Botanical Garden

Meteora & Thessaly


Lake Plastira, 30km west of Karditsa or 40km south of Trikala, was created by the damming of the Tavropos River in 1959. To learn about its evolving ecosystems and endemic flora, visit the well-tended Botanical Garden on its western shore. Aromatic and medicinal plants such as yarrow and artichoke can be purchased at the small store and cafe.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Meteora & Thessaly attractions

1. Church of Porta Panagia

13.64 MILES

To reach this superb little 13th-century Byzantine church in a lovely riverside setting, cross the Portaikos river in modern Pyli, 18km southwest of…

2. Moni Agiou Vissarion

14.68 MILES

Founded during the 16th century, Moni Agiou Vissarion sustained heavy damage during the Greek struggle for independence, though its central church still…

3. Osman Shah Mosque

18.03 MILES

The amazing brick-built dome of this imposing mosque, built in the 16th century for the nephew of Süleyman the Magnificent, rises above the southern…

4. Tsitsanis Museum

18.07 MILES

Trikala's best museum, housed in the city’s former Ottoman baths (later a prison), houses an intriguing and unusual mixture of exhibits. Displays…

5. Sanctuary of Asclepius

18.42 MILES

A grassy fenced-off enclosure, 200m west of Plateia Iroon Polytechniou towards the fortress, is stubbled with the ruins of what’s said to be the ancient…

6. Varousi

18.53 MILES

The Varousi quarter, just east of the fortress, was home to Trikala’s wealthiest Christians under Ottoman rule. Their fine old mansions, sporting…

7. Fortress of Trikala

18.56 MILES

Trikala’s castle crowns a hilltop just back from the northern side of the river, 400m west of the central squares. Although it stands on the site of…

8. Theopetra Cave

27.08 MILES

Theopetra Cave, 7km southeast of Kalambaka, has been closed to visitors since 2016 due to the fear of landslides. Its first human occupation has been…