Thessaloniki is Greece’s second largest city, well-known for its culture. If you’re hoping to explore the natural sights here, we’ve found the perfect spots for you. We’ve put together three scenic drives that you can do in a day. Let us transport you a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Grab your binoculars, get on the road and get back to nature.
Natural sights – Axios Delta National Park
Marvel at over 300 species of birds and plants, some which are rare or endangered. See everything from mammals to amphibians to reptiles. Nature lovers can get their fix here whatever the season.
Photo by: dinomichail/Fotolia
Winter brings waterfowl and birds of prey, whilst autumn sees flocks of waders in the Kalochori and Alyki Kitrous Lagoons. As the weather starts to heat up, soak up the spring chorus in the riverine forests. Don’t forget to sample the stunning coastline as summer rolls round.
Recent rare sightings include the Eastern Imperial Eagle at the delta of the Aliakmonas River.
Located on the west coast of the Thermatic gulf, the Axios Delta National Park is a protected wetland. It contains river estuaries, marshes, lagoons and salt flats, making up one of the most important ecosystems in Greece.
This handy resource suggests a number of scenic drives around the park. They range from 20 to 90 minutes in duration. Start at the Management Authority office in Chalastra (open Mon-Fri 8am – 4pm) where you can get advice, maps and brochures.
Edessa Waterfalls, Pella
The Edessa Waterfalls near Pella are approximately an hour’s drive from Thessaloniki. Enjoy views of both the waterfalls and the town of Edessa from the bridge. Why not take a wander through the gardens too.
Photo by: Lefteris Papaulakisl/Fotolia
The highlight is being able to walk behind the waterfalls themselves; truly amazing! Try one of the great local Tavernas for lunch. Alternatively, visit one of Edessa’s bakeries for traditional Greek goods to eat al fresco.
Kerkini Lake
Kerkini Lake is actually an artificial reservoir, created in 1932. Since then it has become a protected area of ecological importance. Buffalo are perhaps the most famous of the species residing in the nearby forest. They are believed to be the largest Buffalo population in Greece.
Photo by: verve/Fotolia
Allow around an hour and a half to get to Kerkini Lake from Thessaloniki. Once there, you can drive around the entire lake. It’s home to over 200 bird species including pelicans and herons. Take a peaceful boat trip to get closer to the 10 amphibian and 19 reptile species. There are specially constructed platforms where the pelicans reside. You can even take a canoe trip to get really close to nature. You may even be lucky enough to spot a turtle or one of the Lake’s five species of snail.
Ready to explore now?
Ready to soak up the sun, sounds and natural sights around Thessaloniki? Book your vehicle and plan your trip here. Want more inspiration or useful information on driving in Greece? Check out our guide to driving in Greece.
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Written by Kirsty Favell.
