Lake Kataphytos

A small artificial lake near the border with Bulgaria that in a few years has helped to develop the fauna of the area while at the same time being a recreational oasis for walkers. The lake is surrounded by habitats that are famous for the wealth of fauna and flora they host. It is located at the westernmost point of the prefecture of Drama and the nearest village from which the lake got its name is Katafyto at a distance of 2 kilometers. To its north rises the imposing massif of Orvilos and to the south it is embraced by the northern ends of the famous forest of Kykla which connects the mountains of Vrontos with Menoikio. To the east stretches the plain of Vathytopos for the irrigation of which the lake was built, which is located at an altitude of 840 meters, has an area of ​​125 acres and its perimeter reaches 2.3 km with a capacity of 72,000 km2.

It is fed by the Persek and Sine streams and other smaller streams, while it in turn feeds the Vathytopou stream that leaves to the east. Lake Kataphytos stands out for its idyllic landscape, lacy shores and the small island to the west that is joined to the shores by a small bridge. Wooden tables and benches have been placed around the perimeter of the lake and thus one can comfortably observe many species of birdlife that come to the small lake for food, coolness and protection. From the shores of the lake begins a beautiful path of 18 kilometers that reaches the peak of Tsolia of Orvilos at 2,200 m. The artificial lake of Kataphytos proves that human intervention in nature, if done in the right way, can be beneficial both for the for humans as well as for wildlife.