From Thessaloniki: Day Trip to Lake Kerkini & Boat Tour

Wetlands, birdlife and buffalo, with a boat ride through the national park.

4.3 out of 5 stars, 3 Viator reviews

Duration: About 8 hours
Group size: Small groups, 6–7 people
Meeting point: Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Thessaloniki
Pick-up & return: From 09:00 from your hotel, back around 17:00. Exact time confirmed the day before
What to bring: Comfortable clothes and shoes, sun protection, an extra layer
Languages: English, Greek

About this tour

Discover the natural beauty of Lake Kerkini on a day trip from Thessaloniki: the wetlands of the national park, optional tastings of local buffalo milk products, and an optional visit to a local winery.

After pick-up from your hotel, we drive for about 1.5 hours through the farmland of Serres, with olive groves and vineyards on one side and the Lailias and Belles mountains on the other.

At the lake you meet the boatmen and set off on a boat tour of the Kerkini wetlands. Learn about the area’s many bird species and mammals, and about the local community that benefits from protecting the lake.

If you like, we stop at a local pastry shop to taste treats made from buffalo milk (optional, not included in the price). If you like, we continue to a winery in the Serres countryside for a guided tour and a look at how the wine is made.

Photos

What you'll do

A scenic 1.5-hour drive through the Serres countryside
A boat tour of the Kerkini National Park wetlands with the local boatmen
Time permitting, the lookout at Fort Roupel or the hermitage of Timios Prodromos at Akritochori
An optional stop to taste buffalo milk treats at a local pastry shop
An optional winery visit in the Serres countryside

Included

Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Thessaloniki
Transport by minivan
The boat tour of the lake
An experienced local guide

Not included

The optional buffalo milk tasting
The optional winery tour

What guests say

5 out of 5 stars,

“Amazing experience at Lake Kerkini! The scenery was absolutely beautiful, and seeing the pelicans and water buffalo up close made the day unforgettable. A special thank you to our driver Tassos, who was friendly, helpful and made the whole trip even more enjoyable. Highly recommend this experience if you’re visiting Thessaloniki!”

Perrie Sciberras Google · Sep 2026 Read on Google ↗
5 out of 5 stars,

“Fantastic trip from start to finish. Tassos tailored our trip to our interest and went above and beyond to ensure we had a memorable day. … The monastery was a bonus as we didn’t know this was included and we were made to feel very welcome. Fantastic views of Lake Kerkini too. … The boat trip was exceptional.”

Cindy_M Viator · Jul 2026 Read on Viator ↗
5 out of 5 stars,

“The best of all excursions in my 62 years of life. If you love nature. I am still on vacation … but it is truly incredible what you see. And my driver Sotiris did so much for me; it cannot be measured in gold. Thank you for everything!”

Michaela_H Viator · May 2026 Translated by Viator Read on Viator ↗

Frequently asked questions

What kind of wildlife might we see during the Lake Kerkini boat tour?

Lake Kerkini is known for its rich birdlife and wetland landscape, so the boat tour offers the chance to observe a variety of birds and enjoy the natural scenery. Wildlife sightings can vary depending on the season, weather, and conditions on the day.

What should I wear for the Lake Kerkini day trip?

We recommend comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for a day outdoors, along with sun protection in warmer months and an extra layer when the weather is cooler.

Is this trip mainly about nature, birdwatching, or local food?

It is a combination of all three. The experience is built around the natural landscape of Lake Kerkini, the boat tour through the wetlands, and optional local flavours such as buffalo-based products.

Is Lake Kerkini worth visiting outside peak birdwatching season?

Yes. While wildlife activity can vary throughout the year, the area remains a rewarding destination for its landscape, peaceful atmosphere, and local character.

What if I need to cancel, or the weather is bad?

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start, with a full refund. If we have to cancel because of the weather, you get a full refund, or we move you to another date if that suits you.

From €120 Book now