Leonine Traces
The route covers 100 kilometers and takes about 1 hour by car or motorcycle, without stops and without the need for a guide. It can be enjoyed throughout the year and is ideal for visitors interested in local gastronomy and culture, as well as nature activities such as hiking, mountaineering, and cycling.
This one-hour journey through the heart of Serres, from Nea Kerdyllia to Agios Ioannis, is a passage through historic and beloved places, fertile lands, and authentic Macedonian cuisine. The route passes Amphipolis, Proti, Alistrati, Nea Zichni, and Agio Pnevma, ending at the refreshing springs of Agios Ioannis. It is a four-seasons route, full of flavors, aromas, and products of identity and quality.
At Amphipolis, the Lion stands as a guardian of centuries, while the Kasta Tomb continues to keep its secrets. In the area of Alistrati, nature unveils itself with the famous Alistrati Cave and the Aggitis Gorge, which visitors can cross on foot. The cave, with its stalagmites, stalactites, colors, and rock paintings, is rightfully considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. The Monastery of Panagia Eikosifoinissa inspires awe and reverence, while the Lailias Forest and the Valley of the Holy Anargyroi offer unique images of natural beauty.
The gastronomy of the region is based on rich local production: Struma rice, Vrontou potatoes, Agios Ioannis peppers and the globally renowned Serres spirulina. All of these can be found in local shops. For accommodation, the region offers many choices of guesthouses and hotels.
Among the signature dishes are bulgur with meat or vegetables, pleska (a crustless pie made with corn, leeks, and local cheese), and giant beans baked in the oven. A unique specialty is kolombarina, a zucchini-based pie that can be served either savory or sweet, dusted with powdered sugar. Finally, the area’s famous sweets—the aromatic akanes, made with local butter, the crispy and delicious bougatsa, and the syrupy touloumbaki—complete the experience.
Local wines or ouzo accompany meals perfectly, adding a flavorful note to a journey that unfolds with delight in a land full of history and identity.
Route Products
PDO Products: Feta, Kasseri, Manouri (Central Macedonia)
PGI Products: Wine of Serres
Specialties: Struma rice, Agios Ioannis peppers, Vrontou potatoes, Serres spirulina, Ouzo
Route Delicacies
Kolombarina Pie: A zucchini-based pie without pastry, full of aroma. Fresh grated zucchini is mixed with feta, rice, mint, and cinnamon, creating a blend that balances the freshness of the vegetable with the savory taste of cheese. Flour and egg bind the mixture, while breadcrumbs and butter form a crispy golden crust. Slowly baked in the oven, it is served hot, fragrant, and delicious.
Bougatsa: One of Macedonia’s most famous treats, distinguished by its fine semolina cream wrapped in thin, buttered phyllo. The velvety cream, flavored with vanilla, is baked inside crisp pastry that turns golden in the oven. The secret lies in the butter and careful baking to keep it light and airy. Served warm, cut into pieces, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, it is the ultimate local delicacy.
Akanes: The most iconic sweet of Serres, renowned for its unique taste and texture. Made with goat butter that gives it its special aroma, roasted almonds, and starch that lends it a velvety consistency. Shaped into small balls, coated with powdered sugar, it is a sweet full of flavor and tradition, a unique treat and a perfect gift to take home.