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| Nestos (German) Νέστος (Greek) | ||
| region | East Macedonia and Thrace | |
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| Residents | unknown | |
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Nestos (Greek: Νέστος) is a national park in northernGreece.
background
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About 30 km east of Kavala lies that Nestos nature reserve. The river basin of the Nestos is divided into the Nestos Gorge at Toxotes and the Nestos Delta at Chrysoupolis. Both are areas with high bird populations and unique natural beauty. A number of special ecosystems can be found along the Nestos River. The river delta of the Nestos is a hydrobiotope with alluvial land, freshwater lakes and lagoons. The national park, which also includes the lakes Vistonida and Ismarida to the east, was created in particular because of its rich bird fauna. The area is a resting place for many species of birds on their winter migrations. The alluvial forest on the banks of the Nestos is of particular importance. By the middle of the 20th century, very large parts of the original area of these river forests were cut down in order to gain agricultural land. The Nestos Delta along with the Lake Vistonida and Lake Ismarida belong to East Macedonia and Thrace National Park.
In addition to the natural beauties, the area also offers a number of archaeological sites, wonderful beaches for a relaxing beach holiday, and nightlife in the neighboring cities Kavala and Xanthi and the possibility of the island Thasos to be translated in 45 minutes.
landscape
The Nestos Delta is a typical flat alluvial plain with intensive agriculture, such as maize, asparagus, kiwi, rice, grain, crossed like a net by irrigation channels and ditches. Only along the Nestos are the remains of the alluvial forest, which is home to a rich bird life. Around 60 hectares of this are fenced off and protected. The juxtaposition of forest and open meadows creates habitats for a multitude of different bird species. On the western edge of the delta there are extensive lagoons, spits and dunes, which are frequented by many of the migratory birds as resting places during the migration period. The delta has many different ecosystems close together, which has a positive effect on fauna and flora Nestos Gorge on the other hand it is mountainous with the typical Mediterranean maccia growth.
Flora and fauna
Due to the large number of ecosystems, one can find an unusually diverse fauna and flora in a small space. In the Nestos Gorge Natural alluvial forests with poplars, plane trees, willows, alders, etc. grow directly on the river. On the slopes, the composition of the herbaceous vegetation changes depending on exposure to the sun (cooler to the north, warmer to the south) Lagoons, Coastal dunes and further inland Inland dunes Depending on the salt content of the soil and the availability of water, very different herbaceous to bushy forms of vegetation occur. In addition to a large number of amphibians, reptiles (e.g. green toad, Moorish tortoise, arrow snake) and insect species, a rich bird world (flamingos, pelicans, etc.) live here. along the river the richest fauna and flora can be found. A lot of hardwood forest along the river, softwood gallery forests (black alder, white poplar) within the flood dams and often poplar forests on the edge of the fields. The undergrowth is almost impenetrable, especially near the river. In the alluvial forest there are pale mockers, kingfisher, masked shrike, nightingale, lesser spotted eagle, sparrowhawk and in the drier areas bee-eater, blue roller, oriole etc. You can also see many butterfly and dragonfly species near the banks and on the islands in the river. Since the construction of the Nestos dam, the previous winter floods have stopped, and the river carries more water in summer. This has led to a major change in the river landscape. Ever larger islands of vegetation emerge in the shallow river bed, so that the other side of the river is usually no longer visible. At the edge of the floodplain forest on the meadows and also in the villages, storks are often to be found. Almost every village has nesting sites.
climate
The climate in the Nestos area is warm and dry in summer and mild and rainy in winter.
getting there
Most of the region’s visitors arrive by plane 1 Kavala airport
(IATA: KVA)which is only 12 km from the village of Chrysoupolis, the center for exploring the Nestos Delta. Of Kavala There are regular buses to follow Chrysoupolis or towards Xanthi with a stop at Toxotes, the village on the Nestos Gorge. Visitors coming from the island Thasos If you want to explore the Nestos area, you can either take the ferry to Keramoti take (near the mouth of the Nestos into the sea) or arrive via Kavala. There are regular buses from Keramoti to Chrysoupolis, from where you can take buses in the direction of Xanthi to the Nestos Gorge. The river can be reached either from the Macedonian west side or the Thracian east side. The Thracian side, with a predominantly Muslim population, is less developed for tourism and so most visitors choose the west side of the river for their excursions. There is no bridge over the Nestos in the delta, so you have to drive to Toxotes if you want to go to the other side of the river. The most convenient way to get to the Nestos area is by car. Coming from Thessaloniki, take the Chrysoupolis motorway exit for the west side or at Evalo / Toxotes for the east side or the gorge.
Fees / permits
The area is freely accessible and there are no fees anywhere.
mobility
You can get to all interesting places by bus from Chrysoupolis, Keramoti or Toxotes but then you have to walk a lot from there. The easiest way to explore the area is in a rental car, which you can rent directly at the airport. who of Thasos can also come in Kavala (There are several providers between the port and the aqueduct) rent a vehicle or better choose in Thasos and the car ferry to Keramoti. As the area is flat, it can also be explored by bike.
places
- 1 Toxotes. the small town is the starting point for visiting the Nestos Gorge and has several good taverns.
- 2 Chrysoupolis (Χρυσούπολη).
Agricultural small town with no sights and supply center on the western side of the Nestos Delta. Because of several large supermarkets and specialty shops, people from the island of Thasos also shop here. - 3 Keramoti (Κεραμωτή Καβάλας).beautifully located tourist place with excellent beaches, many restaurants, hotels, camping, landing stage for sailing boats and ferry port for the island of Thasos. The most beautifully situated place to explore the Nestos and to take accommodation.
- 4 Evalo. Main town on the east side of the Nestos Delta and seat of the Municipality of Topeirou. It is a small agricultural village.
Tourist Attractions
- 1 Nestos Delta. The Nestos Delta is one of the most important breeding grounds for rare bird species and a stopover for migratory birds. It is popular with ornithologists as a wintering area for a wide variety of water birds, songbirds and birds of prey. Over 250 species of birds have been described in the Nestos Delta, including rare and endangered species. A visit to the alluvial forests of the delta is also worthwhile for non-ornithologists. The best starting point is the one that is now closed Nestos Cafe at Chysoupolis (follow the signs in the center of Chrysoupolis). From the parking lot you can go hiking along the dam or in the river yourself. The Nestos is flat in the delta area and can easily be waded through in most places. Especially in summer it is a pleasure to wade or bathe in the cool water. The water quality is good. To get into the interesting Estuary You don't necessarily need an off-road vehicle to come, but it makes it easier. Since there are no signs, it is advisable to have a look at the route on GoogleEarth beforehand.
- 2 Nestos Gorge. The nature in the gorge is particularly beautiful Toxotes (40 km east of Kavala). It is one of the must-see attractions in Kavala. Here the river meanders through the limestone mountains and forms a landscape of unique beauty. At the gorge there is a 10 km long path 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 at a parking lot. There are information boards with detailed directions. Most visitors walk the path only 1–2 km and then return to the parking lot. There is also a snack bar with souvlaki and cold drinks. In summer, it is worth taking a dip in the ice-cold water of the Nestos. The water is so cold that even in the hot July days it takes some overcoming to submerge. A large sandy beach invites you to linger. The water quality is good, but the current is quite strong. Canoe tours through the gorge are also offered, which are highly recommended. From Galani, a small settlement between Toxots and the parking lot, a winding road leads to a mountain peak with a wonderful view of the Nestos Gorge. The road is signposted as "Scenic road". The excursion is highly recommended.
- 3 Lagoons. On the western edge of the delta there are extensive lagoons, spits and dunes from the village of Eratino to Keramoti, which provide food for a rich bird life. The beaches along the lagoons are also popular for summer swimming. They are mostly visited by locals and are never full and without beach bars. The water is shallow and suitable for families with children and for people who love the quiet more than the hustle and bustle on the beach. There is no rental of beach chairs and umbrellas as it is a nature reserve.
- 4 Lake Vistonida (Βιστωνίδα).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 high 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 due to the connection to the Porto Lagos lagoon. Accordingly, one can find many different species of birds, especially at the time of bird migration.
- 5 Lake Ismarida (Ισμαρίδα, Mitrikou).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.
Archaeological sites
- 1 Abdera (Άβδηρα).was an important ancient Thracian port city and home of the philosophers Democritus and Protagoras. But it lost its importance in the late Roman times. The reason for the settlement of this area was on the one hand the strategically important location on the Via Egnatia, the most important trade route from Rome to Constantinople until the Byzantine period. The city was also on the important shipping route to the Black Sea: the Roman Empire obtained part of its grain from what is now Ukraine. On the other hand, the Thracian hinterland contributed to the prosperity of the colonists and the city of Abdera with fertile arable and pasture land, rich forest in the valleys of the Nestos and its tributaries, waters rich in fish and precious metal deposits in the mountains. Today there are some must-see ruins and an archaeological museum in the modern village of Avdira. Right next to the excavation site on the hill are the ruins of a Byzantine castle. In addition, the nearby beaches are among the best in the region.Open: 08: 30-15.00.
- 2 Topiros. The current municipality of Topeiros owes its name to a city that was part of the Roman era Via Egnatia existed in the same area where the church is located today. A few remains of the ancient city of Topeiros with ruins from Byzantine times are somewhat hidden and overgrown by vegetation 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 its wealth and importance. With the division of the Roman Empire into East and West, Topeiros belonged to the Eastern Empire 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.
- 3 Petropigi Castle. A fortified station at the Via Egnatia Dated from the late Byzantine period (13th to 14th century) with some changes from the early Turkish period, when it was used as a caravanserai until around the 16th century. Some fortress walls have been preserved. The inside of the castle ruins is completely overgrown with bushes.
- 4 Pistyros (Αρχαία Πίστυρος).Pistyros was an ancient Greek polis that was founded as a colony of Thasos around 700 BC. In order to get to the ores in the hinterland and to sell their own goods (metals, marble, wine) on the trade route passing there. Around 200 BC The place was abandoned. The excavation work is still in the initial phase and only a few remains of the wall are visible. As the signposted excavation site is located directly on the main road near Pondolivado, it is worth a short stop.
- 5 Akontisma (Akondisma)..Founded in the 6th century BC. on the site of today's very attractive 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 its location on the Via Egnatia Akondisma gained importance as a trading center. With the decline of overland trade in favor of sea trade, Akondisma also lost its importance and continued to exist as an agricultural settlement. During the Ottoman period (from 1350 AD) and the establishment of a resting place for traders to and from Istanbul, the place recovered until it was finally completely destroyed by bombing in the First World War. Today there is a very attractive hotel complex in the style of an old village below the former fortress walls. As the facility is located directly on the main road, a short tour is worthwhile. You go uphill through the hotel complex, past a chapel and follow the path to the hill. Only the remains of a fortress wall can be seen here, but the view makes up for the short walk.
- 6 Halkero fortress. On a hill near Halkero are the ruins of a very extensive fortress. It is a real "lost place" and was part of a defense system before World War I. The somewhat arduous ascent is also worthwhile because of the beautiful view.
activities
- Bird watching. Starting point for observations along the river is usually the area around the Nestos Cafe in the early morning or upstream towards the mouth. Good clothing and footwear are a prerequisite, as the bank is usually barely accessible and overgrown, so that you have to go through undergrowth to get to good observation points. To the Lagoons with Eratino, Agiasma, Keramoti you always have a clear view. The observation is really worthwhile there only during the time of the bird migration.
- hike. The most scenic hiking trail leads along the Nestos Gorge. It starts at the parking lot to the gorge and goes to Stavropolis. Most of them only hike 1–2 km along the path and then go back, which is enough to see the landscape. At the delta, the best way to start a hike along the dam is at the Nestos Cafe. From the dam, paths turn again and again towards the river. Here is the territory of bird lovers and connoisseurs of rare plants, insects and reptiles.
- Rafting
- horse riding
- 4x4 tours
- Canoeing
- Swimming. Good beaches for swimming 2 Eratino, 3 Agiasma, Keramoti (also nudist beach) and especially at 4 Mangana and further east at 5 Avdiron scale. At the River Nestos are the best places to swim at the parking lot at the beginning of the gorge and in the delta z. B. at the Nestos Cafe or wherever the river is accessible.
shop
The best shopping opportunities are in Chrysoupolis. There are several large supermarkets on the bypass, including Lidl, and a wide range of specialty shops in the city center. Smaller supermarkets and other shops for everyday needs are also in Keramoti. Almost all of the smaller villages have bakeries and mini markets.
kitchen
At the Nestos Delta:
- 1 Nestos Cafe. the only cafe-restaurant right on the riverside in a wonderful location. A must for every visitor to the delta and a starting point for hikes. Unfortunately it was closed temporarily (?) Currently has to switch to restaurants in Chrysoupolis.
- Alternatively, both in Chrysoupoli lots of restaurants and fast food and also in Keramoti
At the Nestos Gorge
- 2 ΤΕΜΠΗ ΝΕΣΤΟΥ (Tempi Nestou). good portions, tasty, reasonable prices.
- 3 Μεζεδοποιήματα (Mezedopiimata). in the center of Toxotes, good food, real prices.
- 4 Αναψυκτήριο Νέστου (Nestos canteen). Canteen with simple food and draft beer under shady trees, directly at the parking lot to the Nestos Gorge.
At the lagoons
- In Agiasma there is a snack right at the traffic lights in the center of the village. Otherwise you can go to a kafeneio in every village and get small side dishes with your drink (Mese = tapas).
accommodation
Hotels and hostels
Who is mobile and not directly in Chrysoupolis or Toxotes want to stay, takes place in Keramoti a rich selection of beach hotels that are significantly better.
- 2 Hotel Irini. In Chrysoupolis.
- 3 Akontisma.
very romantic hotel complex in the style of an old village near Nea Karvali.
camping
security
- crime is as good as nonexistent.
- in the Nestos Delta you should bring enough mosquito repellent and suitable footwear if you want to go off the beaten track
- In the Nestos Gorge Good footwear is a prerequisite if you want to walk the path along the gorge. There are also more snakes to be found here. The river is popular here for swimming. It's not deep, but the current is quite strong and the water is very cold. You have to pay particular attention to children.
trips
- Kavala - one of the most beautiful Greek port cities
- Xanthi - worth seeing old town
- Thasos - green, mountainous island with many beautiful beaches
- Komotini - Provincial town with Turkish influence
- Samothrace - mountainous green island with particularly beautiful nature but mostly pebble beaches
- Rhodope Mountains - lonely mountain region of particular natural beauty
- Pangeo - Mountain region of particular beauty with many monasteries worth seeing
literature
- Nature guide - Greece (mainland and coast). J. Kautytkz, 1999
- Greece. Natural travel guide. Flora, fauna, beaches, travel routes, nature conservation, national parks. M. Liebscher, 2003
