LAKE KERKINI

Framed by the mountains of Belles and Krousia, Lake Kerkini National Park is one of the most iconic birdwatching destinations in Greece and one of the most important wetlands in Europe. Created as an artificial reservoir in the 1930s, Kerkini has since evolved into a thriving natural paradise — a living example of how wildlife can flourish alongside human activity. Today, the lake is home to over 300 species of birds, countless amphibians, and rich aquatic life, making it a year-round destination for birdwatchers, naturalists, and photographers.

The Pelicans of Lake Kerkini

The stars of the lake are without doubt the Dalmatian Pelicans, one of the largest freshwater birds in the world and a true symbol of Kerkini. Thanks to dedicated conservation work, their population has flourished, and hundreds can be seen gliding across the water or resting on the wooden platforms built for them.

During the winter months, the Dalmatian Pelicans display their full breeding plumage, their curly crests and vivid orange-red bills glowing in the morning light. Alongside them, the Great White Pelicans arrive from spring to autumn, feeding and roosting in elegant flocks. Seeing both species side by side is a breathtaking experience for any visitor.

Lake Kerkini – A Paradise for Wildlife Photographers and Birdwatchers

Birdlife and Seasons

Beyond pelicans, Lake Kerkini teems with life in every season. In spring and autumn, the lake fills with herons, egrets, spoonbills, flamingos, ibises, and waders, while the surrounding forests and foothills are alive with woodpeckers, warblers, shrikes, and raptors.

Winter brings large numbers of ducks, cormorants, and eagles, including the majestic White-tailed Eagle. Each day on the lake offers something new — from quiet early mornings in the mist to the sound of thousands of wings over the water.

Photography Paradise

For photographers, Kerkini is one of Europe’s premier locations for wildlife photography. The calm water, low light, and backdrop of snow-covered mountains create perfect conditions for capturing stunning images.

Aegean Birding organizes early-morning boat sessions with local fishermen, allowing respectful and close approaches to the pelicans as they feed and interact in golden light.

Around the Lake

The beauty of Kerkini extends beyond the water. The riparian forests, wet meadows, and farmlands that surround the lake are alive with wildlife throughout the year. Among the most emblematic inhabitants are the Water Buffaloes of Kerkini — large, dark, and gentle animals that graze freely along the lake’s edges and shallow meadows.

These impressive creatures, descendants of the original Asian Water Buffalo, have become an inseparable part of Kerkini’s landscape and culture. Their presence shapes the wetland ecosystem, as their grazing helps maintain open habitats where many herons, waders, and egrets feed and nest. They also represent a deep connection between nature and traditional life in the area, where local farmers still produce buffalo milk, yogurt, and cheese, continuing a heritage that dates back centuries.

Depending on the season and weather, Aegean Birding excursions often include a visit to the Axios Delta National Park, or to Lakes Koroneia and Volvi near Thessaloniki — both equally rich in birdlife and ideal for wildlife photography.

Book Your Experience

Lake Kerkini is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about birds, nature, and photography. Whether you dream of photographing pelicans in winter light, watching thousands of migratory birds in spring, or exploring the peaceful landscapes around the lake, Aegean Birding will guide you through an unforgettable experience.

Get in touch to plan your custom birdwatching or photography tour at Lake Kerkini and discover one of the most beautiful wetlands in Europe.