Serres

Sérres (Greek: Σέρρες, older form: Σέῤῥαι Sérrai) is a city in Central Macedonia in Greece, about 70 km (43 mi) north-east of the Macedonian capital, Thessaloniki, and about 35 km (22 mi) south of the Bulgarian border, on the main route connecting the two countries.

With a population of about 59,000 (2021), Serres is the administrative centre of the Serres regional unit which forms the eastern border of the Central Macedonia region. Most other settlements in the area are much smaller.

Serres lies in a fertile plain, under the foothills of the mountains Vrontous (to the north) and Menoikio (to the east). North of the modern city is the landmark the hill of the Acropolis (Koulas), while to the west and south-west the river Strymon flows through the plain after leaving the large artificial Lake Kerkini, and comes within 12 km (7.5 mi) south of the city.

The city of Serres had to be almost entirely rebuilt after it was set on fire by the retreating Bulgarian army during the Second Balkan War (1913). Modern Serres is a pleasant city, with wide streets, surrounded by abundant woods and luxuriant gardens. The city is typical of the ample width of its road structure, its parks, its squares and in general, with anything that might be a reference point to an integral modern city plan.

From the ruined castle that crowns the round wooded hill to the north, visitors can enjoy the wonderful view and they are invited to explore the pine-filled hills through many picturesque paths.

On the way to this hill, located at Exohon Street, there is one of the most beautiful parks in Serres, the park of Saints' Anargiri valley. Being close to the center of the town it is used as a place of leisure, sports and entertainment by both the young and the old. Lots of clubs and cafes located in this area offer a lot of opportunities for an exciting nightlife during the summer months.

• 41.0974123.5507871 Acropolis of Serres. Ruins of a Byzantine castle.  
• Church of the Saints Theodore (Theodore Tyron and Theodore Stratelates)
• Church of Saint Nicholas
• The city has many parks and protected forests. On the road to Koula hills on Exochon (Exochi) Street, two parks, one is the Agioi Anargyroi Park founded near the downtown area.
• The area attracts many outdoor tourists due to rugged countryside and splendid trekking paths.

• 41.2123.132 Lake Kerkini. Scenic lake, with many viewing points, especially around the western shoreline. A visitor centre is in the village of Kerkini, away from the lake itself, but well worth visiting for free maps and orientation. Staff speak English. For birdwatchers, this is a must-see location. Take a boat from the jetty near Kerkini to see pelicans (two species), flamingoes and many other species, in vast numbers, and at close quarters. Price (as of 2018) €7-10 per head, for 60-90 minutes, for groups.  (updated May 2018) ^{[dead link]}
• 41.26493623.6045133 Lailias Ski Center.  
• 41.3454623.372514 Fort Roupel. Built in 1914, it was further expanded in the 1930s and incorporated into the Metaxas Line, a line of fortifications on the Bulgarian border. The fort played a role in Greek history in both WWI and WWII. Now there's a small museum exhibition and a tour of the underground fortifications.  (updated Mar 2024)

• 41.27861123.3377785 Baths Sidirokastro. Outdated therapeutic bath. It's not an adventure pool. But here too it is possible to rent a very beautiful old bathroom privately.  
• 41.3678923.427986 Agistro thermal bath. The old Byzantine thermal baths, which can be rented privately, are particularly worth it. But you have to reserve in advance. Ideal for couples who want to relax and find a quiet place for the weekend.  (updated Oct 2023)

• There are Athletic, cultural and folklore associations.
• The City Cultural Center organizes educational and cultural events.
• The City Regional Theatre
• Football: Panserraikos FC were relegated in 2026 and now play soccer in Super League 2, the second tier. Their Serres Municipal Stadium (capacity 9500) is 500 m southwest of town centre.
• Serres Racing Circuit. A car racing venue. 
• Thermal bath. Near Serres are the thermal bath spa of Siderokastro and Nigritas (updated Feb 2019)
• 40.90823.50041 Nigritas.  (updated Mar 2018)

When you come to Serres, you should buy its delicious traditional sweets, including “akanes”. It is made from fresh goat butter manufactured in the region of Mt Lailias. It resembles a small Turkish delight and has a strong flavour of well roasted almond. The history of this dessert dates back to the period of the Turkish rule when Mt Lailias served as the holiday resort of Ottoman beys.

The “akanes” sweet was prepared in large cauldrons in which the “retseli” preserve was boiled together with “petimezi”, a Greek wine must syrup, and water from the springs of Mt Lailias. This is why it is called “Akanes Lailia Serron”. In fact, the unique flavour of “akanes” is believed to be due to the special, light and cool water springing from Mt Lailias.

Later, the “retseli” preserve and the “petimezi” syrup were replaced by sugar cane and corn flour. Today, sugar is used instead. As soon as the above-mentioned mixture thickened, fresh butter along with dried fruit and nuts were added to it. When it was ready, it was let to cool before being cut into small pieces.

In modern times, the “akanes” dessert mainly consists of sugar, butter, starch, almonds and corn flour.

• There are fabulous cafes in the main square.
• There are nightclubs available.
• During the winter, the nightlife is focused on pedestrian streets of the city center. In the city center you can also find bars and pubs, restaurants and patisseries with the famous “akanes”. During the night of “Tsiknopempti”, the street becomes a place for various events and parties, as everyone is drinking, eating and dancing until the morning in the rythmes of the Hallowing.
• During the summer, the nightlife shifts to the valley of Agious Anargirous.

• Oikoperiigitis Hotel, Lake Kerkini, 62055, ☏ +30 2327-041450, fax: +30 23270-41476, info@oikoperiigitis.gr. €55. 

• To the north, into Bulgaria (Pirin Macedonia): Petrich with its Roman ruins, the mountain resort Sandanski, tiny Melnik with its "earth pyramids" and traditional architecture, and the whole Pirin National Park. Or you can proceed directly north to the capital Sofia via Blagoevgrad.
• To the east: the Pangaion Hills with their monasteries and archaeological sites, Drama and the Southern Rhodope Mountains, or Kavala on the coast. Further west are Western Thrace and Turkey.
• To the south-west: famous Thessaloniki, a gateway to the Chalkidiki peninsula to the south and to the rest of continental Greece to the west.