Our trip begins with a stop at the archaeological museum of Avdera, located in the village by the same name, where visitors can admire some unique exhibits. After the museum visit, we head for Porto Lagos, along two alternative routes, either via the seafront at Avdera, or through the modern part of Avdera towards Nea Kessani-Porto Lagos.

If we follow the first route, 4 km outside the village, next to the sea, we arrive at the archaeological site of the Byzantine town of Avdera and then continue to the small beaches of Agios Giannis and Mandra. The same route leads us to Porto Lagos.

The second route sets off from the modern part of Avdera towards Nea Kessani-Porto Lagos, and by-passes the archaeological site at Avdera. Just outside Porto Lagos, right opposite the small pine forest by the sea, we find the Information Centre of Vistonida lake, which provides all the necessary information for visitors planning to explore Vistonida lake.

We then continue towards the village of Porto Lagos and the small church of Agios Nikolaos on Vistonida lake, which is an ideal spot for watching aquatic birds, such as Flamingoes, Herons, Pelicans, Ducks, Avocets, Eurasian Coots etc.
 

Porto Lagos is also an ideal place for us to sample some mouth-watering sea delicacies and daydream, surrounded by the sounds and colours of the Thracian sea.
 

Avdera and the beaches of Xanthi Prefecture in brief 

Avdera, the birthplace of ancient Greek savants, such as Democritus, Lefkippos, Protagoras, Vionas, Anaxarchos, is home to the museum of Avdera, which has received awards for the way in which its exhibits are displayed. Of particular interest are the skeletons, which are presented just as they were found in the local area, along with collections of jewellery, toys, household vessels etc. Another fascinating feature is the ancient theatre of Avdera on the coast. To the south of Xanthi Prefecture are the beaches of Avdera, Maggana, Myrodato, Mandra and Erasmio, which have organized facilities, mainly during the summer months; during winter, they offer numerous opportunities for birdwatching.

Vistonida lake in brief
The lake of Vistonida, with a total area of 4,400 ha, is a blessed place, rich in fish stocks and a refuge for thousands of winged visitors. Over 260 bird species have been observed in this region, nine of which are globally under threat, such as the Dalmatian Pelican, the Lesser White-fronted Goose, the Red-breasted Goose, the Ferruginous Duck, the White-headed Duck, the Greater Spotted Eagle, the Imperial Eagle, the Kestrel and the Slender-billed Curlew. For many it is their breeding area, others winter here or periodically use the lake during their migration. The area is protected by the Ramsar Treaty and the European Union as a Special Protection Area for Birdlife, and is also included in the Natura 2000 network. Another interesting landmark is the small church of Agios Nikolaos that belongs to the metochion of Vatopedi Monastery.