Greece is mostly associated with stunning beaches, beautiful islands, and historic cities.
However, one lesser-known attraction in Greece is Lake Plastiras – a man-made lake that was constructed in the 1960s.
Not only does the lake have gleaming blue water, it is also surrounded by snow-capped mountains and a pine forest.
This scenery is not typically associated with Greece, hence why the lake has earned the nickname “Little Switzerland.”
Lake Plastiras is located in the Karditsa region in the centre of Greece.
The main cities of Athens and Thessaloniki are hundreds of kilometres away, meaning Lake Plastiras is a great option if you want a more tranquil holiday.
The nearby mountains are the perfect places to go for a hike or even horse riding.
Tourists are also able to kayak on the lake, and sometimes people jump in for a dip in the summer.
Circling the lake are some lovely Greek villages. Kalyvia Pezoulas and Neochori are the most developed villages in the area and are the best places to go for amenities.
In Neochori, visitors can find a botanical garden and an animal observatory.
Another village, Neraida, has a winter sports centre where people can ski.
The idea for Lake Plastiras was formed in the 1920s after the river Tavropos flooded.
It was created to prevent more flooding in the region, but quickly became a popular resort for tourists to visit.
