The nature of Greece is unique in its species diversity. 400 water reserves are places of rare beauty. Among them are Lakes Bolshoi and Maly Prespa, Trichonida, Kerkini and Plastir, Korolin, Pamvotida and Vegoritida. The rivers of Greece and a large number of lagoons are “decorated” with the splendor of the vegetation cover and the presence of all kinds of amphibians, fish and mammals in their waters. More than 450 species of birds live in protected areas of the mainland and islands of Greece.
The rivers Aliakmonas, Axios and Nestos
Not only is Greece framed by seas on all sides, it is strewn with rivers both within the mainland and on the islands: small and large, quiet, flowing in the plains and swift and boiling streams descending from the mountains.
The largest, relating to the large rivers of Greece, is considered Aliakmonas. Over 322 kilometers, it carries its waters throughout Greece from the Pindus Mountains to Themaikos Gulf of the Aegean Sea. From the history of Greece, it is known that the river served as a barrier against invasions from the north.
The Axios River belongs to large rivers, inferior in size to the rivers Aliakmonas and Evros. It originates in Macedonia and crosses the border with Greece near the city of Gevgelia. Flowing through the territory of Greece through Polycastron and Axiupolis, it flows into the Aegean Sea. Fish species such as catfish, barbel, roach, carp, crucian carp live in the river. It was noted that there were trophy specimens of catfish up to 200 kilograms.
One of the largest rivers in Greece, with a length of 240 kilometers, is Nestos. It flows in a picturesque region of the northern part of Greece. Riverbanks in coniferous forests and mountain ranges. Along it laid many tourist routes. Tourists like to go rafting on inflatable boats for rafting.
Rivers Acheron and Evros
Many rivers in Greece have interesting stories related to mythology. Acheron is one of them. This river is translated from the ancient Greek language as the "river of sorrow." There is a place on the river that is rarely visited by tourists, which our ancient ancestors described as terrible. A place where death reigned, and not a single living soul could cross the river, only gloomy Charon passed the souls of dead people through it to the kingdom of the underground king Hades. In its modern appearance, the river itself is a real miracle of nature. It has a small extent, but its current has time to change three times. Originating on a rocky hill, it falls into a sandwiched narrow gorge, and then falls into a plain along which it calmly carries its waters to the Ionian Sea.
The natural border of Greece and Bulgaria is the Evros River. Its source is near Rila Mountain in Bulgaria. The delta of this river, which is called the "balcony" of the Aegean Sea, is impressive. The river did not always bear this name. From the works of the great historian Plutarch and in the references to the works of Herodotus and Aristotle, the name of the river of Ancient Greece is known as Rhombos. It was renamed after Evros, the son of King Cassander and Crotonica, drowned in the waters of this river.
Hidden Prespa Lakes
The most beautiful lakes of the Florin region in Greece deservedly include lakes surrounded by mountains, the Great and Small Prespa. They lie at an altitude of 850 m above sea level and have a depth of 50 m. The shores of lakes in many places are steep and rocky. Among the wildlife, Dalmatian pelicans live and breed, which number about 1,400 pairs on Lake Maloe Prespa. This place is the largest breeding colony in the world for these birds.
Herons, cormorants and geese live on the lake. In the sky you can see a golden eagle. Inhabitants in these places include several species of frogs, toads, newts. There are 20 species of reptiles in these parts, including snakes. Up to 1300 different plant species surround Lake Prespa. This is a truly rich landscape, located on the banks of rivers and lakes in Greece.
To people who are tired of city landscapes and the labyrinths of skyscrapers, this place will seem like a paradise on earth. You can sail to the island of St. Achilios, on Small Prespa, and visit the ruins of the church of the same name of the X century. And also visit the caves along the shores of the Great Prespa.
Plastira Lake
Lake Plastira lies among forests and mountains. The people rightly consider this place to be "little Switzerland." One of the largest artificial lakes appeared thanks to the constructed dam in the channel of the ancient Greek river Tavropos. The name of the lake was in honor of General Nikolaos Plastiras, who dreamed of creating a reservoir in these parts that would provide water for the Agrafa region. At any time of the year, tourists travel to these places, as these regions are beautiful for a relaxing family vacation, and for active tourism.
Pamvotida Lake
Pamvotida has its ancient name Ioannina (Ioannina). It is crowned by the Mitsikeli mountains, the Tomaro ridges, and three rivers of Greece - Sentenikos, Ntrampantova and Kriya fill it with water. It is shallow, on average 4-5 meters, in some places the depth reaches 13 meters. It is a wonderful ecosystem for rare species of flora and fauna. The lake is surrounded by reed beds, willows, poplars and plane trees.
A historic castle with minarets rises on the peninsula that enters the lake, and there is also an “anonymous” inhabited island on the lake.