Get to know Kerkini

Lake Kerkini: An Alternative Paradise

A stone’s throw from Thessaloniki, Lake Kerkini is one of the most important wetlands in Greece and an alternative destination of unparalleled natural beauty. Created by human intervention in the 1930s, today it hosts rare species of birds and animals, such as water buffaloes and silver pelicans. Visitors can enjoy boating in traditional “blaves”, among water lilies and willows, as well as observing flamingos, herons and storks, especially during migration periods.

A special place in the wetland is occupied by the silver pelicans, which are considered to be one of the most impressive birds in Europe. With their impressive wingspan and distinctive silhouette, pelicans are often captured by photographers and visitors as they fish in the shallows or rest on floating platforms. The lake is home to more than 300 species of birds in total, attracting scientists, nature lovers and amateur birdwatchers from all over the world.

Among the animals that characterize the lake, the buffalo stand out. The buffaloes of Kerkini, which constitute one of the most important populations in Greece, are an undeniable element of the identity of the place. The images of these animals basking on the banks or swimming in the shallow waters are inseparable from the landscape of Kerkini and impress those who visit the area for the first time.

The variations of the landscape, from the reed fields and small islands to the lakeside forests, create a natural setting that captivates the visitor. Flamingos, herons, cormorants, raptors and a host of other birds alternate in a wetland of international importance, offering rare images, especially during the seasons

Cultural Heritage

For history lovers, a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Amphipolis is a must. The museum houses findings from the prehistoric, classical, Hellenistic and Byzantine era, offering the visitor a complete picture of the long history of the region. Among the exhibits stand out the statues, the funerary reliefs, the coins and the impressive findings from the Kasta Mound, which attract the interest of scientists and visitors from all over the world.

Amphipolis, built near the mouth of the Strymon, was an important city of ancient Macedonia and a strategic point in the years of Alexander the Great. A tour of the archaeological sites allows the visitor to discover the connection between the past and the present, in a landscape that marries history and nature.

Flavours and Local Products

The gastronomy of the region is another reason to visit Lake Kerkini. Buffalo meat, known for its taste excellence and low-fat content, is the star of the local taverns, cooked in the grill, in soups or as sausage. Fish from the lake, such as grubs and turbot, are served fried or grilled, accompanied by fresh salads with local herbs.

Buffalo milk-based sweets, such as cream and casan dip, offer special taste experiences, while small cooperatives and traditional grocery stores operate in the lakeside villages, where visitors can buy local products such as cranberry and wild berry liqueurs, teas, aromatic herbs of Beles, handmade pasta and pulses.

The gastronomic experience is complemented with wine and tsipouro, products of local distilleries that maintain traditional production techniques, offering authentic flavours.

Customs and Traditions

The region of the prefecture of Serres keeps alive customs and traditions that are deeply rooted in time. The Anasternaria, the unique ritual of pyrovasia, continues to be performed every year in Kerkini and Agia Eleni, combining ancient Dionysian practices with Christian worship. The daring sighters walk barefoot on the burning coals, to the sound of traditional instruments, creating an atmosphere of mysticism that captivates the audience.

Bambo, celebrated in January in villages of the region, is a custom of female domination. For one day, women symbolically take over the village, entertaining themselves with music and dance, preserving a tradition that symbolizes fertility and female power.

An important role is also played by the traditional festivals, where the struggle of the peglivannis is revived. The wrestling matches gather athletes from the wider region and are an attraction for visitors, who watch the matches with interest in a festive atmosphere. These customs keep the local culture alive and are an integral part of the cultural identity of the region.