Lake Kerkini National Park
A vast, hill-ringed lake teeming with birdlife, offering incredible wildlife encounters and stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Lake Kerkini National Park
Best Time
Peak bird activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vast, hill-ringed lake teeming with birdlife, offering incredible wildlife encounters and stunning natural beauty.
"Simply amazing nature! Boat trip is a must if you want to see hundreds of birds."
🎯 Book Boat Tours Wisely
Don't rush into the first boat offer; wait for enough people for a better experience.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Visit early morning or before sunset for optimal bird photography conditions.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dalmatian Pelicans
Lake Kerkini
Witness the majestic Dalmatian Pelican, the largest freshwater bird, in its natural habitat. A truly awe-inspiring sight!
Birdwatching Boat Tours
Kerkini Port
Embark on a boat trip to see hundreds of birds up close, including pelicans, herons, and potentially flamingos.
Water Buffalo
Surrounding areas
Spot water buffalo roaming freely in their natural habitat for a unique wildlife encounter.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Birdwatching
Boat Trips: Essential for Close Encounters
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Boat Tours Wisely
Don't rush into the first boat offer; wait for enough people for a better experience.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Visit early morning or before sunset for optimal bird photography conditions.
Lake Kerkini -- what to expect
🥾 Be Prepared for Mud
Some areas near the lake shore can be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.
📍 Check Official Sources
Consult the official Kerkini Lake website for the latest bird sightings and seasonal info.
National parks, Round 3 - Greece. Do you prefer mountains or seas?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Boat Tours Wisely
Don't rush into the first boat offer; wait for enough people for a better experience.
📸 Best Light for Photos
Visit early morning or before sunset for optimal bird photography conditions.
🥾 Be Prepared for Mud
Some areas near the lake shore can be muddy, so wear appropriate footwear.
📍 Check Official Sources
Consult the official Kerkini Lake website for the latest bird sightings and seasonal info.
🦬 Look for Buffalo
Keep an eye out for water buffalo roaming in their natural habitat.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Lake Kerkini National Park's stunning natural beauty and incredible birdlife, calling it a must-visit for nature lovers and photographers. The boat trips are a highlight, offering close encounters with pelicans and other species. While the park is peaceful, some note that dining options can be limited and certain areas might be muddy.
"Simply amazing nature! Boat trip is a must if you want to see hundreds of birds"
Diana Petrachescu
"Great experience. If you have luck, you will have the chance to see a lot of migratory birds in their natural habitat."
Gabriella Alekian
"Lake Kerkini is a peaceful and picturesque destination, perfect for a family outing or wildlife photography. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a relaxing picnic, explore the local wildlife, or capture stunning bird photography, this lake has something to offer.
For Families
• You can visit the local ports, where boat tours are available for €10 per person. If you’re lucky, you may see pelicans, herons, flamingos, and other bird species up close.
• There are also a few buffalo farms in the area, and if you’re fortunate, you might spot them freely roaming in their natural habitat.
For Photographers:
Lake Kerkini is a haven for bird photography, with a large and diverse bird population spread across the area. To increase your chances of spotting birds and to capture the best light, visit early in the morning or before sunset.
• Pelicans: The best way to photograph pelicans is by boat. The boat captains often bring fish to attract them, allowing you to capture dramatic action shots of the birds competing for food. Bring a variety of lenses to make the most of these close encounters.
• Herons: These birds are easy to find, but you may need to walk through some muddy areas. I spotted more than 10 herons near Mandraki Port, though the low water levels required some additional walking to reach the lake shore. To photograph herons, a 600mm+ lens and a tripod are recommended. I observed several species, including gray, white, and purple herons.
• Flamingos: I didn’t see any flamingos during my visit, likely due to the time of year. However, based on research, they are commonly found near Mandraki Port.
Helpful Tips
• The best times to visit are early in the morning or before sunset for better bird activity and ideal lighting conditions.
• Some boat captains may claim that there won’t be any boats available later in the day—this is often not true. If there are enough people, they will take you out, so don’t feel pressured to take the first offer.
• Kerkini Port is the most visited area, so expect to see a lot of buses and cars. There are only a few places to eat, so plan accordingly.
• Check the official Kerkini Lake website for updated bird locations and seasonal insights.
This is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers alike!"
Kalin Aleksandrov
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Lake Kerkini National Park is a popular day trip from Thessaloniki. While organized tours are available, you can also drive. The journey takes approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. Consider renting a car for flexibility in exploring the park and surrounding areas.
Yes, it's possible to visit Lake Kerkini without a car, primarily through organized day trips from Thessaloniki. Public transport options are limited and may not be convenient for exploring the park effectively.
Kerkini Port is the most visited area and a central hub for boat tours. Other areas like Mandraki Port are also good starting points for exploration and birdwatching.
Yes, many tour operators offer day trips to Lake Kerkini from Thessaloniki, which often include boat tours and guided wildlife spotting.
For the best experience, especially for birdwatching and photography, a combination of a boat tour and exploring the lake shores by car or on foot is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is generally no entrance fee to access Lake Kerkini National Park itself. However, specific activities like boat tours will have their own costs.
Boat trips on Lake Kerkini typically cost around €10 per person. Prices can vary slightly depending on the operator and duration.
Boat tours usually operate throughout the day, especially during peak birdwatching seasons. It's advisable to check with local operators at Kerkini Port for specific timings.
While not always necessary, booking in advance can be beneficial, especially during peak season or if you have specific timing requirements. Some Redditors suggest not feeling pressured by the first offer.
As a national park, there are usually guidelines to protect the wildlife and environment. Stick to designated paths and avoid disturbing the animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The best times for bird photography are early in the morning and before sunset, as this is when birds are most active and the light is ideal.
For bird photography, a telephoto lens (600mm+ recommended for herons) and a tripod are highly beneficial. Bring a variety of lenses to capture different perspectives.
The best way to photograph pelicans is from a boat. Boat captains often attract them with fish, allowing for dramatic action shots.
Besides pelicans and herons, you might spot flamingos (seasonally), various other bird species, and water buffalo.
Mandraki Port is known for herons and potentially flamingos. Kerkini Port is the hub for pelican photography via boat tours.
🎫 🦬 Wildlife & Nature
Lake Kerkini is a haven for birdlife, including Dalmatian Pelicans, herons (gray, white, purple), and potentially flamingos. Many migratory birds also visit.
Flamingos are not always present and sightings depend on the season. One reviewer did not see them during their visit, suggesting it's best to check local information.
Yes, you can also spot water buffalo roaming in their natural habitat in the areas surrounding the lake.
Absolutely! Families can enjoy boat tours, spotting wildlife, and visiting nearby buffalo farms for an engaging experience.
It's a large, hill-ringed lake known for its rich bird population, making it a vital habitat for many species and a popular spot for nature lovers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the boat trips, keep an eye out for the water buffalo, which can be a fascinating sight for younger visitors. The park offers a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a family outing, with opportunities for picnics and enjoying the picturesque scenery. Remember to pack snacks and drinks, as dining options can be limited, especially outside of the main port areas.
📸 Wildlife Photographers
Utilize boat tours for close-up shots of pelicans during feeding times. For other species like herons, a long telephoto lens and a tripod are crucial. Don't forget to explore different vantage points around the lake and be prepared for potentially muddy terrain. Checking seasonal information for specific species like flamingos can also enhance your photographic success.
🌿 Nature Enthusiasts & Birdwatchers
Plan your visit around the best birdwatching times – early morning and late afternoon. Consider joining a guided tour or taking a boat trip to maximize your chances of spotting a wide range of species. Familiarizing yourself with the park's official website for seasonal bird activity will greatly enhance your experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majestic Dalmatian Pelican
The best way to observe and photograph these impressive birds is by taking a boat trip. Boat captains at Kerkini Port often assist by attracting the pelicans with fish, creating opportunities for incredible action shots as the birds compete for food. This close encounter allows for a unique appreciation of their size and behavior.
While pelicans are a consistent sight, their numbers can vary. Visiting during the right season and taking a boat tour significantly increases your chances of a memorable pelican encounter. Remember to bring appropriate camera gear to capture their grandeur.
Birdwatching Hotspots and Seasons
Key species to look out for include various types of herons, such as gray, white, and purple herons, which can often be spotted near the lake shores, though sometimes requiring a bit of a walk due to water levels. Flamingos are also a possibility, particularly near Mandraki Port, though sightings are seasonal and not guaranteed.
To maximize your birdwatching experience, it's recommended to consult the official Kerkini Lake website for the latest bird location updates and seasonal insights. Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best chances for spotting active birds and enjoying optimal lighting for photography.
Photography Tips for Lake Kerkini
When photographing pelicans, a boat trip is almost essential. The close proximity and the feeding frenzy create dynamic and compelling images. For herons, which may require some walking through marshy areas, a long telephoto lens (600mm or more) and a tripod are highly recommended to capture sharp details from a distance.
Beyond birds, the landscape itself offers picturesque scenes. Remember to bring a variety of lenses to adapt to different subjects, from wide shots of the lake to detailed portraits of the wildlife. Patience is also a photographer's best friend here; sometimes the best shots come after a period of quiet observation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit