It must be admitted that Greece is a beautiful country with rich natural resources. Lake Plastira, the artificial pearl of Thessaly, is no exception.
It is an amazing place surrounded by magnificent natural beauty. But at the same time, this place, created by human intervention, one of the rare occasions when human activity contributes to the creation of a natural environment of unparalleled beauty.
The dam, 220 m long, held back the waters of Tauropos, which covered the Neuropolis plateau and formed Lake Plastiras (Tavropa). The waters of the lake feed the hydroelectric power plant of PPC SA (Greece’s leading electricity generation and supply company), irrigate the Thessalian Plain, supply water to the city of Karditsa, as well as 38 small towns and villages within the prefecture of the Thessaly region.
Surrounded by fir trees, the lake always impresses with its calm surface, prompting all those who come here to observe silence in order to be able to fully immerse themselves in the beauty of its landscapes.
Attractions
Dam: An impressive concrete structure, an elegant arch that seems to enclose the reservoir’s vast volume of water. Today it is a great place to admire the lake, as well as the support of the dam, which goes to a depth of 83 meters right between the rocks. Even from the village of Mucha, you can admire the lake fjords and a small island in the lake called Niaga. Here you can also find local products (smoked sausages) and souvenirs to take home. You can also visit the hydroelectric plant, a very innovative project at the time.
The famous observation deck: from here you can enjoy the most amazing view of the lake. Let your gaze slide over its smooth surface. Linger on its fjords and lush green island, watch rare birds fly past, admire the dense forest, as well as the high mountain peaks visible in the background.
Wooded slopes and majestic peaks of the Agrafa mountain range in the distance complete this stunning landscape. At an altitude of 1350 meters, with a clear atmosphere, you can see Mount Olympus.
The monastery “Panagia Pelekiti” is located on the edge of the steep slopes of Agrafa (altitude about 1400 meters), about one kilometer northwest of the village of Karitsa. It is a magnificent architectural work of the 15th century.
The monastery boasts rare frescoes, but what impresses the most is the elaborate construction, a true work of art carved into the rock with great skill and diligence.
Explore all 55 km of the lake’s shores, especially if you visit it in the spring. Walk through the streets of the traditional village of Mesenikolas, the so-called “balcony of Thessaly” overlooking Mount Olympus and Pelion.
You can simply sit on the picturesque main square of the village under the centuries-old plane trees and enjoy the cool mountain breeze or go in for sports and physical activity.
Everything is available to guests: from hiking and cycling (including water bikes) to horse riding, which, thanks to organized farms located between the villages of Morfovouni and Kalyvia Pezoulas, is widely practiced by visitors. Combined with horseback riding, exploring the lake becomes a unique experience for every visitor.
At the foot of Agrafa, next to the lake, you will find “φάρμα Ζαμπέτα”. Here, in addition to horseback riding, you can have fun archery and ride water bikes on the lake.
Water activity – pedalo riding on the calm waters of Lake Plastira is a pleasant and fun activity that will allow you to enjoy the view of the surrounding mountains. You won’t need to pedal hard and you won’t get particularly tired as the bike moves fairly easily and quickly with just a little effort. You can also go around small islands or go to the opposite shore. Water bikes, as well as canoes, kayaks, electric bikes (for trips outside the lake) can be rented from Tavropos Activity on Pezoulas Beach. Information and booking by phone 6977-740066 and website tavropos.com.
mountain shelter
In a unique location on the slopes of Mount Vutsikaki at an altitude of 1536 m, the stone mountain shelter Agrafa was built in 2002 (tel. 6988-586292). Around you there will be only a dense spruce forest, which can be explored along the marked paths. Sit in front of the large fireplace, enjoy a well-made coffee and let Vlasis and Irini, the lodge manager, share their knowledge of this unique place with you.
The kitchen offers traditional dishes such as spaghetti and hash browns, as well as more sophisticated dishes such as sweet potato soup and a vegan lentil burger. The route from the lake to the shelter is also interesting and can give you unexpected experiences: encounters with horses, cows, bulls and even wild boars living in the area. In general, Lake Plastira is worth visiting at any time of the year.
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