Serres is often associated with its steaming bougatsa, dusted with powdered sugar and cinnamon, but this vibrant region offers so much more. Just an hour from Thessaloniki, Serres boasts breathtaking mountains, winding rivers, and the wetlands of Kerkini Lake, a natural reserve of international importance. It’s the perfect weekend getaway for unforgettable experiences steeped in local authenticity, whether you are after a thrill or a moment of tranquility.

1. Wine-Tasting on Lake Kerkini

A favorite among filmmakers and photographers, the shimmering Lake Kerkini, which stretches along the Strymonas River, offers breathtaking views as tens of thousands of migratory birds pause here each autumn. With over 300 bird species, including Dalmatian pelicans, cormorants, and elegant flamingos, the lake transforms into a vibrant tableau, attracting nature enthusiasts from near and far.

For a truly intimate experience, take a guided boat tour from Mandraki, Kerkini village, or Lithotopos to discover the region’s natural wonders. For a memorable twist, join birdwatcher Nikos Gallios and oenotourism expert Konstantina Goula from “Ktima t’Apostoli” on a wine-tasting cruise. Enjoy four wines made from vineyards nourished by the lake’s fresh water, expertly paired with local cheeses and cured meats. The boat trip lasts about two hours and costs €30 per person.

For more information: itavros.com

2. Skydiving in Sidirokastro

If you’ve ever dreamed of flying, Serres offers a thrilling opportunity to face your fears and create lasting memories. The easiest way to bring this dream to life is through a tandem skydive with an experienced instructor. After a brief preparation session, you’ll gear up and board the plane. At the perfect altitude, you’ll leap into freefall, reaching speeds of 200 kilometers per hour for an exhilarating 40 seconds. Then, the parachute opens, allowing you to float for 5-6 minutes while taking in breathtaking views of the plains below. No prior experience or special knowledge is required – just lift your legs as you approach the ground and let your instructor handle the landing. In collaboration with the Serres Aeroclub, Greek Skydivers offers tandem jumps for adrenaline seekers at Chortero Airport in Sidirokastro, just a 30-minute drive from Serres. The entire experience lasts about two hours and costs €200.

For more information: skydive.gr

3. Exploring the Alistrati Cave

“The response of darkness to the works of light” reads the inscription at the entrance of the cave – a mere hint of the shivers that await inside. Near the Angitis River gorge, where Hades is said to have captured Persephone, lies one of Greece’s most impressive caves. This vast museum of natural sculptures, some white and others orange red, has been formed over two million years by the flow of water through the region’s limestone.

Towering stalagmites and stalactites, including rare helictites, create pillars, arches, and statues that ignite the imagination, conjuring mythical creatures and ancient figures along the cave’s 3-kilometer expanse. Despite its depth and length, the tour is pleasant, thanks to high ceilings, natural ventilation, and a steady temperature of 18°C year-round. Entry costs €8 (€6 for group visits), with guided tours departing every half hour.

For more information: alistraticave.gr

4. Hammam at Agistro

Heading north, near the Bulgarian border, a scenic drive through the forest leads you to the thermal baths of Agistro, the northernmost village in Serres. Here, you can indulge in a soothing soak at the Byzantine hammam, which dates from the 1st century AD and is believed to be the oldest operational bathhouse in Greece. Nestled within the “Hammam Agistro” hotel, this small, stone-built domed pool offers a private wellness experience, operating by appointment only.

The gentle trickle of water from the three fountains and the gentle steam create a tranquil and rejuvenating atmosphere. The waters, heated to 37.5°C, help alleviate symptoms of rheumatism, arthritis, sciatica, lower back pain, skin conditions, and more. The Agistro thermal baths feature eight pools open daily until midnight and on weekends until 2 a.m. The Byzantine hammam costs €8 for a half-hour and €12 for an hour.

5. Rafting through the Angitis River Gorge

Below the Alistrati Cave, another unique encounter with nature awaits as you raft down the Angitis River between towering rock cliffs that soar up to 80 meters high. At this time of year, the waters of this legendary tributary of the Strymonas River are calm, making the first 6 kilometers of the gorge perfect for rafting – even for families with children. You might even spot a rare pair of black storks nesting in the gorge, along with herons, ducks, river turtles, and even beavers along the way.

In addition to the area’s rich biodiversity, you can marvel at Persephone’s Cave, accessible by boat or on foot, depending on the water level. The river route from Simvoli village to Krinida takes about two to two-and-a-half hours in low waters, while the entire experience, including preparation with certified river guide Nikos Barakos, lasts approximately four hours. The cost is €40 per person, with special discounts for families. 

For more information: River Monsters Outdoor Activities on Facebook

6. High-speed racing at the Serres Racing Circuit

Get ready for another adrenaline rush in Serres! At Greece’s largest licensed racetrack, the 3,186-meter Serres Racing Circuit, motorsport enthusiasts and amateur drivers can participate in Open Track Days, testing their skills on two or four wheels, regardless of make or model. For karting fans, a dedicated 1,250-meter kart track sits adjacent to the main circuit. Those seeking a more relaxed experience can enjoy safe driving courses organized by local and international schools or watch thrilling Formula 3 races, along with impressive national and European motorcycle and car championships held at the circuit throughout the year. 

For more information: serrescircuit.gr

7. Culinary Delights Centered on Buffalo Products

Serres is a destination where the cuisine alone can capture your heart, especially its unique local specialties featuring buffalo products. The water buffalo of Lake Kerkini, once endangered in the 1990s due to the rise of high-yield cattle and agricultural industrialization, now play a vital role in both the wetland ecosystem and the region’s economy.

Buffalo milk is richer in protein and fat than cow’s milk, making it particularly beneficial for those with psoriasis, eczema, allergies, or lactose intolerance. Buffalo meat, on the other hand, is leaner and widely regarded as one of the healthiest red meats. You can sample this delicious meat at various local restaurants, particularly at the Erodios Hotel restaurant in Lithotopos, where you can savor buffalo kebabs while enjoying panoramic views of Lake Kerkini. For dessert, don’t miss a visit to Thrakiotiko-Omalos Serres, run by brothers Adam and Lefteris Xanthopoulos, to try the exceptional kazandibi made from buffalo milk. Here, you’ll also find aromatic Kerkinella cheese and other buffalo dairy products and meats.

For more information: hotel-erodios.gr and Kerkinis Meat on Facebook.