nestos

Nestos is a transboundary river in the Balkan region, known in Greek as Nestos and in Bulgarian as Mesta. It has its headwaters in the Belasica mountains on the Bulgaria–Greece border and flows generally southwest and south, reaching the Aegean Sea. In Greece, the river traverses parts of East Macedonia and Thrace before its delta and mouth.

In its upper course, Nestos passes through a canyon known as the Nestos Gorge, a scenic landscape carved through the mountains that is popular for outdoor activities. The river broadens as it approaches the coast, forming the Nestos Delta, one of Greece’s most important wetland complexes. The delta supports a variety of habitats, including reed beds, wetlands, and riverine forests, and serves as a habitat for numerous bird species and other wildlife.

Ecology and conservation are central to the Nestos Delta. The area is protected as part of national and European conservation efforts and is recognized for its biodiversity and importance for migratory birds. The delta and surrounding lowlands also support agricultural activity, aquaculture, and regional tourism, contributing to the local economy while emphasizing habitat protection.

Human use along Nestos includes irrigation, water management, and energy generation through hydropower facilities positioned along the river corridor. These infrastructures aim to balance development with flood control and ecological preservation, reflecting the river’s role in the landscape, economy, and biodiversity of northeastern Greece and the broader region.