Though fairly unimpressive at first glance, what sets the beach of Loutra Aidipsou apart from others are its thermal springs which pop up here and there along the coastline. Backed by shops, tavernas and hotels, the beach can be noisy, though allows for a convenient dip for visitors to the well-known thermal spring capitol of Greece.
Conveniently located just outside the graphic seaside town it takes its name from, Limni Beach is unorganized and features clean water and pebbles both inside and outside of the sea. It can be busy during summertime, though it large length wards off the feeling that it’s overcrowded.
Known as the “Greek Seychelles”, the handful of small islets across from the seaside town of Lihada are a marine playground, particularly for those who come with their own boat. The popular beach of Agios Georgios features sun loungers and umbrellas as well as a beach bar. It’s very popular with the young and gregarious, though if you’re looking for more secluded swimming, the other islets are all within swimming distance and feature extremely shallow waters.
The beautiful beach of Kanatadika is set apart by the beautiful shades of blue in its waters and its unique position looking out towards both the mainland, the Pelion Peninsula and the Aegean. The beach consists of smooth pebbles, and is backed by a few traditional seafood tavernas.
Approximately five kilometres north of Limni is the beach of Chronia lays this thin, yet clean strip of beach. Small pebbles and plenty of dried seaweed make up its surface, and though you won’t find any umbrellas for hire here, a couple of rooms and tavernas just beyond the beach provide basic amenities.
As one of the most popular resorts throughout the entire island of Evia, Agia Anna attracts thousands of tourists each year. Its long sandy beach stretches kilometre after kilometre and is backed by countless tavernas, beach bars and rooms. As is the case with Pefki, it’s better to visit during the low season if you are not fond of crowds.
Eighty-four individual spas along with large interior and exterior pools are housed in the newly built complex of Aidipsos’ public baths. Special customized treatments targeting the neck and limbs are also available as well as a movement therapy pool and gym.
The paths of Livaditis, a lovely mountain village some 50km away from Xanthi, in the western part of the region offers sign-posted hiking paths which are connected to the E6 hiking trail. The area offers climbing, skiing and mountain biking, embedded with nature's splendour and a spectacular waterfall. The nature continues around the village of Evrimanthos where fauna and flora compete to engulf the senses. Mushrooms are highly prized in this area and there is a large variety to discover. Also visit the Chaintous forest and the area of Arkoudorema (Bear Stream), a true ecological paradise. In June the Sarakatsan festival showcases local customs of these people that form a strong part of the area's character.
The Kosinthos river is also part of the Xanthi landscape, with stone bridges and intriguing pathways between villages and forgotten spots. Visit Halil’s watermill – one of the few that still exist today – to travel back through time.
The Nestos river has attracted eco-visitors for decades, a perfect locale for hiking, horseback riding, birdwatching, mountain climbing, canoeing, cycling, kayaking and rappelling. These activities in the land of Orpheus take place in magical corners of the Xanthi region like Galani, Komnina, Kromniko, Livadero, Stavroupolis, Toxotes and others. The Nestos Delta in Xanthi, where the river meets the sea, is also another enchanting place with dreamy sceneries. Worth nothing too is the area of Abdera which hosts a unique ecosystem of lakes, lagoons and valuable wetlands.