Europe's Hidden Gem
Sean Weekly leads our dedicated photography tours to Greece's Lake Kerkini in both winter and spring. Here, Sean sheds a little more light on what makes this lesser-known part of Europe such a special destination, and why you should join him on a future departure.
In Northern Greece lies the beautiful Lake Kerkini – a refuge for a tantalising array of bird species, including the largest of the world's eight pelican species, the striking Dalmatian pelican. Home to over 130 breeding species and a stopover for many migratory species, Lake Kerkini is a paradise for bird photography.
I have had the pleasure of visiting and guiding trips to Lake Kerkini for the last seven years. It's still, without doubt, one of my favourite locations, and it holds a very special place in my heart. I will never tire of being on a boat at sunrise, surrounded by such breath-taking mountain scenery and an abundance of Dalmatian pelicans.
Although the lake is incredible for wildlife all year round, it's on our winter trip that it really seems to come into a world of its own. Whilst it might be cold, and thin layers of ice may form on the lake's surface with the chance of snowfall, it's the perfect time of year to encounter Dalmatian pelicans, which look particularly photogenic in the first couple of months of the year. At this time, you can photograph the pelicans on the water from a small boat or even from the shoreline, where jaw-dropping backdrops consistently produce stunning imagery.
It's not only the scenery and the wildlife that makes this place so special to me, but also the hospitality of the staff at the family-run hotel that we stay in. Positioned just 450 metres away from the shoreline of Lake Kerkini in a small village, it's the perfect base from which to explore this wonderful location. The hotel is constructed from local materials and built in the traditional Greek way. The rooms feature fitted wooden beams, handmade furnishings, en suite bathroom and a fireplace, perfect for the cold winter months! Over the years I have built up a long-lasting relationship with the owners and staff at the hotel and every year I return, it feels like I'm going home and visiting family - the staff and owners bend over backwards to ensure the trip is a success. Then there is the food, which consists of traditional Greek dishes cooked from fresh and seasonal ingredients. One thing is for certain - you will not be going hungry!
The lake, famous for its Dalmatian pelicans in the winter, transforms into a magical haven in the spring for thousands of migratory and resident birds, including squacco heron, night heron, grey heron, spoonbills, great and pygmy cormorants, to name just a few.
Back in May, I visited the area on a recce with the view to putting together a spring tour. At this time our focus switches to the impressive selection of nesting waterbirds on the lake, and the wildlife surrounding the lakeside. Species range from European bee-eater to coypu and Balkan green lizard, so quite an assortment for us to photograph. Over the course of our stay, we'll have the opportunity to use a variety of photographic techniques such as macro, portrait imagery, wide angle, bird-in-flight and more. I will be on hand throughout to provide photographic tuition and run masterclasses at the hotel.
Lake Kerkini, with its amazing and valuable biodiversity is the most wonderful and easily accessible area for bird photography in Europe, and I hope you can join me.
Find out more about our photography trips to Lake Kerkini in Greece, or to book your place, contact our team.
