Lush forests, rare wetlands and spectacular waterfalls in a beautiful corner of Northern Greece.
No matter how many times you have been to Xanthi, it is never enough. The splendid Old Town, a jewel for all of Thrace, along with tradition, flavors, colors and aromas, make Xanthi a distinctive destination with much to offer the visitor. But Xanthi is not only the city and its traditional part. It is also the treasures of Thracian nature. If you want to combine your getaway with outdoor activities, it is worth taking a few excursions and enjoying landscapes of unique beauty.
Porto Lagos-Lake Vistonida
One of the most beautiful monasteries ofNorthern Greecelies inPorto Lagoson the border of the prefectures ofXanthiandRhodopeand specifically at the point whereLake Vistonidameets theThracian Sea, in a wonderful location that combines the green of the forest and the blue of the sea. We are speaking of the historicChurch of Saint Nicholas, a monastic complex within the lagoon, on two small islets joined by a wooden bridge. The sight of hundreds of birds around the picturesque Church of Saint Nicholas in the middle of the lagoon is unique and the scenery serene - just right for relaxing and taking photos.
Here you will encounter many species of birds (pelicans, storks, flamingos, etc.), which live and breed in thelake. Lake Vistonidais the fourth largest lake in Greece, with a total area of 45. 000 stremmas, a maximum length of 12,5 km., a maximum width of 7 km. and an average depth of 4 meters. Many do not know that it is one of the largest wetlands worldwide and is protected by the Ramsar Convention.
Nestos Straits
The Nestos River begins its journey in the mountains ofBulgariaand flows into the Thracian Sea, crossing the mountain masses of Western Rhodope and Mount Falakro. Along its course it shapes landscapes of unique beauty with rich forests, rare wetlands and striking formations. From the elevation of StavroupoliinXanthiand for 18 kilometers, Nestos indulges in a fascinating play with its famedmeanders, a spectacular sight worth seeing. The Nestos Straits (also known as theThracian Tempi), at the narrowest point of the river’s meanders, are undoubtedly among the loveliest landscapes in Northern Greece. The villages of Stavroupoli and Toxotes serve as bases for the various activities offered on and around the river, such as hiking, canoeing and kayaking, horseback riding and mountain biking.
Haidous Forest
In the Rhodope mountain range, north of the city of Xanthi, lies the Drimos Forest, also known as Haidous. It is an earthly paradise with towering centuries-old beeches over 30 meters tall that create an imposing scene. Beyond the beeches, there are pines, fir, spruce and also the yellow lily that grows in the mountains of Rhodope. Bears, wolves and roe deer find refuge in the area. Since the 1980s, 180 stremmas of the forest have been designated a “Natural Monument” and it is a protected area. Within Haidous Forest lies the Erymanthos Forest Village, at an elevation of 1,350 m. It was built by the Xanthi Forest Service and serves as a place for recreation and environmental education.
Livaditis Waterfall
The legendary Livaditis Waterfall is one of the largest and most beautiful waterfalls in the Balkans. It lies 7 km. outside the mountainous village of the same name, in an area of unique natural beauty. To reach it, you will need to hike along a path enveloped by beeches and linden trees. The spectacle is unique. The waters plunge vertically from a height of about 60 meters with a tremendous roar, gifting lush vegetation to the fissures of the rocks.
