Xanthi's scenery is very varied, with the Rhadopi mountains on its northern borders, the Papikio mountains, lakes, rivers and the sea. The wetlands of the Nestos river and Lake Vistonis lend a special character to the district and constitute a pole of attraction for ecologists from all over Europe. The archaeological interest in the district is mainly Roman and Byzantine.

Sightseeing

The Nestos Delta

Apart from the enchanting, unique landscape, the "Tempe of Thrace" as the locals call the Nestos Delta is rich in flora and fauna, including wild ducks, cranes, herons and poplar groves. Byzantine monuments as well as the ruins of fortresses and inscriptions from Roman tombs can be seen at the villages of Toxotes (12 km. from Xanthi) and Paradeisos respectively.

Xanthi

Xanthi is the prefectural capital, occupying the site of ancient Xantheia. Traces of the 13th century Byzantine fortress are still discernible. Xanthi is built like an amphitheatre up the sides of a hill and it is split in two by the Osynthos river. The old city is particularly charming with its mansions belonging to tobacco magnates. These have in pastel walls, wrought iron balconies and tile roofs.

Also noteworthy for their architecture are the tobacco warehouses on the-southeast side of the town. In addition, Xanthi boasts several museums: theFolk Art Museum containing costumes, weavings and jewelry from the region; the Museum of Natural History with stuffed animals and fossils; and the Anthropological Museum.

Stavroupolis and vicinity

Northwest of Xanthi lies Stavroupolis, a village surrounded by lush vegetation in a forested semi-mountainous area whose gulleys and gorges are filled with oaks, chestnuts and poplars. From the high point of Prophitis llias there is a splendid view of the Nestos valley. Eighteen kilometres from Stavroupolis at Arkoudorema is a virgin beech forest, with trees more than two centuries old covering a large area.

Among the most important archaeological sites in the region is a subterranean Macedonian tomb with painted decoration from the 2nd century B.C. near the village of Komnina (2 km. from Stavroupolis). People wishing to visit it should first make arrangements with the antiquities guard at Stavroupolis (tel.: 0542/22040).

Ancient Abdera (Avdira) and vicinity

Southwest of Xanthi, very near the sea, is the archaeological site of Abdera, the birthplace of Democritus and Protagoras. Excavations have brought to light here two Hellenistic circuit walls, pottery workshops, Roman baths, an ancient theatre and traces of a sanctuary dedicated to Cybele. Most of the finds from the area are on display at the Museum in Kavala. Idols, inscriptions and coins from this district may be seen in the Komotini Museum.

The present village of Avdira near the ancient ruins is worth a closer look because of its Thracian architecture and the Baths of Genissea.

Lake Vistonis - Porto Lagos

Southeast of Xanthi lies the uniquely beautiful lake Vistonis. The shores of the lake are wetlands of international importance; during the winter months some 200,000 wild Mediterranean birds take refuge here. At the mouth of the lake is the small, picturesque town called Porto Lagos. Its fishermen maintain that submerged on the lake bottom are the ruins of Ancient Vistonis, once the capital of Diomedes' kingdom. Not far from Porto Lagos one can see foundations of the houses of ancient Dikaiopolis.