Lake Kerkini is one of Greece’s largest national parks and a designated RAMSAR wetland of international importance. Its setting is truly spectacular, with the snow-capped Belles Mountains rising to over 2,000 metres along the northern shore, forming a dramatic backdrop on the border with Bulgaria. This unique location, combined with its sheltered south-facing position, creates a relatively mild winter climate, making it one of the few places in eastern Europe that can support such large numbers of wintering birds.
During the winter months, Kerkini’s ice-free waters become the most important site in Europe for the globally threatened Dalmatian Pelican—the undisputed highlight of any winter visit. A boat trip onto the lake offers exceptional close-up encounters with these magnificent birds. There is plenty more to see as well. The lake supports significant numbers of Pygmy Cormorants and Greater Flamingos, the latter particularly striking when in flight. Wildfowl are often abundant, with large flocks of Common Pochard frequently accompanied by scarcer species such as Red-crested Pochard, Ferruginous Duck, and Smew. In recent years, the rare Lesser White-fronted Goose has also become a regular visitor, often found among the more numerous Greater White-fronted Geese. The abundance of birds also attracts an impressive range of birds of prey. Notably, the rare and declining Greater Spotted Eagle overwinters here, with several individuals regularly seen hunting along the lakeshore. White-tailed Eagle, Goshawk, and Peregrine are also frequently observed, while the elusive Eagle Owl can sometimes be found roosting in lakeside trees.
Located around 60 miles north of Thessaloniki, Lake Kerkini is easily accessible, with accommodation just a short drive from the key birding areas. Direct flights from London Gatwick to Thessaloniki make travel straightforward, making Kerkini an ideal destination for a short winter birding destination in Eastern Europe. Beyond the lake itself, the surrounding villages, farmland, and wooded areas provide additional variety. These habitats offer opportunities to see species such as Corn Bunting, Water Pipit, Hawfinch, Black Redstart, Sombre Tit, Grey-headed and Syrian Woodpeckers and Cirl Bunting. This new tour will be led by Gary Elton, who has guided many trips to the area in all season. You can expect to see over 100 species.
The banner image was taken by Gordon Small and shows how close we can expect to get to the pelicans on the boat trips.
DAY ONE
Your winter birdwatching adventure to Greece begins with a lunchtime departure from London Gatwick Airport, flying direct to Thessaloniki and arriving there at 1745. We then journey north towards Lake Kerkini, one of Europe’s premier winter birding destinations. There won’t be any time for birding today due to the flight time, so we will arrive at our hotel in time for dinner, beautifully situated at the foot of the Belles Mountains near the traditional village of Ano Poroia.
DAY TWO – Pelicans & Lake Exploration (Morning Boat Trip)
We begin our exploration of Lake Kerkini with a memorable morning boat trip, offering a superb introduction to this outstanding wetland. Calm early conditions allow us to get remarkably close to the lake’s birdlife, with exceptional photographic opportunities.
A major highlight is the chance to observe the impressive Dalmatian Pelican at close range—this is Europe’s most important wintering site for this globally threatened species. Flocks can be sizeable, and their confiding nature makes for unforgettable encounters. Among them, we may also spot the elegant Great White Pelican. The lake itself is alive with activity. Large numbers of Greater Flamingo, Great Cormorant, and Great Egret are typically present, alongside a variety of ducks including Common Pochard, Eurasian Teal, and Mallard.
Throughout the day, we continue birding around the lakeshore and surrounding wetlands, scanning for waders, wintering geese, and birds of prey such as the magnificent White-tailed Eagle.
DAY THREE – Woodland & Countryside Birding
Today we explore beyond the lake into the varied habitats around the foothills of the Belles Mountains. This day focuses on woodland, farmland, and rocky terrain, offering a rich contrast to the wetland environment. Traditional villages, open countryside, and scattered trees provide ideal conditions for species such as Syrian Woodpecker, while wooded areas may reveal Grey-headed Woodpecker and European Green Woodpecker. Rocky slopes and old quarries are particularly rewarding, where we may encounter Western Rock Nuthatch and Rock Bunting. Open areas can host winter visitors such as Hen Harrier, Merlin, and Great Grey Shrike. Other notable sightings may include Little Owl, often seen perched in daylight, as well as Crested Lark and Spanish Sparrow. This varied day provides an excellent opportunity to experience the full diversity of the Kerkini region.
DAY FOUR – Wetlands Revisited (Afternoon Boat Trip)
Our second boat trip is scheduled for this afternoon (timed flexibly depending on weather conditions), offering a different perspective on Lake Kerkini. The softer afternoon light often creates ideal viewing and photography conditions, as well as a chance to revisit key species or discover new ones. With over 50,000 ducks sometimes present, the lake is a spectacle of winter birdlife. Alongside common species, we may find scarcer visitors such as Ferruginous Duck and Smew. Wintering flocks of Greater White-fronted Goose gather around the shores, always holding the exciting possibility of the endangered Lesser White-fronted Goose.
Waders such as Pied Avocet, Spotted Redshank, and Ruff may be seen along the margins, while the surrounding skies offer the chance of raptors including Greater Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle, and Peregrine Falcon. This final full day around Kerkini provides a fitting finale, showcasing why the lake is considered one of Europe’s finest winter birding destinations.
DAY FIVE
A full days birding awaits on our final day with a late flight back to Gatwick which departs at 2205. We will do some final birding around Kerkini lake in the morning, searching for any missed species. In the afternoon we then head south to explore the rich coastal wetlands of Kalochori Lagoon. In winter, these lagoons teem with life, hosting vast numbers of wildfowl, waders, and gulls. Expect impressive gatherings of shorebirds, alongside species such as Yellow-legged Gull, Mediterranean Gull, and Slender-billed Gull. Other highlights may include Greater Flamingo, Red-breasted Merganser, Black-necked Grebe, Eurasian Spoonbill, Hen Harrier, Western Marsh Harrier, Common Kingfisher, and Eurasian Penduline Tit. We then board our evening flight back to London Gatwick Airport, bringing this memorable winter birdwatching tour to a close.
