If there’s one thing that stands out in the Greek landscape, it’s its diversity. This variety isn’t limited to beaches and mountain peaks but includes lakes, though they may not be as large or numerous as those found in Europe.
The lakes featured here are home to beautiful ecosystems of significant value, a choice of traditional activities, and often mild tourist development. Below are five places near the shores of gorgeous lakes that are well worth adding to your travel itinerary if you’d like to see a different aspect of Greece.
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Situated on the Greek-North Macedonian border, Lake Doirani is a major wetland. The village of Doirani is the only Greek lakeside village and is ideal for those seeking an escape from urban life and a close connection with nature. People come mainly for the lake’s tranquility: its shores take you along one of Greece’s most scenic walking routes. At the nearby Museum of Natural History, you can learn about the wetland, which is home to 36 species of birds, including endangered ones like Dalmatian pelicans. The lake is home to 18 fish species such as carp, perch, and eels. Carp, in particular, is the local culinary specialty and is served in most village tavernas. The few remaining local fishermen still use traditional methods passed down for generations.
The village’s landmark is its old railway station, built in a French architectural style and dating back to 1896. Another notable site is the Allied Memorial, along with British and Greek military cemeteries, located on a hill behind the village. We suggest walking along the lake. If you’re lucky, you might spot pelicans flying over the water. On the lake’s northern side, near the village of Mouries, you’ll find a 600-acre forest with ancient oak trees. This ecosystem is vital for local wildlife.
How to Get There
From Athens: By car, it takes about 6 hours (approx. 550 km) via the E75 highway to Thessaloniki and then onto the E79 towards Kilkis and Doirani. There are no direct trains, but you can take a train from Athens to Thessaloniki, then continue by bus or taxi. Nearest airport: Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), 1.5-hour drive (approx. 90 km). From Thessaloniki, drive or take a bus to Doirani.
02
The Islet, Lake Pamvotida
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The island in Lake Ioannina, also known as Pamvotida, is an unnamed settlement connected to the city of Ioannina by boat every 30 minutes. The boat ride offers stunning views of the city’s castle and the lake, where birds often swim and rowers practice. The village stands out for its traditional character, with stone houses and cobbled streets.
The island is home to Greece’s third-largest monastic community, after Mount Athos and Meteora, with notable Byzantine and post-Byzantine monasteries such as Prophet Elias, Eleousa, and Saint Nicholas Philanthropinon. Located in the Monastery of Saint Panteleimon, there is a museum is dedicated to Ali Pasha, who sought refuge here before being killed by Ottoman forces in 1822. Exhibits include historical documents, weapons, Kyra Vassiliki’s authentic costume, and Ali Pasha’s personal items. We recommend arriving early to explore the island and enjoy dishes like eel, frog legs, and crayfish in one of the village’s tavernas.
How to Get There
From Athens: By car, it’s about a 4.5-hour drive (approx. 420 km) via the E65 and Egnatia Odos highways. No direct trains are available, but you can take a bus from Athens to Ioannina (approximately 6-7 hours). Nearest airport: Ioannina National Airport (IOA), about 15 minutes from the lake by taxi or bus.
03
Agios Germanos, Prespa Lakes
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Agios Germanos is not directly on the lake, but it’s one of Greece’s most beautiful villages, known for its well-maintained homes and accommodations offering lake views. The main attractions include the 10th-century church of the same name and a restored old watermill. From here, you can visit the small island of Saint Achilleios in Lake Mikri Prespa, which is accessible by a 650-meter footbridge. Before leaving Prespa, don’t miss the hermitages near the village of Psarades on the shores of Megali Prespa. Accessible by boat, the 15th-century Hermitage of Saint Eleousa is the most impressive, with its well-preserved frescoes.
How to Get There
From Athens: By car, it’s about a 6-hour drive (approx. 540 km) via the E75 highway and E65. No direct train is available; the best option is to take a bus to Florina, then drive or take a local bus to Agios Germanos. Nearest airport: Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), about a 3.5-hour drive (approx. 220 km) to Agios Germanos.
04
Fidakia, Lake Kremasta
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Lake Kremasta is Greece’s largest artificial lake, primarily known for hydroelectric power production. Though less developed for tourism, it boasts charming villages like Fidakia, located a few kilometers from the lake’s shores on the slopes of Mount Helidona at 920 meters. The village is almost entirely built from stone, with well-kept homes and flower-filled courtyards. A hiking trail from the village leads to Tsagkaralona, a viewpoint offering stunning views of the lake and the Kremasta Bridge.
How to Get There
From Athens: By car, it’s around 4.5 hours (approx. 300 km) via the E65 and provincial roads to Karpenisi, then onto Fidakia. There are no trains to this area, but you can take a bus from Athens to Karpenisi, then continue by car or taxi to Fidakia. Nearest airport: The closest major airport is Athens International Airport (ATH), followed by a drive.
05
Dispilio, Lake Orestiada
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Near Lake Orestiada, Dispilio, a small village known for its archaeological site, which dates back to the Neolithic period. Nearby on a peninsula is the historic town of Kastoria, which has a wealth of cultural experiences, with Byzantine churches and traditional mansions in the old quarters of Doltso and Apozari.
The lake is surrounded by scenic limestone mountains and serves as a habitat for over 150 species of birds, including pelicans and swans, making it an excellent spot for birdwatching. The calm waters are perfect for leisurely walks, cycling, and photography.
How to Get There
From Athens: By car, it’s around 5.5 to 6 hours (approx. 470 km) via the E65 highway. No direct trains are available, but buses run from Athens to Kastoria, taking about 7 hours. Nearest airport: Thessaloniki International Airport (SKG), about a 2.5-hour drive (approx. 200 km) to Kastoria.
