The Municipality of Paranesti, with its capital being Paranesti, got its name from its location on the banks of the Nestos River. It is one of the largest municipalities in terms of area, but also very sparsely populated.
With an elevation ranging from 120 m to 1954 m, it is located 39 km from Drama. It is situated along the Thessaloniki-Alexandroupolis railway line, on a beautiful route. The area is mainly populated by refugees. The people are hardworking, kind, and hospitable, representing a way of life that is missing today. The railway station was built at the end of the 19th century by a French company and has been declared a monument by the Central Council for Modern Monuments.
Nature: purple orchid, fragrant saffron, mountain lily, various types of mushrooms, trembling poplar, beech, forest pine, and others. The landscape is of wild beauty with forested areas ideal for hunting and grazing. In the protected Fraktu forest, we encounter impressive forests of black pine. The imposing waterfalls in this region evoke awe in visitors: the Lepida Waterfall, Trahoniu, Fraktu, Skoteinu, Agia Varvara, and others. The bridges in this area remain unchanged over time: single-arched bridges in Arkudorema, on Tsoukali Stream, in the area of the old settlement Karovos. Frequent visits are made to study the distinctive stone houses of the region. Many carefully constructed churches and picturesque chapels echo the faith of the people. Unforgettable will remain the abandoned villages that were replaced by forests, the ruined buildings of Ahladohorio, the few remaining upright ones in Poligephiro, or the facilities of the Fraktu forestry works.
The first traces of human presence date back to the Paleolithic era in the mountainous region of Arkudorema. Later, the fate of the area was shaped by many historical events, such as the settlement of Thracian tribes from the 11th century BC (the Sapphians in the Nestos valley and the Agrians in the Rhodope mountain range), the military campaigns of Philip with the construction of fortified acropolises at the passages of the Nestos River, and their reinforcement during the Byzantine Empire. In modern times, during the Ottoman conquest, a colonial program at the end of the 16th century, with the relocation of populations from other areas, along with favorable conditions for the development of agriculture and livestock, played a key role in the creation of a dense network of settlements in the mountainous region. Rich findings from these periods have been discovered in the area, including graves with valuable burial items and residential remains. In November 1373, Hadji Evrenos conquered the area, marking the beginning of a long Ottoman period.
The area is known for its taverns with large portions and delicious traditional products and sweets. Hotels in the municipality, in addition to offering great views, provide moments of relaxation and enjoyment for visitors. Wine tourism is offered at the wineries of Niko Lazaridis, Kostas Lazaridis, Evaggeloglou, Manolesakis, Oinogenesis, and others. The special estates are ideal for family outings (food, coffee, animals, etc.). The protected Fraktu Forest is the wildest forest in our country and one of the few remaining untouched forest ecosystems in Europe. Here, 13 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles, bears, eagles, wild boars, wolves, wild goats, and many other species live. The Nestos River provides ideal conditions for fishing, rafting, kayaking, archery, horseback riding, and more. Paddle in the fairy-tale-like Devil’s Stream and explore the route towards the Platanovrisi dam.
