Hidden diamonds in Lake Plastira

Discover the natural wealth of Lake Plastira and its breathtaking landscapes! In the center of Greece lies Lake Plastira and the landscape that surrounds it is one of the most beautiful places in the country. The artificial Lake Plastira or Lake Tavropos, was created in 1959 with the completion of the dam on the Tavropos River. It has an important role as an intermediate semi-mountainous zone, between the Thessalian plain and the Eastern Agrafa. We explore its hidden treasures in its aquatic and lakeside world, in its mountains and in its caves.

1st day:

Arriving at the lake outside the village of Kastanies, one of its most beautiful fjords is located. From there we will start a beautiful kayaking trip in its turquoise and calm waters. On a coastal route in its fjords we have the opportunity to admire the imposing mountains of Agrafa above the lake and see Cormorants, Herons, Moorhens, Plovers and several species of duck, on the banks of the moorhens and blackbirds. The lake is also home to several species of fish, such as sunfish, carp, carp, perch, flounder, trout, bream, etc. We will make a stop at Niaga Island and cross the lake to the Botanical Garden. Then, we will engage in archery, which exercises attention, focus on the target, determination and decision-making. We will be transferred to the hotel and settled in. In the evening, there is dinner and rest.

2nd day:

Breakfast and departure for the village of Fylakti, from there we begin the hike to the peak of Templa 1809m. Initially we hike on a lush forested path of fir and oak trees. After the shelter we continue in an alpine landscape to the top. The panoramic view will reward our effort. We are right above the village of Neraida. Beneath our feet, the blue waters of the lake and all around us are all the peaks of Agrafa. From Karava, Kazarma, Borlero, Pente Pyrgos, Svoni and Papadimitri to Delidimi, Fteri and Liakoura. Further behind are Oiti, Gkiona and Vardousia. And next to us is Voutsikaki. From there we will descend to the cave of Kaimakia, which is the largest cave in the prefecture of Karditsa. The cave extends over two levels with a total length of corridors of 470m. and impressive decoration, while an underground river flows inside. All those who participate will enter a magical world that has amazing colors, shapes, peace and grandeur. Then, we will return to the shelter where we will have lunch. Free time and rest will follow. Shortly after sunset, we will photograph and enjoy the zone of Venus and the shadow of the earth that are formed in the east with purple pink and blue colors as well as the alpine glow with Lake Plastira in the background. After dinner We will place our equipment a little above the shelter and we will get lost in the magical world of the night. We will enjoy the nebulae of the Milky Way, observe the constellations, see Saturn and Jupiter with their satellites. We will make mountain tea to drink, as we will sit under the stars and share stories from our life in the village and our climbs in the mountains with the aim of making you love them. Later, we can take pictures with the galaxy. Those who dare, will take with them frames and stories of what is worth telling our loved ones. At midnight we will return to the shelter.

3rd day:

Breakfast and departure for a hike in a fir and oak forest with views of the lake, ending in the beautiful picturesque village of Belokomiti. Then, we will drink coffee on a beautiful balcony and continue our adventure exploring the Cave of Gakis. After Zygogiannaeika, we will first descend into a small beautiful gorge and follow the river to reach the cave. Indeed, one of the most impressive creations of nature are the caves with stalactites and stalagmites. The emotions are mixed, Admiration, anxiety for the unknown, curiosity, euphoria, joy and surprise. The most charming view of the lake will undoubtedly be enjoyed from the Observatory on the way back. At an altitude of 1,350 m. where it is located, if the atmosphere is clear, the view reaches Mount Olympus. We can admire the lake in its entire length and width, the alpine forest and the bare peaks of the high mountains painted in the background. Then, we will make a short stop at the dam, an elegant arch that seems to embrace the huge volume of water of the lake, it is a beautiful point to admire the lake, but also the back side of the dam that plunges to a depth of 83m, vertically between the rocks. Lunch and return to Athens will follow.