Hiking Lake Dassiou, Ziria

Hiking at Lake Dassiou, Ziria, Peloponnese, Greece
February 6

Lake Dassiou is a mountainous seasonal lake with an area of ​​about 60 acres, located in the mountain range of Kyllini in the prefecture of Corinth, at an altitude of 1,480 meters, and is characterized as a polga, ie a shallow lake. It retains water most months of the year (8-9 months), but dries in summer. It is one of the few natural lakes in the Peloponnese and is one of the few in Greece at this altitude.

The name of the lake is due to the strong and rich family of Dassios or Dassaeans from Trikala, Corinth, which cultivated areas in the wider area of ​​the lake and maintained flocks of sheep and goats. It was one of the most important noble families of Trikala. Local tradition states that it originates from Normandy.

Lake Dassiou offers unique images as it transforms into the changes of the seasons! The image of its completely icy surface is followed by the reflection of winter clouds in its blue waters, when the ice begins to melt, the repetition of the green of the firs in its still waters in spring and the revelation of the sun engraved by the fire of the sun, clay of Autumn.
The winter cold-resistant anemones bloom in the forest glades and around the Dassi lake. The beautiful bellows, Bellis Perennis, fill the mountain meadows around Lake Dassiou and the plateau, as well as the streams, such as Mikro Kefalari, with the white petals that turn purple at the bottom.

Lake Dassiou is one of the most mountainous in Greece, protected by the Natura 2000 Network, species of protected reptiles live and reproduce, such as the spotted and striped sea turtle and during the winter months it freezes and one can walk fearlessly on its entire surface. lake.
Perdikoula peak 1693m. The route to the top of Perdikoula will reward us with the amazing view to the peaks of Ziria, Mavrioros and the sea to the north. This hiking trail is also suitable for beginners in good physical condition provided they have the necessary basic equipment.