From Mikro Papigo in Zagori starts one of the most famous hiking trails in Epirus, which leads to the fairytale Dragon Lake of Tymfi.
One of Greeces most enchanting mountain landscapes is hidden among the peaks of Epirus, on a plateau of the Tymfi massif complex and at an altitude of 2.050 m. We are talking about Drakolimni of Tymfi, one of the best-known and most impressive Greek alpine lakes.
Access to these lakes is possible only on foot and the ascent is a one-of-a-kind experience for hikers, mountaineers, and travelers who want to become one with nature.
From Mikro Papigo in the Zagorochoria sets off one of Epiruss most famous hiking trails, which leads to the legendary Drakolimni of Tymfi, a solitary landscape of rare beauty with a stunning panoramic view of the surrounding mountain peaks. The impressive dragon lake covers about 8 stremmata and is known for the alpine newts it hosts in its waters, a rare species of amphibious lizard. The best times to visit are spring and autumn (from April to October-November).
From Mikro Papigo you will need about 2,5 to 3 hours to reach the Astraka Refuge (1950 m.) and from there about another 1,5 hours to get to the dragon lake. The path is well waymarked and the route is straightforward but quite tiring. Yet the spectacle at the final destination rewards you. The waters of the lake are crystal clear and reach a depth of 5 meters, while the view of the surrounding mountain peaks is, of course, impressive.
At the entrance of Mikro Papigo, the final preparations are made. Organize your pack, tuck in nuts, some fruit, chocolate, water, and set off. The first part of the route runs through forest, with running streams, lush vegetation, and many fountains where you can take breaks. The route continues uphill and, little by little, the impressive vertical rocks, otherwise known as the «Towers of Astraka», come into view.
When you finally reach an altitude of 1.700 m., at the Kruna spring, the landscape transforms and becomes alpine. Counting three hours of hiking and now at an altitude of 1.950 meters, as a first reward, you will find yourself at the Astraka Mountain Refuge. A stop on its vast balcony, for food and a chat with the other mountaineers, will give you strength for the huge but last big uphill stretch that leads to Drakolimni. Nature, clean air, and Smolikas in the distance. You are on the summit of Tymfi and every trace of fatigue from the hike has vanished. The only thing you feel now is dizziness and awe at the impressive landscape unfolding before you.
The myth of the dragon lake
The legends and stories that accompany the mythical «dragon lakes» in the Greek mountains fire the imagination. The myth says that in the Drakolimni of Tymfi and in its «rival», the Drakolimni of Smolikas, lived two dragons who bore enmity toward each other. The dragons are said to have hurled stones at one another and for that reason the shores of Tymfis lake have a black color and white stones, while, correspondingly, the shores of Smolikass lake have a white color and black stones.
