There are times when you crave a short escape to nature combined with relaxation, scenery, activities (so you don't get bored) and of course...good food! Well, you will find all of this in abundance at Lake Plastira, an ideal four-season destination where you will spend a full weekend and be rejuvenated.
Looking at the lake, our thoughts immediately go to what the area here might have been like before it was created! And how human intervention can “regenerate” a forgotten area at the foot of Agrafa.
But let's start from the beginning. Popular tradition has it that the prominent military and politician Nikolaos Plastiras visited his birthplace of Morfovouni, Karditsa, in 1935. Overlooking the plateau, where a makeshift Allied airport operated during the Occupation, he conceived the idea of creating the lake, which would be created by diverting the waters of the Megdovas (or Tavropos) River. The construction of the dam began in 1950 with money from Italy's war reparations and was completed in 1959.
What to do?
– The lake is synonymous with activities that you can do both in it and around it. Hiking, cycling, canoeing - kayaking, horseback riding, archery, pedal boating paragliding etc. If you don't have your own equipment, you can rent it at Salon (located at the northern end of the lake) and at Tavropos Activities in Kalyvia Pezoulas. In fact, alongside the lake there is a beautiful 5 kilometer long cycling route that can be done by everyone!
– Lake tourYou will cover approximately 55 kilometers to complete it with the landscape alternating between green and blue. You will stop at many points for the necessary photos, you will admire the fjords of the lake and the lake's island, Niagara.
– Beach Pezoulas and Lamperos beach. Although they are located in completely opposite places, they offer the best access to the lake. They have areas for walking, recreation and refreshments. In the summer, don't be surprised if you see many people swimming there!
– Every lake may have its own “spirit” and various stories accompanying it, but here you will encounter something different! Sleeping of AgrafaIf you look up and look west towards the mountain, locals say you will see the figure of a reclining woman. With a little imagination you will see her!
– Perched on the rocks of Agrafa and a short distance from the village of Karitsa is the Monastery of Panagia Pelekiti, at an altitude of 1400m. It was built in the 15the century and is considered one of the most important monuments of the area. The view of the lake and the wider area is unique and, if the conditions are favorable, your eye can gaze at Mount Olympus and Kissavos!
– Observatory. Most people claim that this is where you will find the best view of the lake. We won't disagree! You will find it between the settlement of Belokomitis and the road to the dam. The last 1.5 kilometers is a dirt road but in fairly good condition.
– Barrier. It is an impressive arched structure 220 m long and 83 m high. Thanks to the dam, the hydroelectric power station of the Public Power Corporation generates energy, many areas of the Thessaly plain are irrigated and Karditsa and 38 other settlements are supplied with water.
– Koroni MonasteryA short distance from Lamperou beach is a monastery-fortress overlooking the Thessalian plain. Its history begins in the 12th century.the century and inside you will see priceless relics and hagiographies.
Where to eat and stay
Whatever you do during your tour of the area, you will definitely stop by for coffee or food at the unique Kazarma Lake Resort & Spa. The newly built resort has become the reference point of the Karditsa prefecture with an excellent restaurant in a beautiful environment. Very good options for food are also the “Mushroom”, shortly after Kalyvia Pezoulas, and the “Chrysopelia" in Neochori.
The area is famous for local meats and especially for the village sausage, tsalafouti (a creamy cheese made in the area), spoon sweets and the excellent wines from the Mesenikola.
In general, we would recommend that you prefer the following for your stay: Neochori or the Kalyvia Pezoulas as they are the two largest settlements in the area, where you will find a bakery, gas station, pharmacy, and most shops.
Closing
As you know from the articles we publish on the blog, we don't like to embellish but rather present things as they are... In the various guides you will find on the internet for Lake Plastiras, you will read about attractions such as the Botanical Garden, the Forest Village, the Educational Forest, etc. Perhaps these once existed and someone took care of them. At the moment, however, they are abandoned and not worth your time. You may also read about picturesque villages and beautiful settlements. That is not the case either. But...
Lake Plastiras is a beautiful place with stunning natural scenery, everything you need for activities, but also for moments of peace and tranquility. And that's enough!! The additional "trifles" and "sauces" are unnecessary. A true four-season destination that you will love for what it truly offers you and for its absolute protagonist... the lake!
