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© Dragan Simic

Kerkini Lake NP

41.23451 , 23.15782

Greece

The Kerkini Lake is man-made, created in 1932 on the site of a former marsh. It is a reservoir with the purpose of irrigation of arable fields. The dam on the Strymonas River lies in the southernmost corner of the lake, while its eastern and western shores are high and driveable embankments. The lake lie at a mere 35 m a.s.l. and is towered by the 2,030 m high Mt. Kerkini/Belles on its northern side. Hence, it offers a huge altitudinal range and a great variety of habitats. One of the best birding sites is the eastern embankment, from where you can observe the shallows and mudbars at the northeastern corner where the Strymonas flows into the lake.

Both pelicans breed at the lake. Other highlights include Lesser Spotted and Booted Eagles, Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers, Black-headed and Rock Buntings, Isabelline Wheatear, Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit, Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Masked and Woodchat Shrikes, etc. Some 320 species were recorded here and in a spring week it is possible to observe more than 150 bird species. Look for accommodation in villages of Chrysochorafa, Kerkini, Livadia, Vyroneia and others.

Delete exact location

The introductory text should contain general information about the site, which may include for instance:
• geographic/ biogeographic location
• habitat and vegetation
• typical bird species/bird communities
• protection status
• land use and history
• importance for birdwatching

Coordinates were changed by Dragan Simic : 41.2345/23.1578 (2023-05-07 11:44:55 )

Coordinates were changed by Dragan Simic : 41.2257/23.1795 (2023-05-07 11:40:19 )

Coordinates were set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) : 41.2009/23.1235 (2020-11-15 15:34:42 )

Site name was set by Mathias Ritschard (Admin) as "Kerkini Lake NP" (2020-11-15 15:34:42 )

Edited by Dragan Simic on 2025-02-09 20:05:20
The Kerkini Lake is man-made, created in 1932 on the site of a former marsh. It is an artificial a reservoir with the purpose of irrigation of arable fields. The dam on the Strymonas River lies in the southernmost corner of the lake, while its eastern and western shores are high and driveable embankments. The lake lie at a mere 35 m a.s.l. and is towered by the 2,030 m high Mt. Kerkini/Belles on its northern side. Hence, it offers a huge altitudinal range and a great variety of habitats. One of the best birding sites is the eastern embankment, from where you can observe the shallows and mudbars at the northeastern corner where the Strymonas flows into the lake. Both pelicans breed at the lake. Other highlights include Lesser Spotted and Booted Eagles, Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers, Black-headed and Rock Buntings, Isabelline Wheatear, Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit, Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Masked and Woodchat Shrikes, etc. Some 320 species were recorded here and in a spring week it is possible to observe more than 150 bird species. Look for accommodation in villages of Chrysochorafa, Kerkini, Livadia, Vyroneia and others.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2025-02-09 20:04:37
The Kerkini Lake is man-made. man-made, created in 1932 on the site of a former marsh. It is an artificial reservoir with the purpose of irrigation of arable fields, created in 1932 on the site of a former marsh.fields. The dam on the Strymonas River lies in the southernmost corner of the lake, while its eastern and western shores are high and driveable embankments. The lake lie at a mere 35 m a.s.l. and is towered by the 2,030 m high Mt. Kerkini/Belles on its northern side. Hence, it offers a huge altitudinal range and a great variety of habitats. One of the best birding sites is the eastern embankment, from where you can observe the shallows and mudbars at the northeastern corner where the Strymonas flows into the lake. Both pelicans breed at the lake. Other highlights include Lesser Spotted and Booted Eagles, Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers, Black-headed and Rock Buntings, Isabelline Wheatear, Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit, Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Masked and Woodchat Shrikes, etc. Some 320 species were recorded here and in a spring week it is possible to observe more than 150 bird species. Look for accommodation in villages of Chrysochorafa, Kerkini, Livadia, Vyroneia and others.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 13:02:52
The Kerkini Lake is man-made. It is an artificial reservoir with the purpose of irrigation of arable fields, created in 1932 on the site of a former marsh. The dam on the Strymonas River lies in the southernmost corner of the lake, while its eastern and western shores are high and driveable embankments. The lake lie at a mere 35 m a.s.l. and is towered by the 2,030 m high Mt. Kerkini/Belles on its northern side. Hence, it offers a huge altitudinal range and a great variety of habitats. One of the best birding sites is the eastern embankment, from where you can observe the shallows and mudbars at the northeastern corner where the Strymonas flows into the lake. Local Both pelicans breed at the lake. Other highlights include Lesser Spotted and Booted Eagles, Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, both pelicans breed at the lake; Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers, Black-headed and Rock Buntings, Isabelline Wheatear, Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit, Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Masked and Woodchat Shrikes, etc. etc. Some 320 species were recorded here and in a spring week it is possible to observe more than 150 bird species. Look Look for accommodation in villages of Chrysochorafa, Kerkini, Livadia, Vyroneia and others.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 12:01:50
The Kerkini Lake is man-made. It is an artificial reservoir with the purpose of irrigation of arable fields, created in 1932 on the site of a former marsh. The dam on the Strymonas River lies in the southernmost corner of the lake, while its eastern and western shores are high and driveable embankments. The lake lie at a mere 35 m a.s.l. and is towered by the 2,030 m high Mt. Kerkini/Belles on its northern side. Hence, it offers a huge altitudinal range and a great variety of habitats. One of the best birding sites is the eastern embankment, from where you can observe the shallows and mudbars at the northeastern corner where the Strymonas flows into the lake. Local highlights include Lesser Spotted and Booted Eagles, Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, both pelicans breed at the lake; Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers, Black-headed and Rock Buntings, Isabelline Wheatear, Calandra Lark, Tawny Pipit, Rock Nuthatch, Sombre Tit, Masked and Woodchat Shrikes, etc. etc. Some 320 species were recorded here. In here and in a spring week it is possible to observe more than 150 bird species. Look for accommodation in villages of Chrysochorafa, Kerkini, Livadia, Vyroneia and others.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:56:39
The Kerkini Lake is man-made. It is an artificial reservoir with the purpose of irrigation of arable fields, created in 1932 on the site of a former marsh. The dam on the Strymonas River lies in the southernmost corner of the lake, while its eastern and western shores are high and driveable embankments. The lake lie at a mere 35 m a.s.l. and is towered by the 2,030 m high Mt. Kerkini/Belles on its northern side. Hence, it offers a huge altitudinal range and a great variety of habitats. One of the best birding sites is the eastern embankment, from where you can observe the shallows and mudbars at the northeastern corner where the Strymonas flows into the lake. Local highlights include Lesser Spotted and Booted Eagles, Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, both pelicans breed at the lake; Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers, etc. Some 320 species were recorded here. Look  In a spring week it is possible to observe more than 150 bird species. Look for accommodation in villages of Chrysochorafa, Kerkini, Livadia, Vyroneia and others.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:40:18
The Kerkini Lake is man-made. It is an artificial reservoir with the purpose of irrigation of arable fields, created in 1932 on the site of a former marsh. The dam on the Strymonas River lies in the southernmost corner of the lake, while its eastern and western shores are high and driveable embankments. The lake lie at a mere 35 m a.s.l. and is towered by the 2,030 m high Mt. Kerkini/Belles on its northern side. Hence, it offers a huge altitudinal range and a great variety of habitats. One of the best birding sites is the eastern embankment, from where you can observe the shallows and mudbars at the northeastern corner where the Strymonas flows into the lake. Local highlights include Lesser Spotted and Booted Eagles, Black Kite, Levant Sparrowhawk, both pelicans breed at the lake; Black, Grey-headed and White-backed Woodpeckers, etc. Some 320 species were recorded here. Look for accommodation in villages of Chrysochorafa, Kerkini, Livadia, Vyroneia and others.

  • Top species

List up to ca. 25 species that:
• have a limited distribution range and/or are rare on a global level
• are most sought-after by birdwatchers at this site
• and are relatively easy to see at this site (year-round or seasonally)

Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus)
Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus)
Common Crane (Grus grus)
Black Stork (Ciconia nigra)
Pygmy Cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus)
Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus)
Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus)
Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus)
Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus)
Short-toed Snake-Eagle (Circaetus gallicus)
Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina)
Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga)
Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus)
Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)
Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes)
Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo)
Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius)
White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos)
Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus)
Gray-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus)
Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius)
Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus)
Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator)
Sombre Tit (Poecile lugubris)
Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra)
Western Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer)
Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina)
Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris)
Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala)
Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia)

Woodchat Shrike (Lanius senator) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:15:38)

Masked Shrike (Lanius nubicus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:15:20)

Sombre Tit (Poecile lugubris) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:14:58)

Western Rock Nuthatch (Sitta neumayer) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:14:44)

Tawny Pipit (Anthus campestris) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:14:27)

Calandra Lark (Melanocorypha calandra) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:14:11)

Isabelline Wheatear (Oenanthe isabellina) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:13:57)

Rock Bunting (Emberiza cia) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:13:38)

Black-headed Bunting (Emberiza melanocephala) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:13:24)

Short-toed Snake-Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:12:36)

Black Stork (Ciconia nigra) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:12:23)

Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:11:37)

Common Crane (Grus grus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:11:24)

Greater Spotted Eagle (Clanga clanga) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:11:14)

White-backed Woodpecker (Dendrocopos leucotos) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:10:29)

Gray-headed Woodpecker (Picus canus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:10:18)

Middle Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocoptes medius) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:09:56)

Syrian Woodpecker (Dendrocopos syriacus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:09:42)

Black Woodpecker (Dryocopus martius) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:09:32)

Glossy Ibis (Plegadis falcinellus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:08:52)

Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:08:39)

Greater Flamingo (Phoenicopterus roseus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:08:26)

Pygmy Cormorant (Microcarbo pygmaeus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:07:58)

Great White Pelican (Pelecanus onocrotalus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:07:46)

Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:07:35)

Eurasian Eagle-Owl (Bubo bubo) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:07:24)

Levant Sparrowhawk (Accipiter brevipes) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:07:14)

Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:07:04)

Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:06:52)

Lesser Spotted Eagle (Clanga pomarina) was added by Dragan Simic (2023-05-07 12:06:34)

  • Timing and strategy

The best birding season here is spring, from early April to late June, while the second best is winter, when tens of thousands of waterbirds come to overwinter on ice-free waters. If you are planning a full circuit around the lake, leave a full day for it as the circuit is 70 kilometers of slow birding with lots of stops.

Give recommendations for making your visit as productive as possible.
This may include for instance:
• best season
• best time of the day
• how much time to spend at the site
• best means of locomotion within the site
• recommended routes / areas within the site
• guiding

Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 12:48
The best birding season here is spring, from early April to late June, while the second best is winter, when tens of thousands of waterbirds come to overwinter on ice-free waters. If you are planning a full circuit around the lake, leave a full day for it as the circuit is 70 kilometers of slow birding with lots of stops.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:50
The best birding season here is spring, from early April to late June, while the second best is winter, when tens of thousands of waterbirds come to overwinter on ice-free waters.
  • How to get there

Lake Kerkini lies some 110 km north of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, and 240 km south of the Bulgarian capitol, Sofia. The Limneo Hotel owner, Nikos Gallios, personally picks his guest by car at the Thessaloniki airport.

Explain from where and how to get to this site with private and public transport.

Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:58
Lake Kerkini lies some 110 km north of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, and 240 km south of the Bulgarian capitol, Sofia. The Limneo Hotel owner, Nikos Gallios, personally picks his guest by car at the Thessaloniki airport.

Asphalt roads are good, and the same applies to most macadam roads, with the exception of mountain roads. The eastern (stretch between the villages of Limnochori and Megalochori) and the western embankment (between the villages of Livadia and Kerkini) are perfectly passable, but you have to watch out for potholes, especially after the rains when they turn into poodles whose depth you cannot see. 

Provide information on how to enter this site, which may include:
• entry points
• entry permits / entry tickets and fees
• opening hours / opening season
• other restrictions

Note that this section should only contain information on how to ACCESS (= enter) a site. Info on how to REACH a site should be added to "How to get there" section.

Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 12:48
Asphalt roads are good, and the same applies to most macadam roads, with the exception of mountain roads. The eastern (stretch between the villages of Limnochori and Megalochori) and the western embankment (between the villages of Livadia and Kerkini) are perfectly passable, but you have to watch out for potholes, especially after the rains when they turn into poodles whose depth you cannot see. If you are planning a full circuit around the lake, leave a full day for it as the circuit is 70 kilometers of slow birding with lots of stops. 
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 12:33
Asphalt roads are good, and the same applies to most macadam roads, with the exception of mountain roads. The eastern (stretch between the villages of Limnochori and Megalochori) and the western embankment (between the villages of Livadia and Kerkini) are perfectly passable, but you have to watch out for potholes, especially after the rains when they turn into poodles whose depth you cannot see after the rains.see. If you are planning a full circuit around the lake, leave a full day for it as the circuit is 70 kilometers of slow birding with lots of stops.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 12:05
Asphalt roads are good, and the same applies to most macadam roads, with the exception of mountain roads. The eastern (stretch between the villages of Limnochori and Megalochori) and the western embankment (between the villages of Livadia and Kerkini) are perfectly passable, but you have to watch out for potholes, especially when they turn into poodles whose depth you cannot see after the rains. If you are planning a full circuit around the lake, leave a full day for it as the circuit is 70 kilometers of slow birding with lots of stops.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:59
Lake Kerkini lies some 110 km north of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city, and 240 km south of the Bulgarian capitol, Sofia. The Limneo Hotel owner, Nikos Gallios, personally picks his guest by car at the Thessaloniki airport.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:50
The Lake Kerkini lies some 100 110 km away from north of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city. The city, and 240 km south of the Bulgarian capitol, Sofia. The Limneo Hotel owner, Nikos Gallios, personally picks his guest by car at the Thessaloniki airport.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:48
The Lake Kerkini lies some 100 km away from Thessaloniki, Greece’s second largest city. The Limneo Hotel owner, Nikos Gallios, personally picks his guest by car at the Thessaloniki airport.
  • Other attractions

Lake Kerkini is one of the youngest national parks of Greece, protected only in 2006, and inhabited by 11 amphibian, 27 reptilian and more than 312 bird species. Also, there are more than 44 species of mammals: Otter, Wildcat, Grey Wolf, Beech Marten, Wild Boar, and Golden Jackal among them.

Add information about other attractions at this site, including
• wildlife (apart from birds)
• sights (natural, cultural, archaeological, etc.)
• activities (e.g. for non-birding companions)

Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-08-25 06:18
Lake Kerkini is one of the youngest national parks of Greece, protected only in 2006, and inhabited by 11 amphibian, 27 reptilian and more than 312 bird species. Also, there are more than 44 species of mammals: Otter, Wildcat, Grey Wolf, Beech Marten, Wild Boar, and Golden Jackal among them.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 18:10
Lake Kerkini is one of the youngest national parks of Greece, protected only in 2006, and inhabited by 11 amphibian, 27 reptilian and 312 bird species. Also, there are more than 44 species of mammals: Otter, Wildcat, Grey Wolf, Beech Marten, Wild Boar, and Golden Jackal, among Jackal among them.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 12:43
Lake Kerkini Lake is one of the youngest national parks of Greece, protected only in 2006, and inhabited by 11 amphibian, 27 reptilian and 312 bird species. Also, there are more than 44 species of mammals: Otter, Wildcat, Grey Wolf, Beech Marten, Wild Boar, and Golden Jackal, among them.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:55
Kerkini Lake is one of the youngest national parks of Greece, protected only in 2006, and inhabited by 11 amphibian, 27 reptilian, 44 mammal reptilian and 312 bird species. Also, there are more than 44 species of mammals: Otter, Wildcat, Grey Wolf, Beech Marten, Wild Boar, and Golden Jackal, among them.
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:53
Kerkini Lake is one of the youngest national parks of Greece, protected only in 2006, and inhabited by 11 amphibian, 27 reptilian, 44 mammal and 312 bird species.

I stay at comfortable, family-run B&B Limneo Hotel at the village of Chrysochorafa, whose friendly owner, Nikos Gallios is ready to personally serve breakfast at 5 am, if his eccentric guests wish so. 

Provide information about what type of facilities are available at
or near this site, including:
• information centers / information points
• catering
• accommodation
• hides and watchtowers
• restrooms / toilets

Edited by Dragan Simic on 2024-04-19 06:24
I stayed at stay at comfortable, family-run B&B Limneo Hotel at the village of Chrysochorafa, whose friendly owner, Nikos Gallios is ready to personally serve breakfast at 5 am, if his eccentric guests wish so. 
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-09 16:14
I stayed at comfortable, family-run B&B Limneo Hotel at the village of Chrysochorafa, whose friendly owner, Nikos Gallios is ready to personally serve breakfast at 4 am, 5 am, if his eccentric guests wish so. 
Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:51
I stayed at comfortable, family-run B&B Limneo Hotel at the village of Chrysochorafa, whose friendly owner, Nikos Gallios is ready to personally serve breakfast at 4 am, if his eccentric guests wish so. 

No such issues. 

Are there any security issues or other annoyances at this site? For
instance, these may include:
• offenses like robbery or theft
• natural hazards
• dangerous or annoying animals or plants (mosquitoes, leaches, thorn bushes, etc.)
• noise pollution

Edited by Dragan Simic on 2023-05-07 11:59
No such issues. 
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