Lake Plastiras
Reservoir Reservoir in Thessaly surrounded by pine-covered mountains
Set among Thessaly’s pine hills, Lake Plastiras is an artificial reservoir popular for kayaking, cycling, tavernas in nearby villages and walking routes into surrounding mountains.
Lake Plastiras is an artificial reservoir in the Thessaly region of mainland Greece formed by damming the Tavropos (Megdovas) river. It is named after General Nikolaos Plastiras and is a regional recreational and water-management resource.
The shoreline and nearby hills are used for hiking, cycling and small-scale boating, and several villages around the lake serve as bases for visitors. The area is noted for its road and forested trails rather than large tourist infrastructure.
The reservoir was created in the mid-20th century when the river was dammed for water storage, flood control and local development, and the name commemorates a 20th-century political and military figure.
Geographically it sits in the mountains of central Greece within the administrative region of Thessaly, near the town of Karditsa and surrounded by upland forest and pasture.
- Viewpoints and access: Lookouts above the reservoir and small lakeside villages provide the most accessible viewpoints and starting points for hikes and short drives.
- Activities: The lake is used for recreational boating and swimming and forms part of local scenic driving routes through the Thessaly hills.
Tips for Visiting Lake Plastiras #
- Do the scenic circuit around the reservoir-driving or cycling the lakeside road gives repeated viewpoints and is the easiest way to see differing vistas and small villages along the shore.
- Visit in spring or early autumn for pleasant temperatures, clear skies and wildflower displays; summer weekends can be busy with Greek domestic tourism, so midweek mornings are calmer.
- Stop at the main dam and nearby lookout points for classic sunrise or sunset photos; local tavernas in lakeside villages are the best places to sample regional cuisine after sightseeing.
Best Time to Visit Lake Plastiras #
Late spring through early autumn (May-September) offers the best weather for outdoor recreation around the lake.
Weather & Climate near Lake Plastiras #
Lake Plastiras's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 0°C to 28°C. Moderate rainfall (758 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (64 mm).
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May
May is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (48 mm).
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 28°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall.
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August
August is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 15°C. The driest month with just 25 mm.
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September
September is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (39 mm).
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 9°C. Regular rainfall (84 mm).
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November
November is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 1°C. Significant rainfall (101 mm).
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