Vistonida

The area around Lake Vistonida in Western Thrace in Greece includes the site of Anastasiopolis or Peritheorion (Greek: Αναστασιούπολις - Περιθεώριον) an ancient city on the Via Egnatia. This article covers roughly the area of the municipalities Abdera and Iasmos and the old municipality of Vistonida.

Understand


The area is part of the National Park of Nestos Delta and lakes Vistonida-Ismarida, an area of particularly high occurrence of migratory birds.

Villages include Amaxades, Iasmos, Porto Lagos, Lagos, Nea Kessani and Fanari,

Get in
On the road Xanthi-Komotini turn off in the village Amaxades at the underpass under the highway and follow the paved dirt road. It is advantageous to look at the route on Google Earth before, as the route is not signposted. Shortly before the ruins the paved road stops. The remaining 2 km dirt road are good to drive without 4WD. The entrance gate is on the north side. Since it is usually locked, you enter the ruined site through the loose grid in the gate.

Get around
Car is advisable to get round the different sites.

The area of the archaeological site is level and easily accessible. Hiking boots are advisable.

See

 * from the 9th to 14th century, which is also worth a visit.
 * from the 9th to 14th century, which is also worth a visit.
 * from the 9th to 14th century, which is also worth a visit.
 * from the 9th to 14th century, which is also worth a visit.
 * from the 9th to 14th century, which is also worth a visit.
 * from the 9th to 14th century, which is also worth a visit.
 * from the 9th to 14th century, which is also worth a visit.
 * from the 9th to 14th century, which is also worth a visit.

Eat
In the surrounding villages you will find restaurants as well as fast food especially in Iasmos village. But it is recommended to drive to the coastal villages Fanari or Porto Lagos (see Xanthi) because of the more beautiful environment.

Drink
In each village there are kafeneios (simple traditional cafes) where mainly the farmers of the respective village spend their time. As the villages have a high percentage of Muslim population, as a tourist you should not go there in mismatched clothing. Iasmos, as a bigger place, has several modern cafes, which you can easily visit as a tourist.

Sleep
Around Natural Reserve Area of Lake Vistonis the best places to sleep are in the village Fanari or Porto Lagos. In the immediate vicinity of the lake there are many mosquitos, which can make the stay uncomfortable.



Stay safe

 * Because of the completely natural, jungle-like vegetation you should explore the area with suitable high shoes and tight clothing, also as protection against snakes.
 * Sufficient protection against mosquitoes is required.

Connect

 * Most cafés in Vistonida have free WiFi

Go next

 * Xanthi
 * Komotini
 * Nestos National Park