The area has recently been designated as a nature reserve and recreation area and has been included in the international network of protected regions (Natura 2000). There are plans to improve and develop the area as a visitor attraction in the near future.
The wildfowl are both permanent and migratory and are attracted by the rich flora and fauna of the freshwater lakes, the reedbeds and the adjacent beach and sea.
This easy walk follows sandy access roads in a circular route around the reserve. Its length can be changed to suit the time available, but the whole route can be covered in about two hours.
The start for this walk is about 100m north of the Portes Palace Hotel in Potidea. A road leads down to the beach in about 400m. On reaching the beach road turn right for about 100m and then left across the dunes to meet a sandy track. turn left onto this track and follow it northwards until you see the lake on your left. The size of the lake varies according to the season. Look for a track to the left which takes you nearer to the lake and follow this track northwards with reeds and the lake on your left.
A great variety of water birds can be seen, depending on the time of year. For example, waders are often present in great numbers such as black winged Stilts and Avocets. Caspian gulls, coots and Teal ducks are also plentiful
IOccasionally present are Squacco Herons, Mallards, Widgeons and Shoveler ducks. On rare occasions one can see Greylag Geese, Great White Egrets, Whooper Swans, Mute Swans and Shelducks.
Continue parallel to the lake keeping to the path closest to the water which is dry underfoot. This may vary with the season. every now and again a sandy track will lead off to your right away from the lakes. Any of these will take you across to the beach and the waters of the Toroneos Gulf. You can return along the track parallel to the beach or by retracing your steps if you want to see the wildlife on the lake.
