National Park · Ramsar wetland
Lake Kerkini
One of Europe’s most important wetlands: over 300 bird species, the continent’s largest wintering population of Dalmatian pelicans, and 2,000 water buffalo.
The place
A lake people built, and nature adopted
Lake Kerkini lies in the Serres region of northern Greece, between Mount Belles and Mavrovouni. It was created in 1932 by damming the river Strymonas, to control flooding and irrigate the Serres plain.
Almost a century later, that piece of engineering has become one of the most alive wetlands in Europe. The water, the shallow meadows and the drowned riverine forest produced conditions few natural landscapes can offer — and the birds found them.
Kerkini is now a Ramsar wetland of international importance, a Natura 2000 site, and the core of the Lake Kerkini National Park. Its water level shifts dramatically through the year, and the landscape shifts with it: in winter the lake spreads wide, in summer it withdraws and leaves vast meadows of water lilies behind.
Birds
The capital of the Dalmatian pelican
The Dalmatian pelican (Pelecanus crispus) is Kerkini’s signature bird. With a wingspan of over three metres it is among the largest flying birds on earth — and Kerkini is its single most important wintering ground anywhere in Europe.
Alongside it live great white pelicans, herons, cormorants, glossy ibis, pygmy cormorants, storks, ospreys and dozens of duck species. In all, more than 300 species have been recorded here.
From the boat you get far closer than you ever could from the shore, without disturbing them: the vessel moves slowly and the birds are used to it.
Buffalo
The last great herd in Greece
The water buffalo of Kerkini are neither wild animals nor a tourist attraction: they are herds raised for generations by the families of the surrounding villages.
More than 2,000 animals live in the wider area today — around 80% of the entire Greek population. In summer they stand in the water for hours, submerged to the eyes, and they are among the most unforgettable sights you will see from the boat.
Buffalo meat and dairy are also a staple of the local kitchen — worth trying in one of the village tavernas.
By season
When to come, and what you will see
December – February
Winter
Pelicans at their peak numbers. Low, raking light and a snow-capped Mount Belles behind — the photographers’ favourite season.
March – May
Spring
The migrants return and the storks rebuild. The greatest variety of species in the year, against a green landscape.
June – August
Summer
Water lilies flower across whole stretches of the lake and the buffalo spend their days in the water. Start early in the morning.
September – November
Autumn
Migration south, mild temperatures and a quiet lake. The first pelicans begin to arrive.
At a glance
Lake facts
- Location
- Serres, Central Macedonia, Greece
- Type
- Artificial lake on the river Strymonas
- Created
- 1932 (Lithotopos dam)
- Protection
- Ramsar · Natura 2000 · National Park
- Birds
- Over 300 recorded species
- Buffalo
- About 2,000, roughly 80% of Greece’s
- Mountains
- Belles (north) & Mavrovouni (south)
Getting there
How to reach us
- From Thessaloniki
- ~100 km, about 1 h 30
- From Serres
- About 45 minutes
- Airport
- Thessaloniki «Macedonia» (SKG), about 1 h 45
- Bulgarian border
- Promachonas, about 30 minutes
Public transport reaches the villages, but not the viewing points. If you do not have a car, rent one from us — we deliver it wherever you are.
Visiting well
A National Park is not a theme park
Kerkini is a living habitat and a protected area. A few simple habits are the difference between a visit that leaves traces and one that leaves only memories.
- Keep your distance from colonies and nests, especially in the breeding season.
- Do not feed the birds or the buffalo.
- Keep your voice down — sound carries a long way over water.
- Take back everything you brought, without exception.
- Stay on the paths and marked tracks.
Spyros knows where the boat may and may not go. That is part of the job — and the reason the birds keep coming back.
Frequently asked
Questions about Lake Kerkini
The experience
See the lake from the water
A boat trip is the only way to get close to the pelicans and the buffalo. And our boat takes 8 to 10 wheelchairs.