Nestos

The Nestos delta is one of the most important breeding grounds for rare bird species and an intermediate station for migratory birds. As a wintering area for a variety of water, singing and birds of prey, it is popular with ornithologists. In the delta of Nestos over 250 species of birds have been described, including rare and endangered species. Also for non-ornithologists the alluvial forests of the delta is worth a visit. The best starting point is the Nestos-Cafe at Chysoupolis (in the center of Chrysoupolis follow the signs). The simple restaurant is located on the riverbank in the middle of the floodplain forest overlooking the river. Here you can enjoy the nature with "a glass of ouzo" on the terrace or make hikes along the dam or in the river itself. The Nestos is flat in the delta area and can be easily waded in most areas. Especially in the summer, it is a pleasure to wade or swim in the cool water. The water quality is good. To get into the interesting estuary, you do not necessarily need a 4WD, but makes it easier. Since there are no signs, it is advisable to look at the course of the route on OpenStreetMap beforehand.

Nature is of particular beauty at Toxotes (40 km east of Kavala). It is one of the must-see attractions. In meanders, the river breaks through the limestone mountains and forms a landscape of unique beauty. At the gorge, a path of more than 10 km leads along towering cliffs and with a wonderful view of the river. To get to the starting point of the path, drive through Toxotes and follow the signs to the end of the road to a parking lot. Here are boards with exact directions. Most visitors walk the path for only 1-2 km and then return to the car park. There is also a snack bar with souvlaki and cold drinks. In the summer, take a dip in the ice-cold waters of Nestos. The water is so cold, that even in the hot days of July some overcoming needs to be submerged. A large sandy beach invites you to linger. The water quality is good, the flow but quite strong. There are also canoe tours through the gorge, which are highly recommended. From Galani, a small settlement between Toxots and the car park, a winding road leads to a hilltop with wonderful views of the Nestos Gorge. The road is signposted as a "scenic road". The trip is highly recommended.

On the western edge of the delta are extensive lagoons, spits and dunes from the village of Eratino to Keramoti, which provide food for a rich birdlife. Also popular are the beaches along the lagoons for summer bathing. They are mainly frequented by locals and are never crowded and without beach bars. The water is shallow and well suited for families with children and for people who love the peace more on the beach than the hustle and bustle. There is no rental of beach chairs and umbrellas as it is a nature reserve.

The lake, which is also part of the East Macedonia-Thrace National Park, is the fourth largest lake in Greece and, together with the adjacent lagoons, is of great ecological importance. The lake is characterized by the fact that the northern part has fresh water due to the three fresh water inflows, while the southern part is very brackish with fluctuating salinity because of the connection to the Porto Lagos lagoon. Accordingly, there are many different species of birds, especially at the time of bird migration.

It is the only freshwater lake in Thrace and is relatively small and shallow (max 1.5 m) and is connected to the sea by a 5 km long canal. Many species of birds can be observed here, especially during bird migration.

was a significant ancient Thracian port city and home to the philosophers Democritus and Protagoras. But it lost its importance in Roman times. The reason for building the settlement in this area was the strategically important location on the Via Egnatia, the most important trade route from Rome to Constantinople. In addition, the city was on the major shipping route to the Black Sea: The Roman Empire took part of its grain from today's Ukraine. On the other hand, the Thracian hinterland contributed to the prosperity of the colonists and the city of Abdera with fertile fields and pastures, rich forests in the valleys of Nestos and its tributaries, fish-rich waters and precious metal deposits in the mountains. Today, there are some interesting ruins and an archaeological museum in the modern village of Avdira. In addition, the nearby beaches are among the best in the region.

The current municipality of Topeiros owes its name to a town that existed on the Via Egnatia during the Roman era, in the same area in which the municipality is today. Few remains of the ancient city of Topeiros with Byzantine-era ruins are tucked away and overgrown by vegetation lie between the main road and the Nestos River. Topiros was founded in the 1st century AD as a station on the Roman Via Egnatias. The city had its own coins, which testifies to the wealth and importance. With the division of the Roman Empire into East and West Topeiros belonged to the East and forms its western border. In 549 AD, the city was conquered by the Slavs, who completely destroyed it. 2 years later, Justinian I rebuilt it and surrounded it with stronger walls. It was finally destroyed in 812 by the Bulgarian tsar "Croumo".