Taste, smell and see a beautiful selection of different types of Ouzo. Alexandridis is one of the best ouzo-makers in the region who knows all about this spirit’s secrets.
Originally called ‘Nine Roads’ for the nine roads leading out of it, Amphipolis was where the Persian king Xerxes buried alive 9 youths and another 9 maidens to appease the gods after his defeat at the Battle of Salamis.
Mentioned by the historian Herodotus in the 5th century BC as ‘Siris,’ from the word sirios, meaning sun, the remains of the ancient acropolis and Byzantine tower overlook the modern city of Serres from its northern well-to-do pine-clad Koulas district. The Byzantine stronghold rose from the ruins of the ancient fortress built to defend the ancient city in 6th to 7th century BC. The city took its name from this later ‘castle,’ ‘Kastrini,’ while under Turkish occupation it was called ‘Bas Koule’ (top tower). The present name of the hill above the modern city, ‘Koulas’ is derived from that name.
A small settlement of Bisaltia founded by colonists from Argilos in the 6th century BC. Its currency showed Hermes’ head and ears of barley or bunches of grapes. It was destroyed by invading Thracian or Galatian tribes and abandoned in the 3rd century BC.
Established in 1996 by Apostolos Goulas, the vineyard now encompasses 3,000 acres of organically grapes in the village of Abeloi (whose name means vineyards). Also makes tsipouro (a Greek spirit).
The site along the coast was discovered in 1883 following the texts of Herodotus, who wrote that in 480 BC Persian general Xerxes conscripted the inhabitants of Argilos into his army. The city, overlooking the sea, was founded in the 7th century BC by settlers from Andros.
With a view of the Serres plain, high on Mt Paggeo, this monastery is famous for its Catholicon, built as a rotunda like that of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Saints’ relics include St Chrysostomos and Arsenios of Cappadocia.
Once an important trading centre of ancient Bisaltia, along the banks of the Strymonas, near the modern town of the same name, the city was colonized by settlers from Thassos island. Its influence fell off with the founding of Amphipolis but the city remained prosperous enough to have minted its own coins from 476 to 356, showing a carp and Silenus, the companion of wine god Dionysus. Not much of it remains, however.
In operation since 1970 in the old 15-century six-domed Turkish textile market, the museum has finds from the Neolithic, Bronze, Hellenistic and Roman eras and Byzantium. One of only two remaining Ottoman-era “bezesteni” (textile) markets in Greece.
The Gazoritis Winery was launched in 2006 by the Boulios brothers and their pal Christos Tholoulis in renovated warehouses next to the Gazoros train station. A young fresh range of wines from cinsaut, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay grapes, organically grown.
This beautiful example of a Byzantine church was fully restored in 1937 and sits in the northeast corner of the acropolis citadel overlooking the city of Serres. Its rich decoration and murals are now in the city’s Ecclesiastical Museum.
One of the biggest caves in Europe and worth seeing for the variety of its breathtaking formations. Located 50 kilometers south of the city of Serres and 6 kilometers from the town of Alistrati, the Alistrati Cave is one of the region’s major attractions.
On the road to the St John Prodromos Monastery, east of the city of Serres, sits St George, with its beautiful belltower. Founded in 1298, it lost its dome when sacked by the Turks in 1572. The two icons in its iconostasis are of great significance. Its feast day is April 23.
The premier vineyard in Abeloi. Both the oak-barrel-matured dry red and dry white wines of this organic winery are considered some of the best from the region.
Housed on the 2nd floor of the region’s Orthodox diocese, the museum’s exhibits include religious vestments, Byzantine artifacts, crucifixes, illustrated Gospels and carved chancel screens from monasteries and churches of the greater area of Serres and Nigrita.
The five-arched stone bridge of Aggista, where the Aggitis Gorge ends, is one of the most picturesque manmade creations in all of Serres. Near the bridge sits the 4th-century-BC ancient Lion of Amphipolis, only unearthed in 1913.
The museum has a permanent exhibit of traditional costumes, buckles, belts and jewelry as well as folklore artefacts.
Established in 1977 in the foothills of Mt Pangeon, the wines are certified organic by BIO Hellas. The estate produces a wide range of wines, from Cabernet Sauvignon to red merlot and syrah. Operates tours and has a reception building for tasting. (All year round)
Lying 3 kilometers east of the village of the same name, Gazoros was mentioned by Alexander’s general Ptolemy. The cult of Artemis Gazoria was worshipped up until Roman times. It later became a ‘polis’ under Philip II of Macedon.
This 3-storey museum in Serres proper highlights traditional dances and musical instruments, while the second floor has a representation of a typical reception hall from a Vlach home, with furniture and hand embroidery.
This museum is devoted to the study of the history and peoples of the entire Balkan peninsula (called Aemos in ancient times). A private museum opened in 1998, on show are a wide range of decorative objects, jewelry, instruments, religious icons and vestments, military uniforms and weapons and traditional costumes.
Built at the foothills of Mt Belles above the town of Akritohori, the monastery has a panoramic view of Lake Kerkini. It was constructed in 1981 in keeping with the architectural style used in Mt Athos. About 30 nuns are in residence there today.
Likely originally founded in the marshland around Lake Achinos by Paionians or the Edones tribe from the Thermaic Gulf to the west, the Ichnaeans may have participated in the Macedonian colonization of Amphipolis.
Situated just 250 meters from the Bulgarian border, in the foothills of Mt Belles at an altitude of 1,936 meters, this fort-turned-museum was part of the Metaxas defense line, named after then dictator of Greece Ioannis Metaxas. It was built as defense against invasion and as a base for military attacks against the German-Bulgarian forces in WWII.
The ‘kyathos’ was the deep bowl used to collect wine from barrels before being ladled into drinking cups. A good name for this winery that makes a lovely dry muscat.
Flanked by reeds with water-lilies opening their blooms to the sun, this Natura 2000 artificial lake – which rises or falls by 4.5 meters depending on the season – is a must-see for the thousands of birds that gather and reproduce here (see birdwatching section). Sightseeing boats leave from the ports of Mandraki and Kerkini while numerous other activities are available. Visit the Office for the Promotion of Ecotourism which has been in operation since 2002 in the village of Lithotopos.
Sitting on the edge of a deep ravine with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, legend has it that this huge boulder is the spot from which poor heartbroken Katiga is said to have leapt to her death. The path that leads to the rock is one of the most scenic. This more than 30 square kilometres of beech and pine forest is a protected Natura 2000 area. With a climate similar to that of northern Europe, it is a winter wonderland when covered in snow. The spring brings a burst of color with crocuses peeping out under the shade of ageless trees. More than 515 species of flora have been recorded and the region hosts an abundance of wildlife. The Sfagnonas part of the wood is of particular beauty and is protected as a paleobotanical area of great importance to the study of the forest’s history. It has been declared a monument of nature by the Agriculture Ministry.
Set in Siderokastro’s central square, the museum presents the personal collection of Tsartsidis, who began collecting military memorabilia from the Balkan wars and world wars in 1941. The folklore section houses costumes, objects and tools used by the local craftspeople.
Two kilometers outside the village of Alistrati sits the Monastery of Aghia Kyriaki on a lush green site. Originally housing monks, today just two nuns are in residence. Though one of the oldest in the area, only the entrance of the original abbey remains.
In the foothills of Mt Paggeon, 2km from the village of Domiros south of Serres, this was once a dependency of the monastery of Icofinissa. It was the first nunnery in Macedonia.
Overlooking the Holy Cross Monastery on a pine-covered hill, just two walls of the original church, built in 1900, remain. The rest was restored in 1990. Feast days are July 20 and September 24. There is an icon in the chapel to the Virgin Mary that is said to work miracles.
Located northeast of the city of Siderokastro, this working monastery is responsible for the Serres orphanage of girls, the geriatric ward and kids’ summer camps. Its feast day is July 15.
Just 10 kms from Serres, sitting in a great green valley below Mt Menikion, the Monastery of John the Baptist was founded in 1270 by Ezevon Ioannikos, who later became bishop. The first patriarch of Constantinople, Gennadios Scholarios, took refuge here from 1457 to 1462 after the fall of that city and is entombed at the abbey. A university-level school operated for 300 years, greatly contributing to the preservation of Greek culture. Many important relics were destroyed by Bulgarian troops in 1941. The carved wooden iconostasis dates to 1804. The monastery celebrates the saint’s holy day on August 29th.
Set in the village of Aghio Pneuma on Mt Menikion and founded by its inhabitants in 1964, today the monastery’s 4 nuns celebrate a mass for the public every Sunday. Its saint’s day is September 14th.
Founded by St Germanos in 518 AD, this important Byzantine nunnery was frequently raided by Turks and Bulgarians. The monastery’s vast library of prized manuscripts was destroyed in one such raid in 1917. The famous Hellenic School functioned here. The monastery’s name comes from the handmade icon of the Virgin Mary, which is said to emit a dark purple light. The abbey celebrates feast days on August 15, September 14 and November 21.
Outside the village of Metochi, 10 kms north of Serres, the Monastery of the Virgin is named for its miraculous icon which in 1996 caused the life-giving spring to flow on the eve of its saint’s day after having been dry for years.
Just inland from the coast of the Strymonas Gulf sits the monument to the villagers of Kerdilia. On October 17, 1941, over 230 men and boys were massacred in the first mass execution by the Nazis in Greece.
At the northeastern tip of Lake Kerkini and on the railway line, this aquarium features the 31 varieties of fish found in the lake.
The museum at Ancient Amphipolis houses finds from the ancient sanctuary and fortifications including statuary, coins, inscriptions, and finds from the later Christian-era basilicas. Open Tuesday to Sunday until 3pm. The archaeological park hosts a festival in July and August.
Located just below the juncture where the river Aggitis meets the Strymonas, Myrkinos was in the territory of the Thracian Edonian tribe. It was founded in 497 BC by colonists from Miletus as a reward for their help to the Persian king Darius.
On the road to the Monastery of Timios Prodromos (John the Baptist) just outside Serres, the exhibits aim to inform visitors about the flora and fauna of the area with taxidermy birds and animals and samples of plants and minerals from the region.
This label is most known for its “Crinin” dry red, full-bodied and bountiful. The winery boasts organic vineyards as well.
At the heart of the city of Serres, and now some meters below street level, this old basilica was built in 1224 on the ruins of an ancient church. Of its beautiful mosaics, only one remains after the cathedral was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1913.
Eight kilometres to the southeast of Serres, an ancient cemetery, or necropolis, discovered here unearthed some interesting finds when it was the subject of an archaeological dig in 1987. Further excavations in 2005 unearthed gold wreaths, pottery, coins, jewellery and the headless statue of a rider, most dating to the Hellenistic and Roman eras after 500 BC. These later archaeologists claim to have found the ancient city of Verge.
Dimosthenes Pagonas completed wine studies in 1993 and founded this label 10 years later. Drop by for some interesting wines indeed. (All year round)
The largest of the 21 fortresses of the Metaxa line, the Roupel or Rupel Fort (also called Metaxa Fortress) sits 322 meters above sea level and overlooks the Roupel Pass between mounts Bellas and Aggistro. It was surrendered to the Germans on April 10, 1941, after a historic 4-day battle. Splendid views from what is now a museum and monument. Tours are provided of the large complex of mostly underground bunkers. It comprises 6.1 out of the 155 kilometres of the full line of fortifications.
A museum devoted to the now lost nomadic equestrian tribe of the Sarakatsanoi, which was mostly annihilated in WWII. Exhibits highlight their way of life, tent dwellings and costumes and horse decorations as well as traditions and art.
Situated 25km north of Serres, the remains of the medieval fort that gave the town its name ‘Iron Castle’ can still be seen in this idyllic traditional village with shady squares, stone bridges and waterfalls. The Issari Fort, built by Byzantine Emperor Basil II and 155 meters tall, is the most imposing feature of the town’s northwestern side. But there also lie the Aghios Dimitris church, carved into a rock, and the Kroussovitis river which cuts the town in two.
Sintia lies north of Lake Kerkini and modern Mandraki. Roman writer Livy mentions the frontier town of Sintia, in ancient Dardania, as the first town seized by Philip V after he conquered neighbouring Illyria in 215-205 BC. Probably founded by Scythians or Thracians from the area, there is some debate that an ‘Etruscan’ gold book, found in Bulgaria and still not released to the public, came from this ancient settlement where visitors can still see the remains of a fort.
The ruins of the ancient city of Tintos lie just northeast of Sitohori, but most of it remains unexcavated and shrouded in mystery.
The tall tower is all that remains of the Byzantine Castle of Ezevy. Maro was the wife of Murad II and the daughter of the Serb sovereign George Brakovic. She had enough influence that Turk officers were sent to assassinate her. She escaped and died in a nearby village.
Originally called ‘Nine Roads’ for the nine roads leading out of it, Amphipolis was where the Persian king Xerxes buried alive 9 youths and another 9 maidens to appease the gods after his defeat at the Battle of Salamis.
Mentioned by the historian Herodotus in the 5th century BC as ‘Siris,’ from the word sirios, meaning sun, the remains of the ancient acropolis and Byzantine tower overlook the modern city of Serres from its northern well-to-do pine-clad Koulas district. The Byzantine stronghold rose from the ruins of the ancient fortress built to defend the ancient city in 6th to 7th century BC. The city took its name from this later ‘castle,’ ‘Kastrini,’ while under Turkish occupation it was called ‘Bas Koule’ (top tower). The present name of the hill above the modern city, ‘Koulas’ is derived from that name.
A small settlement of Bisaltia founded by colonists from Argilos in the 6th century BC. Its currency showed Hermes’ head and ears of barley or bunches of grapes. It was destroyed by invading Thracian or Galatian tribes and abandoned in the 3rd century BC.
The site along the coast was discovered in 1883 following the texts of Herodotus, who wrote that in 480 BC Persian general Xerxes conscripted the inhabitants of Argilos into his army. The city, overlooking the sea, was founded in the 7th century BC by settlers from Andros.
Once an important trading centre of ancient Bisaltia, along the banks of the Strymonas, near the modern town of the same name, the city was colonized by settlers from Thassos island. Its influence fell off with the founding of Amphipolis but the city remained prosperous enough to have minted its own coins from 476 to 356, showing a carp and Silenus, the companion of wine god Dionysus. Not much of it remains, however.
Lying 3 kilometers east of the village of the same name, Gazoros was mentioned by Alexander’s general Ptolemy. The cult of Artemis Gazoria was worshipped up until Roman times. It later became a ‘polis’ under Philip II of Macedon.
Likely originally founded in the marshland around Lake Achinos by Paionians or the Edones tribe from the Thermaic Gulf to the west, the Ichnaeans may have participated in the Macedonian colonization of Amphipolis.
Located just below the juncture where the river Aggitis meets the Strymonas, Myrkinos was in the territory of the Thracian Edonian tribe. It was founded in 497 BC by colonists from Miletus as a reward for their help to the Persian king Darius.
Eight kilometres to the southeast of Serres, an ancient cemetery, or necropolis, discovered here unearthed some interesting finds when it was the subject of an archaeological dig in 1987. Further excavations in 2005 unearthed gold wreaths, pottery, coins, jewellery and the headless statue of a rider, most dating to the Hellenistic and Roman eras after 500 BC. These later archaeologists claim to have found the ancient city of Verge.
Sintia lies north of Lake Kerkini and modern Mandraki. Roman writer Livy mentions the frontier town of Sintia, in ancient Dardania, as the first town seized by Philip V after he conquered neighbouring Illyria in 215-205 BC. Probably founded by Scythians or Thracians from the area, there is some debate that an ‘Etruscan’ gold book, found in Bulgaria and still not released to the public, came from this ancient settlement where visitors can still see the remains of a fort.
The ruins of the ancient city of Tintos lie just northeast of Sitohori, but most of it remains unexcavated and shrouded in mystery.
Situated just 250 meters from the Bulgarian border, in the foothills of Mt Belles at an altitude of 1,936 meters, this fort-turned-museum was part of the Metaxas defense line, named after then dictator of Greece Ioannis Metaxas. It was built as defense against invasion and as a base for military attacks against the German-Bulgarian forces in WWII.
The largest of the 21 fortresses of the Metaxa line, the Roupel or Rupel Fort (also called Metaxa Fortress) sits 322 meters above sea level and overlooks the Roupel Pass between mounts Bellas and Aggistro. It was surrendered to the Germans on April 10, 1941, after a historic 4-day battle. Splendid views from what is now a museum and monument. Tours are provided of the large complex of mostly underground bunkers. It comprises 6.1 out of the 155 kilometres of the full line of fortifications.
Situated 25km north of Serres, the remains of the medieval fort that gave the town its name ‘Iron Castle’ can still be seen in this idyllic traditional village with shady squares, stone bridges and waterfalls. The Issari Fort, built by Byzantine Emperor Basil II and 155 meters tall, is the most imposing feature of the town’s northwestern side. But there also lie the Aghios Dimitris church, carved into a rock, and the Kroussovitis river which cuts the town in two.
The tall tower is all that remains of the Byzantine Castle of Ezevy. Maro was the wife of Murad II and the daughter of the Serb sovereign George Brakovic. She had enough influence that Turk officers were sent to assassinate her. She escaped and died in a nearby village.
One of the biggest caves in Europe and worth seeing for the variety of its breathtaking formations. Located 50 kilometers south of the city of Serres and 6 kilometers from the town of Alistrati, the Alistrati Cave is one of the region’s major attractions.
With a view of the Serres plain, high on Mt Paggeo, this monastery is famous for its Catholicon, built as a rotunda like that of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Saints’ relics include St Chrysostomos and Arsenios of Cappadocia.
This beautiful example of a Byzantine church was fully restored in 1937 and sits in the northeast corner of the acropolis citadel overlooking the city of Serres. Its rich decoration and murals are now in the city’s Ecclesiastical Museum.
On the road to the St John Prodromos Monastery, east of the city of Serres, sits St George, with its beautiful belltower. Founded in 1298, it lost its dome when sacked by the Turks in 1572. The two icons in its iconostasis are of great significance. Its feast day is April 23.
Built at the foothills of Mt Belles above the town of Akritohori, the monastery has a panoramic view of Lake Kerkini. It was constructed in 1981 in keeping with the architectural style used in Mt Athos. About 30 nuns are in residence there today.
Two kilometers outside the village of Alistrati sits the Monastery of Aghia Kyriaki on a lush green site. Originally housing monks, today just two nuns are in residence. Though one of the oldest in the area, only the entrance of the original abbey remains.
In the foothills of Mt Paggeon, 2km from the village of Domiros south of Serres, this was once a dependency of the monastery of Icofinissa. It was the first nunnery in Macedonia.
Overlooking the Holy Cross Monastery on a pine-covered hill, just two walls of the original church, built in 1900, remain. The rest was restored in 1990. Feast days are July 20 and September 24. There is an icon in the chapel to the Virgin Mary that is said to work miracles.
Located northeast of the city of Siderokastro, this working monastery is responsible for the Serres orphanage of girls, the geriatric ward and kids’ summer camps. Its feast day is July 15.
Just 10 kms from Serres, sitting in a great green valley below Mt Menikion, the Monastery of John the Baptist was founded in 1270 by Ezevon Ioannikos, who later became bishop. The first patriarch of Constantinople, Gennadios Scholarios, took refuge here from 1457 to 1462 after the fall of that city and is entombed at the abbey. A university-level school operated for 300 years, greatly contributing to the preservation of Greek culture. Many important relics were destroyed by Bulgarian troops in 1941. The carved wooden iconostasis dates to 1804. The monastery celebrates the saint’s holy day on August 29th.
Set in the village of Aghio Pneuma on Mt Menikion and founded by its inhabitants in 1964, today the monastery’s 4 nuns celebrate a mass for the public every Sunday. Its saint’s day is September 14th.
Founded by St Germanos in 518 AD, this important Byzantine nunnery was frequently raided by Turks and Bulgarians. The monastery’s vast library of prized manuscripts was destroyed in one such raid in 1917. The famous Hellenic School functioned here. The monastery’s name comes from the handmade icon of the Virgin Mary, which is said to emit a dark purple light. The abbey celebrates feast days on August 15, September 14 and November 21.
Outside the village of Metochi, 10 kms north of Serres, the Monastery of the Virgin is named for its miraculous icon which in 1996 caused the life-giving spring to flow on the eve of its saint’s day after having been dry for years.
At the heart of the city of Serres, and now some meters below street level, this old basilica was built in 1224 on the ruins of an ancient church. Of its beautiful mosaics, only one remains after the cathedral was almost completely destroyed by fire in 1913.
In operation since 1970 in the old 15-century six-domed Turkish textile market, the museum has finds from the Neolithic, Bronze, Hellenistic and Roman eras and Byzantium. One of only two remaining Ottoman-era “bezesteni” (textile) markets in Greece.
The five-arched stone bridge of Aggista, where the Aggitis Gorge ends, is one of the most picturesque manmade creations in all of Serres. Near the bridge sits the 4th-century-BC ancient Lion of Amphipolis, only unearthed in 1913.
Sitting on the edge of a deep ravine with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, legend has it that this huge boulder is the spot from which poor heartbroken Katiga is said to have leapt to her death. The path that leads to the rock is one of the most scenic. This more than 30 square kilometres of beech and pine forest is a protected Natura 2000 area. With a climate similar to that of northern Europe, it is a winter wonderland when covered in snow. The spring brings a burst of color with crocuses peeping out under the shade of ageless trees. More than 515 species of flora have been recorded and the region hosts an abundance of wildlife. The Sfagnonas part of the wood is of particular beauty and is protected as a paleobotanical area of great importance to the study of the forest’s history. It has been declared a monument of nature by the Agriculture Ministry.
Just inland from the coast of the Strymonas Gulf sits the monument to the villagers of Kerdilia. On October 17, 1941, over 230 men and boys were massacred in the first mass execution by the Nazis in Greece.
At the northeastern tip of Lake Kerkini and on the railway line, this aquarium features the 31 varieties of fish found in the lake.
In operation since 1970 in the old 15-century six-domed Turkish textile market, the museum has finds from the Neolithic, Bronze, Hellenistic and Roman eras and Byzantium. One of only two remaining Ottoman-era “bezesteni” (textile) markets in Greece.
Housed on the 2nd floor of the region’s Orthodox diocese, the museum’s exhibits include religious vestments, Byzantine artifacts, crucifixes, illustrated Gospels and carved chancel screens from monasteries and churches of the greater area of Serres and Nigrita.
The museum has a permanent exhibit of traditional costumes, buckles, belts and jewelry as well as folklore artefacts.
This 3-storey museum in Serres proper highlights traditional dances and musical instruments, while the second floor has a representation of a typical reception hall from a Vlach home, with furniture and hand embroidery.
This museum is devoted to the study of the history and peoples of the entire Balkan peninsula (called Aemos in ancient times). A private museum opened in 1998, on show are a wide range of decorative objects, jewelry, instruments, religious icons and vestments, military uniforms and weapons and traditional costumes.
Set in Siderokastro’s central square, the museum presents the personal collection of Tsartsidis, who began collecting military memorabilia from the Balkan wars and world wars in 1941. The folklore section houses costumes, objects and tools used by the local craftspeople.
The museum at Ancient Amphipolis houses finds from the ancient sanctuary and fortifications including statuary, coins, inscriptions, and finds from the later Christian-era basilicas. Open Tuesday to Sunday until 3pm. The archaeological park hosts a festival in July and August.
On the road to the Monastery of Timios Prodromos (John the Baptist) just outside Serres, the exhibits aim to inform visitors about the flora and fauna of the area with taxidermy birds and animals and samples of plants and minerals from the region.
A museum devoted to the now lost nomadic equestrian tribe of the Sarakatsanoi, which was mostly annihilated in WWII. Exhibits highlight their way of life, tent dwellings and costumes and horse decorations as well as traditions and art.
Flanked by reeds with water-lilies opening their blooms to the sun, this Natura 2000 artificial lake – which rises or falls by 4.5 meters depending on the season – is a must-see for the thousands of birds that gather and reproduce here (see birdwatching section). Sightseeing boats leave from the ports of Mandraki and Kerkini while numerous other activities are available. Visit the Office for the Promotion of Ecotourism which has been in operation since 2002 in the village of Lithotopos.
Sitting on the edge of a deep ravine with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, legend has it that this huge boulder is the spot from which poor heartbroken Katiga is said to have leapt to her death. The path that leads to the rock is one of the most scenic. This more than 30 square kilometres of beech and pine forest is a protected Natura 2000 area. With a climate similar to that of northern Europe, it is a winter wonderland when covered in snow. The spring brings a burst of color with crocuses peeping out under the shade of ageless trees. More than 515 species of flora have been recorded and the region hosts an abundance of wildlife. The Sfagnonas part of the wood is of particular beauty and is protected as a paleobotanical area of great importance to the study of the forest’s history. It has been declared a monument of nature by the Agriculture Ministry.
Originally called ‘Nine Roads’ for the nine roads leading out of it, Amphipolis was where the Persian king Xerxes buried alive 9 youths and another 9 maidens to appease the gods after his defeat at the Battle of Salamis.
With a view of the Serres plain, high on Mt Paggeo, this monastery is famous for its Catholicon, built as a rotunda like that of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Saints’ relics include St Chrysostomos and Arsenios of Cappadocia.
In operation since 1970 in the old 15-century six-domed Turkish textile market, the museum has finds from the Neolithic, Bronze, Hellenistic and Roman eras and Byzantium. One of only two remaining Ottoman-era “bezesteni” (textile) markets in Greece.
This beautiful example of a Byzantine church was fully restored in 1937 and sits in the northeast corner of the acropolis citadel overlooking the city of Serres. Its rich decoration and murals are now in the city’s Ecclesiastical Museum.
The five-arched stone bridge of Aggista, where the Aggitis Gorge ends, is one of the most picturesque manmade creations in all of Serres. Near the bridge sits the 4th-century-BC ancient Lion of Amphipolis, only unearthed in 1913.
Built at the foothills of Mt Belles above the town of Akritohori, the monastery has a panoramic view of Lake Kerkini. It was constructed in 1981 in keeping with the architectural style used in Mt Athos. About 30 nuns are in residence there today.
Flanked by reeds with water-lilies opening their blooms to the sun, this Natura 2000 artificial lake – which rises or falls by 4.5 meters depending on the season – is a must-see for the thousands of birds that gather and reproduce here (see birdwatching section). Sightseeing boats leave from the ports of Mandraki and Kerkini while numerous other activities are available. Visit the Office for the Promotion of Ecotourism which has been in operation since 2002 in the village of Lithotopos.
Sitting on the edge of a deep ravine with a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains, legend has it that this huge boulder is the spot from which poor heartbroken Katiga is said to have leapt to her death. The path that leads to the rock is one of the most scenic. This more than 30 square kilometres of beech and pine forest is a protected Natura 2000 area. With a climate similar to that of northern Europe, it is a winter wonderland when covered in snow. The spring brings a burst of color with crocuses peeping out under the shade of ageless trees. More than 515 species of flora have been recorded and the region hosts an abundance of wildlife. The Sfagnonas part of the wood is of particular beauty and is protected as a paleobotanical area of great importance to the study of the forest’s history. It has been declared a monument of nature by the Agriculture Ministry.
Two kilometers outside the village of Alistrati sits the Monastery of Aghia Kyriaki on a lush green site. Originally housing monks, today just two nuns are in residence. Though one of the oldest in the area, only the entrance of the original abbey remains.
Just 10 kms from Serres, sitting in a great green valley below Mt Menikion, the Monastery of John the Baptist was founded in 1270 by Ezevon Ioannikos, who later became bishop. The first patriarch of Constantinople, Gennadios Scholarios, took refuge here from 1457 to 1462 after the fall of that city and is entombed at the abbey. A university-level school operated for 300 years, greatly contributing to the preservation of Greek culture. Many important relics were destroyed by Bulgarian troops in 1941. The carved wooden iconostasis dates to 1804. The monastery celebrates the saint’s holy day on August 29th.
At the northeastern tip of Lake Kerkini and on the railway line, this aquarium features the 31 varieties of fish found in the lake.
The museum at Ancient Amphipolis houses finds from the ancient sanctuary and fortifications including statuary, coins, inscriptions, and finds from the later Christian-era basilicas. Open Tuesday to Sunday until 3pm. The archaeological park hosts a festival in July and August.
On the road to the Monastery of Timios Prodromos (John the Baptist) just outside Serres, the exhibits aim to inform visitors about the flora and fauna of the area with taxidermy birds and animals and samples of plants and minerals from the region.
A museum devoted to the now lost nomadic equestrian tribe of the Sarakatsanoi, which was mostly annihilated in WWII. Exhibits highlight their way of life, tent dwellings and costumes and horse decorations as well as traditions and art.
Situated 25km north of Serres, the remains of the medieval fort that gave the town its name ‘Iron Castle’ can still be seen in this idyllic traditional village with shady squares, stone bridges and waterfalls. The Issari Fort, built by Byzantine Emperor Basil II and 155 meters tall, is the most imposing feature of the town’s northwestern side. But there also lie the Aghios Dimitris church, carved into a rock, and the Kroussovitis river which cuts the town in two.
Taste, smell and see a beautiful selection of different types of Ouzo. Alexandridis is one of the best ouzo-makers in the region who knows all about this spirit’s secrets.
Established in 1996 by Apostolos Goulas, the vineyard now encompasses 3,000 acres of organically grapes in the village of Abeloi (whose name means vineyards). Also makes tsipouro (a Greek spirit).
The Gazoritis Winery was launched in 2006 by the Boulios brothers and their pal Christos Tholoulis in renovated warehouses next to the Gazoros train station. A young fresh range of wines from cinsaut, cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay grapes, organically grown.
The premier vineyard in Abeloi. Both the oak-barrel-matured dry red and dry white wines of this organic winery are considered some of the best from the region.
Established in 1977 in the foothills of Mt Pangeon, the wines are certified organic by BIO Hellas. The estate produces a wide range of wines, from Cabernet Sauvignon to red merlot and syrah. Operates tours and has a reception building for tasting. (All year round)
The ‘kyathos’ was the deep bowl used to collect wine from barrels before being ladled into drinking cups. A good name for this winery that makes a lovely dry muscat.
This label is most known for its “Crinin” dry red, full-bodied and bountiful. The winery boasts organic vineyards as well.
Dimosthenes Pagonas completed wine studies in 1993 and founded this label 10 years later. Drop by for some interesting wines indeed. (All year round)