See stunning images of the famous meanders of the Nestos, the river that forms the natural boundary between Kavala and Xanthi. The Nestos Straits are one of the most beautiful landscapes in Northern Greece.
The Nestos ranks among the five largest rivers in the country. With its total length reaching 243 km. (130 of which lie on Greek soil), it forms the natural water boundary between Macedonia and Thrace.In mythology, Nestos (or Nessos) was a son of Oceanus, who was born at the dawn of the creation of the world along with 12.456 rivers and 3.000 nymphs.
The river begins its journey from the mountains of Bulgaria and 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 lush forests, rare wetlands and impressive formations.
The impressive meanders of the Nestos
From the area of Stavroupoli in Xanthi and for 18 kilometers, the Nestos indulges in a captivating play with its famous meanders, which resemble a snake as it slithers. The Nestos Straits (also known as the Thracian Tempi), at the narrowest point of the meanders made by the river, are undoubtedly one of the most beautiful landscapes in Northern Greece. Here you will understand what «nature’s painting» means.
The nature of the region invites you to explore it in every way. 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. One of the loveliest ways to discover the Nestos is to hike towards Stavroupoli starting from the village of Galani. If you want to enjoy the meanders of the Nestos from above, there is an amazing location at an altitude of about 900 meters (Thea viewpoint), 10 km. from Toxotes towards Imera. From there, the view of the river is spellbinding, with your gaze lost in the immensity of nature.
