An ancient companion in the mud of Kerkini. Tradition has it that they have been in these lands since the 5th century BC and the Persian campaign against the Greeks. The only mammal that accompanied the campaign and could cross the muddy areas at the mouths of the rivers, easily carrying tree trunks that later became bridges for the main body of the army to cross.

Today, their number exceeds 6500 heads and they have now evolved into an attraction. Once the water buffalo was a species on the verge of extinction, but today it is a protected species and in abundance. It grazes freely, “does not stray easily”, while its meat and milk are highly prized. Its milk is of very high quality with twice the amount of fat than cow’s milk (reaching 9% depending on the season), while it contains less lactose and is noticeably tastier. Meat is among the best foods that humans can consume, as it has very high unsaturated fats, very low saturated fats, no fat above 4%, and the highest amount of iron than any other animal product.

It is sought after for the preparation of various sweets, such as the traditional kazan dipi. Finally, in addition to the world-famous Mozzarella di Bufala made by the Italians, there are now many products made from buffalo milk and you can find them in the lakeside areas of Kerkini.

In Kerkini, Livadia and Rodopoli you will find butchers that sell buffalo meat products.