Google Coordinates: 39.2451591, 21.741558
Geo Coordinates: 39°14'42.6"N 21°44'29.6"E
Lake Plastira is surrounded by 18 picturesque villages and is located in the southwest of the prefecture of Karditsa, where the natural landscape becomes one with the artificial lake, changing colors and images every season. The length of the lake is almost 55 kilometers and it is worth going all the way around to discover this beautiful place. In fact, it hides beauties in every corner: picturesque villages, delicious food and many sports activities such as rowing, horse riding, archery, but also hiking in the mountain.
Neohori
One of the most popular and touristic villages since it has acquired the reputation of being the place from where you can see the lake best. Here you will find many options to stay, but also to enjoy traditional food in the tavernas. Neochori was the capital of the Agrafos as defined by the treaty of Tamasio in 1525. You should put a stop at the church of Agios Nikolaos on your schedule to see up close the frescoes dating from the 16-17th century.
Fairy
One of the most beautiful villages that is not so touristy since it is perched at 1,120m on the slopes of Agrafa and is one of the most mountainous settlements in Thessaly. Neraida is drowned in the fir trees, even in the summer it remains cool, it overlooks the lake and with a clear atmosphere you can see Mount Olympus. In addition, the village has its own history: it was burned in 1943 by the Germans and then rebuilt from scratch, while during World War II it was the seat of the Greek headquarters.
Belokomitis
Around the lake there are beautiful traditional villages - some are touristic, while there are also those that people don't know about and are just as beautiful and you can choose them if you prefer a quieter vacation.Having explored all the villages, I recommend some that are worth walking and taking photos with the best background.
Mesenikolas
Not far from Plastira lake is this small and beautiful village, which is scattered on the slope of Agrafa. One of the most beautiful villages of the settlement where it is worth walking to admire the houses with the well-kept yards - indeed you will come across stone houses with wooden balconies as they have preserved the Thessalian architecture. Near the village, a beautiful route ends at an altitude of 1450 meters where the monastery of Panagia Pelekiti has been built on the edge of a rock.
Barrier
It was in 1959 when the plan was implemented by Nikos Plastiras. The Dam is an impressive concrete structure, like an arch and you can stop to gaze at the lake. At this point you will find small outdoor shops for shopping from souvenirs to local products such as trachana, Farsala halva, tsipoura and cheeses.
Mesenikolas
A village with a rich history and natural beauty - "the balcony of Thessaly" as it is known, did not come about by chance since the view of the village reaches from Mount Olympus to Pelion. In Mesenikolos you will surely enjoy local wines and tsipouro, while it is the ideal place for hiking, cycling since the village is surrounded by oak and chestnut forests. The village square is famous for its centuries-old plane trees and you will definitely stop for a coffee or to taste the local wines.
Black eye
To the northwest of the prefecture is the village of Mavrommati, which has kept its picturesqueness and its Thessalian architecture with its stone houses and beautiful courtyards full of flowers and vegetable gardens. The village is the birthplace of Georgios Karaiskakis and a visit to the cave where the hero of 1821 is said to have been born is well worth it.
Observatory
A stop at the Observatory is worth making to enjoy from above the lake, the fjords and the islet and certainly the beautiful slopes. From this point you will get your fill of beautiful landscapes and of course the picturesque villages of Karditsa and Trikala.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden is open all year round and is easily accessible. The visitor will be guided around the 10 acres of the garden, he can buy aromatic plants and herbs, relax while enjoying his coffee, while just 50 meters below he will find himself in the lake.
Plastiras Museum
It is located in the village of Morphovouni, the village of Plastira and the visitor has the opportunity to get to know his life through an important material.