Avdira

Ancient Archaeological Site in Thrace

Modern Avdira (also called Abdera) is a small farming village several kilometers from the coast, and about 20kms (12 miles) south of Xanthi. It also gives its name to the nearest beach, which attracts many Greek visitors in the summer, though few foreign ones as it is rather out of the way – and all the more charming because of it. 

Lake Vistonida

Nearby is Lake Vistonida, and the marshlands around the lake are an important area for wildlife, especially birds such as waders and rare raptors too, like the magnificent sea eagle. There are some observation towers for those who want to study the area’s rich natural history.

Ancient Archaeological Site of Avdira

Near the beach of Avdira is the archaeological site of ancient Avdira (on open access), from which many of the best finds have been taken to be put on display in the Archaeological Museums in Komotíni and Kavála. The site is rather overgrown and requires a little dedication to get the best from it. 

It stands on a small headland, surrounded by the remains of the walls of the acropolis, and there are also the few remnants of a theatre and it is possible to identify a Roman bath-house. Nearby are the foundations of some Roman houses, and the entrance gate to the city also remains, flanked by two towers.

The city, as it was, was founded in about 656 BC by refugees from Klazomenae in Asia Minor, then re-founded in about 500 BC by more refugees, from Persia. It grew into an important member of the Delian League, and was known to be a fair-sized city until at least the 9th century AD, when it was still the site of a bishopric.

Excavations did not begin until 1950, and some valuable items have been unearthed, including in one place some 2000 small votive vases. While the site is not especially attractive or spectacular, for that very reason it does not get crowded and you may well be able to wander over the large remains by yourself. This can be an evocative experience and just as rewarding as visiting more significant sites in the company of hundreds of other visitors.

Avdira, South of Xanthi, in Thrace, Greece

You might like these other Thrace pages...

  • Xanthi in Thrace, Eastern Greece

    The city of Xanthi in Thrace is a lively university town with several museums, old mansions, and one of the best markets in Thrace.

  • Philippi

    Philippi is an ancient archaeological site near Kavala in East Macedonia and Thrace and is famous for being the place where the apostle St Paul was imprisoned.

  • Northern Greece Guide

    The Bradt Guide to Northern Greece is a detailed guide to Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Macedonia, Thrace, The Pelion, The Sporades and the rest of Northern Greece.

  • Komotini in Thrace, Greece

    Komotini is a town in eastern Thrace in Greece, with many Turkish influences, and it is also home to the Pomak people.

  • Macedonia and Thrace

    Macedonia and Thrace are the regions in Greece where travelers will find Thessaloniki, Mount Athos monasteries, Halkidiki and sites like Dion and Pella.

  • Evros Delta National Park in Thrace, Greece

    The Evros Delta National Park is one of the most important wetlands in the whole of Europe, and a magnet for birdwatchers, with nearby accommodation.

  • Dadia Forest Reserve and Ecotourism Centre

    The Dadia Forest in eastern Greece is famous for wildlife, especially birds, with accommodation and information available at the Dadia Ecotourism Centre.

  • Alexandroupoli in the Thrace region of Greece

    Alexandroupoli is a city in the Thrace region of Greece, in the extreme east of the country, the closest Greek city to the border with Turkey.

Latest Posts

RSS

  1. Greece Eases Some Covid-19 Lockdown Rules, Keeps Movement Restrictions in Place

    Greece’s authorities have announced the opening of high schools in the country and the loosening of a few lockdown measures, but said that the night curfew and movement restrictions would stay in plac…

    Read More

  2. Greece Domestic Air Travel: Only Essential Trips Allowed Until February 1

    The Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) on Saturday updated an aviation directive (NOTAM) that allows only essential domestic travel between all Greek airports. The directive that bans trips betw…

    Read More

  3. Greece’s 7-day Quarantine Rule for Air Arrivals Extended to February 8

    Greece is extending the mandatory 7-day quarantine rule for all international travelers arriving by air. In an announcement on Friday, the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) issued an update for…

    Read More

  4. American Airlines Announces Athens-New York Route for Summer 2021

    American Airlines, as of June 3, will launch a new service connecting Athens with New York, JFK airport, for the 2021 summer season. Flights, to be conducted on a Boeing 777-200, will be available for…

    Read More

  5. Where To Enjoy The Most Amazing Views In Athens

    When you set off to discover Athens, you will be surprised by the amount of amazing vantage points the city has to offer. Due to its unique geography, Athens offers a number of places to visit and tak…

    Read More

  6. Tough Measures Continue in Greece Due to Covid-19 Variant

    Greece plans to keep its strict lockdown measures in place in view of a Covid-19 variant which appears to be spreading at a fast pace. The new strain of the deadly virus believed to be more contagious…

    Read More

  7. Strefi Hill Revamp to Create an Oasis in Athens for Residents and Visitors

    The Strefi hill, located in the neighborhood of Exarchia near the center of Athens, is set to undergo a major revamp, as part of an ongoing drive for the overhaul of the Greek capital, the Municipalit…

    Read More

  8. Commission: All Non-essential Travel ‘Strongly Discouraged’

    One day before EU leaders meet to discuss actions in the fight against the Covid-19 crisis, the European Commission called on member states to discourage non-essential travel and to accelerate vaccina…

    Read More

  9. Underwater Excavation Off Kasos Uncovers Ancient Shipwrecks and Cargo

    A shipwreck of the Roman period and its cargo are among the significant finds of an underwater excavation that was carried out by archaeologists off the Greek island of Kasos in the Dodecanese. Accord…

    Read More

  10. Conde Nast Traveller Shares its List of the Best Greek Islands to Visit in 2021

    UK travel magazine Conde Nast Traveller (CNT) has compiled a list of the “Best Greek islands to Visit in 2021” and features some of Greece’s most popular vacation spots. After a challenging summer sea…

    Read More