A former mining site in northern Evia has transformed into a striking natural landscape of 14 interconnected lakes, decades after magnesite extraction operations ceased, showcasing nature's ability to reclaim heavily industrialized terrain.
The site, known as the "Mine Lakes," sits in the area between Mantoudi and Prokopi, where large-scale magnesite mining flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, driving significant economic growth in the region.
The industry gradually declined due to difficulties locating new deposits, ceasing operations entirely in 2001 and leaving behind roughly 10,000 stremmata of deep excavations and craters once compared to a lunar landscape.
Following the mines' abandonment, vegetation gradually returned, wetlands formed, and 14 bodies of water emerged within the former excavation pits.
Many of the lakes reach depths of 70 to 80 meters, corresponding to points where mining operations struck the water table, which had limited further extraction.
Today, oleanders, wild reeds, pines and plane trees cover much of the area, while the lakes have become a refuge for birds, turtles and fish.
The lakes span roughly 1,000 stremmata across two clusters: one between Mantoudi and Prokopi at a site known as Paraskevorema, and another on the slopes of Mount Kantili, near Dafnonas, Troupi, Kakavos, Spathari and Kalyvia.
The transformation has drawn comparisons from visitors to alpine scenery. The site is roughly a two-hour drive from Athens, reached via Chalkida and the road north to Mantoudi, located about 58 kilometers from the city.
By Yiota Stefanidou