Nestos Straits
The Straits of Nestos, extending from Stavroupoli to Toxotes, are the most impressive part of the 234 km route of the Nestos River, originating from the Rila Mountains in Bulgaria. The perpetual movement of the river's waters has sculpted unique meanders along 22 km. A full experience of this unique landscape can be obtained by canoeing down the river. Moreover, hiking along the stone path, built alongside the railway line that runs parallel to the river, provides captivating views of the river and allows for direct contact with the terrestrial and riparian ecosystems of the region.
The path is mostly flat or with gentle slopes along its length. Those who wish to walk only a part of the distance to the old station of Kromnikos can return and enjoy a drink at a refreshment stand located at the beginning of the trail. Canoeing down the river is relaxing and safe, as Nestos has a calm flow and can be easily manageable by both adults and teenagers. For those who have chosen hiking instead of canoeing, an optional shorter water route (40 minutes) by inflatable boats will be available, from the beginning of the trail to Toxotes. The participants that do not wish to take the short water route either can prolong their break at the refreshment stand for an additional hour to an hour and a half.
Program
Sunday 6 October08:00 Departure from Thessaloniki | ||
Alternative A 11:00 Transportation with minibuses on the banks of the Nestos River | Alternative B 10:45 Departure from Stavroupoli to the trailhead (1,4 km west of Galani) | |
| Alternative B1 15:30 Boarding in boats and Nestos River crossing 16:30 Arrival in Toxotes | Alternative B2 17:00 Departure for Toxotes | |
| 17:15 Departure from Toxotes 17:30 Arrival at the hotel (Xanthi) Free time for a tour in the city of Xanthi and dinner | ||
Monday 7 October11:00 Departure from Xanthi | ||
The flora and vegetation of Nestos Straits
The area probably hosts the largest population of the Balkan endemic species Haberlea rhodopensis Friv. in Greece, which is one of the five relict species of the family Gesneriaceae in Europe. During the crossing of the river by canoes or hiking, we will encounter groups of tens to hundreds of individuals of this species.
In the initial part of the river crossing, we will come across one of the lowest-altitude ravine forests, with a characteristic composition of Tilia tomentosa Moench and T. platyphyllos Scop. These forests also harbor one of the southernmost populations of Staphylea pinnata L., which for a short time was considered extinct in Greece.
Moreover, in the broader area, we will find riparian forests of varying structure and composition, primarily dominated by Salix alba L., Populus alba L., Fraxinus angustifolia Vahl, and Ulmus minor Mill. These forests grow along the riverbanks and on islands of varying sizes within the riverbed.
On the terrestrial part of the area, there is vegetation typical of limestone rocks and screes, as well as (sub-)Mediterranean vegetation of kermes oak (Quercus coccifera L.) and oriental hornbeam (Carpinus orientalis Mill.). Noteworthy plant species of the area include Iris reichenbachii Heuffel, Tulipa rhodopea (Velen.) Velen., Saxifraga sempervivum K. Koch and Salvia teddii Turrill.
Participation in the post-conference excursion and participation fee
For the post-conference excursion to take place, a minimum of 15-20 participants is required, while the maximum number of participants is 40-45.
To facilitate the organization of the excursion, participants will be requested to express their intention to participate in the excursion and select from the various alternatives offered within a reasonable period of time. In case of increased interest, a first-come, first-served basis will be followed.
The participation fee for the post-conference excursion to the Nestos Straits is 170 € for all categories of participants. This cost includes transportation-tour to the Nestos Straits and Xanthi, one night in a hotel with breakfast, and snack on the first day (it does not include dinner).