The Dragonlakes of Greece

(follow us on a 4-day adventure into the wilds) *
The Legend
According to the legend, the dragonlake of Tymfi and the dragonlake of Smolikas were home to two
dragons who were enemies.
Each time they battled, they threw rocks at each other. According to the locals, this legend explains
why the shores of Drakolake of Smolikas are white with scattered black stones, while the shores of
Dragonlake of Tymfi are black with scattered white stones!
The Dragonlake of Smolikas
At an altitude of 1,150 meters, Pades is the village with the shortest access to Drakolimni and the
peak of Smolikas (2,637m), the second highest peak in Greece after Olympus.
Through an amazing path that starts from the river Aoos all the energy of nature is transferred and
after crossing Pades, the Pantelexarchos plateau and the Drakolake, it ends at the top of Mount
Smolikas.
Drakolimni is located at an altitude of 2,150m to the west of the peak of Smolikas. It has a heart
shape and it’s many waters flow towards the valley of Kerasovo. The bottom at it’s edges is reddish,
but the lake is generally blue. It is the second largest after the Drakolimni of Tymfi. In Vlach it is
called “Lakou-Vinitou” meaning “blue lake”
It is a beautiful lake, in an alpine landscape with green meadows with violets, orchids, wildflowers,
saxifrages and lilies in the lakeside areas. Serene and crystal clear, a real gem for the mountain, full
of alpine newts, the only trace we have from the ice age, taken through fairy tales and myths about
dragons.

The Drakolimni of Tymfi
From Papigo starts the mountaineering route to the peaks of Tymfi and Drakolimni, which we will
follow.
It is a busy mountaineering destination and is a mountain point with stunning beauty.
The Drakolimni of Tymfi is located at an altitude of 2,050 meters and is inhabited like the Drakolimni
of Smolikas by the small amphibious "dragons", the alpine newts.
The two neighboring stone villages (Mikro and Megalo Papigo) are characterized by picturesque
cobbled streets and are one of the most characteristic examples of Zagorian architecture.
The imposing formation of Astraka (peak of Tymfi) contributes to the impressive image of the
settlement, with it’s steep cliffs rising impressively above the settlement, reminiscent of towers.
The chapels and the ornate fountains complete the scenery of one of the most picturesque
mountain settlements in Greece, while in the gorge outside the village there are natural "swimming
pools", also known as Ovires, which fill with water in winter and transform into swimming pools in
summer.

DAY 1: