Crystal waters from natural springs in deferent spots, formed in an artistic way by the Forest Inspection, quench the travelers thirst. Places of recreation and relaxation with seats, tables and shelters, made with ecological sensitivity, are offered for food and rest.

The marble rocks of the area, eroded by the continuous flow of the river waters, create steep hill-sides and a lot of caves. These caves some of which are visible from the passage, have marvelous decorations of stalagmites and stalactites. It is a Scenery of special aesthetic and natural beauty, which constantly changes as time passes by.

In autumn, when the area is full of the rich colors of the trees and bushes, you can walk safely on the old stone-paved footpath, which leads you either high to the eroded marble rocks or low to the sandy side of the river, near the rails.

Rich Variety of Flora and Fauna. There are trees and bushes like planes, slivers, willows, wild arbutus, cedars, oaks, wild lilacs, wild olives and rare wild flowers, such as violets, irises, orchids, blossomed depending on the season. There are also rare birds like herons, eagles, vultures, even rare mammals like otters. A place which is offered for photographs in all seasons.

Traveling by train

The railway line, created in 1891, was for many years the main means of transport for the inhabitants of this inaccessible mountainous place and it is still in operation. The beautiful old Railway Station of Livera, with facilities properly formed by the Hellenic Railway Organization, serves the visitor's needs, reminding everyone the old days of glory, when this place was full of human presence from the nearby villages, like Livera and Kromniko. In the station there are refreshment rooms, restaurants and two hospices with 16 beds. The area which surrounds the station, was regenerated with stone-paved footpaths, barbecues and benches, which cover totally and with respect the sensitive wetland of the area, giving the possibility to "nature lovers" to have unforgettable moments of silence in a magic place. There is no place like it anywhere in Greece.

A branch of the International mountain path (E6), parallel to the Nestos river, begins from the community of Galani and leads to the vilages Livera and Kromniko. Following the path E6 and reaching Livera, travelers can visit and have a rest in the cave of Livera.

Livera (abandoned village) is in the heart of the Nestos Narrows and is the only place which reveals the human activity. The natural peacefulness of this place is disrupted only by the lonely jingle of small flocks of sheep and the roar of the train, which passes trough the 28 tunnels with a total length of 18km, from the village of Toxotes to Stavroupoli. The same tunnels and the supporting structures on left and on right of the railway line, challenge the interest of travelers. All made by hand and with local natural materials, have been covered by mosses and plants as time passed by. The perfectly rounded holes of the iron bars, used for breaking the rocks, and the barely seen sculptured names of the workers over the grey marbles, are the only proof of human efford.

Also, in a few hours of climbing up the KARPUZ TEPE area, visitors have the chance to admire the wonderful view of Xanthi's and Hrisoupoli's flat country and as well as the Islands of Thassos and Limnos.

At the community of Toxotes there is the lock of Nestos, where wetland has been created with several kinds of interesting birds, like herons.

Nestos Tourist Resort

Near the Nestos river, in area of Galani, there is the municipal store, which works as cafeteria, restaurant, play land, zoo and information center.

Touring Center of Livera (abandoned railway station)

The co-operation of the Local Government and the Hellenic Railway Organization, created a restaurant for 80 people and shelters for 16 people.

You can go there by train or on foot from Toxotes or Stavroupoli, after you have contacted with the Municipal Enterprise of Local Development (M.E.L.D.).

Idyllic landscape and natural lifestyle with all the unexpected happenings...

Ηospices of Imera

At an altitude of 600m, the hospices of Imera will be ready in the summer of 2000. There is a tourist center with 2 self service rooms which can provide accommodation for 15 people.