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Pistyros was an ancient Greek polis that was founded as a colony of Thasos about 500-600 BC. In order to get to the ores in hinterland and sell their own goods on the passing there trade route. The excavation work is still in its infancy and only a few remains of the wall are visible. Since the signposted archaeological site is located directly on the main road at Pondolivado, a short stop is worthwhile.
Pistyrus or Pistyros, or Pistirus or Pistiros (Πίστιρος), or Bistirus or Bistiros (Βίστιρος), also known as Pisteira (Πίστειρα), was an ancient Greek polis on the coast of Edonis, in ancient Thrace. It was founded as a colony of Thasos and itself may have founded Pistiros in inland Thrace. The army of Xerxes I passed by Pistyrus after crossing the Nestus River. The name Pistyrus was also applied to the adjoining lake, which was described by Herodotus as 30 stadia in circumference, full of fish, and exceedingly salty.
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A fortified station on the Via Egnatia dates back to the late Byzantine period (13th-14th centuries) with some changes from the early Turkish period, when it was used as a 'caravanseray' until about the 16th century. Preserved are some fortress walls. The interior of the castle ruin is completely overgrown with shrubs.
Founded in the 6th century BC. on the top of the hill above today's very popular hotel village as a colony of Thasos and Paros because of their interest in precious metals from the hinterland and as a distribution center for goods from the islands, such as honey, olives, fish, wine, cheese, pottery, wood products. Later it became a military base for the Macedonian kings and Romans. Due to the location on the Via Egnatia Akondisma gained in importance as a commercial center. With the decline of land-based trade in favor of maritime trade, Akondisma also lost its importance and henceforth existed as an agricultural settlement. Under Ottoman times (from 1350 AD) and the establishment of a rest area for traders to and from Istanbul, the place recovered again until it was completely destroyed by bombing in the First World War. Today a very interesting hotel complex in the stalk of an old village is located below the ruined city. Since it is located directly on the main road, it's easy to make a stop and worth a short sightseeing tour.
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.
On a hill near Halkero are the ruins of a very large fortress. It is a real "lost place". It was part of a defensive structure before the WW1. The somewhat arduous climb is also worthwhile because of the beautiful view.