By Nicolas Bard

Artificial Lake Plastira may be the most famous and multi -photographed lake of our country! And not unjustly we would say. Its official name, which few know, is Lake Tauropou, and was formed in 1959, after the dam was completed on the Tauropos or Megdova River. The idea for its construction was attributed to the insightful military and political Nikolaos Plastiras, who visiting his hometown in 1935, after the devastating floods that hit the area, saw the landscape and said characteristically that “one day it would be a lake here”.

Lake Plastira is perched at an altitude of 750 meters and is about 30 kilometers from the city of Karditsa. It contains 400 million cubic meters of water, has a maximum length of 12 kilometers, a total area of ​​24 square kilometers, and its maximum depth reaches up to 60 meters! Its precious water is used for the water supply of Karditsa, the irrigation of the Thessalian plain and for power generation.

In recent decades, the wider area around the lake has also been developed, as the unparalleled natural beauty of the landscape leaves no one unmoved. The locals even call it a “4 -seasons lake”, as whatever you choose to visit, it is just as beautiful and unique.

The lake tour is a walk that you should definitely do in the area. The dense forests, the lacy formations of the coastline, the picturesque villages that are scattered around the lake and the traditional taverns compose a characteristic setting of the authentic Greek countryside. If you like hiking, you have the opportunity to choose from a plethora of routes, and you can also make horse riding, archery and rowing in the crystal clear waters of the lake. The most famous village in the area is undoubtedly Neochori, offering a panoramic view of the lake. In the settlement is the church of Agios Nikolaos, with the beautiful frescoes of the 16th and 17th centuries.

If you still want to climb higher, then it is worth visiting the picturesque village of Neraida, which is one of the most beautiful and mountain villages of Karditsa. The village is built at an altitude of 1,120 meters on the imposing slopes of Agrafa and is literally hidden in the firs. From there you will enjoy a magical view of the lake, and if the weather permits, Olympus looks like.

The fairy was completely burned by the Germans in 1943 and was again built from the beginning, and during World War II it was the headquarters of the Headquarters of Greece.
Very close to the lake and at an altitude of 800 meters is the historical Koroniwhich has panoramic views of the entire Thessalian plain. The monastery dates back to the 12th century and there went there for Saint Seraphim, who is also a patron saint of the area. The saint found a horrible death from the Turks and no one knows what happened to his body. However, Agia Kara is kept in the monastery today.

Finally, another place with magnificent views worth getting on your list is the village of Mesenikolas. Residents of the area call it “balcony of Thessaly”. Indeed, the village has a seamless view up to Olympus and Pelion, surrounded by oaks and chestnuts, and is famous for its wine and tsipouro! Before leaving there, do not forget to try grass pie, bastard, leek sausages, premium quality meats and of course groats and trahana. All made with love and love!