The magnificent Lake Kerkini is the aquatic jewel of Serres and one of Europes most important wetlands. Discover a captivating destination, ideal for relaxing getaways as well as adventure in every season.
Just 40 km. from the city of Serres and about 100 km. from Thessaloniki, there is a captivating destination that gifts visitors with moments straight out of National Geographic. Lake Kerkini was created by a dam built in 1932 on the Strymonas River and today is a highly protected wetland and a landscape of rare beauty with views to Mount Belles and the Serres valley. It has been declared a National Park and, according to the Ramsar Convention, is one of Greece’s 10 Wetlands of International Importance.
Nature makes the journey here unforgettable. The riparian vegetation with riverside forests of wild willows, the vast floating waterlilies, the great variety of fish, the herds of buffalo splashing along the shores, and the glorious horizon from the mountain complexes of Mount Belles and the Krousia range, lend the place a unique charm.
8 experiences at Lake Kerkini
Spotting rare birds
Birdwatching (birdwatching) is one of the most popular activities at Lake Kerkini. The area around the lake is home to more than 300 species of rare and protected birds, attracting scientists and amateur observers from all over the world. The Dalmatian pelican and the pygmy cormorant that live here are globally unique species, threatened with extinction. There are also many rare raptors such as the golden eagle, the imperial eagle, the peregrine falcon, etc.
Boating on the lake
A boat ride is a unique opportunity to savor the lake’s magic while learning about its fauna, flora, and the history of the area. Get to know Kerkini’s aquatic world up close with a ride in the traditional «plaves» (boats) or by canoe.
Follow the mountain trails
Get to know the Kerkini mountain range (Mount Belles), the natural border between Greece and Bulgaria, through activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding, and 4x4 jeep excursions. Follow the organized trails that start from the villages of Ano Poroia, Neochori, Mandraki, Akritochori, and Neo Petritsi. Ascend the Kerkini massif and enjoy the magic of the mountain.
Discover Ano Poroia
A short distance from the lake, Ano Poroia awaits, one of the liveliest villages in the area, with unique views over the Serres plain and Lake Kerkini. The picturesque village is built at an elevation of 395 m. on the foothills of Belles. Stroll the cobbled lanes of its neighborhoods and head up to the chapels of Saints George and Demetrios with their remarkable iconography. In the village you will find lovely guesthouses and good food.
Visit a womens monastery
The Holy Hesychasterion of Timios Prodromos in Akritochori strongly recalls Mount Athos, as it is built according to the architectural model of the Holy Monastery of Xenophontos, of which it is a dependency. Today more than 40 nuns live here, engaged in icon painting, ecclesiastical tailoring, traditional weaving, and gold embroidery.
At the Roupel Fortress
40 km. from Lake Kerkini lies the Roupel Fortress, the largest of the 21 forts of the "Metaxas Line" on the Greek-Bulgarian border. Today it functions as a historic monument open to visitors. You can visit its labyrinthine underground galleries and the organized museum that hosts weapons, medals, uniforms, and period photographic material.
Unwind at the Agistro thermal baths
In the tiny village of Agistro you can enjoy a relaxing bath in a Byzantine hammam with a mystical atmosphere. The old stone building of the Byzantine hammam with its domed roof dates from 950 AD and the water temperature reaches 40 degrees.
The flavors of Kerkini
Buffalo meat dishes take pride of place in the area. Try buffalo kavurma, sausages, and soutzoukakia. If you are a seafood lover, try river trout, carp (Cyprinus), and wels catfish. Pair your meal with local tsipouro and wine and finish with kazandipi made from buffalo milk or a traditional spoon sweet. The Elodia complex in Kerkini, the Evora taverna in the village of Makrinitsa, as well as Plagia tou Belles and Pestrofes in Ano Poroia are among the best culinary stops in the area.
