A aquatic wonder in the mountains of Evrytania
Four rivers joined forces to create the largest man-made lake in Greece, Lake Kremasta, on the border between Evrytania and Aetolia-Acarnania. The waters of the Acheloos, Agrafiotis, Trikeriotis, and Megdovas rivers collected beneath the Evrytanian mountains, forming a serene landscape, ideal for exploration. Before you discover the best ways to enjoy it, let’s learn about its history.
Until 1965, this area was the only lowland in Evrytania and certainly its most fertile. There were several villages here, with about 2,000 inhabitants who farmed the land and raised livestock. The construction of the earth-fill embankment dam on the Acheloos River – one of the largest in Europe – brought hydroelectric power to the region, but it also forced most residents to abandon the region. As the waters rose, they submerged land, villages, monasteries, such as the 8th-century Byzantine Monastery of Episkopi, and stone bridges like those of Tatarna and Manolis.
In their place, however, nature flourished, creating a unique wildlife ecosystem that is now part of the Natura 2000 network. The stillness of the water, the lush green mountains all around, the islets, and the fjords form a dreamlike landscape that offers a sense of peace, especially after trekking through Evrytania’s rugged mountain terrain. Birds soar over the calm surface of the 8060-hectare lake, while fish splash around catching the eye.
You can enjoy a scenic drive around the lake, crossing the Episkopi and Tatarna bridges (visit the 12th-century Tatarna Monastery). Alternatively, you can explore the lakeshore on foot or, for the ultimate experience, take to the water by canoe, boat, or small craft operated by certified companies in the area.
Until 1965, this area was the only lowland in Evrytania and certainly its most fertile. There were several villages here, with about 2,000 inhabitants who farmed the land and raised livestock. The construction of the earth-fill embankment dam on the Acheloos River – one of the largest in Europe – brought hydroelectric power to the region, but it also forced most residents to abandon the region. As the waters rose, they submerged land, villages, monasteries, such as the 8th-century Byzantine Monastery of Episkopi, and stone bridges like those of Tatarna and Manolis.
In their place, however, nature flourished, creating a unique wildlife ecosystem that is now part of the Natura 2000 network. The stillness of the water, the lush green mountains all around, the islets, and the fjords form a dreamlike landscape that offers a sense of peace, especially after trekking through Evrytania’s rugged mountain terrain. Birds soar over the calm surface of the 8060-hectare lake, while fish splash around catching the eye.
You can enjoy a scenic drive around the lake, crossing the Episkopi and Tatarna bridges (visit the 12th-century Tatarna Monastery). Alternatively, you can explore the lakeshore on foot or, for the ultimate experience, take to the water by canoe, boat, or small craft operated by certified companies in the area.
