Lake Kerkini

The artificial lake of Kerkini was created in 1932 with the construction of a dam on the river Strymona, near the village of Lithotopos, and the construction of embankments in the east and west. The lake was created to restrain and contain the floods of Strymona, and for the containment of the carried materials and the irrigation of the plain of Serres. There used to be a small lake with swamps in the same place.

The paradisiacal wetland, surrounded by two beautiful mountains, Mount Kerkini (Beles) and Mavrovouni, stands out as a place of unique biodiversity. It is considered the most easily accessible area for birdwatching in Greece and perhaps throughout Europe. At least 300 species of birds have been observed in the lake and the surrounding mountains, 50 of which are included in the Red List of Birds of Greece. It is no coincidence that scientists and amateurs from all over the world visit Kerkini every year for their studies.

The riparian vegetation with riverine forests of wild willows, the water lilies that float in a place of ​​thousands of acres, the great variety of fish, the buffaloes that swim in the calm waters of the lake, but also the wonderful horizon from the surrounding mountains, give the place a unique view.

The visitor can find peace, enjoying the landscape in the silence that is interrupted only by the sounds of the birds but also cross the lake by canoe or tour by bike near the shores. There is infrastructure for boating, 4x4 excursions, boating, horseback riding, archery, mountaineering, and fishing, but the flamingo dance always steals the show, visiting the lake to spend the winter in populations of eight to ten thousand.