Silvery-Blue Waters
The route covers 151 kilometers and takes about 3 hours by car or motorcycle, without stops and without the need for a guide. Visitors may choose to complete the route in one day or divide it into sections and continue the next day. It is available all year round and is ideal for travelers interested in local gastronomy and culture, as well as nature and activities such as hiking, mountaineering, cycling, birdwatching, and eco-tourism.
A circular journey of about three hours invites you to discover a land where nature, history, and gastronomy coexist in harmony, offering an immersive and unforgettable experience.
From Sidirokastro to Kerkini, the route unfolds with vistas of lush green plains, mountain ranges, colorful birds, free-roaming animals, and lakeside and mountain villages. To the north, the imposing Roupel Fortress stands as a symbol of bravery and remembrance, while the thermal baths of Agistro provide moments of relaxation amidst pristine nature. In the charming villages of Ano Poroia, Rodopoli, and Livadia, architecture and atmosphere stand out, narrating stories of tradition and artistry. Passing through Akritochori, Lithotopos, Chrysochorafa, and ending in Heraklia, the journey captures the beauty of Lake Kerkini from every angle. These landscapes become even more memorable when combined with outdoor and eco-tourism activities offered in the area. Accommodation is plentiful, from guesthouses and small hotels to family-run rooms, and traditional tavernas serve authentic local cuisine, while small shops offer regional products.
In Kerkini, buffalo products dominate the culinary identity in every possible form: buffalo yogurt, milk, and cheese, smoked sausages, and kavroumas (slow-cooked meat). Fresh lake fish, such as carp (grivadi), are served fried or grilled, while handmade pies with fillings of wild greens or local cheeses showcase the artistry of tradition. For dessert, walnut pie with buffalo cream offers the sweetest conclusion to a meal.
From “Tzoumagia” sausages to buffalo-milk pasta, liqueur made from cornelian cherries, and jams made from local fruits, the flavors are deeply tied to the land and can be found in local stores throughout the region.
This route, ideal for all seasons and for those who love nature and tradition, moves beyond the ordinary. It is a living mosaic of experiences, inviting you not only to explore but also to return and share its stories.
Route Products
PDO Products: Feta, Kasseri, Manouri (Central Macedonia)
PGI Products: Wine of Serres
Specialties: Buffalo products (meat, milk, sausages, kavroumas, cold cuts), Traditional Kerkini pasta made with buffalo milk, “Tzoumagia” sausages, Lake fish, Ammoudia pistachios, Mandraki walnuts, liqueur made from cornelian cherries, Jams from local fruits
Route Delicacies
Buffalo in the Clay Pot: A traditional dish of Lake Kerkini, renowned for its distinctive flavor. The meat is marinated overnight with wine, vegetables, spices, and mustard to absorb all aromas. It is then slow-cooked in a clay pot until tender and juicy. The result is an aromatic, full-bodied dish, best enjoyed with mashed potatoes, pasta, or fresh bread.
Omelette with Buffalo Sausage: Fresh eggs whisked with a touch of olive oil embrace the rich, full flavor of buffalo sausage, while local herbs add freshness and aroma. A simple yet extraordinary dish, highlighting both quality and tradition.
Carp with Spinach: A traditional lakeside recipe. Fresh carp is combined with spinach, onions, tomato, and dill. Rice absorbs the flavors and blends perfectly with the sauce, while the fish roasts until golden and juicy. Served hot, it creates a unique balance between the richness of fish and the freshness of vegetables.