Mountain Xanthi Sights
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Haidou Forest
The forest has been classified as NATURA as it is one of the most important habitats in Greece. The Haidou Mountains cover an area of approximately 33,000 acres with the peak of Gftokastro at 1,827 meters. It is a natural border between Thrace and Macedonia and between Greece and Bulgaria.
The forest is rich in beech, pine, birch, deciduous oak and holly. During your walk you will meet bears, wolves, deer, jackals and more than 100 species of birds.
Of course, Haidou could not miss the intense wet element with its rivers and tributaries. The most important are Nestos (one of the 5 largest rivers in Greece), Kosynthos that runs through the city of Xanthi and the bear pond that pours into the river Nestos.
Nestos River
According to mythology, Nestos is the son of Ocean and Tethys, was born long before man and belongs to the 5 largest rivers of Greece. It has an area of 243 km, as it starts in Bulgaria, the Rila Mountains and flows into the Thracian Sea. On its route, Nestos creates a natural border between Macedonia and Thrace and the prefectures of Kavala and Drama.
Nestos is one of the most important wetlands in the country, with the river delta covering 550 000 hectares. At all altitudes it forms impressive natural landscapes with very dense vegetation and rare species of flora and fauna. Of particular importance is the 'vista position', from where we can observe the water playing with the ground and creating impressive meanders.
The Nestos River, with its peculiarities, is the ideal place for alternative forms of tourism. Contact the various activity centres in the area to organise walks, rafting, sup, kayaking and feel the return to nature.
Waterfall of Trachoni or Leivaditis