Winter Birding Tour to Greece: Kerkini and Surroundings 3d/2n - 2026

Experience the magic of winter birdwatching at Greece’s Kerkini Lake, a premier destination for observing large congregations of pelicans, waterfowl, and raptors. This 3-day, 2-night tour takes you through one of Greece’s most important wetland ecosystems, where you’ll witness breathtaking bird spectacles against a stunning mountain backdrop. With expert guidance and comfortable accommodations, this tour is perfect for birdwatchers of all levels.

Tour Highlights:

Observe hundreds of Dalmatian Pelicans in breeding plumage, on their wintering grounds.
Discover one of Europe’s best winter birding destinations.
Witness large flocks of Lesser White-fronted Geese, ducks, Greater Flamingos and Bewick’s Swans.
Explore the lake and surrounding wetlands, home to raptors and waders.
Enjoy guided birdwatching with an experienced ornithologist.
Relax in a cozy accommodation with great access to birding hotspots.

Tour Details:

Duration: 3 Days / 2 Nights
Group Size: Small group for an intimate and immersive experience
Difficulty Level: Easy – suitable for all levels of birdwatchers

We are doing this tour with maximum 5 clients + guide.

Target Bird Species:

Greater Flamingo, Dalmatian Pelican, Great White Pelican, Bewick’s Swans, Whooper Swans, Eurasian Spoonbill, Common Shelduck, Teal, Northern Pintail, Northern Shoveler, Ruddy Shelduck, Ferruginous Duck, Red-crested Pochard, Smew, Long-tailed Duck, Pygmy Cormorant, Great Egret, Little Egret, Marsh Harrier, Hen Harrier, Peregrine Falcon, Common Buzzard, Short-toed Snake Eagle, White-tailed Eagle, Golden Eagle, Caspian Gull, Black-headed Gull, Common Redshank, Eurasian Curlew, Lapwing, Western Rock Nuthach and many other.

The price of this tour is:

750 euro/pers

The price is per person (accommodation in a double room), per tour, it is in euro (EUR).

Data for this program in 2026:

Period	Places	Price
11 Feb - 13 Feb		750

Click on available number of place in the table (with green dot) and fill up the form. Our agents will process the request and answer to you (usually in less then 24h). Please check also the SPAM folder for our email.

Subscriptions can be done until December 01, 2025.

Booking

Bookings are based on 350 euro deposit. The rest of the payment can be done anytime until December 01, 2025.

Group Confirmation

This program is running with minimum 2 persons subscribed. If less then 2 persons subscribe, you’ll be fully refunded.

Included in this price:

ENGLISH guidance – specialized birding guide (during the tour);
4 birding sessions, 2 in the morning, 2 in the evening, including one by boat;
Accommodation in single or double room, bathroom en suite, for 2 nights;
Brunch for second day, breakfast on the last day;
Transport from/to Thessaloniki and during the tour.

The price does not include:

Drinks
Other meals then described as included
Insurance of any kind (travel, goods, etc.)
Flights fare
Personal expenses

Children policy:

Minimum age to participate is 12
Children over 12 years are charged as adults
Responsibility of children’s supervision during trips belong to parents.

Cancellation policy:

More then 90 days before the program you can postpone the trip (you will receive a voucher available 2 years).
Less then 90 days before the trip, the deposit is non refundable.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival & First Birding Experience

Arrival at Thessaloniki Airport and transfer to Kerkini Lake.
Introduction to the region and its importance as a wintering ground for pelicans and waterfowl.
Afternoon birdwatching session along the lakeshore, focusing on Dalmatian Pelicans and ducks.
Check-in at our guesthouse, followed by free time for dinner with local cuisine.

Day 2: Full-Day Exploration of Kerkini Lake

Early morning boat excursion on the lake for close encounters with Dalmatian and Great White Pelicans.
Brunch
Afternoon birdwatching along the wetlands and agricultural fields, searching for raptors and cranes.
Return to accommodation for a relaxing evening and optional review of the day’s bird sightings.

Day 3: Morning Birding & Departure

Sunrise birdwatching session for a final chance to observe key species.
Leisurely breakfast and time for photography or last-minute birdwatching.
Transfer to Thessaloniki Airport for departure, you’ll be in the Airport at 12:30-13:00.

Birding gear and personal gear

Binocular, recommended min 8X40.
Waterproof bags for sensitive gear.
Proper clothes to the season/area. Please bring clothes in colors close to sand and rocks (brown, sand, khaki, dark green), avoid ANY other colors.
Please pack compact! We do not provide carrier services and the space in the car is generous but not infinite.

*We’ll bring a field scope for the entire group.

Shared Program

Being a SHARED program, this means the whole group goes with the same car, at the same hours (hours mutually agreed).

Conservation Efforts

The Dalmatian Pelicans at Lake Kerkini face unique challenges, especially in winter. Due to the fish staying in deep water, pelicans struggle to catch food on their own. Conservationists and local communities provide supplemental feeding during this time to ensure their survival.

By participating in this tour, you contribute to awareness and support for these incredible birds and their ecosystem.

Destination

Kerkini Lake, North Greece.
35m altitude, artificial lake.

Climate

Winter temperature vary from -5 to +15 Celsius degrees.

On water

Boat activity, please make sure all your gear is proper protected.

Warnings

Morning can be chill, please bring proper clothes and footwear.

Why Join This Tour?

Kerkini Lake is a true winter paradise for birdwatchers. Whether you’re an experienced birder or just starting, this tour provides an exceptional opportunity to observe some of Europe’s most iconic wintering birds in an incredible setting.

Join us for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Greece’s winter birdwatching wonderland!