Entrance

The river Nestos or Nessos for the ancient Greeks was according to mythology, Ocean’s son and Kallirrois’ father. Kalliroi according to the legend was Vistona’s wife. The river Nestos stems from Rodopi and crosses the whole mountain range. Moreover, according to the legend, Rodopi was Strimonas’ (river) daughter and Emos’ (mount) sister! The old residents inspired the names because of the place; myths made these names immortal and as time passed by, new generations by word of mouth used the same names. In this way the legendary past is linked with the living present. In the fertile valleys created while Nestos is crossing the Thracian grounds, you could hear the sound of the mythical Orpheus’ lyra. Moreover, in these valleys the Dionysian worship spread during ancient times.

The river connects the coastal area of the Aegean Sea with the Thracian hinterland which extends today towards Bulgaria. Nestos stems from the hills of Rila, south of Sofia and covers a total distance of 243 kilometers, of which 130 kilometers are in the Greek territory.Nestos sometimes flows wildly and violently through narrow passages and canyons and sometimes calmly and serenely in open and sandy paths creating landscapes of unique aesthetic beauty. In this rich land, nature hides and reveals stunning images. These images change constantly: from the peaceful flying of large predatory birds in the hinterland to Agathokalimana in the river Delta and from the unique Yellow Lilly of Rodopi to the white sea lilies that bloom in the sand dunes of the Delta. Visitors of Stena can experience this unique wonderful world, walking in the well shaped stone trails of the region.