The Abandoned Mine Lake in Agia Triada, Evia

Hidden among the hills near Agia Triada in central Evia, the abandoned mine lake is one of the island’s most unusual landscapes. What was once an open-pit mine has gradually filled with groundwater after mining operations ceased, creating a deep turquoise lake surrounded by steep rock walls. The dramatic setting, marked by exposed layers of rock, sheer cliffs, and the traces of decades of excavation, feels more like an industrial monument than a natural lake.

Abandoned mine lake near Agia Triada in central Evia, Greece — Ground-level view from the lake’s northern edge

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The site was created by the long-running nickel mining operations of LARCO. Repeated blasting carved out a vast crater that eventually reached the water table, allowing groundwater to flood the excavation after mining ended. The result is a lake roughly 30 metres deep, while the surrounding excavation extends several hundred metres across. The exposed rock faces clearly reveal the geological layers uncovered during decades of mining, making the area particularly striking from above.

Although the lake has become a popular stop for photographers, drone enthusiasts, and curious explorers, its appearance can be misleading. Environmental groups have raised concerns about the legacy of mining in the area, noting that the former excavation was never fully restored after operations ceased. They also warn that decades of mining activity have affected local groundwater, with concerns over contamination by heavy metals in parts of the wider mining district. For this reason, the lake should be viewed as an industrial landscape rather than a swimming destination.

panoramic drone view of larko lake near psachna on euboea, greece — Drone view of Larko Lake

How to Get There

The abandoned mine lake (📍map) lies just north of Agia Triada village in central Evia and is reached via dirt roads branching off the local road network. Most visitors arrive by car, while the final approach may require driving carefully on uneven tracks, depending on current road conditions. Here’s the nearest point you can reach with a 2WD. There are several elevated viewpoints around the rim of the former mining pit, offering excellent perspectives over the lake and the surrounding rock formations.

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