Kalochori lagoon and Axios Delta
One of the most important sites for waders in Greece
Thessaloniki, seen from across the bay © μ2
Our trip starts at Kalochori lagoon which lays just 8 klms away from the city center and yet it is one of the hottest bird spots in north Greece. We explore the wetland complex of Galikos estuary and then we drive along the coast towards the mouth of Axios river.
In a seemingly absurd landscape lined with warehouses and wastelands, the lagoons of Kalochori and Gallikos Delta host a surprising variety and numbers of waders (Stone curlew, Black-winged Stilt, Pied Avocet, Spur-winged Lapwing, Kentish Plover, Spotted Redshank, Marsh Sandpiper, Temminck’s Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Collared Pratincole, Terek sandpiper, Broad-billed Sandpiper), gulls and terns (Slender-billed Gull, Mediterranean Gull, Little Gull, Gull-billed Tern, Caspian Tern, Whiskered Tern, White-winged Tern, Black Tern), raptors (Marsh Harrier, Long-legged Buzzard, Osprey, Little Owl). On our way westwards to Axios river Delta we will come across many species of waterbirds and herons such as: Dalmatian Pelican, Pygmy Cormorant, Flamingo, Ferruginous Duck, Black-necked Grebe, Purple heron, Squaco heron, Night Heron, Little Bittern and Glossy Ibis. During winter the coast offers opportunities to see Velvet Scotter, Long-tailed Duck, Bittern, Dotterel and more…
PRICE INCLUDES:
Transportation to and from the wetland; bird guiding and use of telescope; english speaking guide; light picnic on the spot; bird list sent via e-mail
DON’T FORGET:
Take with you a hat, sunscreen and preferably also anti-repellent.
OUR TIPS:
Best time of the year for this site is early spring (April) and late autumn (October – November).
SCHEDULE:
7:30 Departure from Thessaloniki
8:00 Arrival at Kalochori lagoon
10:00 Departure for Axios Delta
12:00 Light lunch
13:30 Return at the city
Αll year round upon request
€160 for 1-2 persons
6 hours
Kalochori industrial landscape © μ2 
Little Owl habitat near Axios Delta © μ2 
Flamingo on the go © D. Kokkinidis 
Terek sandpipers in Kalochori © M. Vamvakas
Wader diversity in Kalochori lagoon © μ2
