Lakes in Greece

Greece has many natural and artificial lakes and lagoons. Most of these lakes in Greece are freshwater and they were formed far from the coastline, either from tectonic forces or from the melting of snow on the mountaintops.

Although lakes in Greece are not famous or touristic, the lakes offer a marvelous natural setting. Surrounded by forests and mountains, they are ideal for hiking and bird watching. Right next to some lakes in Greece, you will also find agricultural farms with horses for horse riding. The best time to visit the lakes in Greece is autumn or spring when the colors of nature are of splendid beauty.

The largest natural lake is Lake Trichonida, on the western part of the country. The two lakes of Prespes (Mikri and Megali Prespa), in the borders between Greece, Albania and the Republic of Macedonia, are also amazing natural places. Lake Ioannina and Lake Kastoria are also famous because beautiful towns have been constructed on their coastlines. Lake Kerkini and Lake Doirani in northern Greece are also wonderful, as well as many other less known lakes.

The most famous artificial lake in Greece is Lake Plastira in Thessaly. Beautifully developed in tourism, with nice accommodations with lake and mountainous view, this lake matches so perfectly with the natural setting that is difficult to believe that it is artificial. The same applies to Lake Doxa in northern Peloponnese, the Switzerland of Greece as this lake is called. Other amazing artificial lakes in Greece are Lake Mornos, Lake Kremasta, Lake Ladon and Marathon Lake in Athens.

A lake next to the coast with salty water is called sea lagoon. The most famous sea lagoon in Greece is found in Mesolongi. The sea lake of Mesolongi gives the best fish roe in Greece and a large amount of this roe is exported. This is also a great place for bird watching. Other less famous sea lagoons are Laguna in Naxos and Korission Sea Lake in southern Corfu island.

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