Lake Stephaniada

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The small, natural and beautiful lake Stefaniada is literally tucked away in the mountainous area of Agrafa and specifically in Argithea of Karditsa prefecture. Lake Stefaniada is probably the youngest of the natural lakes in Greece. It was created only in 1964 after a landslide that blocked the passage of a torrent, resulting in the creation of this small but beautiful lake.

It is smaller than Lake Tsivlou in the Peloponnese but the natural landscape is of similar and unparalleled natural beauty.

Access to Lake Stefaniada

It is 61 km from Lake Plastira (village Pezoula) and 72 km from the city of Karditsa. The route would not be easy as much of it approaching the lake and the imposing 17th century Monastery of Spilia is a dirt road in some places difficult for a conventional car or motorbike.

But when you get to the café just above it and enjoy the view then you will definitely be compensated for any inconvenience.

In addition, the route itself is interesting as there are points with excellent views such as the following:

• across from some relatively isolated villages in the area (one of the most beautiful is the lush Vlasi),

• on stone bridges (such as the arch Stefaniada or Panagia bridge, see photos)

• from the passage of the Platanias stream that flows in some places parallel to the dirt road and creates exceptional images. (see photo of this particular point and its location on the map that follows after the photos.)

Accommodation at Lake Plastira

Drone video over the lake and the surrounding area!

We visited it in October 2010, a period we highly recommend as the autumn colours add even more to the already endowed natural landscape that surrounds Lake Stefaniada. Just watch the time as it will take longer than usual to cover the kilometres mentioned above and it would be advisable to avoid travelling at night from this route.

Photos of Lake Stefaniada and the route to the lake

text/photos: Yannis Tsouratzis

Lake Stefaniada on the map

The route from Lake Plastira to Lake Stefaniada

The route from Kalyvia in Lake Plastira to Lake Stefaniada

Accommodation at Lake Plastira