Greece · Peloponnese

Lake Moustos

Directions

Λίμνη Μουστού

Moustos is a coastal wetland near Astros in North Kynouria, Arcadia, dividing the Thyreatis plain into the plains of Astros and Agios Andreas. It consists of two permanent lakes, Moustos and the smaller Heronisi, with marshes and two man-made channels to the sea. It is part of the Natura 2000 network and of the protected area of Mount Parnon and Moustos.

History

The channels were dug by a Bavarian engineer to drain part of the lake, as malaria plagued the villages around it. Farmland has since taken much of the marsh, reducing it to about a third of its 1950s size. In the early 20th century fish were plentiful and the fishing rights were leased; those years also gave rise to the legend of the Beast of Moustos. The name probably comes from “must”, from the grape juice once shipped from the area.

Nature

Migratory birds winter here, including swans, herons, mallards and coots. Purple herons, water rails and a small number of black-winged stilts nest in the dense reeds. Grey mullet, eels, marginated tortoises and toads also live here, and white crocuses, anemones, Greek cyclamens and white narcissi flower nearby.

Visit

Swimming

No reliable information

Tips

From Paralio Astros, take the road towards Tyros. You can park at the roadside and explore on foot, on easy, flat ground, or use the parking area from which a dirt path leads to a wooden observation deck. A telescope is useful, and spring and autumn migration and winter are the best times for birds.

A short cement path leads from the parking area to the springs, whose clear water stays cool in high summer. Swimming here is a long local pastime; a sign advises footwear, as the rocks are sharp.