Serres is usually related to its steaming bougatsa, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, however this vibrant area provides a lot extra. Simply an hour from Thessaloniki, Serres boasts breathtaking mountains, winding rivers, and the wetlands of Kerkini Lake, a pure reserve of worldwide significance. It’s the proper weekend getaway for unforgettable experiences steeped in native authenticity, whether or not you might be after a thrill or a second of tranquility.
1. Wine-Tasting on Lake Kerkini
A favourite amongst filmmakers and photographers, the shimmering Lake Kerkini, which stretches alongside the Strymonas River, provides breathtaking views as tens of 1000’s of migratory birds pause right here every autumn. With over 300 chook species, together with Dalmatian pelicans, cormorants, and chic flamingos, the lake transforms right into a vibrant tableau, attracting nature fans from close to and much.
For a really intimate expertise, take a guided boat tour from Mandraki, Kerkini village, or Lithotopos to find the area’s pure wonders. For a memorable twist, be a part of birdwatcher Nikos Gallios and oenotourism knowledgeable Konstantina Goula from “Ktima t’Apostoli” on a wine-tasting cruise. Get pleasure from 4 wines made out of vineyards nourished by the lake’s contemporary water, expertly paired with native cheeses and cured meats. The boat journey lasts about two hours and prices €30 per individual.
For extra info: itavros.com
2. Skydiving in Sidirokastro
For those who’ve ever dreamed of flying, Serres provides an exhilarating alternative to face your fears and create lasting recollections. The best strategy to convey this dream to life is thru a tandem skydive with an skilled teacher. After a quick preparation session, you’ll gear up and board the aircraft. On the good altitude, you’ll leap into freefall, reaching speeds of 200 kilometers per hour for an exhilarating 40 seconds. Then, the parachute opens, permitting you to drift for 5-6 minutes whereas taking in breathtaking views of the plains under. No prior expertise or particular data is required – simply raise your legs as you method the bottom and let your teacher deal with the touchdown. In collaboration with the Serres Aeroclub, Greek Skydivers provides tandem jumps for adrenaline seekers at Chortero Airport in Sidirokastro, only a 30-minute drive from Serres. Your complete expertise lasts about two hours and prices €200.
For extra info: skydive.gr
3. Exploring the Alistrati Cave
“The response of darkness to the works of sunshine” reads the inscription on the entrance of the cave – a mere trace of the shivers that await inside. Close to the Angitis River gorge, the place Hades is alleged to have captured Persephone, lies considered one of Greece’s most spectacular caves. This huge museum of pure sculptures, some white and others orange purple, has been shaped over two million years by the stream of water by means of the area’s limestone.
Towering stalagmites and stalactites, together with uncommon helictites, create pillars, arches, and statues that ignite the creativeness, conjuring legendary creatures and historical figures alongside the cave’s 3-kilometer expanse. Regardless of its depth and size, the tour is nice, because of excessive ceilings, pure air flow, and a gentle temperature of 18°C year-round. Entry prices €8 (€6 for group visits), with guided excursions departing each half hour.
For extra info: alistraticave.gr
4. Hammam at Agistro
Heading north, close to the Bulgarian border, a scenic drive by means of the forest leads you to the thermal baths of Agistro, the northernmost village in Serres. Right here, you possibly can bask in a soothing soak at the Byzantine hammam, which dates from the first century AD and is believed to be the oldest operational bathhouse in Greece. Nestled throughout the “Hammam Agistro” resort, this small, stone-built domed pool provides a personal wellness expertise, working by appointment solely.
The light trickle of water from the three fountains and the light steam create a tranquil and rejuvenating environment. The waters, heated to 37.5°C, assist alleviate signs of rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, decrease again ache, pores and skin situations, and extra. The Agistro thermal baths function eight swimming pools open each day till midnight and on weekends till 2 a.m. The Byzantine hammam prices €8 for a half-hour and €12 for an hour.
5. Rafting by means of the Angitis River Gorge
Under the Alistrati Cave, one other distinctive encounter with nature awaits as you raft down the Angitis River between towering rock cliffs that soar as much as 80 meters excessive. Right now of 12 months, the waters of this legendary tributary of the Strymonas River are calm, making the primary 6 kilometers of the gorge good for rafting – even for households with kids. You may even spot a uncommon pair of black storks nesting within the gorge, together with herons, geese, river turtles, and even beavers alongside the way in which.
Along with the realm’s wealthy biodiversity, you possibly can marvel at Persephone’s Cave, accessible by boat or on foot, relying on the water degree. The river route from Simvoli village to Krinida takes about two to two-and-a-half hours in low waters, whereas the complete expertise, together with preparation with licensed river information Nikos Barakos, lasts roughly 4 hours. The price is €40 per individual, with particular reductions for households.
For extra info: River Monsters Outdoor Activities on Facebook
6. Excessive-speed racing on the Serres Racing Circuit
Prepare for an additional adrenaline rush in Serres! At Greece’s largest licensed racetrack, the three,186-meter Serres Racing Circuit, motorsport fans and novice drivers can take part in Open Monitor Days, testing their expertise on two or 4 wheels, no matter make or mannequin. For karting followers, a devoted 1,250-meter kart observe sits adjoining to the primary circuit. These searching for a extra relaxed expertise can take pleasure in secure driving programs organized by native and worldwide faculties or watch thrilling Components 3 races, together with spectacular nationwide and European bike and automobile championships held on the circuit all year long.
For extra info: serrescircuit.gr
7. Culinary Delights Centered on Buffalo Merchandise
Serres is a vacation spot the place the delicacies alone can seize your coronary heart, particularly its distinctive native specialties that includes buffalo merchandise. The water buffalo of Lake Kerkini, as soon as endangered within the Nineties because of the rise of high-yield cattle and agricultural industrialization, now play a significant function in each the wetland ecosystem and the area’s financial system.
Buffalo milk is richer in protein and fats than cow’s milk, making it notably helpful for these with psoriasis, eczema, allergy symptoms, or lactose intolerance. Buffalo meat, then again, is leaner and broadly considered one of many healthiest purple meats. You’ll be able to pattern this scrumptious meat at numerous native eating places, notably on the Erodios Lodge restaurant in Lithotopos, the place you possibly can savor buffalo kebabs whereas having fun with panoramic views of Lake Kerkini. For dessert, don’t miss a go to to Thrakiotiko-Omalos Serres, run by brothers Adam and Lefteris Xanthopoulos, to attempt the distinctive kazandibi made out of buffalo milk. Right here, you’ll additionally discover fragrant Kerkinella cheese and different buffalo dairy merchandise and meats.
For extra info: hotel-erodios.gr and Kerkinis Meat on Facebook.
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