About this activity

The Kalochori Lagoon is located 8 kilometers from the city of Thessaloniki and is one of the newest wetlands in the country since it was gradually created in the mid-60s. It belongs to the Axios Delta National Park (Axios – Loudia – Aliakmonas National Park) which, in addition to the Kalochori lagoon, includes the mouth of the Gallikos River, the delta of the Axios River, the delta of the Aliakmonas River, the wetland of NeaAgathoupoli and its wetlands AlikisKitrous. The lagoon is home to large numbers of birds, all seasons of the year, including the well-known flamingos that find plenty of food in its shallow waters. The lagoon covers an area of ​​2,260 acres with the bottom being 0.5-1 meter below sea level. The lagoon was created as a result of land subsidence caused by over-pumping of water combined with the loose texture of the soil. In the period 1955 – 1980, the Water Supply Company of Thessaloniki proceeded with many drillings in the area of ​​the French River for the water supply of Thessaloniki. But many boreholes were also made by private individuals for the irrigation of crops. As a result the water table has receded by 36 meters since 1976 resulting in the clay soil receding up to 3-4 meters below sea level. In the basin that was formed, the current lagoon was created from seawater that penetrates underground and also from the rainwater of Kalochori. Signs of subsidence are evident even today. Where the pasture used to be one can see the telephone poles submerged in the waters of the lagoon. To protect the settlement of Kalochori from floods, a coastal embankment was built in 1976. Particularly beautiful is the walking path known as the “red road” that crosses the lagoon, connecting Kalochori with the bird observatory on the opposite bank. The one kilometer long road is pronounced for walking and cycling with the hundreds of birds just a few meters away. The Kalochori lagoon is an ideal excursion for the residents and visitors of Thessaloniki. There are no activities in the area and no places to eat, except for a single bird watch.