Flegga Lakes Hike

Two beautiful small natural lakes are located in the alpine meadows of Flegga. The mountain ridge separates the region of Ioannina from the region of Grevena. The mountain range’s highest peak is Flega, at 2,159 meters, part of the Valia Calda National Forest. To the south is the artificial lake of Aoos. The twin lakes of Fleggas, at an altitude of 1,960 and 1,940 meters, are only 100 meters apart. The lakes act as communicating vessels, with the lowest one overflowing to the Arkoudorema of Valia Calda. On our hiking route, we come across large Black Pines and centuries-old white pines, some standing bare, struck by lightning. Large populations of the rare alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris) also find refuge in the alpine lakes.

We leave our vehicles a little above the Mavrovouni refuge in a beautiful valley. We follow the path that leads us to the top of Fleggas. We cross stands of White Pines and Black Pines while the view toward the artificial lake is breathtaking. Gentle route without steep points and significant altitude differences. Arriving at the top, we can admire the fantastic view from 2,159 meters. Then, we descend to the two “pits”, where the water from the rains and snow collects, forming the two lakes. For our return, we follow the same route.