Beletsi Lake, Mountain lake in Mount Parnitha, Greece
Beletsi Lake is a small freshwater lake on the eastern slopes of Mount Parnitha, sitting at around 600 meters elevation, with a distinctive guitar-like outline when seen from above. It is enclosed by pine forest and has a grassy shore with benches and open spaces for visitors.
Beletsi Lake was built deliberately in 1973-1975, funded by Georgios Nastos and Athanasios Pantos, during the junta period and shortly after. It served as a water reserve for works then under construction in the area and as a future wildlife habitat. The dam held back water from the spring to the north and rainwater from the hill above, and the road linking Agios Merkourios with Afidnes was rerouted because of it.
Local families come to feed the swans and ducks that gather on the water, making the lake a regular weekend spot for people from nearby villages. A small chapel dedicated to Aghia Triada stands close to the shore and draws visitors during religious celebrations.
The lake is reached from the village of Ippokrateios Politeia along a clear path, and parking is available nearby for those arriving by car. Benches and shaded spots along the shore make it easy to spend a few hours without needing to bring much equipment.
The lake holds water from a spring to its north and from rainwater running off the hill above it. Its red-eared sliders, turtles native to the USA and Mexico, began as abandoned pets and now live alongside carp and eels. A shelter that once housed deer stands near the shore.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 94,468 contributors worldwide.
