Birdwatching is very popular in many parts of the world and is an activity enjoyed by millions of people.

Getting to know the winged “co-habitants” of our prefecture can lead visitors on an exciting exploration of areas of particular natural beauty, where they can combine fun and knowledge, in an alternating landscape of amazing colours and sounds.

Vistonida lake, which covers an area of 4,400 ha, along with the small lagoons that surround it, the aquatic virgin forest of the Nestos delta, and the unspoilt forests of the mountains with torrents running through them, comprise an ideal, internationally-renowned destination for activities of this kind, within a multifarious and priceless complexity of wetlands and habitats.

Hundreds of bird species have been recorded in this area. For many it is their breeding ground, while others winter in these areas or periodically use our prefecture as a stop on their migratory journey.

A heron colony on Vistonida lake. Some of the most rare species, that are globally under threat, and live in this area are the Dalmatian Pelican (Pelecanus crispus), the Lesser White-fronted Goose (Anser erythropus), the Red-breasted Goose (Branta ruficollis), the Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca), the White-headed Duck (Oxyura leucocephala), the Greater Spotted Eagle (Aquila clanga), the Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), the Kestrel (Falco Naumanni) and the Slender-billed Curlew (Numenius tenuirostris).

The Nestos Delta is home to three hundred species of birds, twelve of which are characterized as being under threat in Europe. It is also the most important breeding ground in Greece for the Spur-winged Plover (Holopterus spinosus), and the only area in Europe which is a natural habitat for the Common Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus).

In the mountains of Thrace, one can meet the exquisite, multi-coloured Western Capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus) and the Hazel Grouse (Bonasa bonasia).

We thus invite you to visit Xanthi and become acquainted with the diversity and unique characteristics of its natural environment, while observing and learning more about its rare species of birds, its winged inhabitants and visitors to our region.

You can be sure this will be an unforgettable experience, that only the region of Xanthi can offer you.