The Lake Ziros is not one of the most famous lakes in Greece, but it is one of the most beautiful you can visit. It is located in Epirus and specifically on the border of Preveza – Arta. The beauty of the landscape, the tranquility, and the location in which it is located make it look like it has sprung from the pages of a fairy tale. Besides, she is accompanied by various myths, the most famous being the one with the sisters.
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Anyone who visits Lake Ziros often compares it to lakes in Central Europe and America and not unfairly. When you are there, you travel and you may sometimes feel that you are not in Greece. Lake Ziros is a large and interesting lake as it is not a recent creation of nature.
It is believed, according to studies that have been done, that Lake Ziros was somehow covered. Practically this means that it is estimated that it was a cave whose roof collapsed 10,000 years ago, forming today’s lake, in the form it has today. Regarding its size, it is 600 meters wide and 900 meters long and is surrounded by trees that are reflected in its waters. Once you get there you see idyllic scenery in a verdant landscape, a forest with many species of flora and fauna. Apart from relaxing by taking a walk or picnic, there are also activities you can do on the lake. Kayaking, SUP, and canoeing are three popular and favorite activities you’ll see them do that you can follow too.
The legend of the orphaned sisters that accompanies the lake
According to the prevailing folk myth, two sisters, one rich and one poor, were in dispute over the fat children of the poor woman who were fed with the rich woman’s leftovers. Eventually, the two brothers broke up and the poor woman took the road to the mountain. Then an angel appeared and told her not to come back to see the destruction because it would turn into a pillar of salt. Soon there was an earthquake and the area collapsed, swallowing the rich sister’s home and family. The poor sister was frightened and turning back she marbled along with her donkey.
Like many attractions, monuments of nature or man, Lake Ziros has its myth that is shared with interest by the residents and you will hear them tell you when you are in the area. Next to the lake, there is a shop overlooking the magical landscape where you can drink your coffee or enjoy your food.
How to get to Lake Ziros
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Frequently Asked Questions
Lake Ziros is located in Epirus, specifically on the border between Preveza and Arta. It is situated between the villages of Filippiada and Theprotiko, approximately 2 km west of the provincial road connecting Arta and Filippiada.
According to folk legend, two sisters—one rich and one poor—disputed over the poor woman's children who were fed with the rich woman's leftovers. After the poor sister fled to the mountain, an angel warned her not to look back or she would turn to salt. An earthquake then destroyed the rich sister's home, and the poor sister turned back anyway, turning to stone along with her donkey, creating the lake.
Lake Ziros was formed approximately 10,000 years ago when the roof of a cave collapsed, creating the lake as it exists today. The lake measures 600 meters wide and 900 meters long and is surrounded by dense forest with diverse flora and fauna.
Lake Ziros offers several recreational activities including kayaking, SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), canoeing, walking, and picnicking. There is also a shop overlooking the lake where visitors can enjoy coffee and food while taking in the scenic landscape.
From Athens, follow the route to the Rio-Antirio Bridge, then continue via the Ionian Road toward Ioannina. Turn at signs toward Filippiada Provincial Road, and follow the directional signs to Lake Ziros. The lake is easily accessible with proper signage once you reach the Filippiada area.
