Votomos Lake, also known as Zaros Lake, is an artificial lake nestled in the southern slopes of Psiloritis, 1 km north of the village of Zaros and 45 km southwest of Heraklion, Crete. Before 1987, it was a small wetland formed by the crater of the Votomos spring. Its current form was created in 1987 when the Forest Service redeveloped the area and created an artificial lake to hold the spring’s waters.
The name Votomos is well-known to Cretans from the company of the same name that bottles one of the most famous waters in Crete, “Zaros.” The name Zaros comes from the particle “Za,” meaning “much,” and the verb “reo,” meaning “to flow.” “Zaros” therefore means “the place where a lot of water flows.”
Surroundings and Activities
Around the lake, there is a tavern-cafe where visitors can relax and enjoy trout and salmon, which are bred in tanks next to the lake. There is also a playground, areas with benches and tables for picnics. A short walk around the lake is worthwhile, as its banks are lush with greenery and plane trees.
The trail leading into the Gorge of Agios Nikolaos starts from the lake and ends after a 5 km hike in the enchanting Rouvas forest (2.5 hours).
Key Points
- Historical References: The name “Zaros” reflects the area’s abundant water flow. Local legends tell of a young woman whose prayers for water turned a threshing floor into the lake.
- Location: Southern slopes of Psiloritis, 1 km north of Zaros village, Crete
- Dimensions: The lake’s size is not explicitly stated, but it’s described as having been a small wetland before its 1987 expansion.
- Historical Significance: The lake’s transformation from a natural spring to an artificial lake in 1987 highlights human intervention in shaping the landscape for recreation and water management.
- Current Status: A popular tourist destination offering scenic beauty, recreation, and dining options. It also serves as the starting point for hikes into the Agios Nikolaos Gorge.
