Designated as one of Greece’s Ramsar Wetlands of International Importance, the twin lake system of Lake Volvi — the country’s second-largest natural lake — and Lake Koroneia forms a crucial wetland complex in the Volvi Basin of Northern Greece. Fed by a network of streams and seasonal inflows, these shallow lakes support a rich mosaic of wetland habitats, providing vital breeding, feeding, and stopover grounds for a vast array of bird species. This area is a true avian sanctuary and a highlight of our ornithological tours.

During our visit, we also explore the Nymphopetres — a site of both geological and mythological intrigue, where the time-sculpted rock formations offer a glimpse into the region’s ancient natural history. According to local legend, these are petrified hunters who once spied on virgin nymphs bathing in the stream and were turned to stone by Artemis for their misdeeds. This legend adds a bit of folklore to this surreal landscape.

The lakes themselves host abundant populations of Greater Flamingos (Phoenicopterus roseus), Dalmatian Pelicans (Pelecanus crispus), and Great White Pelicans (Pelecanus onocrotalus), alongside a diversity of waterbirds and wetland specialists. With patience and binoculars, we are likely to encounter: Pygmy Cormorants, Great and Little Egrets, various heron species, Black-winged Stilts and Pied Avocets, Black and White Storks, numerous duck species, grebes (including the Great Crested and Black-necked), Glossy Ibis, Eurasian Spoonbills, sandpipers, plovers, stints and lapwings,
If time allows, we also ascend the hills surrounding the lake basin. These drier, semi-natural habitats support a range of orchid species and herpetofauna, offering rewarding botanical and herpetological encounters alongside the wetland birdlife.
Lake Volvi and its neighbouring ecosystems present a vibrant, dynamic interface between land and water — one where seasonal migrations, floral beauty, and geological marvels come together in a landscape teeming with life.