Greece's Largest Artificial Lake Is A Clean, Outdoor Paradise To Enjoy Fishing, Wildlife, And Mountain Views

The Mediterranean, Ionian, and Aegean Seas lure millions to Greece's beaches, promising epic, Instagram-worthy recreation. But one landlocked body of water in Central Greece is giving these azure seas a run for their money. Lake Kremasta, nestled in the Agrafa Mountains — the southernmost part of the Pindus range – is Greece's largest artificial lake. It's also its cleanest. As well as peak views, the turquoise stunner wows with biodiverse wildlife. It's home to several species of fish, making it a fun destination for anglers. 

The shimmering, man-made marvel is dappled with islets, secret coves, fascinating bridges, and picturesque fjords. Four rivers converge at Lake Kremasta, in an area of Greece reminiscent of the Swiss Alps. The lake materialized alongside the 1966 construction of the hydroelectric Kremaston Dam. Several villages were submerged when the 31-square-mile basin was created. Remnants of fountains and a millennia-old church are buried on the lake floor. Occasionally, a Byzantine monastery and the 17th-century Manolis Bridge peek above the water's surface.

Lake Kremasta's remarkable biodiversity means it is a designated Natura 2000 site, and part of a chain of protected natural areas in Europe. Snowmelt contributes to the exceptionally clean lake, which, along with the surrounding mountains forested in oaks, maples, and olive groves, houses an incredible array of wildlife. Boating on the lake or ambling along a salubrious trail reveals a habitat rich with birds and mammals, including rare and endangered species. Golden eagles, owls, herons, hawks, and cormorants circle the skies, as does the common pipistrelle, a tiny bat. Otters can be spotted lazing about the shore, while wolves and wild boar roam in the mountains.

Like the Durance and Ubaye rivers that feed France's largest artificial lake, Lac de Serre-Ponçon, Acheloos, Agrafiotis, Tavropos and Trikeriotis flow into Lake Kremasta, making it an ideal fishing spot. The rivers teem with sturgeon, chub, eels, catfish, and several carp species. There's a trout farm, too. Local agrotourism operator Lake Tours offers fishing excursions and boat tours which come with an arresting panorama of the rocky, forested Agrafa Mountains. Driving the winding roads yields more stunning views, as does strolling Episkopi Bridge, which, at 1,975 feet, is Greece's fourth longest bridge. 

If you want to stay longer, book Lake Kremasta Hotel in Neochori, which is rated 5.0 on Tripadvisor. Online reviews praise its contemporary rooms and magnificent lake and mountain vistas. "It's a small boutique hotel with what is honestly one of the most beautiful views we've ever seen — the turquoise lake with the tall mountains around it. Truly breathtaking," hailed one five-star review.

While remote, Lake Kremasta is on the mainland, which means towns such as Karpenissi and Agrinio are less than two hours' drive away. The lack of bus routes in the region makes the lake a prime road trip destination, combined with other places like the archaeological site of Delphi, four hours drive south, or the hilltop monastery Meteora, a three-hour, 45-minute drive north. The drive takes about five hours from Athens, Greece's walkable capital, which is packed with attractions. Alternately, if you're flying into the nearest airport, Aktion – otherwise known as Preveza International Airport (PVK) — you could also visit Lefkada, a secluded island with under-the-radar beaches, which is a three-and-a-half-hour drive from the lake.