Lake Gereos Vouliagmeni

The beautiful lake is 1.5 hours drive from Athens, but it is not the famous lake with healing waters which is located in the Vouliagmeni area of Athens. The lake is located near the town of Loutraki, also known as Lake Heraion, as the temple of Hera is nearby. In ancient times the lake was called "Eschathiotis" or "Gorgopis", it has an oval shape and was formed by subsidence of the soil. The lake has blue water, but unlike other lakes has sea water, which is renewed by the tide every 6 hours. Next to the lake is the Malagavi Lighthouse, which is the closest Athens lighthouse and whose image has been used in many commercials. It was built in 1897 and has been operating with an automated system since 1981. Gereion - the sanctuary of Hera was located 77 km west of Athens, on Cape Ireon, near the lake Gereos Vouliagmeni and served as the religious center of the area until 146 b.c.