On the foothills of mount Ismaros and in a large area you will meet the ancient settlement of Maroneia. Its history starts from the Helladic era and reaches up to the byzantine period. According to history, this powerful city was founded in the 7th century B.C by Maronas, who was a priest for god Apollo. You can visit different parts of the...
- Evros Prefecture
The lake Vistonida is located on the borders between the prefectures of Rodopi and Xanthi. Another lake protected by the international treaty Ramsar. Vistonida is connected with the sea through the lake of Porto Lagos. That is the reason why its water is semi-sweet. However, it has a quite rich flora with willows, poplars and platanus...
Women with or without headscarf, men enjoying a waterpipe (narghile) and others preparing a “soutzouk loukoum” just right in front of you. Here Greeks and Muslims live in complete harmony. Komotini is the capital of the prefecture and with a population of 46000 people, combines two different cultures. Its long history dates back to the ancient...
It is almost impossible to describe the view while approaching Samothrace: a huge massif of carven granite seems like floating in the waters of the Thracian Sea located 28 nautical miles away from Alexandroupolis and at the northeastern edge of the Aegean Sea. The imposing Mount Feggari or Saos, with an altitude of 1664 meters, the Sacred...
Located in the settlement of Makri, it was discovered during World War I by the archeologist G. Balakakis. In its interior, there are steps that lead in 3 chambers, where several statuettes and earthen utensils, which indicate its inhabitance during the Neolithic period, have been found.
These are all fresh water lakes created by the waters that cover the southeastern part of the estuary (delta) during the periodic floods in the winter. The yellow-golden fields of reeds surrounding them will definitely impress you.
Springing from the Bulgarian Rila Range and specifically from Mount Skomio, Evros constitutes a natural border between Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria ending in the Thracian Sea after a 530km travel, 230km of which are within the territory of Greece. It is the biggest Greek river and the second biggest river in Europe, right after Danube. Along...
The ancient city is located in an overgrown landscape and was founded by the Roman Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AC. It has not been excavated while defensive walls exist at its perimeter, built during the time of Justinian. The central building is that of Hana (14th century), which was used as a guesthouse and had a central heating...
Internationally recognized for its ecological value, the biotope of Dadia Forest spreads amid the region, adding a special kind of beauty and importance. It’s a place of vital importance for the flora and fauna of the area, since here countless species of flora can be found, such as pine trees and oak trees hundreds of years old, but mostly for...
It is located 25km to the west of Alexandroupolis and can be accessed by private means. In this area, several excavations brought to light the great ancient city of Zone founded in the 7th century BC. At its entrance stand the remains of the Bethel of Dimitra, while a bit further to the north stood a temple of Apollo. To the west, in the main...
10km to the north of Alexandroupolis you will find the village Avantas. Here, on Boz-tepe Hill (grey hill) 3 towers from the castle of the Gattilusi family, who had the area under their command during the 4th Crusade, are preserved. Although it can only be accessed by foot in a relatively gnarled area, the unrivalled beautiful view will make...
It is the first beach you meet in Alexandroupolis. With the guarantee of the Blue Flag, which has been awarded by the European Union, perfect for swimming in crystal clear waters. It is the only beach with entrance fee.
The thermal baths Traianoupolis known in Greece and abroad, are indicated in the treatment of diseases of the liver and kidneys, rheumatism and slipped. The waters are hydrochloride, thermoelectric and radioucha. In the area you will find guesthouses, restaurants and hotels. The four buildings which are preserved since Roman times, remind...
Hosted in the “Leontaridios Greek Urban School for Boys”, which was built in 1909, you will find a collection that summarizes the area’s religious history. The exhibits displayed here, such as vestments, utensils, religious books and byzantine icons, will provoke you a feeling of devoutness. The museum is located at the center of...
Access
By car: The region of Evros and its capital, Alexandroupolis, can be easily accessed by car via Egnatia Highway. As an indication, Alexandroupolis is 800km from Athens (9 hours), 300km from Thessaloniki, 560km from Ioannina and 150km from Kavala.
By plane: The shortest and easiest way of reaching Alexandroupolis is by plane....
In Greece’s northeast end, the southeast end of Europe, is located the prefecture of Evros, which borders to the north with Bulgaria and to the east with Turkey. It is a crossroad between the East and the West, which is also its main feature. From the very start of your arrival you will witness the co-existence of two very different nations and...
Capital of the region of Evros, with a population of more than 50.000 inhabitants and with more than a century long history, Alexandroupolis is a coastal city which is located 800km from Athens and 310km from Thessaloniki. One of the most important Neolithic settlements of the Balkans has been found in the area, findings from which are kept in...
Evros is known for its remarkable gastronomy suggestions.
Trahanas (frumenty): sour or hot, the Thracian trachanas is made from leaven and vegetables that make him stand out from the frumenty you might find in other Greek cities.
Babo: this recipe, also known as "omaties" or "bobari", was usually cooked during Christmas and has, as its main...
- If you can't stand low temperatures, avoid visiting the area from November till March.
- During the summer, avoid wandering around the countryside in the afternoon, since this is the time when the mosquitoes of Evros pop in. Although, they are not the only creatures "sucking our blood", they can be really annoying! You should...
This grand Byzantine church, build in 1152 by reverend Isaac Komninos, embellishes the town of Feres. From its walls and the 6 towers surrounding it, only a big part of the walls and one of the towers (used as a belfry nowadays) have been preserved. In the 14th century when the town was occupied by the Ottomans, the monastery had a similar...
Ardas Festival: The Festival held on the banks of Ardas River (during the summer and especially in August) started as a youth meeting 18 years ago and continues to take place in late August gathering large numbers of visitors and campers. Apart from the concerts of well-known artists and local bands, you can also participate in several parallel...
Before the homonym village of the 800 inhabitants, you will encounter this monastery built for the first time in the 17th century, but was destroyed in 1912, during the Balkan wars, and priceless relics were lost, among them an ancient planch of the Thracian Rider (Thrakas Ippeas). The monastery was rebuilt from scratch and is now operating...
In Didymoticho, where Kale Hill stands, are located tens of caves that have been used as residencies. This is where King Charles XII of Sweden was imprisoned, when he was captured during the wars in northern Europe.
They are located to the northeast of the disemboguement of Evros River. Their fresh waters, coming mostly from rainfalls, are preserved till the early summer and host large numbers of ducks, which spend the winter here.
This beach consists of small coves and is ideal for moments of seclusion from the crowds.
Internationally recognized for its ecological value, the biotope of Dadia Forest spreads amid the region, adding a special kind of beauty and importance. It’s a place of vital importance for the flora and fauna of the area, since here countless species of flora can be found, such as pine trees and oak trees hundreds of years old, but mostly for...
The excavations of the distinguished professor of the University of Athens, Mr. Evangelos Velitzelos, brought to light the Petrified Forest in the area of Fylakto, with tree trunks of exceptional fossilization and perfect preservation. Its creation is probably due to the volcanic activity of the area dated 25 million years ago. Its finest...
A tributary of Evros with length of 290km, which runs through the village of Kastanies and is famous for its festival that is held on its banks every summer.
The rock engravings on Hilia Hill, 11km to the west of Roussa, indicate the existence of life in the area since the prehistoric times. The engraved figures on the rocks, which depict men, women, birds as well as reptiles, are dated between 1100 and 900 BC and attribute a mysterious atmosphere to the place.
67km to the northwest of Alexandoupolis, at the central part of the prefecture of Evros, you will encounter Soufli. With a population of 4.258 inhabitants, the picturesque town of Soufli gained global reputation in the late 19th century due to the unparalleled in quality silk that was produced here. The first seed of silk arrived in the area in...
At 14th May Street stands the traditional mansion that hosts a rich collection of local costumes, tools, utensils and needlework of Thrace. There is also the possibility of finding people, who were uprooted from the Eastern Thrace and settled in the Prefecture of Evros in the early 20th century, via the installed system.
Ascending the hill of Kale and walking through brick roads and traditional buildings, will lead you to the castle. In the place where the clock tower stands today, used to be the gate of the castle. The higher you get the more impressive the view is. In the interior of the castle you will find the small chapel of Agios Dimitrios. Observe the...
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To the north of the regional unit of Evros, in a 98km distance from Alexandroupolis, is located the town of Didymoticho which has a population of 8.799 inhabitants. This city is a real museum itself, since it combines natural beauty, monuments and a long history that has stayed alive through the ages and is rooted in the Neolithic period. ...
It is located in ' Platania ' in the settlement of Maistros, 2km to the east of Alexandroupolis. Here you will learn about the evolution of plants, mammals and fish that live in the area. You can also watch the projections of the show hall.
This is one more tributary of Evros, stems from Mount Silo and flows through the city of Didymoticho. It is also called Erythropos and Kikiz Dere.
Springing from the Bulgarian Rila Range and specifically from Mount Skomio, Evros constitutes a natural border between Greece, Turkey and Bulgaria ending in the Thracian Sea after a 530km travel, 230km of which are within the territory of Greece. It is the biggest Greek river and the second biggest river in Europe, right after Danube. Along...
16km to the northeast of Didymoticho and on the banks of Evros lies the village Pythio, which during the Byzantine era had the name Empythion. The Byzantine castle, built in 1291, is preserved here intact and it has been used as a shelter and the treasury (register) of Emperor Ioannis Katakouzinos. Moreover, it has two towers, one three stories...
32km to the west of Orestiada you will find the villages Mikri Doxipara and Zone. Between them, at the church of Agios Kosmas Aetolos, and following the dirt road 1,7 km in distance, you will find yourself in a unique monument: a tomb ( 7,5m high and 60m in diameter) that hosts the cremations of four ancient Thracians, five buried...
Locals prefer this beach for its fine sand.
Just outside the village of Kornofolia, in a 2km distance, the monastery of Panagia Portaitissa or Kornofolia Monastery is located, which was founded before the 17th century. Before entering the monastery women are required to wear one of the skirts provided. At its interior, you will find a copy of the icon of Panagia of Agio Oros (Mount...
It is located in Kypros (Cyprus) Square, in the old Town Hall of Alexandroupolis, while in its interior you will admire hundreds of stuffed birds and animals, but also samples of the flora of Evros’ Delta.
It stands out among the other beaches for its unique morphology. The olive groves descend to the sea, providing shade to the visitors and its deep waters impress with their coloration. The finishing stroke is the island of Samothrace, which seems to be so close that you can reach it by swimming.
To the north of Alexandroupolis, on the road to Avantas, you will find the junction for Potamos, where you will turn left. After crossing the railroad tracks, you will encounter the small chapel of Agii Theodori. The trail starting from that point will lead you to the larger church, which is carved inside the cave of Mount Zoneos. The...
67km to the northwest of Alexandoupolis, at the central part of the prefecture of Evros, you will encounter Soufli. With a population of 4.258 inhabitants, the picturesque town of Soufli gained global reputation in the late 19th century due to the unparalleled in quality silk that was produced here. The first seed of silk arrived in the area in...
Orestiada, the youngest town of Greece and the 2nd biggest in population of the region, is located even northern, 115km from the area’s capital, with a population of 15.246 inhabitants and an impressive town plan.
The ancient Orestiada or ‘Ouskoudama’ was founded according to mythology by Orestes, son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra. Orestes...
Descendant of the Byzantine town of Vira, which was founded in the early 12th century AC, the town of Feres is located 29km to the northeast of Alexandroupolis, and has a population of 5.206 inhabitants. The artistic and cultural heritage of Byzantium is strongly sensed here; with a prime sample the church of Panagia Kosmosotira, which was...
A tributary of Evros with length of 290km, which runs through the village of Kastanies and is famous for its festival that is held on its banks every summer.
In the traditional mansion that once belonged to Kourtidis family, you will have the opportunity to learn about the history of silk, the path followed for its transfer from China to Europe and the ways of cultivation of silkworms. Your interest will be triggered by the looms that are hosted here.
A bustling and popular beach, preferred by young visitors and residents due to the water sports available, but also for the beach bars located here.
The beach is suitable for the undecided, who are hesitant to choose between mountain and sea. Here you will find both combined!
This settlement lives up to its name since its population of 2.031 inhabitants can feel nothing but lucky (‘tycheroi’ in Greek), living in such a fertile and beautiful area. 24km away from Soufli and to its south, Tychero is evolving to a beautiful little state considering the past year’s rapid development. During the Roman times, the great...
Representative samples of the tradition and the cultural identity of the region are kept in its halls. Visiting hours: Daily 10:00 - 13:30 & 18:00 - 22:00, except Mondays.
It is located 25km to the west of Alexandroupolis and can be accessed by private means. In this area, several excavations brought to light the great ancient city of Zone founded in the 7th century BC. At its entrance stand the remains of the Bethel of Dimitra, while a bit further to the north stood a temple of Apollo. To the west, in the main...
To the north of the regional unit of Evros, in a 98km distance from Alexandroupolis, is located the town of Didymoticho which has a population of 8.799 inhabitants. This city is a real museum itself, since it combines natural beauty, monuments and a long history that has stayed alive through the ages and is rooted in the Neolithic period. ...
Take advantage of the free admission and wander around both floors that narrate the contemporary military history, from the Revolution in 1821 up to our days, through several exhibits such as weapons, tanks, swords, medals and uniforms as well as maps and audiovisual material.
At the banks of river Ardas, the most important tributary of Evros, you will find the village Kastanies. With a population of 1.295 inhabitants, it is located in a majestic site that combines a mountain, a valley and a river. Here the homonym Customs Station is located that unites our country with Turkey. The area has obtained great...
Several paintings and murals, all donated by the painter Nalbantis Dimitrios, await you in the reformed traditional building near the entrance of the castle of Didymoticho.
With 820 residents, the little settlement of Makri, which is very close to Alexandroupolis, manages to intrigue the interest of many visitors, especially during the summer due to its beaches. Having been constantly inhabited until today, it preserves its picturesqueness with the sparse traces of Byzantine forts, whereas during the 17th century...
Counting only 566 habitants, Kornofolia is worth mentioning for the Monastery of Panagia Portaitissa that is located here. The ancient objects that where found in this site indicate the existence of an ancient settlement. The area’s soil is rich in aluminum deposits, a material with therapeutic properties appropriate for burns, itching and...
It stands out among the other beaches for its unique morphology. The olive groves descend to the sea, providing shade to the visitors and its deep waters impress with their coloration. The finishing stroke is the island of Samothrace, which seems to be so close that you can reach it by swimming.
The Museum's collection consists of 3,400 objects associated with the tradition and the everyday life of the locals, from the 18th century and onwards. Moreover, you will be impressed by a Gospel written in Turkish, but in Greek lettering.
To the north of Alexandroupolis, on the road to Avantas, you will find the junction for Potamos, where you will turn left. After crossing the railroad tracks, you will encounter the small chapel of Agii Theodori. The trail starting from that point will lead you to the larger church, which is carved inside the cave of Mount Zoneos. The...
In a 14km distance from Soufli and with a population of 387 inhabitants, Fylakto attracts the visitor’s attention since it hosts one of the petrified logs which are scattered across the area, parts of a petrified forest found nearby. This specific log is 22 meters in length and about 20.000.000 years old. It makes it difficult for the mind of...
At 14th May Street stands the traditional mansion that hosts a rich collection of local costumes, tools, utensils and needlework of Thrace. There is also the possibility of finding people, who were uprooted from the Eastern Thrace and settled in the Prefecture of Evros in the early 20th century, via the installed system.
Located 58km to the east of Soufli, the village of Roussa, counts today 305 inhabitants, the majority of which are Pomaks. The Pomaks are Muslims, characterized by their authenticity although their historical origins are unclear.
The history of the area goes back in very distant times, as the megalithic ‘dolmen’ graves indicate. Dated from...
This city is built in the place where the ancient Traianoupolis was located, 13km to the east of Alexandroupolis. The ancient city was founded in the early 2nd century AC by the Roman Emperor Trajan and constituted the greatest center of ecclesiastic and social life of the southwest Thrace from the 4th until the 13th century AC. Only a little...