Lake Kerkini

Basic Information

Lake Kerkini is found in Northern Greece, about 29 miles from the Bulgarian border.  Nestled between the Kerkini Mountains to the north and the Marvovouni Mountains to the south, the lake is about nine miles long and about five miles wide.  The area is very picturesque, with panoramic views of the mountains, forests, and lake.  The Kerkini Lake region is a rather rural area, with farmland that is watered by irrigation ditches from the lake, wetlands, and forests.  The lake supports a number of fishermen.  The area is an important wetland, very ecologically diverse.

 

History

The area surrounding Lake Kerkini was once uninhabitable marshland.  In 1932, an artificial reservoir was created, which formed the lake.  This reservoir, along with a network of ditches and canals, controlled the flow of water and allowed the land to be used for residential, recreational, and agricultural purposes.  In 1980, a new dam was built which gives the lake its current pear-like shape.

Wildlife

A wide variety of wildlife lives in the area, including about 140 species of birds (some of which are rather rare), water buffalo, over 100 species of butterflies, and a number of small mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.  In addition to the birds that live in the region, another 170 or so species pass through on biannual migrations.  A wide variety of plant life can be found in the area, as well, including 16 species of orchids.

Conservation Information

Lake Kerkini is considered a Special Protection Area in Greece, because it is a wetland and because many endangered species make their home there, including the Dalmatian Pelican and the Pygmy Cormorant.  The area surrounding Lake Kerkini is a National Nature Reserve and is considered a Wetland of International Importance according to the RAMSAR Convention.  Lake Kerkini is managed by the Management Authority of Kerkini Wetland.

Activities

Lake Kerkini and the surrounding area offers a wide range of activities for all ages and interests, including boating, canoeing, hiking, nature walks, bird watching, bicycling, horseback riding, and more.  People travel from all over the country and abroad to go birding in the region.  Guided tours are available, or you can explore the area on your own.

Lake Kerkini is a rather rural area, but it is within easy driving distance (about an hour’s drive) of Thessaloniki, which is the second largest city in Greece.  In fact, most people visiting Lake Kerkini fly into the airport in Thessaloniki.  There are all kinds of things to do and see in Thessaloniki, including archeological sites, cathedrals, museums, shows, restaurants, an active night life, shopping, and more.

There are several small villages in the area, as well, which offer some shopping, restaurants, and local sight-seeing.

Accommodations

There are a number of excellent hotels in the Lake Kerkini area. The Hotel Oikoperiigitis sits right on the bank of Lake Kerkini, and offers beautifully decorated rooms (some with fireplaces), a restaurant and bar, room service, a gift shop, and a wonderful garden.  There is also the Refanidis Luxury Hotel and Spa, also on the shore of Lake Kerkini, which offers uniquely decorated rooms and suites, all with balconies and kitchenettes, fresh baked goods for breakfast every morning, a library, and a bar.  Then there is the Hotel Erodios in nearby Lithotopos, very close to Lake Kerkini, which offers well-appointed rooms and suites, outdoor verandas with a lovely view, and a restaurant that serves tasty traditional dishes.  There are other options for accommodations, as well.  All of the area hotels can assist guests in making arrangements for tours and activities such as mountain biking, canoeing, horseback riding, and bird watching.