Aoos Springs Lake
Aoos Springs Lake
4.5
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4.5
183 reviews
Excellent
118
Very good
47
Average
11
Poor
3
Terrible
4
jmal127
Thessaloniki Region, Greece1,309 contributions
Jun 2021
I have loved our visit there, it is such a beautiful and serene area. My kids loved it as well, and if you get there a little organised, you can have an amazing pic nick day. If you don't however, there are a couple of cafes at a near by distance. In case you want to enjoy some mountain peace, this is the place!
Written 23 June 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dimik
Athens33 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
A tour of the Aoos Springs Lake is highly recommended for those visiting the Metsovo region. This high-altitude artificial lake, with its patchwork of blue water, curvy islets, dense forest, small plantations and grazing lands for cattle and sheep, is spectacularly beautiful.
We approached the lake from the West, as we came from Zagorochoria. After a full clockwise circle, we turned southwards, following the signs to Chrysovitsa. The scenic descending route took us past that village and all the way to the Egnatia motorway. Instead of entering the motorway, however, we turned left before it, in order to get to the nearby village of Votonosi, where we had lunch.
Assuming that, unlike us, most visitors will approach the lake from the south-east, coming from Metsovo, our advice is as follows: Ignore the south-eastern part of the lake. As any map will indicate, the road is too far away from the water, and there is not much to see anyway. Head north and circle the lake counter-clockwise. Once you reach the dams (there are several of them), you will be near the western edge of the lake. The signs to Chrysovitsa will be your way out of the lake periphery. Soon, you will have a spectacular view of Egnatia’s chain of bridges and tunnels.
We approached the lake from the West, as we came from Zagorochoria. After a full clockwise circle, we turned southwards, following the signs to Chrysovitsa. The scenic descending route took us past that village and all the way to the Egnatia motorway. Instead of entering the motorway, however, we turned left before it, in order to get to the nearby village of Votonosi, where we had lunch.
Assuming that, unlike us, most visitors will approach the lake from the south-east, coming from Metsovo, our advice is as follows: Ignore the south-eastern part of the lake. As any map will indicate, the road is too far away from the water, and there is not much to see anyway. Head north and circle the lake counter-clockwise. Once you reach the dams (there are several of them), you will be near the western edge of the lake. The signs to Chrysovitsa will be your way out of the lake periphery. Soon, you will have a spectacular view of Egnatia’s chain of bridges and tunnels.
Written 29 July 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alexandra A
22 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
Having read the nice reviews online we decided to organise a trekking weekend to the lake. Our disappointment is indescribable.
The first thing we realised was that the trekking paths marked as P1,P2,P3 etc are not actually trekking paths in the traditional sense, but rather follow the car route which you can choose to walk instead of drive along. This might be nice if you have a bicycle or a motorbike but on foot would be most boring.
This is also my second point. The scenery was reminiscent of a barren wasteland. We were so surprised when compared to the pictures online we only saw flat dry land for miles ahead. There are trees on the one side of the lake but that is merely a turf that does not represent the ugliness of the entire place.
Last but not least, we decided to walk around to lake instead of braving the hot asphalt. Though we are accustomed to nature and we thoroughly enjoy walking, it was by far the worst hour I have spent on such a trip. There were animal dropping everywhere, and though this is to be expected, the number of flies was insufferable. We were followed around by a most persistent swarm and were forced to give up half way and make our way back to the car as quickly as possible.
I dont know if this location looks better in the winter but after our visit in August I never want to go back. The entire place gives you a miserable feeling and the moment you get there you can only think about leaving. I wish I had taken pictures for the sole purpose of discouraging others from visiting.
The first thing we realised was that the trekking paths marked as P1,P2,P3 etc are not actually trekking paths in the traditional sense, but rather follow the car route which you can choose to walk instead of drive along. This might be nice if you have a bicycle or a motorbike but on foot would be most boring.
This is also my second point. The scenery was reminiscent of a barren wasteland. We were so surprised when compared to the pictures online we only saw flat dry land for miles ahead. There are trees on the one side of the lake but that is merely a turf that does not represent the ugliness of the entire place.
Last but not least, we decided to walk around to lake instead of braving the hot asphalt. Though we are accustomed to nature and we thoroughly enjoy walking, it was by far the worst hour I have spent on such a trip. There were animal dropping everywhere, and though this is to be expected, the number of flies was insufferable. We were followed around by a most persistent swarm and were forced to give up half way and make our way back to the car as quickly as possible.
I dont know if this location looks better in the winter but after our visit in August I never want to go back. The entire place gives you a miserable feeling and the moment you get there you can only think about leaving. I wish I had taken pictures for the sole purpose of discouraging others from visiting.
Written 13 August 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
greekcypriot2009
Athens, Greece8,970 contributions
Feb 2016 • Friends
The lake is 20km away from Metsovo, covering 11.5 sq.km, at an altitude of 1343m above sea level. It was made for power and irrigation purposes. It is a pleasant recreation place and an important hydro-biotope, as many birds visit and use it as habitat. Fishing is also allowed!
We had a pleasant ride around the lake by coach of course. How I wished we had our car along!
We had a pleasant ride around the lake by coach of course. How I wished we had our car along!
Written 11 May 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikos_and_Sophie
Athens, Greece35 contributions
Aug 2014 • Couples
The artificial lake of the springs of the Aoos river is definitely worth visiting.
You can drive around the lake with a car. The departure and arrival points are Metsovo.
The roads has asphalt, but you should be careful because it is not maintained (similar to most of the roads in Ipirus). Unfortunately, some of the visitors and fishers destroy the amazing view by leaving their garbage behind. It will take at least another generation for Greeks to learn to respect the environment.
Be aware: there are no houses, hotels, restaurants or any kind of service near the lake.
You go to the lake only to savour the breathtaking view of the lake and the sourrounding black-pine forrest.
You can drive around the lake with a car. The departure and arrival points are Metsovo.
The roads has asphalt, but you should be careful because it is not maintained (similar to most of the roads in Ipirus). Unfortunately, some of the visitors and fishers destroy the amazing view by leaving their garbage behind. It will take at least another generation for Greeks to learn to respect the environment.
Be aware: there are no houses, hotels, restaurants or any kind of service near the lake.
You go to the lake only to savour the breathtaking view of the lake and the sourrounding black-pine forrest.
Written 24 August 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Noatanua
Ein-harod19 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
We did not know of this place from our preperation and only found out about it from a brouchure in a Metsovo Cafe.
The lake is with many inlets and it's color is amazing - truely wonderful.
We could not believe how few cars we saw on the road surrounding the lake. It is really a missed-out treasure.
The lake is with many inlets and it's color is amazing - truely wonderful.
We could not believe how few cars we saw on the road surrounding the lake. It is really a missed-out treasure.
Written 14 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lesley G
Hagley, UK223 contributions
Jun 2017 • Friends
Drove up here twice during our stay. It is beautiful the flora & fauna so abundant it is just teeming with life. So peaceful take a blanket & picnic & just enjoy.
Written 24 June 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peragrantes
New Forest81 contributions
Oct 2013 • Couples
With your own transport, Aoos Springs lake is a good side trip from Metsovo. Although the map shows that the road changes to a dirt track at the western end, in fact it doesn't. The metalled road (although narrow) goes right round the lake, so you can complete a circular tour in around half an hour. Apart from the beautiful views, you'll usually come across several flocks of sheep driven by traditionally nomadic Vlach shepherds and guarded by fierce-looking mastiff dogs (don't try to make friends with them!). In fine weather, the lake affords several excellent picnic spots in complete peace and quiet and - apart from users of Trip Advisor - there's a good chance you won't find anyone else there.
Written 17 October 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SophiaMaria1977
Longwood, FL51 contributions
Sept 2021
the lake was a beautiful blue color. There is really not much to do here other than see the beautiful lake and take photos. It is worth the drive.
Written 2 November 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie
1 contribution
Oct 2019
I and my partner went by car to the Aoos lake. We came from the direction of Metsovo. We wanted to do a nice hiking tour BUT when we went to the road around the lake, we (our car) started to be attacked by SHEEPDOGS. The sheepdogs are there to protect the sheeps and cows against wolfs and bears. They are super aggressive and they do not stay with the animals. They will run at you although you can we just walking on a road quite far away from the cows... We decided to turn our car back as we were really afraid of being attacked somewhere in the fields by a group of dogs. Cannot imagine if we would have gone for a nice walk around the lake just with backpacks or even with a child or our dog. After this, we went to the hills opposite to Metsovo and that was wonderful and just street dogs that were just ok.
Written 10 November 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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