Aoos Springs Lake, in heart of the Pindus mountain range, an artificial lake that has brought about wondrous ecosystem of flora and fauna, is situated in the east of Ioannina prefecture near the Vlach town of Metsovo. Located on the Politses plateau at a height of 1,350 metres above sea level, It’s one of the highest lakes in Greece.
The lake is at the heart of the Pindus mountain range, wedged between two national parks, Valia Kalda and Vikos-Aoos, and is spread over 11.5 square kilometres. Its depth varies greatly from one section to another, ranging from just one metre to 80 metres, the deepest point, close to power utility PPC’s dam at the Aoos river.
Superb setting enhanced by an artificial lake
The Politses plateau, situated in the Pindus mountain range’s northern section, has been strategically important over the ages. In antiquity, the area served as a crucial passage from Epirus towards Macedonia and, during the period of Ottoman rule, was a military base.
The location’s geopolitical importance of the past has spilled over into the modern era. In 1991, power utility PPC decided to develop a dam at the Aoos river so that it could harness the spring waters. This major project contributed in a significant way to the country’s energy needs as it is estimated to have increased Greece’s hydro-power capacity by 7 percent.
Besides boosting Greece’s power production capacity, the dam has also offered widespread beauty, enhancing the plateau. Since the project’s construction, a set of small ponds, streams, surrounding meadows, a lacy shoreline with lush inlets and islets have all developed. These new local features have resulted in an idyllic setting that nowadays attracts visitors to the region, especially in summer. The area’s flora and fauna is a strong draw.
The eastern side of the Aoos Springs Lake features a forest of black pines and Bosnian pines, while a forest of beech trees covers the land mass west of the lake. The regional flora also includes hawthorns, Italian plum trees, as well as rare types of orchids by streams and wild daffodils in the meadows – when they are in season.
As for the wildlife, birds that like to live close to lakes, rivers and forests are dominant here. Bird species include cuckoos, black storks, common kingfishers, Eurasian woodcocks and wood pigeons. Don’t be surprised if you spot salamanders, frogs, bears, wolves, rabbits, foxes, even deer, in the area. The waters, too, host lots of wildlife, including alpine newts. Macedonian crested newts, both very comfortable with the location’s sub-alpine climate, as well as eels, West Balkan trout, Eurasian carp, and Danube sturgeon.
Directions to the lake
Aoos Springs Lake is situated 20 kilometres northwest of Metsovo. The mountain ranges of Mavrovouni, Flega and Tsouka Rossa rise at the northern section of the lake, while, south of the lake, forested hills surround Metsovo and Hrysovitsa. These features offer scenic viewing during the drive towards the lake. If you enjoy trekking, take a lakeside route around the lake or wander through the meadows and well-kept forest trails in the area.
If setting off from Thessaloniki, take the Egnatia Odos motorway, a 245-kilometre drive to Aoos Springs Lake. From Athens, the trip is longer, a 431-kilometre distance. It is best to take the route via Trikala before heading towards Metsovo. Whether travelling from Athens or Thessaloniki, the roads leading to the lake are paved and offer smooth travelling. But drivers do need to keep a look out for herds in the wider region – shepherds maintain makeshift shelter for their herds – and the shepherds’ dogs. These dogs are usually big and trained to even take on bears, so definitely try to avoid annoying or provoking them.
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