Lake Plastiras, Greece: what to do, where to stay, when to go

At 792 metres, on the edge of the Agrafa mountains, Lake Plastiras is one of the best-loved destinations in inland Greece. It is man-made: it formed when the Tavropos dam closed the Tavropos, or Megdovas, river, and it has been in operation since 1960. It takes its name from Nikolaos Plastiras, the general from Karditsa who imagined the project as early as 1925.

Around the lake

The road that circles the lake is the backbone of any visit. It passes through Neochori (950 m), Morfovouni (800 m), Pezoula, Kalyvia Pezoulas and Kryoneri, and over the dam itself, with the water far below. By car it takes an afternoon; by bicycle, a day.

What to do

• Hiking on the paths between the villages and through the fir forests around the lake.
• Canoeing, kayaking and horse riding, with local activity companies.
• The Smokovo baths, thermal springs a little further south.
• The Agrafa mountains, for anyone who wants to go on into some of the most remote mountains in Greece.

The lake also has two popular annual events: a summer festival and a mountain running race around the lake. Dates change every year; check the announcements of the Municipality of Lake Plastiras.

When to go

Unlike most Greek destinations, the lake is alive all year round. Autumn and winter, with mist over the water and fireplaces in the guesthouses, are the most popular season. Spring and summer belong to outdoor activities and walking.

For the story of the place, read the magazine's feature on Lake Plastiras.