Category: [:el] Λίμνη Κρεμαστών [:en] Lake Kremasta [:de] Kremasta See [:]

Kayak Hike Granitsiotis Gorge - Acheloo - Kremaston Lake The Granitsiotis river originates under the "Kalogeros" peak of the Western Agrafa mountains. Due to the high rocks, narrow passages, caves, dense vegetation it acquired an eerie appearance and preserved an unadulterated natural beauty. We will initially start the hike high up in the Granitsiotis canyon through a holly forest, we reach a point where  Acheloos and Granitsiotis rivers meet and a where a small delta with a sandy beach is. At the point of the Evrytos climbing field we descend low into the gorge. We continue for about 200m. where we find our kayaks on a beach. Then we will continue with a water route through Granitsiotis to Acheloos with its intense blue color, where countless wild goats quench their thirst. The slopes are covered with lush vegetation and near the river there are stands of aquatic trees, plane trees, poplars, willows. Also a few small half-abandoned villages project on the surrounding slopes. On the way to the narrows of Acheloos we will find a small beach with plane trees where we will take a break to relax. We continue to Kremaston Lake admiring the majesty of nature, its wonderful fjords and its small islands.

In the heart of Greece, between the prefectures of Etoloakarnania and Evrytania, 'rooted' under the high villages of Agrafa, surrounded by beautiful lakeside villages, lies the Lake of Kremaston. We visit the historic village of Old Chalkiopoulos 850m. We cross the forest where we are surrounded by towering fir trees. First stop at the Fire Tower - observation post at 1,100 m. overlooking the lake. We continue towards the cave of Agios Andreas the Hermit. The small cave is located in Mount Kanala. In the chapel of the cave is the 14th-century iconography of Panagia Platytera and four hierarchs (Basil, Chrysostom, Athanasios, Epiphanios of Cyprus). Behind the sanctuary is the tomb of the saint who practiced there in the 13th century. The continuation of the route will climb even higher, to the top of Mount Kanala, a relatively low mountain (1,520m). The landscape captivates the soul and heart, since the spectacular view of the artificial lake of Kremaston with Greek fjords spreads out in front of the visitor. The area is part of the Natura 2000 network. Some rare pairs of vultures live on Mount Kalana, which has been designated a CORINE habitat. As you can understand, contact with nature in Kremasta Lake offers a unique experience worth living. *It is possible to do half of the excursion to the observatory, the cave and back to the village.

Loggitsi is a settlement in the prefecture of Evrytania. It is located on the northern shore of the artificial lake Kremaston. We start our hike outside the village on a beautiful route initially with low vegetation. The first kilometers are coastal, in various places we pass small and large streams with wooden bridges and the path descends to Lake Kremaston. Then we climb to the village of Tsouka in a holly forest with scattered gorse trees and some points of view towards the lake. Arriving at Ano Tsoukka further west on its edge there is the ancient fortification of "Castle Tsoukas". The top of the hill there is surrounded by a fortification from classical-Hellenistic times and the area has been designated an archaeological site. "The fortification in places is preserved to a height of 8 buildings (3.50 m). A gate of the wall and two of its four-sided towers are also preserved. Visible residential remains have been identified within the enclosure, which are associated with the use of the site in the Byzantine and post-Byzantine periods times" The view from the castle is magnificent as we have a panoramic view of Lake Kremaston with its fjords, the picturesque villages of Evrytania and Aitoloakarnania and the mountains of Agrafa that surround it.

The gorge of Bouzunikos on the western side of the municipality of Agrafa, in the village of Valaora and next to the Granitsiotis river is suitable for mountaineers of all ages. It remained for many years unexplored and is connected to many beliefs of the region. From there we start a hiking route that will remain unforgettable since the vertical walls with rich vegetation create magical images. Leaving the Bouzunikou gorge we meet the Granitsiotis gorge and continue with a river crossing through its river. The Granitsiotis river originates under the "Kalogeros" peak of the Western Agrafa. Due to the high rocks, narrow passages, caves, dense vegetation it acquired an eerie appearance and preserved an unadulterated natural beauty. Along the way we recognize endemic herbs and plants walking along the river bed. Arriving at the Evrytos climbing fields, we will walk higher in the gorge and continue through the forest. The panoramic view of the gorge will complete the unforgettable experience in Agrafa.

The Granitsiotis river originates under the "Kalogeros" peak of the Western Agrafa. Due to the high rocks, narrow passages, caves, dense vegetation it acquired an eerie appearance and preserved an unadulterated natural beauty. We will enter the canyon of Granitsiotis through its river, then we will continue our descent to the calm waters of Acheloos with its intense blue color, where countless wild goats quench their thirst. The slopes are covered with lush vegetation and near the river there are stands of aquatic trees, plane trees, poplars, willows. Also a few small half-abandoned villages project on the surrounding slopes. On the way to the gorge of Acheloos we will find a small beach with plane trees where we will take a break to relax. We continue to Kremaston Lake admiring the majesty of nature and its wonderful fjords

The incomparable beauty of Kremaston Lake with its blue-green waters, the fjords that are created and the numerous small islands that stand scattered will really enchant the visitor, making him think that he is in some exotic destination. It is the largest artificial lake in Greece, the cleanest in Europe and the fifth cleanest worldwide. Its banks are welcoming "hosts" of endangered and rare species such as the otter, the wolf, the golden eagle, the dwarf bat, etc. The area is of course included in the Natura 2000 program. Around it, the dominant species of flora are: holly and sycamore, while among the large trees one can find various oaks, a few chestnuts, maples and plane trees. We start from Sivista pier to explore this aquatic paradise. During the route we will visit the island of Agios Nikolaos with the castle of Karolos Tokkos on its top. We will take a picnic break where in the summer months anyone who wishes can take a dip in its turquoise waters. We continue along a course towards the Acheloos estuary and return to the pier.