One of the most popular hiking routes leads from Mikro Papigo to Drakolimni of Tymfi, at an altitude of 2,050 meters, northwest of Ploskos peak.
According to myth, a dragon lived in this lake and constantly clashed with another dragon living in Lake Smolikas.
It is said that Ali Pasha attempted to ascend to the lake, but a summer storm thwarted his plan.
Research shows that the lake’s depth does not exceed 5 meters. In its waters lives the alpine newt, a rare amphibian species protected by Greek and European law.
The trail to the refuge follows a well-formed path and passes through the springs of Avragonia, Antalki, Trafo, and Krouna.
Usually, the first three have water, and the pavilions provide short rest stops. Along the route, you can see the impressive cliffs of the Towers of Papigo (or Astraka) to your right. In about three hours, you reach the refuge
At the location “Radovoli,” above the plateau of the lakes and at an altitude of 1,950 meters, lies the Astraka mountain refuge.
he refuge can accommodate 52 people and belongs to the Hellenic Federation of Mountaineering & Climbing (EOOA). It was built by the initiative of the Mountaineering Club of Ioannina and the Papigo mountaineering group in 1966. It serves as a base for all mountaineering and climbing routes to the peaks of Tymfi. Since the spring of 2004, the second wing of the refuge has been operational.
In the summer months, the refuge operates daily, offering food, while in winter, it operates by arrangement with the manager.
For information, contact: 6973 223100 (Refuge manager: Georgios Rokas) or visit Astraka Refuge.
From there, it takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes to reach Drakolimni.
From the refuge, you descend the path, then pass through “Lakka Tsoumani” with the seasonal lake (at 1,750 m.).
In the same area, there are many springs and other smaller seasonal lakes. Continue uphill, and in 1 hour and 15 minutes, you will reach Drakolimni.
Regardless of the season, the area offers stunning views.
Your gaze encompasses the vastness of the landscape, stops at the two peaks of Gamila (the axes), continues along the ridges of Ploskos, is captivated by the bulk of Astraka, crosses the alpine meadows of Tymfi, and finally finds peace in the tranquility of the lake.
To the north, the landscape becomes even wilder, with steep slopes and ravines ending in the Aoos River. The view extends to the villages of the Lakka Aoou and the peaks of Smolikas. Drakolimni can be accessed from other areas, but this is the fastest and easiest route.
