Lake Kerkini, Protected reservoir in Macedonia, Greece
Lake Kerkini is a reservoir in Macedonia, Greece, that spreads across an expansive wetland and provides habitat for more than 300 bird species. The water reaches depths of around 35 meters and stands as one of the most important protected areas for waterfowl in the Balkans.
The government built the reservoir in 1932 by damming the Strymon River to protect farmland from flooding. A major reworking of the dam took place in 1980 after large amounts of sediment had accumulated.
The name comes from the nearby village of Kerkini and marks an area where fishers and buffalo herders share the land. Small taverns along the shore serve dishes made from the local catch and the meat of water buffalo.
Paved roads link Thessaloniki with the shore villages, where guesthouses and smaller hotels offer places to stay. Visitors should come early in the morning or late in the afternoon when birds are more active and the light is better for observation.
The shore zones hold more than 1300 plant species and over 4300 insect species, making the area one of the most diverse wetlands in Greece. Visitors can watch water buffalo graze in the shallow water, animals that have been part of the landscape for decades.
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