Birding areas
There are numerous birding areas in Greece, including 196 IBAs (Important Bird Areas). As we are located in Thessaloniki, we operate our tours in the birding areas of Northern Greece, which are many and very interesting. We have separated the birding areas in three categories:
- Birding areas near Thessaloniki which can be easily accessed from Thessaloniki in less than an hour and are ideal for one day or few hours birdwatching trips.
- Major birding areas in the extended area of Northern Greece, which are suitable for longer bird watching tours, as they offer large numbers of species, and different environments.
- And finally other birding areas, which can be visited as part of birding tours
- Please note that this is just a rough guide about the birding sites, with short descriptions and mentions about most important or interesting birds of the areas.
- Please refer to official Organization's websites for detailed or scientific information
Major birding areas
The birding areas of Northern Greece will surprise you!
Northern Greece is surprisingly rich in areas suitable for bird watching tours. The following areas are characterized as major birding areas because of the large numbers of species that can be spotted and the potential to be birding destinations on their own (good hotels and restaurants, easy access etc).
Lake Kerkini
One of the most important European wetlands, lake Kerkini is located just an hour's drive from Thessaloniki. Although the migration season is the best time to visit the area, you will not be disappointed any time of the year!
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR ✔ | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI ✔ |
Lake Vistonis
The area of lake Vistonis also includes the lagoons of Porto Lagos and the nearby small lakes, that format a very important area, not only for waterbirds, but also for breeding species associated with reedbeds.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR ✔ | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI ✔ |
Nestos River
The area of Nestos river includes two separate and completely different areas; The Delta, with a mixture of swallow lagoons, freshwater marsh, grassland, saltmarsh and forest and the Gorge, with the river meandering through forest and steep slopes.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR ✔ | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI ✔ |
Prespa lakes
The area includes the two freshwater lakes - Mikri (Little) and Megali (Large) Prespa, situated in a basin, surrounded by high mountains. The lakes have extensive reedbeds and small areas of wet meadow. Prespa lakes are known as the largest nesting colony of Dalmacian pelicans.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR ✔ | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI ✔ |
Dadia Forest
The area of Dadia forest is well known for the breeding and wintering of raptors! With 36 species recorded it is renowned as one of 2 remaining European feeding and breeding grounds for rare raptors such as the black and griffin vultures.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR - | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI - |
Evros Delta
The area of Evros Delta is a large coastal wetland, formed by Evros river. It is important area not only for breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds but also raptors and passerines.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR ✔ | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI ✔ |
Birding areas near Thessaloniki
You can enjoy bird watching less than an hour away from Thessaloniki!
The areas we describe are less than an hour away from Thessaloniki, and they all are very easy to find and visit- ideal for a short escape and an interesting short birding trip!
Axios - Loudias - Aliakmon delta
A very important wetland just 30kms from Thessaloniki centre. Large numbers of waterbirds can be seen during winter. Interesting species can been seen here, at is a breeding, passage and wintering area.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR ✔ | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI ✔ |
Gallikos estuary and Kalohori lagoon
Less than 15km from Thessaloniki centre, this coastal delta with lagoons and marshes is an important area for breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds and other passage migrants.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR - | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI - |
Agios Mamas marsh
Agios Mamas march is a small coastal wetland, located in the beginning of Kassandra peninsula, 70km south-east from Thessaloniki, an important location for breeding and passage waders.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR - | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI - |
Koroneia & Volvi lakes
The area is home to thousands of waterbirds. There are two freshwater lakes, a gorge with a small river leading to the sea and an interesting lakeside forest next to Apollonia village.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR ✔ | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI ✔ |
Aliki Kitrous lagoon
Kitros is a small village close to ancient Pydna, known for the saltpans. There is also a lagoon, dunes and saltmarshes hosting passaging and wintering waterbirds, just 55kms from Thessaloniki!
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR - | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI - |
Other birding areas
You can actually enjoy birdwatching all over Northern Greece!
These areas are not less interesting, but they can not be considered as a birding destination. The best idea is to include a visit on your way to the major birding areas.
Strimon delta
Strimon (Strimonas) delta is another important site for breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds. with saltmarsh, brackish coastal lagoons, wet grassland and reedbeds. Located just next to the National Road that connects Thessaloniki with Kavala, it can be an interesting stop on your way to Thrace.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR - | NATURA2000 - | WI - |
Agras artificial lake / Vritta - Nisi wetland
The artificial lake of Agras and the surrounding wetland is located just 6km from the city of Edessa, and it is a must if you are heading to Prespa lakes or Western Macedonia in general. The extensive reedbeds make the area important for species associated with them, like the Whiskered Tern
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR - | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI - |
Mount Krousia
Mt. Krousia is located next to Lake Kerkini ( South / south-west) and it is an important area for breeding and passage raptors like the Greater Spotted Eagle and breeding forest passerines.
| IBA ✔ | RAMSAR - | NATURA2000 ✔ | WI - |