Lake Vegoritida

Vegoritida covers roughly 50 square kilometres at about 510 metres, one of the deepest lakes in Greece at over fifty metres, held in a basin between the Vermio and Voras ranges. Its level has swung sharply over the past century, dropping severely in the mid-twentieth century as water was drawn for industry and irrigation and recovering since, which left drowned shorelines and, in low periods, exposed buildings. The village of Agios Panteleimon sits on the western shore with tavernas serving lake fish, and the eastern side is quieter, with vineyards and orchards on the slopes. Cormorants, herons and pelicans use the water, and in winter the surrounding hills are often snow-dusted while the lake stays open.

What you actually see

• The lake basin - deep blue water between bare mountain ranges.
• Agios Panteleimon - the shore village with fish tavernas.
• The changing shoreline - marks and structures left by past water levels.
• The birds - cormorants, herons and wintering pelicans.

When to go

Late spring and autumn for the best light and comfortable temperatures; winter can be beautiful with snow on the ranges. Summer is hot and the shore offers little shade.

Honest expectations

There is very little tourist infrastructure: no organised swimming areas, few facilities and no boat trips in most seasons. Parts of the shore are industrial or agricultural. This is a scenic drive and a lunch stop rather than a destination.

Nearby

Edessa's waterfalls lie south; Nymfaio and the Florina highlands are west.