INTRO When we first encountered this massive lake which looked like an abstract painting by an artist with a penchant for the colour green, we felt how an unexpected image could make a traveler happy. Some brightly colored boats fluid reflections of plaves (flat-bottomed boats used on the lakes) sailed on some of their edges enjoying their reflection on the lake's green waters, the company of an international flock of birds and the crowding fishermen patiently waiting for something to take the bait off its banks. We took a laid-back drive around the pond to gaze out at the serene lake waters blanketing everything inside them and spot a few scenes of this impressively Asiatic lake. With a flooded series of reed beds and due to its vastness we would swear it felt like we were next to the sea…

ATMOSPHERE Where lakes and mountains combine to enliven the senses through a land of calm waters, flocks of birds, friendly locals and wondrous images of a sprawling green lake of all the clusters of wineries nearby. This exceptionally beautiful lake has a beautiful feel and is a lyrical playground made for frontier fishing trysts as it remains within the reach of Greece’s border with North Macedonia.

THE EXPERIENCE It's up to you, in any case you’ll find an otherworldly beauty that sets this region apart, offering jaw dropping panoramic views and infinite lookout points. However, it is a good idea to carefully check the conditions in the area beforehand.

FACTS & MYTHS

• Vegoritida lake covers an area of 50 sq km and is situated at the foot of Mount Kaimaktsalan and remains one of the deepest lakes in Greece.

• Vegoritida is considered to be ideal for surfing.

• Zazari, Cheimaditida, Vegoritida and Petron are all that remain of a larger lake, Eordaia, which once occupied 1,000 square kilometers and had a depth of 250 meters. All four are important natural habitats, integrated in the Natura 2000 network and are home to innumerable birds and many species of fish.

• Of this four-lake complex in northern Greece, the largest lake is Vegoritida, whereas the smallest, is Zazari.

• The myth says that the lake of Vegoritida was created by a girl who forgot to cover a well overflowing the plain.

• Thus, to the locals is known as Neraida (mermaid) .