Drakolimni, the “Dragon Lake”. With high peaks and dramatic cliffs, this location in Epirus is a nature-lover’s dream in Western Greece. It is one of the best day trips from Ioannina or from the many picturesque towns of the Ionian Coast. Just make sure to bring your trail shoes!
What is Drakolimni?
Drakolimni is one of Greece’s only alpine lakes. It is found in the Epirus region in the Pindus mountain range, on the cliffs of Mount Tymfi. The lake is about 15 meters deep and gets all of it water from rain, as well as some snow that melts around July.
Where Did Drakolimni Get its Name?
The lake’s name is a combination of “Drako” (Dragon) and “Limni” (Lake), referencing the fable of the dragons which used to live on the two mountains (Mount Smolikas and Mount Tymfi). Supposedly, in the legend, these two dragons went to war with one another, throwing large rocks and pine trees at each other. Their battle created the ridges and valleys of the region.
Wildlife at Drakolimni
The most famous alpine creature at Drakolimni is the alpine newt, a tiny animal that is protected and takes advantage of the high humidity of the region. You should be able to spot it at the edge of the lake. They look a little bit like dragons, but they are harmless.
Other animals you might see in the meadows are mountain goats and wild horses, which feed quietly on the grass. To the south of the mountain, you will find the Vikos Gorge, one of Greece’s most famous nature areas of Greece. The area is a national park and is home to animals including bears, the white vulture, and the snowy owl.
The Hike to Drakolimni
Getting to Drakolimni required a lengthy hike from the Mikro Papingo village. You walk eight kilometers and rise 1000 meters over the course of the hike, and it takes four to five hours each way.
The trail starts in the forest, and then opens up to meadows with juniper bushes. As you go higher, the landscape becomes rocky. Along the whole path, the trail is well-marked with signs and arrows on the rocks and trees. There are also a few wooden benches and shelters for you to sit and rest on the way.
Staying Near Drakolimni
About halfway up the trail, you will find the Astraka Mountain Hut at almost 2000 meters elevation. The hut stays open from May to October and has cooked meals and a place to rest for hikers who want to stay the night. It is affordable and holds up to fifty people.
Getting to the Trail
To get to Mikro Papingo, you will need a car, because there are very few public buses that go here. The bus from Ioannina leaves once every two weeks. For more information about renting a car in Greece, see our complete guide here.
The “Other” Drakolimni
There is a second and smaller Drakolimni on Smolikas mountain, not far from Mount Tymfi. This second lake is also known as Lyga, which is deeper than the lake on Mount Tymfi and has an impressively blue color.
About the Pindus Mountains
The Pindus mountains cover a large portion of North and Central Greece. There are many popular Greek mountain towns in the Pindus range, and some of the best-known are Metsovo and Karpenisi.
What Towns Are Near Drakolimni?
Metsovo
Metsovo is a large traditional village in the Epirus region, at an elevation of 1200 meters in the Pindus mountains. It is east of Drakolimni. The architecture in Metsovo goes back centuries, and there are many cafes and restaurants to enjoy the view of the mountains. For winter sport lovers, Metsovo has a ski center and there are many trails for snowshoeing. For foodies, Metsovo is also known for its famous local cheese.
Zagorochoria
The “Zagorochoria” are also known as the “Zagori villages” or “the place beyond the mountains.” For centuries, because these villages were hidden in the mountains, they kept a unique character compared to the rest of Greece and were protected naturally by the mountains from many intruders.
This is why you will find local food and customs found only in this area. Some of the most popular Zagorochoria villages are Ano Pedina, Papigo, Vitsa, Monodendri, Asprageli, Aristi, and Greveniti. Some of the closest Zagorochoria to Drakolimni are Papigo and Vikos.
