Tourist season
Keramoti is the perfect holiday destination for lovers of the sea and beaches. In a small fishing village, off the beaten path, they will experience real Greece. Some parts of the beach stretching to infinity are well organized and offer many goodies (sun umbrellas, lounge chairs, hammocks, etc.) that make a day long stay on the beach not seem too long, while others are secluded and isolated, giving the chance to the visitor to reclaim his privacy.
The tourist season in Keramoti is at least two months longer than the one at the Black Sea. Beware the crowds and the excessive heat during the so called High season (between 20th of July and 20th of August). On top of that, exactly during that period most Greeks use to have their vacation which makes accommodation considerably more expensive. So one shouldn’t necessarily adhere to the habits of going on vacation in July and August. Of course families with schooled children have no other choice, but others would find it notably cheaper and much more pleasant to spend their holidays in May, June and September. The best time to be in Keramoti is in September, especially the first 2-3 weeks, when the water is still very warm, crowds and hence prices are down and full services are still in operation. October would be a true paradise for those who prefer calm holiday - especially for those more advanced in age – the temperature is about 25-26°C, the sun is mild and the water is still pleasant for bathing (natives are used to taking sea baths as late as November). Second half of September until late November is the best time for fishing.
Alternative Tourism
Keramoti is the perfect starting point for those who love alternative tourism. The Mesta River (or Nestos River, as they call it in Greece) flows into the huge firth close to Keramoti. The river’s gorge, delta and numerous lagoons, lakes and swamps are pieces of heaven for the lovers of ecotourism, ornithology and extreme tourism. Mesta’s delta region, called Kodja Orman (the Big Forest) is one of the largest regions of damp forests in Greece. In the past human activities have destroyed a large part of it. Many of the delta’s sleeves have been barred and the river has been forced into a single bed.
Keramoti is the perfect starting point for those who love alternative tourism. The Mesta River (or Nestos River, as they call it in Greece) begins on Mt. Rila in Bulgaria and flows more than 230 km from Central Rhodopi Forests on the Bulgarian border, through the Rhodopi Mountains and down through the Nestos Gorge to the vast expanse of lakes and marshes of the Delta, to reach the Aegean sea into a huge firth east of Keramoti.
The river’s gorge, delta and numerous lagoons, lakes and swamps are of exceptional importance for wildlife and pieces of heaven for the lovers of ecotourism, ornithology and extreme tourism.
The Nestos Delta region, called Kodja Orman (the Big Forest – turk.) is one of the largest regions of damp forests in Greece. In the past human activities have destroyed a large part of it. Many of the delta’s sleeves have been barred and the river has been forced into a single bed. Today Nestos Delta is known for its wildlife, particularly birds and is a part of the recently established Eastern Macedonia and Thrace National Park, spreading on about 1100 sq. km from Kavala to the Rhodopi district. It includes 2 big and 18 small freshwater lakes, 22 mixed ones – fresh and salt water lagoons with large salt swamps and reed beds, as well as 50 km of sandy dunes along the coast. A number of ruins can also be seen in the Delta area at the villages of Tozotes and Paradeisos.
Any naturalist staying on Thasos or in Kavala should take the opportunity of going to Keramoti and visiting the outstanding habitats of the Nestos Delta on the adjacent mainland. Most of the area is a National Park, containing three separate Special Protection Areas for bird conservation, and the 125,000 acres of the Delta are designated as a Ramsar Wetland site and the region is placed under the protection of Natura 2000.
The local NGOs are working to restore its original condition with various projects. They have, for example, planted 60 ha of new forests with typical trees and bushes, or, have worked to reconnect to the river some formerly barred sleeves. Since 1989 the Society for the Protection of Nature and Eco-development has been holding summer work camps for young people 16-25 years old, in collaboration with the Fund for the European Natural Heritage. Besides practical work to protect nature, swimming, games, entertainment, excursions and, most importantly, discussions are included on these camps' schedules
The Nestos Museum of Nature was established in June, 1990 in Chrissoupoli, Kavala, by the Society for the Protection of Nature and Eco-development. It is open every day except Monday from 9 am to 3 pm during the winter and from 9 am to 1 pm and 5:30 to 8 pm during the summer. Located at 117 Venizelou St. The Museum's phone number is 0591 24289.
Inside the Museum, the visitor can find extremely useful information on the wetlands and ecosystems on the Nestos delta and learn of the dangers threatening them. There are also guidelines for visitors, so that they can enjoy nature without destroying it. Apart from numerous photographs, there are also models of characteristic biotopes on the delta.
In the Museum garden, one can see "living" nature from the delta biotopes in the models of sand dunes and lakes; they include natural vegetation in the form of herbaceous plants, shrubs and trees. Furthermore, in the pond in the Museum garden, the visitor can admire the white water-lilies and bulrushes along with the dragonflies, lizards and frogs. For further information, contact the Society for Protection of Nature and Eco-development at P.O Box 47,64200 Chrisoupoli, telephone 0591 23144.
The Porto Lagos lagoons and the Vistonida Lake, the Eratino lagoons and the Nestos delta are a true earthly paradise for the lovers of flora and fauna. More than 320 different birds live here, some of which rare and protected species, rare kinds of eagles, pelicans, ibises, as well as a permanent population of more than 5000 pink flamingoes. There are many turtles as well.
Ecotourists can walk 7-8 km along the Nestos River, following an ecopath, carved directly into the rocks. This path is the heritage of the builders of the old railroad, where the famous Orient Express runs today.
Nestos Delta is a true treasure for nature lovers. At points the vertical drop between the river and the rocks reaches 1000 m, making it possible for various forests to thrive here – Mediterranean, damp, mountain ones etc., which provide shelter for a wide variety of animals and plants. And for those who are full of energy and are more adventurous, there are several local companies which offer rafting, horse riding and rock climbing.