The small Skinias lake is located south of Karavados village, at the east part of Messara plain, off the Pirgos / Skinias to Viannos road.

In the village turn right, and cross a ford to the dam. You can park at the outskirts of village and walk. The reservoir lies north of the village of Skinias towards Ano Viannos. The river is dammed to form the reservoir.

The Karavados/Skinias reservoir attracts ducks in winter and waders and herons on spring passage. A forked dirt track leads down to a long narrow reservoir with a dam at the Skinias end. There is a track alongside the south bank. Skinias village is first mentioned in a document of the ducal record in Handax in 1373. The name of Skinias comes from a plant name (Skinias=lentisk).  Baritis River supplies Skinia reservoir and a tributary the one in Karavado. The region lies in a nodal point for migratory birds and the good condition of habitats in Baritis river help the presence of a significant biodiversity. 

Into the reservoir we can see plant society of potamogeton perfoliati that is first mentioned in Crete. The riverine vegetation in Baritis River is one of the most well preserved in Crete.

The best time for visiting the area is spring from the middle of March until late May and in autumn from early August until end of October. However winter and summer months offer good opportunities for bird watching. Karavados and Skinias Reservoir.

Skinias reservoir / lake

Skinias Village:

Skinias Village Skinias Village Skinias Village Skinias Village Skinias Village

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