Near the highest peak of Smolikas Mountain at an altitude of 1940m. - 1960m. there are two impressive ponds. These lakes are a landmark of the region and are connected with many legends. There is water throughout the year and various amphibians live there. You will see toads (Bombina variegate, Rana graeca) and newts (Triturus alpestris), a rare amphibian which is 8-12 m. long and looks like a tiny dragon. According to a local legend, two dragons lived in the drakolimnes (=dragon lakes) of Smolikas and Tymfi Mountains. The dragons were fighting by throwing stones at each other. Even nowadays, the dragon lake of Smolikas Mountain has white stones on the shore and black at the bottom, while at the dragon lake of Tymfi Mountain you will notice the opposite. Another legend says that the dragon of Smolikas Mountain was transformed into a ram to fool the sheep in the area. They followed him to the lake, where he devoured them. Because of this, the shepherds stopped leaving their flocks near the banks of the lake.
There are three paths leading to the lakes:
- The first path starts from Arkoudorema stream, at the location where it unites with Mnimata stream.
- The second path starts from Salatoura stream.
- The third path starts from Salatoura Milias col and goes all the way up to the ridge of Mavrovouni. You will need approximately 3-4 hours to go up.
Also on the side of the municipality of Metsovo there is the P6 path with signs, following the forest road to the mountain resort of Metsovo and then following the mountain ridge of Mavrovouni to end up at the lakes. From the resort, you will need approximately 1.5 - 2 hours to reach your destination. Also there is another path that starts from the location "Aspra Litharia" (=White stones) and arrives at the lakes. This path will take you approximately 1 hour.
Finally from Vovousa village, you can cross Arkoudorema and continue uphill until you meet the valley of Valia Caldas (ascend time: 4.5 - 5 hours) and eventually the Lakes (ascend time: approximately 7 hours).
