Potamoi lake, reservoir in Crete, Greece
Potamoi Lake is a reservoir in southern Crete created by a dam built in the Amari Valley within the Rethymno region. The water body is surrounded by gentle slopes, green fields, and trees, with a calm surface that reflects the sky and the valley's natural features.
The dam was completed in 2008 as a major water management project for the region. Since then, the reservoir has become an important habitat for birds and wildlife while supporting water supply to local communities and farms.
The lake is an artificial body of water that has shaped how locals see their landscape, standing as a sign of human effort working with nature rather than against it. Visitors and community members view it as a peaceful place that serves both practical needs and offers a connection to the countryside.
The lake sits about 25 kilometers south of Rethymno and is reached by a small road winding through the countryside. There are no shops or large facilities nearby, so bring what you need and wear comfortable shoes for walking the banks and surrounding paths.
In July 2014, firefighters spotted a crocodile about 2 meters long in the shallow waters, likely released by someone unaware of the danger. The unusual animal died in March 2015 after a harsh winter, making the lake known to travelers worldwide.
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