SFENDYLI

The Aposelemis Dam is the largest water supply project in Crete, located near the villages of Potamies and Avdou. It was built to meet the vital water supply and irrigation needs in the northern part of Eastern Crete, particularly from Heraklion to Agios Nikolaos, Lassithi. Construction was completed in 2012.

The dam collects water from the Lassithi Mountains and has a capacity of over 30,000,000 m┬│. It is the largest man-made lake on the island. Today, various bird species have found shelter in the dam, transforming the area into a wetland.

The dam is a source of life and an important growth factor in the region, as the surrounding villages and the dam welcome visitors fascinated by the landscape. It is the ideal destination for visitors who want to take nature walks while enjoying the tranquil scenery of the submerged village of Sfentyli.

Sfentyli lay within the boundaries of the artificial lake of the Aposelemis Dam, and the residents of the settlement were forced to leave the area and therefore received compensation from the state for their property. As the water level rises and falls, Sfentyli disappears and reappears. This attracts many visitors, especially when the water recedes.