About Kaiafas lake:

 Kaiafas Lake is a lake in Greece, located in the Peloponnese, in the regional unit of Elis, in the spa town of Kaiafas. The lake lies next to the sea and is known for its thermal waters. It covers an area of approximately 150 hectares, has a length of 3 kilometers, and an average depth of 2 meters. Within the lake lies the small islet of Agia Aikaterini, where the Olympia Hotel, used for accommodation, is located. The lake is an important wetland, the second most significant in the wider region of Elis after the wetland ecosystem of Kotychio–Strofylia National Park, located approximately 50 km to the north. A pine forest, also known as Strofylia, separates the lake from the sea, along with distinctive sand dune formations. It is believed that Kaiafas Lake was formed around the 6th century AD, following a major earthquake.

Kaiafas Lake is a protected Natura 2000 site. Its flora includes dense common reed beds, the threatened plant species Cladium mariscus (locally known as “kopsias”), and Scirpetum maritimi. The lake also serves as a breeding area for Caretta caretta sea turtles.

Fauna in the area includes water snakes, Mediterranean tortoises, striped terrapins, European pond turtles, Mehely’s horseshoe bats (Rhinolophus mehelyi), and other species.

The Kaiafas thermal springs:

An ideal destination for lovers of Greek nature, the Kaiafas Thermal Springs, part of the Natura 2000 protected network, are located in the southern part of Elis, approximately 25 km from Ancient Olympia.

The area combines a beautiful forest, a picturesque lake, fairy-tale-like thermal baths—traditionally believed to have been inhabited by nymphs—and the Ionian Sea, accessible via the nearby beach of Zacharo.

Beyond their enchanting setting, the Kaiafas thermal springs are renowned for their baths, as the healing properties of the region’s waters have been known since antiquity. Their rich mythology further enhances their significance, as the caves of the springs are recorded as the dwellings of nymphs. Ancient texts dated between 66 BC and 24 AD attest to the therapeutic qualities of the baths.