Sights Δρακόλιμνη Γκαμήλας Info and Map for Mikro Papigo Δυτικό Ζαγόρι, Zagorochoria

DRAKOLIMNI GAMILAS

Among the most famous Drakolimni is Drakolimni of Tymfi or Gamila. Drakolimni Gamila is located in an alpine meadow at an altitude of 2050m. which has an area of ​​about 8 acres and is placed northwest of Ploskos peak, northeast of Astraka peak, south of Stomio Monastery and northwest of Gamila peak. The shape of Drakolimni Gamila is circular with a diameter of 112m. and a depth of up to 12m. Drakolimni Gamila is a busy mountaineering destination. Access to the region is possible only by foot. The lake is 1 hour walking from the refuge of Astraka and 4 hours hiking from Mikro Papigo. Undoubtedly the lake is a small oasis in the Alpine landscape to visit.

Drakolimni are called the alpine lakes that are formed mainly in the mountains of Epirus and harbor in their waters alpine Tritons. In the vicinity of the Drakolimni there are pastures where breeders move their folds in summer. The area around a Drakolimni is fertile because of the sources and running water. Animal species such as birds of prey, wild goats and other make up the local environment. In winter the snow that covers the areas around Drakolimni doesn’t allow access and completely freeze the water of the lake, while spring and autumn seasons are suitable for such a tour. Noticeable is the similarity of Drakolimni Gamila with Drakolimni of Smolikas. Scientifically Drakolimni considered glacial remnants, but according to tradition referred to as dragon homes, who each time they quarreled they were throwing rocks at each other. The two lakes mentioned exhibit a dispute. The Drakolimni Gamila has black soil on the banks of a combination with white stones, while Drakolimni of Smolikas has on the banks white soil in combination with black stones. Pastors of the region attribute this phenomenon in spite of the two dragons. The white stones of Gamila lake are those hurling the dragon of Smolikas who had taken from the lake with the white soil, while the black stones of Smolikas lake are those hurling the dragon of Gamila who had taken from his own lake with black soil.

We want your comments, and your opinion.

We encourage visitors and connoisseurs of the region to submit their comments, assuming the role of tour guide.