PREFECTURE OF XANTHI

The prefecture's in its North-west and in its West to the Prefecture of Drama, westwards to the Prefecture of Kavala, easterly to the Prefecture of Rodopi, while southerly it is wet by the Thrasian Sea. North of the Prefecture extends the Rodopi mountain range. It constitutes a true ecological treasure with a rich mountainous, lowland and coastal presence. The main river of the Prefecture is the Nestos River, while the lagoon of Vistonida constitutes a natural preserve, of international importance, protected by the Ramsar Treaty. The capital of the prefecture is Xanthi, with a population of 51.737 residents.

The prefecture of Xanthi is offered for aestival and wintry escapes. To the mountainous areas of Rodopi with the green slopes, up to the clean beaches with the fine sand, in the south, offering an incompatible beauty and an unforgettable experience. The Prefecture includes 6 Municipalities and 4 Communities, in total. The Municipalities of Xanthi, Stavroupolis, Myki, Avdira, Topeiros, Vistonida and the Communities of Selero, Thermes, of Kotili and of Satres.

According to the census of 2001, Xanthi counts a population of 101.856 residents while its amplitude extents in 1797 km².

Nestos is the pride of the North-East Greece. It constitutes the natural limit between the Prefectures of Xanthi and Kavala. It has its origins in the Byzantine SKommio- currently known as Rito, in Bulgaria and its total length reaches 233 kilometres. Out of the 233 km, the river flows 140 km in the Greek territory, making it the most important source of life in the region. The impetuous quantities of the river's water were unable to overcome the rocky volumes that the river had to corrode, in order to veach the sea; as a result the famous meanders of Nestos were created.
In order to enjoy the Nestos River which passes through Stavroupoli leading to the Delta one can follow four different routes:
a) Descending the river, which those who do not have the adequate experience will consider something exceptionally difficult. However we inform that this undertaking is very simple. It is advisable for one to address to the tourist and adventure offices and in Xanthi, in order to book places. The dash begins and ends in Toxotes. The route from Xanthi to Toxotes is approximately 12 km by car. From there one can travel by train to Stavroupolis and can begin descending the river using inflatable boats of 5 individuals or using two seater canoes. The descent lasts for 4 hours and people of any age (children -adults) can participate. There always exists a guide and of course, picnic stops take place in the banks of the river. The route is marvelous; it passes through the endless frets and leads to the Delta of Nestos. Another way to enjoy the beauties of the river is to use.
b) the railway route of Nestos using a specifically constructed motorail that transports, every weekend, the visitors from Toxotes to Stavroupolis. During the trip one will have the opportunity to see the galleries -tunnel (about 30 in total) but also the unrivalled beauty of the landscape, and as for the friends of mountaineering there exists the c) parallel path to Nestos, that follows the Kromniko- Railway Station of Livera-Komnina-Stavroupolis which requires roughly 4, 5 hours of walk, in order to cross the river.

The Delta of Nestos is located in the southern part of the Prefectures of Xanthi and Kavala. In the East part of the Delta (in the Prefecture of Xanthi), there exist big areas covered by sand bushes and periodical wetlands. Alexander the Great used to manufacture the Sariza, made from the trees of this region close to Nestos. In 1953, the reclamation of Europe's unique water forest was decided, the famous Kotza Orman, meaning the legendary or big forest. For the preservation of the wild fauna, the area of the Delta was characterized as a core of absolute protection. Until today there exist big mammals such as foxes, wild boars, wolves, jackals etc. However, this specific point became worldwide know because of the rare types of the winged world that lives here. 254 species of birds have been recorded.