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Water Routes. Discovering the lakes of Greece, from Central Macedonia to Thrace

Water Routes. Discovering the lakes of Greece, from Central Macedonia to Thrace

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Dreamy landscapes, unforgettable activities in nature, rare birds and water stretching as far as the eye can see. In this unique road trip, which connects five emblematic lakes of the Greek north and passes through two forests of particular environmental value and beauty, nature is the protagonist. From Lake Volvi with its rich fish fauna and Lake Doirani, a natural border between Greece and North Macedonia, to Lake Kerkini, a top destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, the beautiful Lake Vistonida and the small yet charming Lake Ismarida, the scenery alternates in magical succession. Find serenity and embrace adventure in perfect balance.

Macedonia

Route information

Distance

Approximately 450 km

Estimated duration

Approximately 6.5 hours without stops and activities.

Difficulty level

Easy

Route type

Road

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Route Category

Linear

When to go

As precious, dynamic ecosystems, the lakes and forests of Macedonia and Thrace reveal a different face depending on the period you visit them. Spring (April-May) and autumn (Octobre-Novembre) coincide with bird migration and breeding periods and are ideal seasons for birdwatching, as well as for hiking and cycling excursions. In particular, Lake Kerkini, where rare birds of prey, flamingos and other species overwinter, offers unique emotions to nature lovers even in winter.

Visit proposal

It is recommended to divide the trip into at least 2 days in order to fully enjoy the sights and nature.

  • 01

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    Windsurfing and Enjoyable Walks at Lake Volvi

    Discover Lake Volvi, the second largest in Greece, a fascinating water world covering an area of 6,800 hectares. As a wetland of international importance, Lake Volvi (along with the adjacent Lake Koronia) is protected under the Ramsar Convention and is also part of the Natura 2000 network of protected areas. Endemic fish species, such as Volvi bleak and liparia, are found in its waters and nowhere else in the world. Enjoy a relaxing walk along the shoreline of Lake Volvi, head to its southern shore and the lakeside forest of Apollonia. Known as "the kingdom of grey herons", it is the only region in Greece that hosts mixed colonies of grey herons and white storks. At the Koronia –Volvi Wetland Information Centre, in the village of Apollonia, you can be informed about the natural wealth of the lake and the species it hosts through the small exhibition and the organised guided tours offered. The winds blowing in the Straits of Rentina make Volvi an ideal destination for windsurfers, who travel here from every corner of Greece to enjoy the waves.

  • 02
    Lake Doirani

    Lake Doirani

    Further north, Lake Doirani, a natural border between Greece and North Macedonia, impresses with the beauty and tranquility of its landscape. Its eastern section belongs to Greece and lies at the southern foothills of Mount Beles. Bring along your fishing gear and join the locals casting their lines, taste perfectly grilled carp (freshwater fish) in the small tavernas of Doirani village, organise a picnic on the shores of the lake, and simply take in the view.

  • 03
    Doirani Lake Museum

    Doirani Lake Museum

    Learn more about the area's ecosystem by visiting the Doirani Lake Museum.

  • 04
    Thousand Trees

    Thousand Trees

    Then, continue to the "Thousand Trees" or Mouries Forest (Mulberry Forest), a magical site, declared a Protected Natural Monument and included in the Natura 2000 network. It is a unique example of Mediterranean primordial riparian vegetation, with downy oaks, alders, plane trees, white willows and ash trees. With water-loving, centuries-old trees over 400 years of age, it serves as a refuge for the wildlife of the area.

  • 05
    Ecotourism at Lake Kerkini

    Ecotourism at Lake Kerkini

    Next stop, Lake Kerkini National Park. Escape to one of the most important wetlands in Greece, the artificial lake Kerkini, created in 1932 with the construction of a dam on the Strymonas River and protected under the Ramsar Convention. It hosts more than 300 bird species, 50 of which are included in the Red List of Birds of Greece as they are threatened with extinction. Feel embraced by nature in one of the leading ecotourism destinations in the country, offering unique experiences to children and adults. Board the special tourist boats and observe the magnificent Dalmatian pelicans spreading their wings. Admire the impressive herds of water buffaloes, explore the area through hiking, cycling, horseback riding, canoeing or photo safari.

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    Eastern Macedonia – Thrace National Park: An Earthly Paradise

    In the Nestos River Straits, from the town of Stavroupoli to Galani village, one of the most beautiful hiking trails in Greece awaits you. Walk beside imposing rocks and lush riverside vegetation, see the impressive stone tunnels and the disused railway bridges, listen to the rustle of the leaves and the sound of the water, enjoy a breathtaking spectacle of nature. In this area also lies the Aesthetic Forest of Nestos, which stretches over an area of 2,300 hectares. Alders, plane trees, poplars and arbutus andrachnes, orchids and anemones grow in the area, and you may encounter black storks, cormorants, roe deer, otters and foxes.

  • 07

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    Lake Vistonida

    Heading east, you reach Lake Vistonida. Covering an area of 4,200 hectares with an average depth of 2.5 m, it is the heart of the National Park of Eastern Macedonia-Thrace, which also includes the Nestos Delta, Lake Ismarida and the Rhodope lagoons. Over 264 bird species have been recorded in Lake Vistonida, with 141 of them nesting there. Equally important is the number of bird species that breed in the region. Fish, amphibians, reptiles and at least 20 species of mammals, such as the otter, jackal and wild cat, also live in its special ecosystem. The uniqueness of Lake Vistonida and its impressive flora and fauna is due to the fact that the northern part of the lake has fresh waters, while the southern brackish. Grab your binoculars and look for black-winged stilts and ferruginous ducks, flamingos, little egrets, pratincoles and white-headed ducks – different birds appear depending on the time of year.

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  • 08

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    Lake Ismarida

    Another unique wetland awaits you at the end of the trip. The small yet charming lake Ismarida is the only freshwater lake in Thrace. About 200 species of birds have been recorded, including rare bird species, such as ferruginous ducks, whiskered terns and black terns, that nest there. The area is also important for the wintering of many migratory species. Otters and 44 additional species of mammals enrich the experience for wildlife lovers.

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