Nestos facts for kids
The Nestos River, also called Mesta, is a cool river in the Balkans. It flows through two countries: Bulgaria and Greece. This river starts in Bulgaria, travels through Greece, and finally empties into the Aegean Sea. It's about 230 kilometers long.
Where Does the Nestos River Flow?
The Nestos River begins its journey in Bulgaria. It starts high up between the Rila and Rhodope Mountains. As it flows, it passes through the Pirin mountains. Many smaller rivers join it along the way, making it bigger.
The river then crosses the Nevrokopi valley. It continues its path between the Orvilos and Rhodope mountains. This is where it enters Greece, flowing into the Drama Prefecture.
Next, the Nestos River travels through the Xanthi Prefecture. It carves a narrow and long valley through the land. Finally, it flows past the cities of Xanthi and Chrysoupoli. At its very end, the river forms a large delta before joining the Aegean Sea.
Why is the Nestos River Important?
The Nestos River acts as a natural border. It separates the regions of Macedonia and Thrace in Greece. This river is very important for the people living nearby.
The river provides water for many uses. Farmers use its water to grow their crops in the valley. People also use the river for drinking water, bathing, and even fun water sports.
For many years, Greece and Bulgaria discussed how to share the river's water. They signed an agreement in 1995. This agreement decided that Bulgaria has rights to 71% of the water, and Greece has rights to 29%.
