Lake Yliki is a true gem that attracts the attention of all nature lovers for its beautiful landscape and the great importance of its habitat.

It is a natural lake, north of Thiva, with steep banks, at the foot of the western extensions of Mount Ptoeus and the eastern ones of Messapios. It is also called Likeri, and has an average area of 19.1 sq. km
In antiquity, Ylíki was called Ylikí(accented in the last syllable). It was named after the city of Yli, which was built on its banks, as well as the city of Acraephia. Its waters were flowing into the neighbouring lake Trefia or Ouggria, today’s Paralimni. Very close to Yliki there was a large temple of the god Apollo, which was given the nickname “Ptoos” from the neighbouring mountain of the same name.

A unique wetland

Yliki is the 9th largest lake of the country in size and has a maximum depth of 50 meters. It has been found that the endemic fish species Kalamithra, which is found only here in the Balkans, lives at its bottom. Carps enriched with fry also swim in its waters. During the winter months it also hosts a large number of birds that come to spend the winter. It is a real aquatic treasure of great biological and aesthetic value, that fascinates visitors.
The area of Yliki – Boeotian Cephissus – Paralimni has been registered in the “Nature 2000 Network” in category A, according to the EU Directive 92/93 on the conservation of natural habitats.