Is Serres Worth Visiting?

Serres pairs a fertile plain at the foot of Mount Vrondous with two of Macedonia's best kept natural attractions, a wetland famous for flamingos and a cave ranked among Europe's most impressive.

Serres sits about 70 kilometers northeast of Thessaloniki, with the ruins of a Byzantine castle on Koulas hill overlooking the city. Most of what stands in Serres today dates to the early 20th century, since the city was largely rebuilt after a fire set by the retreating Bulgarian army during the Second Balkan War in 1913, and that rebuilding gives the center a distinct architectural character of its own.

Food gives the city a real claim to fame. Bougatsa, the custard filled pastry now sold across Greece, is generally believed to have originated in Serres, and the local sweet akanes, made with butter from Mount Lailias, is worth seeking out in the central square's cafes.

Lake Kerkini, a short drive from the city, is one of Greece's best known wetlands, with flamingos, water buffalo, and boat tours built specifically for birdwatching. The Alistrati Cave, roughly 3 kilometers of passages lined with stalactite formations, ranks among the more impressive caves in Europe, and the ancient site of Philippi along with Kavala are both close enough for an easy day trip.

Serres suits travelers drawn to birdwatching, caves, and the outdoors, with a rebuilt city center, a namesake pastry, and two standout natural sites giving it plenty to fill a stay of its own.