Route 2

The main destination of the route is the National Park of Lake Kerkini and the first stop is the heroic Fort Roupel (tel. +302321095100), whose defenders wrote one of the most glorious pages of Modern Greek history.

Next stop is Vyronia, with its historic Railway Station, General Headquarters of the Greek army during the final phase of the Second Balkan War (July - August 1913), where the armistice between Greece and the defeated Bulgaria was signed.

A few kilometers further north, at the foot of Mount Beles, visitors will come across the Hermitage of Timios Prodromos (tel. +302323071189), near the village of Akritochori - a glebe of the Monastery of Xenophontos on Mount Athos. Imposing, solemn, with a panoramic view of Lake Kerkini, but also hospitable and welcoming.

The journey continues even further north, high up on Mount Beles, in the village of Ano Poroia. A picturesque mountainous place surrounded by greenery, with a cool climate in the summer, lots of water and numerous taverns. Now is the time for some coffee in the cool village square or at the new wonderful canteen of the local Women’s Cooperative, where you will have the opportunity to taste unique local flavors with a view to Lake Kerkini. Don’t miss the horse-riding experience along its wooded paths.

Your final and main destination is the heavenly wetland of Lake Kerkini, about which you can get more information by the competent body (tel. +302327028004). Various activities are offered in the area, such as boating, bird watching, cycling, jeep 4x4, etc.

After your walk or activities, you can have lunch at the taverns of the area, where lake fish and buffalo meat are served.

The excursion ends with a stop at the dam of the lake, in the village of Lithotopos, from where you will have a stunning view of the dam, the lake and the Strymonas river.