Guide of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace

The Prefecture of Xanthi is full of colours and surprises with authentic Greek landscapes. It borders with the Prefectures of Drama, Kavala and Rodopi and to the north it borders with Bulgaria. It covers an area of 1,109 km2 and has a population of … people. The Rodopi mountain range extends to the north of the Prefecture. The enchanting Nestos river is the main river of the Prefecture; Vistonida lake, which has turned into a lagoon, is among the most important sights of the Prefecture. The biggest part of the population is involved in agriculture (the tobacco plants of Xanthi are famous), while many people are also involved in livestock farming, fishery, commerce and industry.
Xanthi, the capital of the Prefecture is identified with the ancient city of Xantheia. Abdera, located at the south of the Prefecture, was founded by the Clazomenians from Asia Minor in 650 BC and developed into a great cultural centre in the 5th century BC. The city of Xantheia developed during the Byzantine times, under Andronicus II Palaeologus. During the Bulgarian wars (1912-1914), the city was conquered by the Bulgarians and in 1920 it was annexed to Greece by virtue of the Treaty of Neigy. During the Second World War, it was occupied by the Germans (1941) and a little afterwards it was occupied anew by the Bulgarians.
The whole of the prefecture is ideal for both summer and winter tourism. Sandy beaches with refreshing waters can be found at the south of the prefecture in Erasmio, Maggana, Myrodato, Abdera, Mandra and Porto Lagos. Rodopi mountain is a most beautiful landscape, which is ideal for trekking, excursions and spending some time in the winter resorts. The incomparable bright-green landscape in the area of Stavroupoli, the tour in the villages across Nestos river, the panoramic views from Toxotes over Nestos, the Nestos Delta (a unique wetland) compose a beautiful scene of delight for visitors who want to live unparalleled experiences. New and restored hotels, traditional hostels and refuges guarantee safety and comfort for visitors. There are all sorts of activities to be chosen here like canoeing or kayaking in Nestor river, climbing, horse riding, mountaineering, cycling. Several taverns with local specialties, ouzeri, patisseries with the famous traditional sweets, bars and discos are at the disposal of visitors. Nonetheless, apart from entertainment, visitors may visit the archaeological museum of Abdera and the museums of folklore art of Xanthi and Stavroupoli and get familiarized with the history the Prefecture of Xanthi.
This gifted land is waiting you to join the fantastic tour in the history, gastronomy and entertainment.