Weekend Escape: Exploring Lake Plastiras and Its Surroundings

WHERE TO STAY

Montanema Handmade Village (Anthochori, Karditsa, Tel. (+30) 24450.452.20), one of Greece’s most welcoming guesthouses, is located less than 10 kilometers from Lake Plastiras. The guesthouse, perched above the gorge, offers self-contained houses with fireplaces, as well as a variety of activities and spa treatments. Guests at Kazarma Lake Resort & Spa (Kalyvia Fylaktis, Tel. (+30) 24410.922.90) can enjoy a beautiful view of the lake from their balconies, as well as easy access to all of the area’s attractions. Titagion Hotel (Aghios Athanasios, Lampero, Tel. (+30) 24410.946.60) is an excellent choice for viewing the lake from the eastern side. The hotel provides spacious and elegant double and triple rooms, as well as suites. Aiolides Hotel (Kalyvia, Pezoula, Tel. 24410.929.66) offers warm rooms with fireplaces, wood ceilings, and iron four-poster beds.

WHERE TO EAT

Korkotaras (Fylakti, Tel. (+30) 693.732.0969), is a family-run restaurant in the village of Fylakti, 5 kilometers from Lake Plastiras. It serves delicious lambchops, hand-cut French fries, and other grilled dishes at reasonable prices. 903 (Pezoula, Tel. (+30) 24410.920.00), named after the altitude at which it is located, serves a variety of grilled dishes as well as pork shank, Smyrna meatballs, and hearty salads. Closer to the lake, Fagopoti (Kalyvia, Pezoula, Tel: (+30) 24410.929.98) serves original dishes made from local ingredients, such as zucchini salad with tsalafouti (a soft, creamy cheese), pancetta with Karditsa split peas, and wild boar.

HOW TO GET THERE

From Athens: The 332-kilometer drive to the lake will take approximately 4 hours. A round trip from Athens will cost around €134 (€34 for tolls and about €100 for gasoline).

From Thessaloniki: The lake is 224 kilometers away and takes approximately 2 hours to drive to. A round trip from Thessaloniki will cost around €89 (€19 for tolls and about €70 for gasoline).