Lake Vouliagmeni

Lake Vouliagmeni is designated as a Landscape of Special Natural Beauty. It is a protected area that extends at 1.59 hectares (ha) in total, terrestrial area of 2.0 hectares, with a total perimeter of 0.5 km, a maximum altitude of 60 m and a minimum of 30.0 m. It is also protected as a NATURA area since it is part of the Hymittus-Aesthetic Forest of Kaisariani – Lake Vouliagmenis (GR3000006) network and it is also declared a Protected Natural Monument since 2003. Geologically, it is a deep cave lake that after the collapse of its roof turned into an outdoor landscape. There are also underground caves-cliffs. Where the well-known lake ends, a multi-diagonal underwater cave begins, which has been explored for a length of 3,123 meters as its end has not been discovered. Among its 14 tunnels is the longest in the world, measuring 800 meters in length and reaching a depth of 80 meters, while the discovery of a huge stalagmite in the cave creates new data in the research on the formation of the Mediterranean. Its exploration is a challenge, as its intricate corridors extend for 4.3 kilometers, making it particularly difficult to access and dangerous. The aquatic paradise of Lake Vouliagmeni in its green waters hosts a multitude of unique organisms. Among them stands out a species of sea anemone, Paranemonia Vouliagmeniensis, as well as species of sponges and molluscs that testify to the absolute balance of the lake's ecosystem. Its living world also includes the well-known Garra Rufa fish that exfoliate the skin. Notable bird species found in the lake area include the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and the Eurasian Crag Martin (Ptyonoprocne rupestris). A very deep lake, close to the rocky coast surrounded by cliffs. Once it was a lake cave whose roof collapsed revealing this wonderful lake. Shrubs and small trees have grown on the surrounding rocks or in rock crevices and hang over the water. After 1950, the current facilities were built around the lake which altered the naturalness of the landscape. Wonderful view from the surrounding rocks to the lake. However, the most important element of Lake Vouliagmeni is its recognition by the Greek State through the Special Committee for the Protection of Natural Spa Resources of the Ministry of Tourism as a Spa Natural Resource. Specifically, it is recognized by the Ministry of Culture as one of the 20 Thermal Springs of Greece. The temperature of the natural resource "Vouliagmeni Lake water" ranges from 21°C to 29°C, while it features electrical conductivity of 28,000 μS/cm, active acidity (pH) 7, radon (Rn) 0.99 ± 0.12 Bq/I, radium (Ra) 0.8 ± 0.1 Bq/I, uranium(U) < 0.5 Bq/I (of the instrument's detection limit) chemical elements: chlorine (CI), sodium (Na), sulfates (SO4), oxycarbonates (HCO3) and gases: 18.4 mg/1 of free CO2. The flow in cubic meters per hour: large area natural gush. The natural resource is characterized and identified as: hypothermic, chloride, sodium thermal water. Method of use: bath therapy. Indicated for diseases of the musculoskeletal and nervous system, skin diseases. Contraindicated for cardiovascular diseases, vertigo, epilepsy, obstructive pulmonary disease.