trading and the sale of local produce. It is a typical small Greek town. The nearest air port is situated to the east. The town is slowly being discovered by a host of visitors who travel to enjoy the pristine mountainous. Four mountains and six lakes contribute to form this magical environment. The winters in this area are especially cold the temperature often falls below zero here in the coldest months.
The Zoo is a major sight which includes Lions, and Tigers as well as Mediterranean bears. The Zoo, aims at the conservation of the fauna in North Greece.
It also has a University that has recently changed from being a branch of the Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, to being a part of the University of West Macedonia.
Florina Prefecture Lakes are of a mountain drain basin and are split by a narrow land strip and are surrounded by mountains. The two Prespes Lakes are very different from each other. The small Prespa has a swampy coast line, full with thickets of dense reeds and water lilies. The Megali Prespa, of which an area of 40 square kilometers falls within the Greek border, are totally clear of vegetation and pebbly. Mikri Prespa Lake is the only place in Europe except the Danube Delta where both the White Pelican and the Dalmatian Pelican breed.
Folklore Museum of the Culture Club at Florina was founded in 1980. The museums is, to preserve the folk cultural heritage and to inform the younger generation and, secondly, to keep a record of all the old houses and occupations of the people of Florina.
At the confluence of Varnous and Verno mountain chains, 19 km. on the west side of Florina and at an altitude of 1600 metres up to 1900 metres a neck is formed, where Vigla-Pissoderi crossing and a passage is located. It is one of the best ski centres of Greece.
The Florina Art Gallery was set up in 1985 by the Florina Art Centre. Its premises are the old railway station building. The collection comprises a total of 99 works by 32 local artists. The exhibits include paintings, sculptures, drawings, photo drawings, and a hologram, which spot light the artistic out put of Floriniot artists both old and young.