Where to stay in Serres: The best areas and 12 accommodations

Serres is a city in Central Macedonia that is often overlooked by travellers heading to Lake Kerkini or Thassos, but it is well worth a stop in its own right. Its centre boasts lively squares, riverside parks and a market that operates normally all year round, not just for tourists, which gives the city a more authentic feel compared to other destinations in the region.

The city has a long history, with monuments from the Ottoman period, churches and its castle towering above the settlement. At the same time, it serves as a gateway to two of Macedonia's most interesting natural destinations: Lake Kerkini, with its birds and buffalo habitats, and the Lailias ski resort for winter, making it an easy base for two or three-day trips.

In this guide, you'll find an analysis of three accommodation areas in the city, as well as 12 places to stay, from traditional hotels to modern apartments, allowing you to choose according to your itinerary, companions and budget.

What to see and do in Serres

Serres has a history stretching back to antiquity, but its present-day character was primarily shaped during the Ottoman and post-war periods, following the devastating fire of 1913. The city's castle, built on a hill above the centre, offers panoramic views of the plain and is one of the first places worth visiting, ideal for an afternoon stroll.

In the centre, the main square and the surrounding pedestrianised streets are home to cafés, restaurants, and shops that operate daily, not just on weekends. The Church of Aghios Antonios and other Byzantine and post-Byzantine churches give the city a layered history that isn't immediately obvious but rewards those who wander the alleyways behind the square.

Each year, on 21 February, the city celebrates the feast of Aghios Theodoros with the custom of the 'dromea', a horse race considered one of Macedonia's most distinctive folk events, and well worth including in your itinerary if you're travelling during that period, as it attracts people from across the wider region.

A few kilometres from the city lies Lake Kerkini, a wetland of international importance with rich wildlife, ideal for boating and birdwatching, especially in autumn and winter when thousands of migratory birds arrive. To the east, the Lailias ski resort offers an alternative for the winter months, with slopes suitable for both beginners and more experienced skiers.

The cuisine of Serres has influences from Macedonian tradition, featuring rich meat dishes, pies, and syrupy sweets that you'll find in almost every neighbourhood. In the city, you'll discover tavernas serving local dishes around the square and the riverside parks, as well as patisseries with traditional sweets worth trying before you leave.

Serres is connected by road to Thessaloniki in about an hour and is served by a railway line, while the distance to Lake Kerkini is about 30 minutes by car. The city also has good road connections to Kavala and Drama, making it a convenient stop for those planning a longer tour of Macedonia.

The best time to visit is spring and autumn, when temperatures are mild for both city strolls and excursions to Lake Kerkini, while winter is better suited for those who wish to combine their visit with the Lailias ski resort.

The best areas to stay in Serres

1. Serres City Centre, Hotels near the square and main attractions

The city centre, around the main square and the castle, gathers most of Serres' established hotels. It is the most convenient base for those who want to get around on foot, have cafés and restaurants nearby, and start their excursions to Lake Kerkini or Lailias from there. Most hotels here cater to both business travellers and families, with prices varying depending on the season and room size. In the evening, the area around the square remains lively but not noisy, making it suitable for almost every type of traveller.

Advantages:

• Close to the square, castle, and market
• Many dining options
• Easy starting point for excursions

Disadvantages:

• Less quiet in central locations
• Car needed for Lake Kerkini

Recommended accommodations:

1. Elpida Resort & Spa
A hotel with more organised services in the city centre, suitable for those who want a bit more comfort during their stay, without losing proximity to the centre. It offers relaxation areas and caters well to both couples and families seeking something more than a simple room.

• Average cost: approximately 85€ per night

2. Hotel Metropolis
A central hotel with a practical location near the market and the square. A good choice for business trips or short overnight stays, with functional rooms and easy access to all central points of interest on foot.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

3. Hotel Acropol
A traditional hotel in the city centre, with simple rooms and an affordable price. Suits those looking for something functional for one or two nights, without needing additional amenities or a large space.

• Average cost: approximately 45€ per night

4. Siris Hotel
A hotel in the centre with comfortable rooms, suitable for families and couples who want easy access to the city's attractions on foot. Its location allows for quick access to both the square and the castle.

• Average cost: approximately 60€ per night

5. Philippos Xenia Hotel
One of the city's best-known hotels, with a larger size and more organised infrastructure. A good choice for groups, families, or business events, with rooms that often host events and conferences.

• Average cost: approximately 75€ per night

2. Around the main square, Modern apartments for those who want their own space

In recent years, several renovated apartments have been developed in the streets around the main square, offering an alternative to traditional hotels. They provide more space, a kitchen, and often better value for money, making them popular with couples and small groups. Many of them have been recently refurbished, with modern amenities and tasteful décor, while their location allows you to reach most of the city's points of interest on foot within minutes, without needing a car for your daily commutes in the centre.

Advantages:

• Your own space with a kitchen
• Modern layout
• Close to the centre on foot

Disadvantages:

• No hotel services like 24-hour reception
• Limited availability during peak seasons

Recommended accommodations:

6. VersusArtSuites
A modern apartment with tasteful décor near the centre, suitable for couples who want something more distinctive than a typical hotel room. The space is functional and emphasises aesthetics without losing practicality.

• Average cost: approximately 60€ per night

7. Crystal Grey Elite Apartment 1
A comfortable apartment with a contemporary layout, near the main square. A good choice for those who want to cook and have more space, with a fully equipped kitchen and a comfortable living area.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

8. Luxury Privé Penthouse
A penthouse apartment with more space and city views, suitable for couples or small families who want something more special for their stay, with a more luxurious feel compared to the other apartments in the area.

• Average cost: approximately 80€ per night

9. P J Luxury Suites
Suites with contemporary aesthetics near the centre, suitable for those who want extra comfort without moving away from the square and shops. The spaces are bright, with carefully chosen decorative details.

• Average cost: approximately 70€ per night

3. Near the park and the centre, Quiet apartments a little further from the bustle

Just outside the square, near parks and residential neighbourhoods, you'll find apartments in a quieter setting, without losing easy access to the centre. They suit those who want to combine the practicality of an apartment with a little more tranquility in the evening, away from the noise of the main streets. The neighbourhood is primarily residential, with small grocery shops and local cafés, which gives a more authentic glimpse into daily life in Serres compared to the more touristy centre, ideal for those planning a longer stay.

Advantages:

• Quieter environment
• Close to green spaces and parks
• Good price compared to the centre

Disadvantages:

• A few extra minutes' walk to the square
• Fewer dining options nearby

Recommended accommodations:

10. MODERN SWEET HOME WITH AMAZING VIEW!!
An apartment with city views, a quiet location, and modern amenities. A good choice for couples who want comfort without being in the hustle and bustle of the centre, with a comfortable balcony for morning coffee.

• Average cost: approximately 55€ per night

11. George's apartment Serres
A comfortable apartment in a quiet location, suitable for those who want to stay a little further from the city centre's traffic while maintaining easy access to it, with basic kitchen equipment for greater independence.

• Average cost: approximately 48€ per night

12. Apartment with park view!
An apartment with views of a green space, ideal for those who want morning coffee with a natural view and at the same time easy access to the city centre, with a quiet environment suitable for relaxation.

• Average cost: approximately 50€ per night

Practical tips before booking

• Book a car for Lake Kerkini. Access to the lake is best by your own transport, as public transport options there are limited.
• See the dromea festival if you travel in February. On 21 February, the city celebrates Aghios Theodoros with the traditional custom of the horse race, one of the most famous events in the region.
• Go up to the castle early in the morning or in the afternoon. The view from the castle is best in softer light, and you'll also avoid the heat in summer.
• Combine the city with Lailias in winter. If you're travelling in winter, the Lailias ski resort is a good alternative for a day trip from Serres.
• Opt for an apartment if you're travelling with company. Apartments around the square usually offer better value for money and space for two or more people.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to stay in Serres if I don't have a car?

The city centre, around the main square, is the best option as all the main points are within walking distance.

How far is Lake Kerkini from Serres?

The distance is about 30 minutes by car, depending on which part of the lake you want to visit.

Is it worth staying in an apartment or a hotel in Serres?

It depends on your needs. A hotel suits a short stay with services, while an apartment offers more space and freedom, ideal for groups or families.

When is the dromea festival held in Serres?

The dromea is celebrated annually on 21 February, as part of the Aghios Theodoros festivities, and is one of the city's most distinctive customs.

What is the best time to visit Serres?

Spring and autumn offer mild temperatures for both the city and excursions to Lake Kerkini.

How far is Serres from Thessaloniki?

The distance is about one hour by car or train, making Serres an easy choice for a short getaway from Thessaloniki.

Conclusion

Serres is a city that rewards those who give it a little more time than a simple pass-through. If you want to get around on foot and have everything close by, stay in the centre around the square. If you prefer your own space and more flexibility, the apartments around the square or near the park are the best solution. Whichever option you choose, allow time for a trip to Lake Kerkini and, if suitable for the season, a stroll to the castle, which will completely change your perception of the area.

Also see our guides for where to stay in Agrinio and accommodation in Aigio.