If you are not in a hurry to reach the beach as soon as possible, you can turn off the main road that leads through Bulgaria towards Lake Kerkini. Around 25 km of local road will lead you to it, and the reward is entering a completely different world.

In the following text, take a closer look at:

  • how to get to the reserve
  • what this natural reserve hides but also
  • recommendation of what to try and buy from unique specialties and
  • recommendation of a restaurant to have lunch and rest on the way to or from the sea,
  • and finally, interesting facts about the richness and size of this natural reserve.

Kerkini is one of the most important habitats of migratory birds in this part of Europe. This is a place where routes to the Aegean Sea, the Balkans, and the Black Sea intersect, so depending on the season, you will enjoy the sight of thousands of birds.

If you are planning a vacation in Greece, check out accommodation offers in northern Greece and choose the one that suits you.

How to get to the Kerkini lake? (main turnoffs)

From the direction of Bulgaria (from the checkpoint - former border):

Turnoff: 12 km after the Promachonas crossing, exit for Sidirokastro.
Route: Follow the sign for Neo Petritsi, then drive straight towards the village of Kerkini (the mountain will be on your right).
Time: It takes 20 minutes to reach the first taverns (Neo Petritsi) and 40 minutes to reach the port with boats (Kerkini).
Google maps directions.

From the direction of Kavala / Thassos:

Route: Follow the road to Serres, then the bypass towards Promachonas.
Turnoff: 10 kilometers from Serres, follow the sign for Lithotopos.
Time: As soon as you cross the dam in Lithotopos, you are at the lake. It’s another 25-minute drive to the main port (village of Kerkini) along the western shore.
Google maps directions.

If you are traveling to Greece by car through Bulgaria for the first time, we recommend reading our detailed guide with current information on routes, tolls, and advice for breaks on the road.

What does this natural reserve offer?

For families and nature lovers, Kerkini is a treasure trove of experiences:

  • Water safari: Boating on the lake is the best way to get a close look at the richness of the flora and fauna.
  • Activities on the shore: You can horseback ride through the gentle landscapes around the lake.
  • Local flavors: Do not miss the opportunity to try and buy local products made from buffalo milk - their ice cream and yogurt are famous throughout the region.

You can find everything in the surrounding villages as there are no facilities on the lake shores since it is a protected reserve.

Flamingos: pink magic on the water

Kerkini is one of the rare stops in Europe where thousands of flamingos take a break on their long journey. Depending on the time of year, parts of the lake turn completely pink, creating a scene more reminiscent of distant Africa than northern Greece. Watching them from a boat is a special experience - their elegance as they move through the shallows and the moment they synchronously take off above the water will leave you breathless. It’s that moment when you realize that turning off the main road was the best decision of the entire trip.

They are most numerous during autumn and winter (sometimes exceeding 10,000). They come in large numbers in September.
During the hot summer months (July, August), their numbers can drastically decrease because they migrate, although in recent years, due to climate change, it has become more common for smaller flocks to stay throughout the year.

Lesser White-fronted Goose: the rarest guest of Europe

If you think flamingos are the stars of the lake, wait until you hear about the Lesser White-fronted Goose. This is one of the most endangered birds on our continent, and Kerkini is literally its last fortress.

  • Incredible statistics: Kerkini is the only place in Europe where almost the entire European population of this species can be seen.
  • Only 96 individuals: In 2025, only 96 birds were recorded.
  • Why is this important? When you stand on the shore and watch them, you are actually looking at the survival of an entire species. It is a privilege that very few people in the world have.

Water Buffaloes: unusual guardians of the lake

It may sound unbelievable, but Lake Kerkini is home to the largest herd of water buffaloes in all of Greece. These powerful, yet extremely calm giants are a symbol of the region, and you will see them lazily grazing in the shallows or only their nostrils and horns peeking out of the water as they cool off. They usually cool off in the water in the afternoon.

It is from their milk that those famous specialties are made:

  • ice cream,
  • yogurt, and
  • cheese,
  • of a rich taste that you must not miss.

Over 70% of the total population of water buffaloes in Greece is located here. Encountering a herd crossing the road slowly or frolicking in the lake is a true “safari” moment that children (but also adults) remember for a lifetime.

Where exactly to go (so you don’t get lost)?

The lake is huge (60 km in circumference), so don’t drive randomly. Stick to these two places.

Village of Kerkini (for action)

In Google Maps, just type Port of Kerkini or Limani Kerkinis and you will arrive right at your destination.
There you will find wooden boats called “plaves” - boats with a flat bottom.
There is Mr. Nikos Gallios waiting for you - he knows every corner where the birds hide. Besides him, there are others. Prices range from 10 euros per person and up. Some prices are per boat (up to 6 people), so you may have to wait for the boat to fill up with visitors if there are fewer of you.

In the village, there is also the center “Oikoperiigitis” if children want horseback riding or some 4x4 safari.

Village of Lithotopos (for relaxation)

There is a dam and a phenomenal view. Perfect for a leisurely walk along the embankment and taking photos of the mountains surrounding the lake. There is also the official Info Center.
In Lithotopos, you will find the famous Erodios hotel, which has a terrace overlooking the entire lake. It is the best spot for panoramic photography of the entire reserve.

Where to take a lunch break?

While there are no commercial facilities along the shore (which is the secret of the preserved nature), in nearby villages, authentic flavors await you:
Elodia (Village of Kerkini)

  • Located near the port in the village of Kerkini.
  • Why: They specialize in everything from buffalo - from sausages to the famous buffalo milk ice cream (Kaimaki). They have a beautiful garden and are very friendly.

Taverna Oasi (Neo Petritsi village)

  • A bit further from the lake, at the foot of the mountain.
  • The perfect place if you want to try fresh fish directly from the lake.

Methoriakos Stathmos (Vyroneia village)
This tavern is an experience in itself. It is located at an old railway station that played an important role in the Balkan Wars. You will have lunch right next to the tracks where a small locomotive still stands, in the shade of trees, with excellent food and very affordable prices.
Keep in mind - they serve excellent meat here, but fish is not on the menu.
Opening hours - pay attention:

  • open only from Thursday to Sunday (10:00 am - 6:00 pm), while they are closed from Monday to Wednesday.
  • Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday: closed.
  • Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday: open from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.
  • Facebook page

Travel tip

  • If you are traveling to Thassos or Kavala, the route through Bulgaria is often less congested and more pleasant than the one through Macedonia, and Lake Kerkini is an ideal point to turn your journey into a small family expedition.
  • Bring some cash, cards in villages sometimes ‘don’t work’ when the signal is poor
  • If you have binoculars, be sure to bring them - they are worth every penny!
  • To have internet as soon as you cross the border and avoid signal problems in smaller towns, a practical solution is Nikana eSIM, which you can buy and activate before your trip.

Did you know?

(Official data from Kerkini National Park)

A fascinating size

The National Park covers an incredible 83,100 hectares. It is a huge protected area that includes not only the lake but also the Beles and Kroussia mountains, as well as numerous surrounding villages from Kastanousse in the west to Agkistra in the east.

Man and nature in symphony

Although it seems like untouched wilderness, the lake is actually artificial. It was created in 1932 by building a dam on the Strimonas River to control floods and irrigate the Serres Valley. Nature quickly “accepted” this gift and created one of the 10 most important wetlands in Greece (Ramsar sites).

Biodiversity champions

So far, over 300 bird species have been recorded here. It is particularly significant that even 10 species nest in mixed colonies in the coastal forests, which is a rarity even by European standards.

Paradise for researchers

In addition to birds, the park is home to over 58 mammal species, 11 amphibian species, and 26 reptile species. The lake waters are home to 30 fish species.

Scientific sensation

There are over 4,700 invertebrate species living in the park. Nearly 1,400 species were first seen in Greece right here, and 46 species are completely new to world science - they were discovered right at Kerkini!

Plant kingdom

The park’s botany is equally impressive with over 1,300 plant species, many of which are rare and endemic (growing only here and nowhere else).

For more photos and interesting facts, you can also check out the Facebook page of the reserve or the website of the National Park.

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