Climb Mount Timfi to Lake Drakolimni

We begin in the village of Mikro Papigo, following an uphill trail. The first part of the route unfolds through a landscape of oak, hornbeam, maple, cornelian cherry, hazel, cedar trees, and shrubs. As the trail continues to climb and we gradually leave the forest behind, the impressive vertical limestone formations known as the “Towers of Astraka” come into view. We then reach the Astraka mountain refuge, at an altitude of 1,950 metres, where the view of the Tymfi mountain range is truly exceptional. The massif is defined by high peaks and deep valleys, with a rare and striking geomorphology. From there, we descend into a clearly alpine landscape, cross a large green valley, and climb again to 2,050 metres, where Drakolimni is located — an alpine lake of unique natural beauty. Its depth reaches up to 9 metres, and its waters are home to impressive alpine newts, which locals traditionally referred to as “little dragons”. From the northern side of the lake, there are outstanding views towards the Smolikas mountain range and the valley of the Aoos River, while from the eastern side, the northwestern face of Gamila offers an equally spectacular panorama.