From Attica to Mountainous Corinthia, we plan short spring escapes to unwind on the shores of beautiful lakes and enjoy invigorating nature trails and strolls through traditional villages and archaeological sites.
In the mood to slip away somewhere nearby to enjoy fresh air and abundant scenes of springtime nature? Put on comfortable clothes and set off on a daytrip or even for a weekend at a lake that will transport you to an entirely different setting.
Lake trips are worth it in every season, but in spring they are something else. Nature’s colors are beautifully mirrored in their serene waters, the lush green landscape works like the best stress reliever, while strolls through nearby villages, trails and archaeological sites reveal well-hidden "treasures". Four wonderful lakes near Athens await your exploration.
Lake Beletsi
A walk on Parnitha is always refreshing and awakens a spirit of exploration in those who love mountains and cherish nature. Parnitha boasts a rich network of trails, offers many opportunities for activities and hides quite a few surprises. A short distance from the center of Athens, on theeastern slopes of Parnitha and at an altitude of 600 meters, lies a small artificial lake that many do not know about. Lake Beletsi was created during the period 1972-1975, while around it stretches the Ippokrateios Politeia of Afidnes. Here you will meet visitors of all ages enjoying walking and relaxation in a rejuvenating environment, picnicking and hiking on dozens of trails, cycling or simply reveling in nature and the lush green scenery.If you visit the lake with your children, rest assured they will enjoy carefree play at theplayground next to the lakeand will be thrilled with the swans, ducks and turtles that find refuge here.
Lake Marathon
Approximately 35 km from the center of Athens, the artificial Lake Marathon is always an ideal choice for short escapes away from the city’s routine. The lake spreads over an area of 2,450 stremmas and is counted among the most important wetlands of Attica. For the record, Lake Marathon was formed by the construction of the Marathon Dam at the confluence of the streams Charadros and Varnavas and was the main water reserve for Athens from 1931 until 1959. Those who want a bit more action can circle the lake by bicycle or hike thebeautiful Oinoi Gorge.
Lake Vouliagmeni (Corinthia)
At a distance of 15 km from Loutraki, you will come upon a beautiful landscape, that of Lake Vouliagmeni.Yes, you read that right, there is also a Lake Vouliagmeni in Corinthia.In reality it is a lagoon with saltwater that is renewed through a narrow channel at its edge that connects it to the sea. Its depth does not exceed 40 meters, its length is 2 kilometers and its width one kilometer. Its beach is sandy and through a narrow canal its waters communicate with those of the Corinthian Gulf. If the weather permits, you can even take the first swim of the year! At the lake you will also find a few tavernas serving fish and meat. To the west of the lake stands the cape of the Heraion of Perachora, or Melagavi, where there is an impressive old stone lighthouse. It is also worth seeing thearchaeological site of the Heraion, where the ruins of the ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Hera reach almost into the sea.
Lake Doxa
It could be a lake in the Alps, but it is in Greece and specifically in mountainousCorinthia. Near the village ofFeneos, at an altitude of 900 meters, the artificialLake Doxais one of the most beautiful lakes in the Peloponnese. In its blue-green waters are mirrored the snow-capped mountains and the multicolored mixed forests of Mountainous Corinthia. Nothing betrays that you are just two hours away from Athens. At the center of the lake stretches a narrow peninsula, where there is the small, picturesque chapel of Agios Fanourios, while higher up, on a slope about 2 km away, stands the historic 15th-century Monastery of Agios Georgios Feneou amid gorgeous nature. There, you will taste the monks’ famous rose preserve and enjoy from the wooden covered balcony the unique view of the lake. The wider area of Doxa and Feneos lends itself to a nature escape with stops in stone-built mountain villages and abundant outdoor activities (hiking, mountain biking, 4×4, and more). It is worth visiting the main village of Goura with its old stone-built houses and beautiful square, as well as the villages of Feneos, Kalyvia (Ancient Feneos), Steno and Panorama.
