Lake Vistonis (Λίμνη Βιστωνίδα) is located in the southern prefectures of Rodopi and Xanthi and is the natural extension of the gulf of Porto Lagos. It is relatively shallow and it has an area approximately 45 sq km. The average prevailing depths are 2 to 2.5 meters. The depth of the Lake consists of fine-grained sedimant, derived from sediments of the three incoming rivers Kosinthos, Kompsatos and Traxos.
Around the reeds are the stretching bands of trees, wet meadows, salt meadows and riparian forests. Lake Vistonida and Porto Lagos are included in the Areas of Special Protection of Birds of the EU and the network Natura – Nature 2000 because of the biodiversity of species and ecosystems. Vistonis is one of the 11 international protected wetlands in Greece. Since 1974 it belongs to the protection regime of the treaty RAMSAR.
Of the approximately 400 different bird species counted in all over Greece more than half are estimated to exist in the region of Vistonis / Porto Lagos. 214 different bird species have been recorded , 94 of them nest regularly, 6 nest periodically and 147 species of birds are passing visitors during their migration in spring or autumn and exceptionally in the summer.
Especially during the winter months can be seen large concentrations of waders such as pelicans, flamingos, Pygmy Cormorant, ducks like White-headed and Long-tailed duck, Smew and Scaups, Spoonbills, Herons, swans like Whooper and Bewick’s, Grey Heron and White egrets. During spring – summer could be observed Whiskered, Sandwich, Common, Gull- billed, Little, White-winged and Black Terns, There are many raptors that nest in Vistonida Lake including Marsh harrier, buzzards, Long-eared Owl (Asio otus) and rare raptors such as the fish-eagle and the osprey.
In Porto Lagos, -opposite to the port - in the woods are nesting up to 600 pairs of Little Egret and Grey Heron. The sight of the hundreds of birds around the picturesque church of St. Nikolaos in the middle of the lagoon of Porto Lagos is really unique! The region is very important for breeding, passage and wintering waterbirds, raptors and species that nest in reed beds. In Porto Lagos can be observe red-breasted Goose, Slender-billed Curlew, White-tailed Eagle, Greater Spotted Eagle, Eastern Imperial Eagle and Lesser Kestrel.
In Avdira Marshes Little Egrets, Pygmy Cormorants, Collared Pratincole, Slender- billed Gull, Curlew Sandpiper, Isabellines, Northern Wheatears, Glossy Ibis, Temminck’s and Little Stints, Collared Pratincole, Great Snipes, Squacco herons, Spur-winged Plovers and Slender-billed Gull are regularly observed.
In Laftouda Lagoon except from Flamingo is likely to observe Hen Harriers, Spotted Eagle, Great – grey Shrike, and Short-eared Owl.
In Mandra Marsh is likely to observe Calandra and Short –toed Larks, Purple Herons, Collared Pranticole, Little Stints and Tawny Pipits
Location and getting there :
Distances from / to Vistonis Lake :
Cities :
- Thessaloniki : 225km
- Xanthi : 25km
- Kavala: 72km
- Alexandroupolis: 88km
Closest airports :
- Thessaloniki International (SKG) : 245km
- Kavala International (KVA) : 60km
- Alexandroupolis (domestic flights) : 96km
Access to the area of Lake Vistonis / Porto Lagos is very easy as they are located on the old National Road between Xanthi and Komotini, and just a short drive from the above towns.
Local weather :
Porto Lagos
May 18, 2012, 10:26
Mostly cloudy with showers
15°C
real feel: 14°C
humidity: 99%
wind speed: 1 m/s N
sunrise: 5:52
sunset: 20:30
Forecast May 18, 2012
day
Rain
21°C
wind speed: 4 m/s N
night
Partly cloudy with showers
11°C
wind speed: 3 m/s N
