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Visiting Lake Plastira, A Nature Lovers’ Paradise

Lake Plastira, also known as “Little Switzerland” has become one of Greece’s most popular destinations year-round, with locals welcoming international visitors in all seasons.

It’s the perfect place to go on adventures, taste authentic local cuisine and wines, relax in cozy guesthouses and explore old monasteries and historic villages that are surrounded by an idyllic landscape of incomparable natural beauty. 

One of the largest artificial lakes in Greece, Lake Plastira is surrounded by the fir-tree peaks of the Agrafa mountains and is embraced by picturesque villages nearby.

The scenery is captivating and the area is considered to be a ‘paradise’ for all nature lovers as it offers adventures including rock climbing, fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, lake cycling, and all kinds of mountain-sports, such as trekking in the forest, as well as paragliding and flying sailplanes.

Foodies can taste local flavours and dishes which include a variety of grilled and stewed meats, trout cooked over charcoal, and other traditional dishes, that are paired perfectly with local Messenikolas wine. Charming local stone tavernas can be found at Kalyvia Pezoulas, Belokomitis, and Neohori, in the region of Tsardaki; they are known for their traditional recipes and wonderful hospitality and also make sure you sit down at one of the many kafeneia (cafes) and have a Greek coffee and homemade sweets with the locals. 

Don’t miss …

-Staying at a charming stone guesthouse with breathtaking views of the lake.

-Visiting the Monastery of Panagia Pelekiti, one of the most striking attractions in the area. It has two churches, Analipseos and Panagias, both built in 1640. 

-Tasting local wine at Messenikolas, one of three villages that cultivate the red-grape variety Black Messenikolas’ it’s also home to the Wine and Vineyard Museum, where you will learn about local production.

-The beautiful botanical garden of Neohori, located on the western side of the lake.

-Exploring villages near the lake including Fylakti, with its lovely town square; as well as Lambero, Kryoneri (with its lovely Agios Giorgios church) and Kastania.

Getting there…

Located at about 25 km west of Karditsa, at an altitude of 800m, it is set around 325 km away from Athens and 250 km from Thessaloniki and is known as one of the most easily accessible destinations in Greece.

 

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