25 km west of the city of Karditsa, you'll discover a small marvel of nature and human ingenuity. The beautiful Lake Plastira is a unique destination for those seeking adventure as well as relaxation in nature.
Autumn suits lakes and Lake Plastira is one of the best choices for a getaway that blends adventure with relaxation in nature. After about four hours from Athens or two hours from Thessaloniki, you'll arrive at the beautiful artificial lake located 25 km west of the city of Karditsa. Framed by the fir-clad peaks of the Agrafa, Lake Plastira is the jewel of Thessaly. Its scenery is enchanting in every season, as the lake meets centuries-old fir trees that adorn its banks.
The drive around Lake Plastira (about 60 km) is an experience worth having. In this corner of Greece, often called «Little Switzerland», you'll discover dozens of traditional and welcoming villages, taste authentic local flavors, and enjoy a wealth of activities.
The lake's history
Lake Plastira is the most successful example of human intervention in nature. Its visionary was General Nikolaos Plastiras, who conceived the idea of building a dam on the Tavropos River to solve the longstanding irrigation problem of the Thessalian Plain. Although the project had been in the works since 1925, it was finally completed in 1959. The 220 m-long dam held back the waters of the Tavropos, which covered the Nevropoli plateau and created a beautiful setting that people gradually began to discover, with the entire area now benefiting from the lake. Today, Lake Plastira is one of the most beautiful destinations in mountainous Greece, an idyllic escape for every nature lover.
Lake Tavropos, the official name of Lake Plastira, lies at an altitude of 750 m, covering an area of about 25,000 stremmas, with a length of 12 km, a width of 4 km, and a depth of about 60 m. The lake's waters feed PPC's hydroelectric station, irrigate the Thessalian Plain, and supply the city with water along with 38 towns and villages of the prefecture in the wider area.
The villages
The many villages encircling the lake are ideal bases for excursions and discoveries. All are beautiful, each uniquely its own. Stop in Mesenikolas, famed for its celebrated wine. There are also wineries open to visitors. Don't miss Morfovouni, homeland of the 'Black Horseman', Nikolaos Plastiras. In Kalyvia, Pezoula, and around them you'll find plenty of options for food and coffee. At Pezoula beach you can enjoy your coffee or meal while gazing at the landscape reflected on the water's surface, and also try various sports (canoeing/kayaking, etc.). Opposite, on the lake's eastern side, you'll enjoy the view at Lampero beach.
In Filakti you'll walk through the fir forest and stop for a meal. The village of Neraida, nestled among firs, is worth a stop, chiefly for its impressive view. Near Anthochori there's a hidden waterfall that's mainly accessible in the summer months. Neochori spreads across the hillside and offers panoramic views of the lake. Other lovely villages include amphitheatrically built Belokomitis and picturesque Kerasia, a village ideal for walks in nature, as is nearby Kryoneri. You can also visit Kanalia, just 20 minutes from Lake Plastira. Built amphitheatrically on the northwestern foothills of the Agrafa, this lovely village has the entire Thessalian Plain spread out before it.
Attractions
The Dam of the lake is 220 m long and 83 m high. An impressive concrete structure, an elegant arch that seems to embrace the lake's vast volume of water, the dam is a fine spot to gaze out over the lake, as well as the back side of the dam that drops 83 m, vertically between the rocks. Also from the Moucha viewpoint, you can admire the lake's fjords and the islet of Niaga.
If you want to see the lake at its most captivating, drive up to the Observatory. Once there, your gaze will drift across the lake's watery surface, while on the other side, the forested slopes and, in the distance, the imposing peaks of Agrafa complete the magical scene. If you're a nature lover, visit the Botanical Garden near Neochori. With the lake as a backdrop, you'll walk its paths and get to know the area's aromatic plants and trees.
Visit the Panagia Pelekiti Monastery, built atop a steep rock, near the village of Karitsa, looking out over the lake from above. Founded in the late 15th century, the monastery consists of two churches and many other structures and resembles a fortress. Another monastery overlooking the Thessalian Plain is the Holy Monastery of Koroni, located near the village of Moschato. Perched at an altitude of about 800 meters, east of Lake Plastira, it's one of Thessaly's most important Byzantine monuments, with a rich history dating back to the 12th century.
