Lakes (natural or artificial) and lagoons abound in Greece. Most of them are freshwater lakes and have been formed far away from the coast as a result of tectonic or volcanic forces or the action of glaciers.
Lagoons, which are shallow coastal water reservoirs connected to the open sea via a wider or narrower opening, may turn into freshwater lakes when the inflow of saline water from the sea is for some reason interrupted, and a satisfactory influx of freshwater occurs from flowing water sources. A number of lakes, whose substratum contains many soluble salts or which receive saline-water influxes, have saline or brackish water. Artificial lakes, which resulted from the construction of dams in brooks, streams or rivers in order to ensure storage of water for various purposes (irrigation, farming, drinkwater supply, etc), constitute the most important category of man-made wetlands in Greece. They cover a considerable area and have enriched the Greek wetland environment with important ecosystems. Greek lakes and lagoons are listed below per geographical department:
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Natuur & ecotourisme 
