The rare birds, the boat rides, the mountain trails, the picturesque villages and all the reasons that make Lake Kerkini a captivating year-round destination. Discover Serres' aquatic jewel.
The colors of nature are beautifully mirrored in its tranquil waters. The lakeshore vegetation, the rare birds, the herds of water buffalo splashing along the banks, and the glorious horizon framed by the mountain ranges of Mount Belles and the Krousia, give the place a unique charm. Strolls in the nearby villages reveal well-hidden treasures. At a distance of 40 km from the city of Serres and about 100 km from Thessaloniki, Lake Kerkini is one of the most beautiful places in Greece.
This lake was created by a dam built in 1932 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, it's one of Greece's 10 Wetlands of International Importance.
Lake Kerkini: Outings and activities
Boat ride on the lake
Get up close to Kerkini's watery world with a ride in the traditional «πλάβες» (boats) or by canoe. A boat ride is a unique opportunity to savor the lake's magic while learning about its fauna, flora, and the area's history.
Birdwatching
Birdwatching (birdwatching) is one of the most popular activities at Lake Kerkini. The area around the lake hosts over 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 species unique in the world, threatened with extinction. There are also many rare raptors such as the golden eagle, the imperial eagle, the peregrine falcon, etc.
The picturesque Ano Poroia
A short distance from the lake, Ano Poroia awaits you, one of the liveliest villages in the area, with unique views over the Serres plain and Lake Kerkini. This picturesque village is built at an elevation of 395 m on the foothills of Belles. Walk the cobbled lanes of its neighborhoods and climb up to the chapels of Saints George and Demetrios with their unique frescoes. In the village you'll find lovely guesthouses and great food.
Activities in the mountains
Discover the Kerkini mountain range (Mount Belles), the natural border between Greece and Bulgaria, through activities such as mountain biking, horseback riding and excursions with 4x4 jeeps. Follow the waymarked trails that start from the villages Ano Poroia, Neochori, Mandraki, Akritochori, and Neo Petritsi. Head up into the Kerkini massif and enjoy the magic of the mountain.
The flavors of the lake
Dishes made with buffalo meat are the stars of the area. Try buffalo kavourmas, sausages and soutzoukakia. If you're a seafood lover, sample «river» trout, carp (Cyprinus) and wels catfish. Pair your meal with local tsipouro and wine and finish with kazandibi made with buffalo milk or a traditional spoon sweet. The Elodia venue in Kerkini, the Evora taverna in the village of Makrinitsa, as well as Plagia tou Belles and Pestrofes in Ano Poroia are some of the region's best stops for flavor.
At the Roupel Fortress
At a distance of 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 operates as a historic monument open to visitors. You can tour its labyrinthine underground galleries and the organized museum that houses weapons, medals, uniforms, and period photographs.
Relaxation at the Agkistro thermal baths
In the tiny village of Agkistro you can enjoy a relaxing soak in a Byzantine hammam with a mystical atmosphere. The old stone building of the Byzantine hammam with its domed roof dates back to 950 AD and the water temperature reaches 40 degrees.
