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Moments of pleasure in nature…
The Prefecture of Xanthi is a unique tourist destination. The combination of a splendid natural environment and tradition nestling in every corner of this land guarantees unforgettable moments for visitors.
The Prefecture of Xanthi addresses all visitors or travelers who can spend their free time involved in an expertly designed range of activities in nature, broad enough to cover all levels of ability. Sports and activities in nature, for relaxation or action, as well as customized programmes, are planned out, organized and conducted throughout the prefecture.
Experts in the tourist field will undertake to initiate you in a variety of activities in nature, with the Xanthian landscape in the background.
The programmes below offer you an indicative picture of the new steps that you will be taking to get closer to Mother Nature.
Whitewater rafting and kayaking trips:
Ø Canoe-Kayak, Canadian Canoe: Activities include gentle-float trips on flat stretches, ideal for enjoying the unique Xanthian riverside scenery.
ØKayak: Adventures traveling through excellent whitewater and lots of rapids for added thrill.
Ø Rafting: Runs conducted aboard 8-10-people rafts on rapids for added thrill.
The runs take place along the length of Nestos River, starting from the Hydroelectrical Plant in Platanovryssi, going through the narrow river passages and lakes and reaching all the way to the Nestos Delta.
Trekking, Mountain Biking, Horse Riding and “Four Wheeling”.
The activities are carried out on unique paths and passages on the Rodopi Mountain Range, Nestos Valley, Leivaditis Fall, the forests in western Rodopi and the riverside forest near the Delta. Visitors have the chance to take-in the unique beauty of the Xanthian landscapes under the constant presence of highly experienced escorts.
Visits to mountain settlements.
Visitors will have the unique opportunity to get acquainted with the prefecture’s mountain settlements, the villages in Ehinos region -- which have preserved intact their character, language and customs – as well as the quaint Nestohoria villages with their unique farming character. Once flourishing thanks to the cultivation of the most expensive tobacco blend, the villages were rapidly depopulated during the urbanisation “epidemic” in mid-20th century.
For aficionados, the following activities are organised:
Ø Hiking, Rappel, Canyoning and Caving.
Ø Archaeological and religious tours.
Ø Bird and animal watching at the Nestos Straits, Lake Bistonida, a sanctuary for thousands species of rare, feathered visitors, such as ducks, pelicans, flamingos, white tailed eagles and pygmy cormorants, during the winter period, and herons, spoonbills, glossy ibis, and avocets during the summer period.
The Prefecture of Xanthi boasts a broad tourist infrastructure
ranging from deluxe urban hotels, a variety of accommodation right next to nature, neat studio apartments at mountain settlements and traditional guesthouses, to mountain retreats and accommodation at the tiny village in the centre of the Haidou forest.
Visitors will have the opportunity to taste incomparable delicacies served either at elegant restaurants or at the local quaint taverns, mostly delicacies fresh out of the sea or from the mountains, guaranteed to satisfy the most discerning palate.
This is a unique opportunity to experience the exquisite taste of original, traditional coffee and nation-wide popular confectioneries at traditional cafes and patisseries.
Web Sites:
www.xanthi.gr
www.thraki.gr
www.thrace.gr
The photos and text are provided by the Tourist Promotion & Cultural Development Company of Xanthi Prefecture (N.E.T.A.X.)