Xanthi - Prefecture Attractions Xánthi
Xánthi's scenery is varied, with the Rhadopi Mountains on its northern borders, the Papikio mountains, lakes, rivers and the sea.
The wetlands of the Nestos river and Lake Vistonis lend a special character to the district and constitute a pole of attraction for ecologists from all over Europe.
The archeological interest in the district is mainly Roman and Byzantine.
The wetlands of the Nestos river and Lake Vistonis lend a special character to the district and constitute a pole of attraction for ecologists from all over Europe.
The archeological interest in the district is mainly Roman and Byzantine.
Lake Vistonis (Porto Lagos)
Lake Vistonis is an important wetland area where thousands of migrating birds take refuge. On the edge of the lake is the town of Porto Lagos. Many locals believe that at the bottom of the lake are the ruins of Ancient Vistonis.
Nestos Delta
The Nestos Delta is known for its wildlife, particularly birds. A number of ruins can also be seen in the Delta area at the villages of Tozotes and Paradeisos.
Xanthi - Town, Greece
Xánthi, dominated by the remains of a Byzantine castle, lies on the southern slopes of Mt Karaóglou, in the tobacco-growing region of Thrace.
Station on the Salonica-Alexandroúpolis railroad line.
Also of note are the tobacco warehouses on the edge of town.
Station on the Salonica-Alexandroúpolis railroad line.
Also of note are the tobacco warehouses on the edge of town.
Abdera
The delta of the river Nestos with its many lagoons is a favored, but now endangered, port of call for a great variety of migrant birds.
(Near Town)
27km/17mi south of Xánthi is Avdíra, the site of the ancient port of Abdera, founded in 656 B.C. by settlers from Klazomenai in Asia Minor (near Izmir). It owed its prosperity in the sixth and fifth centuries B.C. to its fertile soil and its trade with the hinterland. It was the birthplace of Protagoras (ca. 485-ca. 415 B.C.), the first of the sophists, and Demokritos (ca. 460-ca. 380 B.C.), who developed an atomic theory. From 1950 onwards D. Lazarides excavated part of the ancient city on a promontory flanking a sheltered bay, bringing to light the foundations of houses, a stretch of town walls on the landward side of the site and remains of a theater.The delta of the river Nestos with its many lagoons is a favored, but now endangered, port of call for a great variety of migrant birds.
