Thermi Dam at Thessaloniki in Greece

This beautiful lake can be found in the suburb of Thermi, just a few kilometers from Thessaloniki’s city center. It is, in fact, the upper lake of a two-part artificial lake formed in 1993 by the Thermi Dam. The Vathilakos stream springs from the Chortiatis mountain in Thessaloniki and flows into the Thermaic Gulf after first joining the Anthemountas river. The water from this river fills the dam’s reservoir. It’s a beautiful area with lots of trees, mostly pines and cypresses, and a wide variety of birds, including cormorants, herons, and ducks, as well as amphibian turtles.

In the photo, a turtle can be seen climbing on a tree branch protruding from the water. The lake is surrounded by trees with lush green foliage, as you can see. It is, after all, Spring. In the background, the red rocks of the old dam can be seen. Clinging to the rock crevices, pines and firs embrace and reflect in the water. The only sounds heard are often the imperceptible sound of their leaves and the birdsong, making this landscape ideal for photography.

There is also a walkable path that circles the lake.It’s hidden behind those trees in the distance! Here’s a shot of the lovely curvy path in between the woods. The sun shines through the trees, creating a beautiful scene.

If you don’t mind the steep ascent, you can hike to the top of the dam and enjoy the view. To be honest, there is also a gravel road that connects the hillside to the back side of the hill. So hiking isn’t necessary, but it’s always enjoyable to walk through the woods into the forest. Here’s a photo of the panoramic view you’ll see once you reach the top.

From up there, you can see all the way to Mount Olympus on a clear day. The next photo was taken from the vantage point at the top of the hill during a beautiful fiery sunset! I love the silhouette of this mountain. If you pay close attention you can see the snow at the mountain top!

In the following photo you can see the lower lake and its wooden bridge. The view of the lake and the reflections of the plants in its waters can be enjoyed from this bridge. You may also feed the turtles and ducks that dwell in the lake!

The popularity of this place among Thessaloniki residents is unsurprising. Many people come here to enjoy nature hikes, especially on weekends. There is a playground and a cafe-restaurant in the vicinity, making it perfect for families with children.

If you like the photos in this post, they are available as fine art prints, home decoration products and lifestyle products.