Thessaloniki birdwatching tours for small groups up to 12 travelers. Ideal private & guided tours to amazing nearby birdwatching sites in Northern Greece. Spend a full day birdwatching at amazing sites that will make you adore pristine nature along with local people and culture. For more information on our Thessaloniki bird watching tours (availability – rates) please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113

Explore the amazing flora and fauna of Northern Greece at your own pace while escaping the crowds. Private and guided trips for birdwatching from Thessaloniki.

Birdwatching: A great hobby to consider

Birdwatching is definitely a fantastic hobby as it offers a unique blend of relaxation, learning, and a deep connection with nature and wildlife. Spending time in nature, observing these fascinating creatures, can significantly lower stress levels and improve mental well-being. Birdwatching encourages focus and observation, helping you to be present and active in the moment.  It often involves spending more time outdoors, which can improve your physical health. There is always something new and exciting to discover about birds and not only at your backyard. A hobby that may keep you engaged and intellectually stimulated for years to come. In addition, joining local birdwatching groups can introduce you to like-minded people and create great opportunities for social interaction. By the end of the day, birdwatching can deepen your appreciation for nature and inspire you to protect the environment.

Northern Greece: A birdwatcher’s paradise

Northern Greece boasts a rich tapestry of wetlands and diverse bird habitats, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. Northern Greece situated on a major migratory route from South to North and vice versa,, making it a crucial stopover for countless bird species. Below you may find the key wetland areas in Northern Greece, which we include in our Thessaloniki birdwatching day trips.

Axios-Loudias Delta

Kalohori lagoon is the gate of National park, just 10 km from Thessaloniki city center or half an hour drive. The Axios – Loudias delta coastal wetland is hosting great numbers of birds, fishes and animals. The lagoon often becomes a shelter for large numbers of flamingos, who find ample supplies of food in its shallow waters. While numbers can fluctuate, it is a prime location for spotting them, particularly during spring and autumn migration. This vast wetland area is a crucial stopover for migratory birds, offering amazing images, with birds feeding off its waters, with the urban landscape and the port cranes of Thessaloniki in the background.

Lake Kerkini, Serres

Kerkini Lake is the crown jewel of birdwatching in Greece. This artificial lake, created by Strymon River is located 100km from Thessaloniki or a couple of hours drive. The lake surrounded by mountains Belles and Mavrovouni, at close proximity with the Greek-Bulgarian borders. It is one of the most important wetlands in Europe and considered one of the top European bird watching destinations. Lake Kerkini is a complete revelation throughout the year. Incredible scenery, mountains and forests, wild landscape, various trees, food, wine, the lake and the amazing winter colors reveal the real soul of the region.

Agios Mamas, Halkidiki

Agios Mamas marsh is a rather small coastal wetland in Halkidiki, between Kassandra and Sithonia peninsulas. Located just 70 km from Thessaloniki or just an hour drive, it is definitely worth visiting site, especially during wintertime. With still waters, sand dunes and reed beds the wetland provide shelter to a series of migratory species that reproduce here during summer months. The great-feathered spectacle of Agios Mamas wetland are the pink flamingos that have been increasingly choosing Northern Greek wetlands as their winter home.  

Birdlife in Northern Greece

Thessaloniki is the capital city of Northern Greece and in close proximity to the most significant wetlands. Taking a birdwatching day trip from Thessaloniki you will most possibly watch a great number of birds. Here are some captivating birds you might encounter:

Wetland Wonders

• Pelicans: These majestic birds are a common sight in the delta regions. Their large size and distinctive appearance make them unforgettable.
• Herons and Egrets: Graceful and elegant, these long-legged birds are found in shallow waters.
• Ducks and Geese: A variety of duck species, as well as geese, live and thrive in the wetlands, especially during migration.
• Waders: Birds like sandpipers, plovers, and oystercatchers hunt along the shores and mudflats.
• Flamingos: Flamingo populations can fluctuate due to various factors, including weather conditions and habitat changes. Therefore, there is no guarantee of spotting them, but the chances are certainly higher during winter.

Raptors

• Eagles: Several eagle species, including the majestic White-tailed Eagle, fly high in the region, particularly in mountainous areas.
• Falcons: These swift hunters are soaring through the skies, searching for prey.
• Buzzards and Hawks: These common raptors are often circling overhead.

Forest Dwellers

• Woodpeckers: You may listen to these colorful birds drumming on trees.
• Owls: Nocturnal hunters like the Barn Owl and Tawny Owl live in suitable habitats.
• Jays and Magpies: These intelligent birds are common in wooded areas.

Coastal Birds

• Gulls and Terns: These seabirds are abundant along the coastline.
• Corvidae: Crows, ravens, and jackdaws reside near coastal areas.

Keep in mind that the best time for birdwatching is during migration periods (spring and autumn) when the variety of species is at its peak.

Your driver and Thessaloniki local guide

Michael E. Nalbantis is both your driver and local guide for all your Thessaloniki day trips. Thessaloniki born and grown, English speaking and a Google maps local guide level seven. Also available bird tour guides for wetlands and lake sites upon request at an extra cost. For more info on our Thessaloniki day trips please click here

Availability & rates of Thessaloniki birdwatching tours

For more info (availability – rates) on our bird watching private tours from Thessaloniki, please click here or simply contact Michael at +306976888113

Also available SKG Airport pick-ups & drop offs upon request.