The river Evros, the son of Kassandros flows “ through Thrace, the daughter of the Titan Oceanos, the land of Orpheus, Ares and Dionysus. �
EVROS A visit to this land that has been settled since antiquity and where legend, tradition and history are breathing still, is an adoration of nature. The traveler, whether on foot or bicycle, is captured by colors, scents and sounds, which awaken all senses. Lush green valleys have been shaped by the passage of the river. To the west the multiform peaks of the Rhodope Mountains and to the east the plains of Eastern Thrace compose the bas-relief of the region on which unique biotopes, the forest of Dadia and the Evros-Delta leave their mark. In Dadia rare birds of prey and small songbirds fly, nest and spend the winters. Among the pines, beeches and cool gorges, roe deer, wolves, squirrels and countless small animals and reptiles find shelter. Asian and European fauna mingle at the Delta of the river that ensures suitable conditions and vital space for the survival and rest of migrating birds on their long journeys. Flamingoes, Cormorants, White Pelicans, birds threatened with extinction, find shelter among the lakes of Nymphs and Skepi and the lagoons of Drana, Paloukia and Laki. The crossroads of east and west, the Prefecture of Evros is here to enchant you.
Welcome to Thrace At the junction of the sea and land routes between East and West, scents and colours, welcoming residents and centuries of history. Thrace is full of invitations, from the spine of the Rodopi mountain range and the River Evros, to the Thracian Sea and Samothraki. Over the centuries, nature has created a lavish landscape of rare beauty and importance. Idyllic beaches, gorgeous sand, rivers, streams, forests, mountains, grassland and plains coexist in a unique combination. Wetlands with rare flora and fauna are waiting for you to explore them! The tourism in the area complements its character without distorting it, and the atmosphere is reminiscent of an older Greece. The Dionysian side to Greek gastronomy is visible in every dish in Thracian cuisine. The flavours of the East are intertwined with the scents of the West. The temptations are many, and the choice particularly difficult. Fish, seafood, meat - whatever you choose it will be of the highest quality. The local recipes are delicious and, of course, the locallyproduced wine and tsipouro is exceptional. The history of Thrace has left its traces at every step you will take. Museums, archaeological sites, rock carvings and monuments bear witness to the distinctiveness of the area and the civilisations which developed there. Thrace lives intensely. But even more intensely at night. There are many choices for night-time entertainment and the exuberance of the residents will lure you to a never-ending party, the like of which you will never have experienced. The Prefectural Administration of Rodopi and Evros is faithful to its obligations for the development and advancement of Thrace, and plays a practical part in every effort to achieve these objectives. We would like to congratulate the members of Agrinet Thrace and all the contributors to this edition.
Forest of Dadia - Lefkimi - Soufli National Park The National Park is located in the heart of the Prefecture of Evros in the extensive forest that covers the southeastern foothills of the Rhodope mountain range. Because the region of Evros is located on the edge of two great zones of flora and fauna – of Europe and of Asia – and on one of the most important migratory corridors for migrating birds, the presence of rare species makes the National Park a forest of high ecological value, with birds of prey its star players. Thirty six of the thirty eight species of European birds of prey have been observed in the region, - eagles, vultures, buzzards, sparrow hawks and falcons wheel above the peaceful and beautiful landscape of this land of Thrace, finding here one of the last safe refuges in all of Europe. The last colony in Greece and the Balkans of the rare Black Vulture is preserved here. With the co-operation of the Forestry Commission of Soufli, the Prefecture of Evros the local Municipalities and the Greek World Wildlife Fund a management and protection programme for the forest has been put together which, among other things, has as one of its basic aims the active participation of the residents in the preservation of their region’s natural heritage.
Evros Delta National Park
About 20 km from Alexandroupolis on the borders to Turkey, the river Evros has shaped an ecosystem of about 200 square kilometers, which is of international ornithological importance. In the wetlands of the Delta 316 types of birds have been recorded, including many aquatic and semi-aquatic species, raptors, herons, pelicans and sea birds. Among them there are also some very rare species indeed, such as the Lesser White Fronted Goose, the Slender Billed Curlew and the Spotted Eagle. For centuries now the Delta of this river has been a vitally important way station in the migration of aquatic birds in their long journey from Northern Europe to Africa and back again. It has also been an important place for the overwintering of countless aquatic birds, seeking favorable conditions for survival in its waters. Here where the Asian and European fauna intermingle, the landscape of the Delta is composed of a mosaic of biotopes ranging from the fresh water of the river to the salt water of the sea. The wetlands of the Delta with the riverside forest, the watery valleys, the reed beds and lagoons and other biotopes compose a landscape of unique beauty that enchants the visitor. The rich and rare variety of its life forms have made it a wetland of international importance, protected by the RAMSAR Agreement.
Welcome traveller! we would like to welcome you to beautiful Thrace, a gifted region and a living monument to history and nature. At the border of three countries, Thrace – with the Rodopi mountain range, lakes, rivers and a varied coastline – will win your interest and entice you to discover it. Its legends and traditions will enchant you, and its people will welcome you with a smile and a warm heart. Agrinet Thrace is a non-profit making organisation. The idea of creating a network of agrotourism businesses was initiated by modern, sensitive and concerned entrepreneurs who work in the alternative tourism sector. The first members of the network, including places to stay, museums, cooperatives, wineries and purveyors of local products, are presented in the pages which follow. By virtue of its creation, Agrinet Thrace aims to develop initiatives, create community schemes, make suggestions and generally actively participate in preserving and promoting the cultural, historical and natural beauty of Thrace. It also aims to develop and promote mild, alternative forms of tourism as a realistic proposal for viable tourism growth and as a lever for pressing to improve the region’s existing tourist services. Since it began operation, Agrinet has managed to attract a good number of entrepreneurs in the sector who have treated the venture sympathetically and have contributed to achieving its goals. It is important for all of us to ensure that the natural beauty and cultural heritage of our land coexists in harmony with economic development. Let’s return to the Greece we all dream of: beautiful nature, a warm reception, proportion and high spirits.
We would like to thank the Prefectural Administration of Rodopi and Evros, the prefectures of Rodopi and Evros, the Local Union of Municipalities and Communities in the Prefecture of Evros, and all the local authorities and businesses which have welcomed and supported this publication in one manner or another.
welcome@agrinet.gr
our website will be available in english near the summer of 2010 On the Agrinet Thrace website you will find useful information about every step you take in Rodopi and Evros with interactive maps, a road planner, guesthouses and restaurants of the area.
www.agrinet.gr
contents The Delta Feres Tichero - Leykimi Thrassa - Hotel
5 7 8-9 10-11
Metaxades - Doxipara
12-13 14-15 16-17 18-19 20-21
Editors: Zaharias Boubopoulos and Dimitris Natsis Production: optima pro Design: colibri Texts: Alexandros Fytas, Dimitris Natsis, Christos Helmis Photographs: optima pro archive, Giorgos Avgoustinatos, Giorgos Voloudakis, Theodosis Georgiadis, Kostas Pistolas Naturally, any republication, reproduction, and transmission by any audiovisual means of this magazine in whole or in part is permitted, but only with written permission of the publisher
Petrified Forest - Hotel Lefkippos - Hotel Kapsalo
Dadia Dadiaselo - Hotel designated pathways
Soufli
24-25
Map
26-27 28-29 32-33
Didymoteicho Trigono Evrothirama - Hotel
34-35
Mountain Trail
36-37 38- 39
Maroneia Roxani - Hotel
42-43
Coastal Route
44-45
2 days, three countries
46-47
History
48
activities in nature
Visitors’ Information
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the Delta by bicycle Thanasis, proprietor of Argiroritis, was adamant: You simply must visit the Evros Delta! I asked him how, and he suggested by bicycle, although he also told me that I could visit by boat or even by foot. My lungs filled with fresh air. My body was exercised. My mind was emptied of the worries of the city and my eyes drank their fill of the wonders of nature! I’ll be telling people about the riverside cycle route, as I was able to easily and silently approach and see many rare species of birds up close in their natural environment!
The Delta
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swimming in the Delta Estuary
“I want to swim in the Mediterranean,” was thbest and most northerly sandy beach in the it seemed difficult. But e phrase on everyone’s lips! To actually achiev knowledge of the wetlanour boatman was experienced, with excellent e much easier. Without an ds area of the Evros Delta, which made ever waters of the Delta, an y sign of danger, his boat cut through the sereything sandy beach of the Medd in no time at all swimming in the most nort ne Sea meets the River Evriterranean became reality! The Mediterranean herly experience. Fortunately, os here and I, at the river’s mouth, had a uniqu the usual course, ours foit was not over yet! While the other boats foll e llowed another, more m owed I even got to fish! ystical route!
BUTCHERS
Vafeiadis DISTILLERY
Siglidis
We breed water buffalo and are the exclusive purveyors of their products, which are nutritious and have a distinctive flavour. At our factory we follow all health guidelines, producing exceptional quality cured meats and sausages with modern machines and traditional methods. You can also find buffalo cheese, butter and yoghurt. A great and unusual gift for your gourmet-loving friends.
The Siglidis Distillery was founded in 1938 by our grandfathers, refugees from Asia Minor. For three generations now we have followed the tradition we inherited from them with the same love and faith, and we produce our own famous ouzo, the drink “VIRA� and a wide variety of liqueurs.
1 N. Plastira Square - Tel. 25550-22251, Mobile 6974327281, Warehouse 25550-22862, fax 25550-23106
Manager: Dimitrios Vafeiadis Mobile: 6978529096. Theodoros Vafeiadis Mobile: 6972403137. Head Office: 10 Nik. Plastira Square Feres Tel. 25550-22741 Branch Office: 18 Egnatia St. N. Synoikismos Feres Tel. 25550-22841, Mobile 6978529096
Open during normal shopping hours
Open during normal shopping hours
M anag er: Ioann is S ig l idis
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Municipal Tourist Centre of Feres – Evros Delta Reliable information about: • the Evros Delta Wetlands national park; • the Byzantine church of Panagia Kosmosotira and the history of Feres. Overland guided tours and boat trips in the Evros Delta allow you to get to know the Delta from up close, to cleave its watery paths in traditional boats, to hear bird song and to marvel at the landscapes.
Feres In Feres you feel alive. You breathe, and the long-lasting history of the town breathes with you. The rare natural beauty of the Evros Delta – large, lofty, full of colour and scents – offers rare sights and experiences which relate to the grandeur of nature. The majestic landscape of the Evros Delta reaches to the horizon, with a view of the Thracian Sea. With the help of the ecoguides at the Tourist Centre, visitors can discover the treasures of nature hidden in our frontier region. It is a unique experience to take a row boat out into the channels between the reed beds, accompanied by waterfowl, out to where the mouth of the river meets the sea.
Open all week from 8 am to 3 pm (winter) and 8 am to 6 pm (summer) Tel/FAX: 25550 24310 www.evrosferes.gr e-mail: detaf05@otenet.gr
Panagia Kosmosotira Feres, now a border town, is the successor to the Byzantine town of Vira, with a church dedicated to the Panagia (Virgin Mary) since 1152. In spite of its age, the monument is a symbol of the art and culture of Byzantine Thrace. Panagia Kosmosotira has now been declared the patroness of Thracians far and wide, and her church is the site of their pilgrimage. The archaeological sites of Feres are an open window to the area’s important history. Apart from the Church of Panagia Kosmosotira, there is the archaeological site of Doriskos with an acropolis, tombs and a rich collection of coins, pottery vessels and figurines which are displayed in the former communal building. Also interesting is a stroll in Megali Vrisi park, with its pathways and famous water, which leads to the Byzantine aqueduct and the open-air theatre where the Municipality holds cultural events every summer.
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Tourist Centre This is at the entrance to the village and, apart from useful information, carries a range of all the local products and a small exhibition of fossils and findings from Filakto and Lefkimi. Tel/Fax: 25540-41840 E-mail:info@tichero.gr www.tichero.gr
Tichero
Cooperatives Youth Cooperative of the Municipality of Tichero: Organic wine, exclusive melon liqueur and herbs. Women’s Cooperative of Lefkimi: Loukoumi and spoon sweet preserves. S. G. Liras “Neromilos� pasta and spoon sweet preserves.
Honoured by the Academy of Athens as a model municipality for its development policy and progressiveness, the Municipality of Tichero is at the centre of the Prefecture of Evros. With a considerable tourist infrastructure, it is considered to be the most suitable base for people to get to know the wider area and explore it! Near Alexandroupoli, in a fertile plain beside the waters of the River Evros, it gives you the opportunity to discover everything in the wider region of FilaktoLefkimi, from spectacular areas of peaceful and authentic Greek nature to 25,000,000 year-old petrified tree trunks. In recent years, a number of different activities have developed next to the lake, giving visitors the opportunity to practice their favourite sport or to safely try out one of those we recommend. Horse riding,cycling, canoeing in the lakes and the Evros Delta, hiking the established and forgotten pathways, archery, football, basketball, volleyball, a motocross track, and a climbing wall are all at your disposal, according to the preferences and abilities of your group! The cultural events in the summer and concerts by well-known artists attract visitors from all over Greece, turning the quiet lake into a bustling centre of entertainment and communication.
Lefkimi The village of Lefkimi is one of the oldest and best preserved settlements in the prefecture. With its tiled roofs and guesthouses, with observation points along walking routes and the petrified forest, it is built on the border of the protected area of Dadia – Lefkimi – Soufli National Park. It is a very interesting alternative destination from which to really get to know and be in direct contact with the forest and the nature of the region.
Petrified Forest Following a gentle hiking trail a little way outside the village of Lefkimi, one happens upon a most beautiful natural phenomenon. The petrified forest of Lefkimi, 40 million years old is of rare beauty and is unique in Europe in that the petrified objects are found dotted around a thick green forest. In the nearby accommodation are guides – ask them and they will tell you many interesting things not only about the forest but also the wider area. Your walk will be amply rewarded.
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Metaxades Doxipara
We set out for the region of Metaxades. We drove along a beautiful, leisurely mountain trail beside the Greek-Bulgarian border, and arrived at the settlement of Metaxades after about an hour. The traditional and ornate constructions of the houses blend artistically and happily, making the village one of the most beautiful in the prefecture. The harmonious combination of local stone and wood, and the absence of balconies are unexpectedly pleasing to the eye. A little further north is the village of Doxipara, where excavations of a burial mound have uncovered well-preserved Roman chariots from the 1st century AD. Although the site is not yet ready to welcome the public, the congenial guards and archaeologists will take you on a tour and tell you about the findings. Return via Didymoteicho.
On the foothills of Rodopi
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I may not have played tennis with Sofia, but I listened attentively to her directions for a tou the foothills of the Rodopi Mount r of the villages spread across In this region, the inhabitants hav ains. cultural and religious traits. e particular physiognomical, In Mandra I turned left, heading we turned right towards Roussa and st. I passed Mikro Dereio, Bektashi monastery with the tom visited the old Islamic tekke, a ers of the Dervish order. I stopped b of Tekir Ali, one of the foundNext came Goniko, with rock carvinfor coffee in the village. south, I reached the highest peak gs from 1100 BC. Heading of 1000 m. Muslims gather here forin the area, at an altitude weekend in August. The main event a celebration in the first wrestling matches amongst traine is the ancient custom of are two options for the route back. d men covered in oil. There The first is to return the way we adventurous, route lakes us alongcame, and the other, more and not. Luckily, the car was suitabwoodland roads, asphalted I was ready for a mountainous rou le, the tank was full and found myself in places of unpara te. I got a little lost, but I lleled natural beauty!
ECOTOURISM GUESTHOUSE
THRASSA In harmony with nature! Almost at the heart of Evros, beside Lake Tichero, you will find the ecotourism guesthouse Thrassa. Noise does not stay here - only you, and in exceptional comfort. Our four suites and twelve rooms all face Lake Tichero, and we can accommodate up to 40 people. Television, shower, air conditioning, kitchenette and a veranda are at your disposal whatever time of day. Our breakfasts are particularly well-received. Relax reading a book from our library in the living room or beside the fire. Reading is an important part of what Sofia considers a “happy holiday�. There is a wideranging and informative library at your disposal, with many travel, historical & fiction books.
Take a trip to see the sights of the region. Horse riding, mountain biking or hiking along the designated trails on the mountain, excursions into the forest or canoeing on the lake, tennis and a swimming pool in the summer months are just some of the activities available near us. Sofia, the owner of Thrassas, loves to travel and is always eager to provide you with reliable information. If her commitments will allow it, she might even accompany you on one-day trips to neighbouring countries. Your pets are welcome here.
Tel /Fa x : 2554 0 20 080, Tel. 2554 0 20 081, e-ma i l: t hrassa@g ma i l.com & t hrassa@otenet.g r - w w w.t hrassa .g r
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A walk through the Petrified Forest
We believe that a walk through the petrified forest, from which the guesthouse takes its name, is absolutely essential for visitors. A footpath through the shadows of the trees follows a circular route around the guesthouse and leads directly to the heart of the forest. There you will marvel at the petrified trunks of oaks which are unique in Europe - 25-35 million years old - in their natural environment. You will also come across the incredibly rare black pine. A simply amazing sight and an exciting experience!
Cycling to Lefkimufli lai forkeest spread out all around me and, as I
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The Lefkimi – Dadia – So stork flew above my head. It has fired my enjoyed my breakfast, a black s how I could visit the forest. His answer imagination. I asked Zacharia ggestions for different routes. was helpful, with maps and sud hiking equipment were all available Mountain bikes, ATVs, 4X4 an le route to Lake Lefkimi. The forest was for me. For today, I chose a cyclake was peaceful with the surrounding friendly and spectacular. The you to take a boat trip or fish. Its location forest reflected in it, inviting w also in my own heart. As for the route, in the heart of the forest is no, as it also passed some of the region’s it was unique and educational historical sights.
H O L I D AY V I L L A S
“Petrified Forest” Zacharias built his guesthouse with love, and this can be seen in every aspect of the “Petrified Forest”. Stone and wood, primordial building materials, dominate the four separate villas, each 54 m2. The kitchens are fully equipped, as are the mini bars! The living rooms are spacious, with a dining table and fireplace. The studies have an exceptional view through the window, and the bathroom has bathrobes and soft clean towels and is stocked with organic toiletries. On the veranda of each villa there is a barbeque,
a sink, a wooden table which can seat up to ten people, rocking chairs and hammocks! Each villa has autonomous heating with air conditioning, radiators and two LCD televisions! The surprises don’t stop there though! You will find a play room for toddlers and older children with rally games, a special room for saunas, and an amazing stone Turkish bath! When you leave the “Petrified Forest”, the only thing you will be thinking is: I want to come back!
Lefkimi Evros 68003, Evros – Tel: 25540 33371 Fax: 25540 33372 - Mobile: 6944607107 - E-mail: info@ap-dasos.gr - www.ap-dasos.gr
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Kapsalo
A visit to Kapsalo, the highest peak in the region, is a must. We were lucky, as we came on a perfectly clear day. The view took my breath away. To the south, the Thracian Sea, Samothraki, Imbros and Tenedos were in my range of sight! To the east, the plain of Tichero and Turkey. To the north, the protected area of the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Park. And to the west, the foothills of the Rodopi mountain range. The magic, however, had not quite peaked. A little later, passing through the forest, we saw rare wild birds and birds of prey in flight, a fleeting encounter with these wild creatures in their natural environment!
To Dadia with a we4Xlcom4 ing, is no spoilsport! So, when I asked him
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on Giorgos, friendly and o you want to come with me “D : ied pl re he y, da to ing do what we were a secret adventure?” ady! He took the keys to re y ad re al s wa I ! us vio ob s The answer wa set off. The ultimate 4X4 we d an , nt me uip eq th wi it ed the 4X4, load experience. Wild! of prey which are common in ds bir r he ot e th d an es gl ea Just us, the Kapsalo and turned left at s rd wa to ed ad he e W . dia Da this part of d was passable, going though roa nd la od wo t dir e Th i. rin the sign to Vy d arriving at Pesani. an , ty au be l ra tu na ed el ll ra areas of unpa and, after half an hour of ht rig ed rn tu t, al ph as e th t Here we me otected area, we reached the pr e th of er rd bo e th g on al ceseasy driving vertising nonsense and unne ad no ith W . re nt Ce m ris ou Dadia Ecot rvices, Lefkipos and the area se n” ke “to no th wi d an g, tin sary asphal pressions on me. around it left the best of im
“LEFKIPPOS”
T R A D I T I O NA L G U E S T H O U S E S – C A F E R E S TAU R A N T The paved square of Lefkimi is like a black and white drawing you fall in love with at first sight. At the edges are the traditional Lefkippos guesthouses. Giorgos and Myrsini run the guesthouses with respect for the traditions, colours, style and disposition of true Thracians! The rooms are warm and welcoming; you’d think you were at your own country home! Earthy materials and colours. Four 35 m2 suites welcome you at the first guesthouse. In the new building, another four 60 m2 suites will help you relax, especially since they are equipped with fireplaces and hydro massage baths! The rooms
in both guesthouses are equipped with television, bath, a/c and kitchenette, making your stay an unforgettable experience, and your next visit a given! The “Horio” Apart from the guesthouses, Myrsini has set her sights on dazzling us with her meals! She has opened a taverna called “Horio” in the village square and will personally have checked every detail of the dish which reaches your table. Home-cooked favourites of Greek cuisine! Her meals can be described with the following adjectives: freshly-cooked, homecooked, handmade, mouth-wateringly delicious and tempting! As for the cleanliness? It is next only to Godliness!
Managers: Giorgos and Myrsini Dobra LEFKIPPOS Tel/Fax: 25540 33313 - Mobile: 6948235591 - www.lefkippos.gr welcome@lefkippos.gr
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TAVERNA
I FOLIA TOU PELARGOU At the Folia tou Pelargou (“The Storks’ Nest”), a warm and peaceful environment, we offer handmade delicacies with wonderful flavours, following special recipes. Traditional pies cooked over charcoal. Parking, children’s playground. Open daily from 12 noon.
TAVERNA
SIMOS
We personally select the best ingredients and happily prepare local meats on the grill, as well as local dishes, such as chicken with cracked wheat, tzigerosarmas (a little like haggis), and gezlemedes (dough filled with cheese and fried). We serve top quality food in a pleasant environment where the temperature is kept warm or cool depending on the season.
Open all year every evening. Weekends open afternoon-evening. Evangelia Babaka Tel/Fax 25540-32481, mobile 6946461196-7
Closed every Thursday
Manager Giorgos Kokoris – Tel: 25540 32214 Mobile: 6974948096 e-mail: simos1989@yahoo.gr
Information Centre
Dadia
There are many reasons to visit one of the most beautiful places in Greece!
A visit to the information centre is considered a necessity. We suggest you watch the film before going to the observatory. Afterwards, visitors are transported by bus provided by Dadia Municipality to the observatory, where they have the opportunity to watch the birds in the feeding area through telescopes. For energetic people, there are specially designated and sign-posted paths where visitors can enjoy a trail through astonishing beauty. Tel: 25540 32209 fax: 25540 32248 e-mail: fddadia@yahoo.gr www.dadia-np.gr www.wwf.gr
The beautiful village, the welcoming people, the well-prepared traditional food, and the vast forest. You will find yourself in a mosaic of habitats which are home to many rare animals and plants. The Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli Forest was declared a protected region in 1980, and a national park in 2003. The diverse scenery and verdant vegetation contribute to a particularly charming picture, where slopes, ravines and peaks give way to each other while the forest, with its age-old pines, oaks, beeches and fir trees, towers over you peacefully and captivatingly. Thanks to its ideal setting near the most easterly migratory path of many species of bird, Dadia Forest has a particularly rich range of fauna, with 220 species of bird, 40 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 48 species of mammal, in addition to it wide variety of flora. The rare species of raptors are particularly impressive: Dadia is home to one of the two last colonies of black vultures in Europe, and thirty-six of the thirty-eight species of raptor which live all over Europe nest here.
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Designated pathways We left the others to take the bus to the ecotourism centre and followed the network of sign-posted pathways through the forest to the observatory on the hill of Gibrena. We stopped to listen to the sounds and the silence of the vast forest, to enjoy the scents and drink in the age-old colours. Awe-inspiring! Two enormous black vultures turned circles in the sky before us!
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d. When she heard Chrysa did not stop giving me information for even a secon rent route, one which that I wanted to go to Soufli, she told me about a diffe all ears! Followcuts across the boundaries of the protected area. I was the sign towards ing her instructions, I left the main square and followed r to continue left Katrantzides. At the crossroads I had two options – eithe nouli, which is the towards the amusement park, or to turn right towards Gian etres through kilom longer route. But a different route entirely! Twenty-four mountain range, where the forest of black pines on the foothills of the Rodopi ering of thousands I greeted eagles, photographed falcons and heard the twitt n to descend I bega of birds! This perfect contact with nature continued until of Soufli before me towards Soufli. Here, with vineyards beside me, the town sa, who had told and the River Evros in the background, I remembered Chry uro and wine, as well me that Soufli is well-known for its cured meats, tsipo taste them. I walked as for its famous silk. I didn’t waste the opportunity to I visited the museums, down the narrow roads with the archetypal old houses, in a blessed place. I made some new friends, and I spent a delightful day
“To Dadiaselo” Traditional Guesthouse
Newly-built but in a traditional style, To Dadiaselo is in the centre of Evros, at the heart of Dadia, a village which is fortunately still lively. On the one side lie the mountains and the forest and on the other lies the boundless plain. To Dadiaselo is the ideal starting point for ecologically incredible getaways!
Chrysa and Stratos, with their own personal style, have created an enviable, peaceful and unique corner. A guesthouse comprising 6 separate maisonettes, where luxury, tradition and spaciousness have been harmoniously combined. All the maisonettes have two bedrooms, A/C, television, telephone, bathroom, kitchenette, fireplace, hydro massage and stone beds! Just imagine it! The objects which decorate the rooms are rare and part of the owners’ personal collection. Its character is in absolute harmony with the environment, and the architecture fits the village perfectly!
Manager Chrysa Argirakaki – Dadia Evros – Tel: 25540 32333 – fax: 25540 32345 - mob: 6936793557 e-mail: info@dadiaselo.gr - www.dadiaselo.gr
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Soufli The town of Silk Amphitheatrically built on the foothills of the hill of Ai-Lia (Prophet Ilias) in the shadow of Mount Rodopi, near the shores of the River Evros, Soufli is 65 kilometres from the port and airport at Alexandroupoli. It became globally famous at the end of the 19th century as the junction where the silk roads of the East and the West met. At the time it saw great economic growth. It was the commercial and administrative centre for the 60 villages which lay on either side of the River Evros. The town bears the indelible seal of silk to this day. Take a walk through its picturesque lanes, visit the silk shops and taste the excellent tsipouro, the incredible local sausages and the wine. The town’s people, who will share these things with you, are genuine and fun-loving. Sericulture determined the architecture of Soufli. The “cocooneries” are well ventilated, built of brick and stone, and provide the best conditions for breeding silkworms. Soufli Information Centre Tel: 25540-24381, www.soufli.gr
TAVERNA
ANEMOMYLOS A wood oven which, apart from the distinctive flavour of the foods, cooks fresh bread and pies every day. Try the special pork hock, goat and lamb in the oven, pizzas and the region’s famous wines and tsipouro. Seasonal vegetables grown by ourselves. We love horses and have some available for our young friends – and the older ones - who visit.
Open afternoon-evening every day, except Tuesday Kornofolia Evros – Tel. 25540 51073 Manager Georgios Patlakas – Mobile 6977597335 e-mail: stiouka@gmail.com
Soufli Folklore Museum
“Ta Gnafala” The Soufli Folklore Museum includes the Bouroulitis personal collection which, for two generations has gathered and kept objectsin order to keep the tradition of the area alive . The Bouroulitis family was motivated by love for the area and its history. The means were the outdated objects which preserve images which are gone forever. The goal, a legacy for the generations to come The museum’s exhibits faithfully follow the steps of the area’s history over the passage of time. Before our eyes, brooches and traditional jewellery – both for occupations and for apparel – musical instruments, sounds, images, time and money set out the tradition of Soufli, which was, is and will continue to be a junction of peoples and cultures. . Free guided tours for groups and visitors – Open all day, all year round
“Museum” Shop 12 El. Venizelou - Tel. 25540-24168, fax 25540-24162 bourouliti.silk@gmail.gr - info@souflimetaxi.gr - www.souflimetaxi.gr “Epiloges” Shop Soufli Square – 25th Martiou St. - Tel. 25540-23097, fax 22293 “Kentro Enimerosis” Shop 2nd km. Soufli-Alexandroupolis – Tel. 25540-22088
RESTAURANT - TAVERN
Lagotrofeio For a getaway beyond comparison, an enchanting setting welcomes you whatever the season with incredible colours and scents. Get away from it all with an excursion to a place just 4 km from Soufli which has everything. Recently renovated and dressed in stone and wood with traditional wrought iron touches. A fairytale setting which captivates all your senses, with the pinnacle being the exceptional food cooked by our diligent chef, and the many options of wines from Greek vineyards. We are here to satisfy all your appetiser wishes: game, local versions of traditional dishes, roast local meats accompanied by wine and tsipouro of the area.
RESTAURANT
SYMPOSIO Paschalis, a chef for many years in large hotel complexes, has returned to his homeland and offers a combination of traditional Thracian and Greek cuisine. Every dish is a pleasant surprise. Cracked wheat, tzigerosarmas, and cured meats and sausages from Soufli, accompanied by the best local wine and tsipouro.
The face of the 4 seasons. Open all year round.
Open every day from 6 pm
The room is available for events Manager Athanasios Xydopoulos 4th km Soufli-Giannouli Tel. 25540 22001 - Mobile 6944860623 E-mail: lagotrofeio@yahoo.gr - www.lagotrofeio.gr
Manager: Paschalis Maniakas On the main road through Soufli opposite the town hall, tel. 25540-24202
Tsiakiris Art of Silk Museum The Tsiakiris House of Silk, which has been producing silk in Soufli for fifty years, has created a unique venue in the centre of the town of Soufli with much love and care. The museum is housed in a newly-restored listed building originally built in 1886. The lively themed museum focuses on the processing and producing of silk, with machines which are not just on display, but even in working order. The aim of the museum is to highlight and preserve the region’s rich silk tradition. The original exhibits, in combination with modern technology, take visitors step by step along a journey as unique as that of silk itself. The museum is equipped with a multilingual electronic guide system, and provides detailed information for tour groups and visitors. Special educational visits can be arranged for schools. In addition, there are all the necessary requirements for easy access for disabled people (entrance ramps, a lift, and specialised toilet facilities). Opening times: All year round, 09:30-20:30 daily
Main office 154 Vasileos Georgiou St., 68400 Soufli Τel 2554022376 fax 2554022370, e-mail: silktsia@hol.gr Workshop – Shop – Information Centre 3rd km National Road Soufli-Alexandroupoli 68400 Soufli – Tel. 25540 22375 Alexandroupoli Branch Inside Thraki Palace Hotel 4th km Alexandroupoli-Makri 68100 Alexandroupoli – Tel. 25510 89100
Art of Silk Museum 199 Vasileos Georgiou St. Soufli 68400 Tel. 2554022371 e-mail: info@silkmuseum.gr www.silkmuseum.gr
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KOMOTINI A visit to Komotini, at the heart of Rodopi, gives you everything from the Old Clock Tower and Geni Mosque to the tin workshops and from there to old mansions, such as the former rectory of the University of Thrace, the Komotini Clubhouse and the Public Library. It is worth pausing at the cathedral of the Koimiseos tis Theodokou (Dormition of the Virgin) with its wood-carved icon screen, and at the beautiful Eski Tzami mosque which was built in 1608. Don’t forget to go back to the market in Ifestou Square. Antique dealers, goldsmiths, haberdashers, shops with cured meats, buffalo pastrami, soutzouk loukoum (walnut loukoumi), tahini and flavoured coffees near the traditional chickpea roasters with their stone ovens, which make the most delicious roast chickpeas in all of Greece. Here you will meet locals and visitors in the most authentic and genuine medley of East and West.
Roxani
to Svilengrad
to Andrianoupoli
Εvrothirama
ALEXANDROUPOLI
Dadiaselo
Petrified Forest Lefkippos
Thrassa
ul nb
a Ist to
However you travel - by plane, train, ferry or car – you will reach Alexandroupoli easily and comfortably. Along the seafront, the fishing boats give you a faint image of Dede Agats, the small 19th century settlement which predated the modern, developing city. A quiet walk in the beautifully laid-out square, which is dominated by the 1880 lighthouse, will prepare you for the rhythms of the city, its history, its flavours and its lively entertainment. Alexandroupoli is not only the preferred centre of a truly charismatic area, but it is also welcoming and enjoyable. The best way to begin or end a trip.
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worth seeing! Castle Kale – A walk to the wellpreserved Byzantine Castle Kale is a must, as is a walk through the narrow lanes of the old town. Blend in with the locals, discover forgotten professions, taste the famous village-style sausage, the cured meat and the local sweet hazorlop.
Didymoteicho Grand Mosque (Bayezid Tzamisi) – This rises up at the eastern end of the square and is thought to be the oldest and one of the largest mosques in Europe. Unfortunately, restoration work is still ongoing, so you can only marvel at it from the outside. Its minaret is incredibly tall, and tradition says that Sultan Bayezid hurried to have it finished so that he could pray before he set out on one of his campaigns. Churches - Pilgrimages There are a large number of churches, and each has its own colour and history. Some good examples are: Ag. Aikaterini, Ag. Dimitrios, Ag. Athanasios, Sotiros Christou, Ag. Georgios (Sourp Kevork), Ag. Marina, Ag. Paraskevi, and Ag. Vlasi. Museums Nalbadi Gallery T. 25530 23568 Folklore Museum T. 2553022316 Military Museum T. 2553026518 Ecclesiastical Museum T. 2553022766 Events Sausage grilling, Tsiknopempti (10 days before Lent) – Gaida Festival, May Kale Panayir, June – Trade fair, September Info: Tourist information point 25530 – 22222 (10 am - 2 pm) except Thursdays
The town of castles and emperors At the junction of peoples and cultures, with a dynamic present and foundations for the future. The town’s history began in the Neolithic Era and continued through the prehistoric years, antiquity, and the Roman and Byzantine periods. Didymoteicho is built on the slopes of a hill just 2.5 kilometres from Turkey. It is the seat of the Metropolitan diocese, the Eparchy and the military Division, and has a hospital and a Technological Educational Institute (TEI). Its archaeological sites reveal the traces of human presence as early as the Iron Age. Its history is an open book of legends and stories! The local dishes will awaken your palate and the fun starts with the colourful bazaar, ending at the traditional instruments and modern sounds which are a medley of sounds, voices and tempers! Don’t miss the sausage roasting at Carnival time, the Gaida Festival in May or June, the Kale Panayir in June and the large trade fair in September.
“Stou Saranti” We have created a museum where history and culture are married with the music of the West and the East. In the wall paintings and sculptures, the history of Didymoteicho and the wider region unfold for us. Here traditional dishes are combined harmoniously with contemporary cuisine, creating great taste sensations. Groups can be catered for if we are notified one day in advance. Open all year round lunchtime and evenings, except Monday.
Manager Sarantis Tasioudis 6945234764, 9 Orestiados St. Didymoteicho Tel. 25530-22177 E-mail: stousaranti@yahoo.gr
“AVATON” We have created a museum where history and culture are married with the music of the West and the East. In the wall paintings and sculptures, the history of Didymoteicho and the wider region unfold for us. Here traditional dishes are combined harmoniously with contemporary cuisine, creating great taste sensations.
Manager: Apostolis Stathogamvros 5 Nikis St., Didymoteicho opposite Divisional Headquarters on the road to the hospital Tel. 25530-23545, e-mail: avaton@otenet.gr
Open all year round from 6 pm except Tuesday
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living history, current tradition Culture is present all year round in the Municipality of Trigono. Various events are held, patronised by the Municipality and in cooperation with all local bodies. The events which stand out for their uniqueness and enjoyability are the Tryfon festival on 1 February, the Bey festival on Clean Monday (the first Monday of Lent), the asparagus festival at the end of Spring, the Gaida Festival in early August, and the meeting of people from all over Trigono with events in all the villages throughout August.
Trigono There are many things one could say about the most northerly municipality of Greece. For a start, it is the most northerly municipality of the country. Second, it is a tri-national spot between Greece, Bulgaria and Turkey. Third, it is approximately the same distance away from three seas - the Aegean, the Bosporus and the Black Sea. Surrounded by fertile plains and picturesque green hills, between which the Evros and Ardas Rivers slowly flow, sharing the life of the area. Those who know it call it “The Mesopotamia of Evros”. It is a place with a history. A place with a unique natural environment where the heliotropes bloom. Where the farmers and stockbreeders respect Mother Earth. A place with fertile plains and verdant green hills. A place which embraces and captivates you! Adrianoupoli in Turkey is visible to your right, and if you turn your gaze to the left, you will see Svilengrad in Bulgaria. Filippoupoli is very close! The region’s history is important. It has not stopped with the passage of time. Don’t forget to visit the millstones at Petrota, the quarries, “mantenia” as the locals call them, and the Mill and original Stone Museum. On the hill of Spilaios, with a panoramic view of the plain and the end of the Rodopi mountain range, a permanent exhibition of sketches, photographs, texts, casts and patterns is being prepared – and will soon be open – to showcase all excavations and their findings from the areas of Didymoteicho, Orestiada and Trigono.
Information: Tel. 25563 50201 www.trigono.gr
White – Black People are full of opposites: joy and sadness, encouragement and refusal, peace and madness, probable and unlikely. Combining the old with the new, tradition with technology, but above all the different underlying feeling of peoples’ tastes, we have developed a range of products for any occasion and for everyone. From frontier Marasia we ensure that our love, knowledge and spirit will keep you company ... wherever you may stop... ... and however you may feel!
EVRITIKA KELLARIA S.A. Marasia Evros – PO Box 102 – 68200 – Orestiada Tel: 25520 85501 - Fax: 25520 85201 info@evritiko.gr - www.evritiko.gr
“Gaia”
Women’s Agrotourism Cooperative of Trigono Gaia was founded in 1998 and has 22 members. Its activities are primarily related to agrotourism. The first entrepreneurial activity was to establish and operate a kitchen producing traditional dishes in the village of Kanadas. Everything we produce uses recipes which were guarded and passed on by our grandmothers, and today they bring scents and flavours of the past to the table. Everything is handmade and produced from organical raw materials grown on our own farms. PRODUCTS Thracian red trahanas (boiled wheat porridge) from vegetables – savoury and spicy. Oumats (white trahanas). Ifkadia (long pasta shapes). Cous-cous. Spoon sweet preserves (fig, grape). Jams (blackthorn, damson and fruits of the forest), liqueurs (blackthorn, mint, dogwood and sedge). Traditional pies (spinach and leek pie, cheese pie, courgette pie, all with hand-made pastry).
our products in your home. Call us now at 25560 51100 and we will make sure that you will receive you order quickly and safely, via mail.
Spilaio Μunicipality of Trigono www.gaia-evros.gr
Types of Wine
Xinomavro, Barbera, Cabernet Sauvignon, Droseros, Polypikiliakos, White, Ritinitis, Liastos. The aim of the venture is to create a reference point for Greek wine in an area considered to be “tri-national” and for the vineyards on Greek soil which look towards Turkey and Bulgaria. The aim of the venture is to create new, high-quality products so that the area can become a reference point for Greek wine.
Goutsidis Vineyards Some of the most important Greek and international varieties of grape flourish here. The varieties which have found their roots in the select soils of the vineyard at Dikaia are: Whites – Sauvignon Blanc, Malagouzia, Assyrtiko, Roditis, and Chardonnay. Reds – Xinomavro, Syrah – Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Limniona, Barbera and, of course, the local and exceptional variety Pamidi. In 1998 efforts to revive viticulture began in Trigono, Evros, with the planting of the first of the Goutsidis family’s vineyards at Dikaia.
Organic cultivation, low yield planting, and a strict selection process at harvesting ensure the best possible quality of the raw ingredients. Following the guidelines for organic wine (which are still being drawn up), our goal is to treat the aromatic and antioxidant properties of each variety properly during the wine-making process. Our red wines are matured in French oak barrels with particular attention to the balance of fruity aromas of the wine and those of the barrels.
O u r v i n e y a rd s a n d w i n e r y a re c e r t i f i e d by D IO ( C e r t i f i c at i on a n d In s p e c t i on O r g a n i s at i on )
GOUTSIDIS VINEYARDS Viticulture – Winery, Tel/Fax: 25560 31422, Mobile 6979775754, vorinoi_ampelones@hotmail.com
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Profitis Ilias This is the start of an exceptional route for off-road driving which, after 12 km right next to the pyramids which mark the border with Bulgaria, lead to the chapel of Profitis Ilias, with a breathtaking view of the meandering River Ardas and the Milia dam. Rich in flora and fauna, 80% oak trees, 10 protected species of orchid and innumerable wild boars, deer, hares, badgers and foxes. Return either on the asphalt road or through Therapeio, or over the dam via Kyprinos and Komara.
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Eleni introduced me to own as “Drymos”. lovers society of Pentalofos kn t at an altitude of 480 metres. The president of I also visited the society’s retreapoulos, an expert hiker with excellent knowledge the society, Diamantis Diamantople wish to spend the night there they should call of the area, told me that if peo l sort out the rest. It was incredible, and became him on 6977 925360 and he wilk many beautiful walks on the mountain, some my base. With Diamantis I too easy, others more tricky. ed it, and it rejuvenated me. I became one with nature, I enjoythe columns which mark out the Bulgarian border The walk which passes next to just managed to resist the temptation to slip into was particularly exciting. We walk without the formalities! the neighbouring country for a
G U E S T H O U S E - R E S TAU R A N T - R E S E RV E
“EVROTHIRAMA” At the northern tip of Greece, in frontier-town Pentalofos, is Evrothirama, a hunting reserve and a valuable aid to carefree and direct contact with nature. Its creators are Eleni and Manolis. Two people who had a dream – to protect nature and to show us the way in which this legacy should be passed on to the following generations! And they succeeded. Evrothirama is the largest hunting reserve in Greece! Deer, roe deer, pheasants, partridges, rabbits and wild pigs are bred to enrich the hunting areas and habitats. The site is open to all, so children young and old have the opportunity to marvel and observe the animals from up close in their natural environment! However, that is not all. The guesthouse on site offers a
high level of service. The rooms are large, spacious and traditional, but with all necessary comforts. Quiet and in harmony with the natural wealth of the region. A place which gives you the opportunity to visit two other countries in just two days, as Turkey and Bulgaria are only dozens of kilometres away! And the restaurant? Unquestionably magnificent! The menu only includes products from the reserve, and is prepared with care and zeal by local cooks. Organically-grown wine from Maro and village-style bread baked in a wood-oven. Here, visitors will find true hospitality without unnecessary luxuries, if one excludes the swimming pool, which may seem very necessary in midsummer.
Manager : Eleni Hatzipanagiotou, Mobile 6978890861 – Pentalofos Evros 68007 Guesthouse Tel. 25560 61202 & 61204 working hours, House Tel. 25560 61242 - www.eurothirama.gr
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up in the mountains The four seasons of the Rodopi mountain range have one thing in common: wild, but easygoing and untrodden nature. Forests, hills and gorges, rivers and streams, a wealth of fauna, geological and cultural monuments, a few picturesque villages, walkable and overgrown paths, slopes for climbing, caves, hideouts, and dirt and asphalt roads. In other words, the Rodopi Mountains have something that is hard to find in Europe nowadays. Far from the bustling centres of mass tourism, without the crowds of people and the “gloss�, Rodopi has only what is real. It is alive and enchanting. It waits for you to pay your respects, to discover it, to cross it from Astraia and the River Kompsato in the west to its foothills at Metaxades in the north east. You need a weekend for a first glimpse, and at least a week to explore its wild beauty.
Pentalofos, Doxipara, Metaxades, Mikro and Megalo Dereio, Sapes, Maroneia If what you’re looking for is an exciting drive, the scent of nature, the light playing in the foliage and the haunts of the inhabitants of the hills who live their own lives, keeping age-old traditions alive, then you absolutely must go down the route which joins northern Evros with historic Maroneia. The unpolluted environment is dominated by changes in the landscape, from the sea to mountain peaks and from there to places reminiscent of Tuscany, with heliotropes in June which impress you as you take a heavy dose of oxygen. And the only thing you feel is that you should keep absolutely silent so you don’t affect the natural balance. A piece of advice: You will need to take something to eat with you, and something to collect any rubbish you make! Important stops. Megalo Dereio, where you can stop to nibble on something at the taverna in the square, and to fill up on petrol, because it is the only petrol station on the route. Goniko for the rock carvings at Roussa, with the tekke, an open Bektashi monastery. Hilia, the highest peak for you to gaze out over the horizon. Metaxades, one of the most beautiful villages in Thrace for coffee and a chat. Doxipara with ongoing archaeological excavations. Ah.. I forgot to mention that it’s a day trip. You leave in the morning, relax late in the afternoon. And don’t be scared of getting lost. There’s no chance!
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sights
Maroneia
The history of the region turns a page at every step you take! Or at least that’s how it feels in Maroneia! From Odysseus and Polyphemus to Byzantium and the churches, and from the demodernised houses to the beaches and the excitements of today, with the natural beauty as company!
The Municipality of Maroneia is rich in archaeological treasures and valuable historical monuments: the Ancient Theatre, the Cave of the Cyclops Polyphemus, sections of the walls of the ancient city, the monumental Propylon from the Roman period, Ag. Haralambos lake with its picturesque fish tavernas, the Temple of Dionysus, mosaics from the 3rd century BC and many other things complete its rich heritage.
It’s worth visiting: The Maroneia Archaeological Collection, with very important exhibits from all the archaeological sites in the area. The Xilagani Folklore Museum, where the everyday life of the residents comes alive, along with the manners and customs and traditions which will be passed down to the public in 2010. Useful Telephone Numbers: Town Hall Secretariat 2533350002/3 Citizens Advice Centre 2533350101-4 National Archive of Monuments 2533022948 www.maroneia.gr
The area’s past is rich, and has left its mark in many places: archaeological sites, museums, houses and churches. It is an inviting place for visitors, who can enjoy themselves with all its feelings, colours, changing images, and the scents of the mountain and the sea, and can experience the long summers with the parties and unique taste sensations of Maroneia. Living Culture Cultural events are held every summer, under the auspices of the municipality, centred on the outdoor theatre of Maroneia at the Helidonopetra quarry. Theatre, dancing, singing and more. New acts and famous artists reach for the stars and the moon, lighting up the summer nights with their art. The highlights are the theatrical performances which, in 2009, took place in the Ancient Theatre of Maroneia. Very important cultural societies from all the settlements are active in the Municipality of Maroneia, so the events continue all year round, keeping the area’s manners and customs alive. It is a first class opportunity for a goodhearted party and open-hearted communication. The major events are the celebrations of Agia Marina in Imeros and the festival of Profitis Ilias in the coastal settlement. The mountain villages celebrate “Women’s Day” (known as
gynekokratia) when the famous “Babo” is revered and blesses her fellow female villagers. The Fire Festival at Maroneia in June, Isnafia on the first Monday of Lent at Xilagani, and the Sardine Festival in May at Agios Haralambos. Beaches for all The general consensus is that these are some of the most beautiful and cleanest beaches in Thrace. The bays and coves along the coastal route of Rodopi seem to come one straight after the other. The beach at Imeros is great for children. Shallow water, sand and facilities, including a tourist information point and a life guard! Krioneri and Alkiona are sandy with shallow water and beach bars where teenagers tend to gather. Platanitis with its fish tavernas on one of the most famous beaches with fine pebbles! At Kagkeles, on the western side of the lake, you can enjoy a swim
off a pure white strip of small pebbles with a beach bar, parasols and an exquisite view! On the eastern side, the stony Marmaritsa beach is the best. It is ideal for spear fishing and for swimming. It’s a little difficult to get to, but if you like to really get in touch with the sea, you’ll love it! Maroneia, the Duchess of Thrace In 1973 this Homeric village was described as a traditional settlement. Narrow cobbled lanes, old impressive fountains, lots of chapels in every neighbourhood, steps which lead to attractive corners of the village where most of the houses are mansions, exceptional examples of urban architecture in the 17th and 18th centuries. The village square is the most beautiful terrace in the area. Your eye wanders over the fertile plane and is lost in the blue of the Thracian Sea.
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activities in nature I may have loved every inch of the guesthouse but, being a restless spirit, I wanted to get out, to get to know the area, and to be taken on a guided tour. The owner of Roxani, Giorgos, asked me what I wanted to do. He had many suggestions, but I didn’t know what to pick. A walk to Mount Ismaros and the archaeological site of Maroneia? Bird watching? A drive in one of the 4X4s available to me? Cycling on the mountain? To the wetlands? Climbing? At my disposal, I had one of the two Land Rover Defenders and some of the best sporting equipment, so I did something different each day! The guesthouse’s coordinates for GPS users are: N 40° 54.674 Ε 25° 31.091 and listen to the frequency VHF 143.275 call sign SV7FOV.
d watching
Walking through history and bir
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e I would walk to the ancient win Giorgos was determined. Todeaywine presses, carved out of stone, which presses at Maroneia! Uniqu to be pressed in, and a tank where the form a basin for the grapes cient must was collected. rgis I saw the acropolis of e!AnTha ssos, ibl A little before the hill ofwAi-ofGio red the Thracian Sea is inc Ismara. From here, the viei, Imbros and Limnos, all laid out in front of Mount Athos, Samothrak noble Maroneia is Homeric. me! The history of wine in s fed the Cyclops Polyphemus with the Don’t forget that Odysseu e to get him drunk and to save his own remarkable Maroneian win of time, so we jumped into the jeep and companions. We had plenty the National Park of East Macedonia and managed to fit in a visit tobird watching. With great equipment at our Thrace, which is great for wealth of life around the lake. disposal, we watched the education centre, we learned about all Later, at the environmentalup the different ecosystems in the region. the elements which make re are bicycles and suitable equipment for Specially for schools, the ided tour and a hands-on session. pupils to take part in a gu
Roxani
HOTEL
Roxani Country House Hotel, in Homeric Maroneia, is a window to nature, the traces of which you can see during all four seasons of the year. Surrounded by a verdant green garden, where the 2 hectares with plane and olive trees and vines will leave you speechless before the simple charm of natural beauty. The comfortable rooms are sunny, with views of the garden and the sea. They are fully equipped with everything from hairdryers to satellite television and wireless internet access, which gives you the impression that you have not left home. The surprises don’t stop there though. In the bar there is a wide range of drinks, including special label whiskies looking for someone to taste them, connoisseur or not, accompanied by a Havana cigar.
In the cellar, wine lovers will find a cava of aged wines and a table for tastings and wine meetings. If technology is more your thing, there is an internet corner and a room with a home cinema system with THX sound, and space for twelve people! If you like music, a large collection of music from all over the world awaits you for perfect listening on the guesthouse’s high-end sound system. In the candle and soap making workshop you can try out your artistic abilities, and you can cool down in the two swimming pools (one for adults and one for children). The guesthouse also makes its own local products, and has them available for purchase in a beautifully-decorated corner. The best thing? The guesthouse has a green conscience and, apart from its other environmentally-friendly actions, it even has a composting system!
ECOEXPLORER - ROXANI COUNTRY HOUSE HOTEL 694 00 Maroneia, Rodopi Prefecture, Thrace, Greece Telephone: 25330-21501 25330-41391 25330-41591 - Fax: 25330 21500 - E mail: info@roxani.com - www.roxani.com
FISH TAVERNA
Gianna-Roula FISH TAVERNA
Idria
If you are looking for delicious food, good prices and the seafront, then head for the taverna Idria on the seafront at Platanitis. Idria is open all year round, all day every day, with tables next to the waves and fish and meat dishes. The most requested dish is wild mussels, and there are many types of fresh fish, the larger of which are well cooked over embers. The salads are crisp and fresh and the dressings home-made! However, if you are in the main square of Komotini, you can also visit Idria there. Vasilis Panagiotopoulos Idria (Platanitis): Tel. 25330-61161 Idria (Komotini): Tel. 25310-73200
The setting is idyllic. The taverna is well-hidden, and seems to have stepped out of another era. This is the harbour of Agios Haralambos, where the little fishing boats of the area moor. The menu depends on what the fishermen have caught, mainly red mullet, sole, mullet and prawns, all of which wind up in Gianna’s magical pot. However, the best discovery is the chips. They are dangerously delicious, indescribably irresistible. Roula waits on the few tables with her own genuine style. Remember that the taverna is open every lunch time all year round until the day’s ingredients run out, so it’s a good idea to phone in advance. Telephone: 25310 73802
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beside the brine One of the least touristy areas in Greece, southern Thrace and Samothraki are full of inviting activities and opportunities to live side-by-side with nature, all year round. From Lake Vistonida in the west to Alexandroupoli, you can see lakes and salt-water lakes with rich fauna, you can swim in well-equipped or deserted beaches, you can dive into spear fishing, surf on the open sea, walk in the forests, climb up difficult slopes, drive down dirt roads, enjoy good food, desserts and coffee, camp out or sleep in traditional guesthouses, and get to know the two lively towns with their distinctive characters! You need at least a weekend to look around, three days for a good trip, and a week if you add Samothraki into the programme. If you have more time, even better! Try the excursions you will find in here, and plan out new ones on the map.
Maroneia - Alexandroupoli or
The ultimate four-wheeled, mountain bike hiking experience. Most of the route follows the European route E6. The journey has it all: pure blue water, out of the way and more popular beaches, imposing rocks and many noteworthy historic monuments. The 25 km of difficult road, which becomes impassable in the winter, requires a suitable vehicle and a certain amount of experience. Plan for an hour and a half of adrenaline and incredible landscapes! If you don’t want to have the sun ahead of you, it is a good idea to start in morning from Alexandroupoli, or in the afternoon from Maroneia. Regardless of the season, it will thrill everyone, but particularly skilled drivers androute, lovers of mountain biking. Wherever you start the it ends at tavernas with good fish and meat dishes.
The European route E6
The European route E6, which starts in Finland, cuts vertically across Europe and reaches Greece at Igoumenitsa, from where it continues cutting horizontally across Greece near the border, passing through Thrace. At the top of Rodopi it descends towards the south and, passing through the narrows of Nestos, cuts across Maroneia, through Alexandroupoli and ends at Fengari, the highest peak on Samothraki. Here the start of the trail is well marked, and red signposts indicate the correct route, ensuring there are no problems along the trail, even in the fog, which is particularly common in the early mornings, even during the summer. Despite the altitude, 1570 m, the trail is not excessively tiring, but it isn’t easy either. Together with the return trip, it takes around 10 hours. The temperature at the top is 11° C lower than at sea level, and if there is wind – which there frequently is – it will be very cold even in the summer.
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2 days 3 countries
Ηaskovo Ormenio
In two days acquaint yourself with the three different cultures which make up today’s Thrace. Follow the beautiful excursions on the map and visit some typical Greek, Bulgarian and Turkish towns. From the northeasternmost part of Greece the entry points to Turkey and Bulgaria are very close. To reach them is a travelling time of 5 minutes to three hours at the most.
Edirne
Kastanies Ivaylovgrad
Kiprinos
Kipi
Εnez
Kipi-Enezdirection of Istanbul (which is a 3 hour drive)
From K/ipi, in the est urban at a distance of 25 km is Kessani (Kesan), the area’stolarg the renowned visit centre. If it is a Saturday it is well worth stopping kale (Canakkale) street market. Following the ring road towards Jana. Ainos now called in 40 minutes you will be at your destination, Enez development Enez is one of the most ancient Thracian towns. Thecenturies of the it underwent in antiquity and the coexistence over ural legacy of Christian and Muslim populations has left a cultriver Evros the area was considerable note. Situated on the estuary of the h still survive. home to the largest lake in the region, parts of whiclocals and travelers Today Enes is the favourite fishing village of bothing in the Thracian sea. who appreciate the small local tavernas and bath
Kastanies -Edirne Having lef
t behind the border a distance of 10km is the famous city of Adat ria nop oli Ed irn e as it is known in Turkish is a bea uti ful , his tor ic Thracian city with little tourism. The cap ita l of the Ottoman Empire until 1453, it wa s des ign ed by the leading Ottoman architect of the tim e an d it still retains its architechtural int egr ity . Ed irn e is one of the best examples of rec tradition with contemporary Turkeonciling Eastern adjacent to churches, Bazaars an y: mosques covered markets and inns exist had Turkish baths with the vitality of the modern darmoniously town. Visit the imposing shrine of y university synagogue the palace of Mourat Vayazit, the around the tallest mosque in al II and wander l Turkey.
Ormenio-Haskpartovoof Bulgaria on the road
In the southeasternmost to Haskovo is Svilengrad a bustling city with a largement, shopping area, a casino and a full choice of entertain ideal for a brief stop and replenishment. From here Haskovo the administrative centre of the region is 4th only 57 km. Continuously inhabited from the 3rdcenturies AD to today it is a typical Bulgarian cityhas which retains elements of the communist era but also embraced contemporary cultural influences. The city is known for its many museums, theatres and galleries but also for the tallest monument to the Virgin Mary in the world at 32 metres. Definitely worth a visit is the medieval castle Shishman, the hot springs Minerali Bani and a little outside town the Hellinistic tombs at Aleksandro with their fine murals.
grad Kiprinos-Ivayloeast ern fringes of Rodopi
Ivaylograd is found on the in the southern part of Bulgaria and it dates from the 10th century AD. The city is one of the least ns developed areas of Bulgaria and it noticeably retai d soviet architecture of the previous century. Ivaylogra is a popular destination because of the untouched e nature of its environment and the Ardas river gorg es where the organized eco-tourism offers different choic of interesting recreational opportunities. The most worth visiting sights are the 1st century Roman villa Armira with its impressive mosaic floor, the medieval fort Lyutitsa, also known as the ‘Marble City’, the bridge Aterenski. a large range of Thracian antiquities and churches from the 19th century
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History
ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONUMENTS
THEATRE OF MARONEIA Recently renovated and open for performances since 2009.
MEGALITHIC TOMBS Dolmen from the 9th century BC and cist tombs from the 8th century BC.
Prehistoric Rock Carvings At the peak of Hilia is a stone carved with figures of men and women.
ANCIENT WINE PRESSES Ancient wine presses carved out of stone for pressing the wine of Maroneia.
MOSAIC FLOOR Believed to have belonged to an Early Christian basilica.
National Park of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
ANCIENT AGORA At the harbour of Agios Haralambos..
Maronia
THE WALLS OF ISMARA Remains of a settlement which has been identified as the Ancient Thracian town of Ismara (12th-13th centuries AD).
Fossil of tree in the Lefkimi-Filakto forest
HADRIAN’S ARCH This arch was probably built in honour of the Roman Emperor Hadrian, who visited Maroneia in 124-125 AD.
Agios Haralambos
REMAINS OF THREE-AISLED EARLY CHRISTIAN BASILICA (6th century AD), at the site of Sinaxi.
Mesimvria Makri
Imeros
ANCIENT MESIMVRIA (Mesimvria – Zoni), colony (6th century AD) on Samothraki which was founded at the end of the 7th century BC.
Paleopoli Samothraki
Akr. Fonias
MIKRI DOXIPARA Four-wheeled chariots which date back to the 1st century AD.
MANTENIA Stone quarry untouched by the passage of time, in the village of Petrota.
Μantenia
PYTHIO Byzantine castle built in the 14th century which was the personal refuge and treasury for the Emperor John Kantakouzenos.
Μikri Doxipara
Elafohori
ELAFOHORI Stone tholos tomb dated to the end of the 10th century.
DIDYMOTEICHO Byzantine castle National Park of preserved in very Pithio Eastern Macedonia and Thracegood condition. Didimotiho
Goniko
PLOTINOPOLI Founded by the Emperor Trajan (98-117 AD) and flourished in the 3rd century AD.
Rousa
LEFKIMI The petrified forest of Lefkimi-Filakto is directly connected to the volcanic action which took place in the region 25,000,000 years ago. National Park of the Dadia – Lefkimi – Soufli Forests
Lefkimi
Loutros
National Park of Evros Delta
MAKRI Archaeological site – burial mound – and the “Cave of the Cyclops”.
Maronia Agios Haralambos
Makri Imeros
PANAGIA KOSMOSOTEIRA A magnificent 12th century Byzantine monument which has been preserved almost intact. Palaiopoli Samothraki The ancient town of Samothraki which was inhabited up until the Byzantine era.
Feres
TRAIANOUPOLI Established in the early 2nd century AD by the Emperor Trajan.
AVANTAS Impressive ruins of Byzantine fortresses.
Mesimvria
Paleopoli Samothraki
Hora Samothraki Middle Age fortification dated to the end of the 10th century.
Akr. Fonias
Fonia Tower Work by Gattilusi, 15th century.
Thrace is now so close! Come by car
Feel the experience of driving along the new national road Egnatias, which turns distances into nothing. Starting from Thessaloniki, you will be in Komotini in less than two hours, and in Alexandroupoli in two and a half. The distance between Athens and Alexandroupoli is 850 km.
Come by bus (KTEL)
Every day there are buses connecting Athens and Thessaloniki with Komotini and Alexandroupoli. From Athens the journey to Komotini takes around 9 hours, or 10 hours to Alexandroupoli. From Thessaloniki there are 6 buses a day, and the journey takes 5 hours. Telephone Numbers Alexandroupoli: 25510 26 479 Athens: 210 55133280 Thessaloniki: 2310595439 Komotini: 2531022912
Come by train
Trains travel every day from Komotini and Alexandroupoli to Thessaloniki and Athens, and vice versa. Choose INTERCITY and enjoy the incredible journey, especially the Nestos pass, which has been described as one of the most beautiful in Europe. From Athens: Ordinary train (16 hours) and intercity (approx. 12 hours). From Thessaloniki: 6 hours by intercity and about 8 hours by ordinary train. Telephone Numbers Athens: 210 3624405-6 & 210 52 47 777 Thessaloniki: 210 517 517 & 599046 Komotini: 25310 22650 & 26804 Alexandroupoli: 25510 26 395
Come by plane
The quickest and easiest way to get to Thrace from Athens is by plane! Daily flights to and from Athens. Two flights a week for Crete. Democritus Airport: 2551 089300 e-mail: kaaldtl@otenet.gr Airport Manager: Tel: 2551 089301 Olympic Air www.olympicair.com Reservations: 801 801 01 01 from a landline or 210 35 50 500 from a mobile phone. Aegean www.aegeanair.com Reservations: 801 11 20000 Athens Airways www.athensairways.com Reservations: 801 801 4000, 210-6696-600
Connections with neighbouring countries Daily trains and international buses connect the region with Turkey, Istanbul and Bulgaria. INFORMATION: www.ditea.gr, www.evros.gr, www.komotini.gr, www.e-evros.gr, www.remth.gr
MUSEUMS ALEXANDROUPOLI • Ecclesiastical Museum Tel: 25510 26359 & 25510 82282 • Flora & Fauna of the Evros Delta Tel: 25510 26200 • Natural History Museum (Maistros) Tel: 25510 80204 • Historical & Folklore Museum Tel: 25510 28926 • Ethnological Museum of Thrace Tel: 25510 36663 • Cappadocian Figurative Arts Museum Mob: 6973023939 FERES Nikolaos Gotsis Folklore Collection Tel: 25550 23214 SOUFLI Silk Museum Tel: 25540 23700 “Ta Gnafala” Soufli Folklore Museum Tel: 25540 24168 TSIAKIRIS Art of Silk Museum Tel: 25540 22371 DIDYMOTEICHO Municipal Art Gallery Tel: 25530 23658 Folklore Museum Tel: 25530 22316 Military Museum Tel: 25530 26518 ORESTIADA Folklore Museum Tel: 25520 28080 TRIGONO Petrota: Stone Museum Tel: 2556350201 Spilaios Archaeological Exhibition Tel: 2556350201 SAMOTHRAKI • Folklore Museum Tel: 25510 41709 • Archaeological Museum Tel: 25510 41474 KOMOTINI • FOLKLORE MUSEUM 13 Ag. Georgiou St., Tel: 25310 25975 • Imaret ECCLESIASTICAL MUSEUM 8 Xenofontos St., Tel: 25310 22642 • Byzantine Museum Tel: 25310 28729 • Archaeological Museum Tel: 25310 22411 • THRACIAN EDUCATION MUSEUM 25 Ag. Georgiou St., Tel: 25310 36739 • “Karatheodori” Museum 91 Nik. Zoidou St. Tel: 25310-85640 • BASKETRY MUSEUM Tel: 25310 35813 • Xilagani Folklore Museum • Karydia Folklore Museum Tel: 25310 29453
INFORMATION CENTRES TRAIANOUPOLI – Evros Delta Information Centre, Tel: 25510 61000 TICHERO – Municipal Tourism Centre, Tel: 25540-41840 FERES – Municipal Tourism Centre (Evros Delta), Tel: 25550 24310 DADIA FOREST – Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Park Information Centre, Tel: 25540 32263 SOUFLI – 180 Vas. Georgiou St., Tel: 25543 20020 DIDYMOTEICHO – Tourist information point, Tel: 25530 22222 SAMOTHRAKI – Municipality of Samothraki Information Centre, at the harbour of Kamariotissa, Tel: 25510 89242
Unexpected Landscape
RODOPI
In Rodopi you make friends with time, because you are making friends with the people. The variety of its cultures, the everyday coexistence of Christians and Muslims gives a particularly personal colour to the region, as here you will come across the sound of the bells with the Imam’s call to prayer and the deep heritage of a mixed tradition of the eastern and the western ways of life. The people here share, coexist, create and celebrate. Rodopi will remain forever in your memory as you will have travelled through time, through a meeting of cultures, through enjoyment and fun! This is the unexpected beauty of the multidimensional, varied and frequently stunning Rodopi. Here Dionysus met Orpheus, and you would think the Thracian horseman had travelled all over, blessing the land. This horseman was a hero god who gave up his place to the mounted annihilator of evil, the dragon-slayer St. George. From Mount Papikio to the Forest of Nymfaia, and from Anastasioupoli to the beach of Maroneia you will see the traces of an age-old but ongoing history which reminds you of the importance of ancient records, the passing of cultures which have brought the region prestige, fame, affluence, sanctity and glory.
National Park of
Eastern Macedonia and Thrace The National Park includes the wetland areas of the Nestos Delta, Lake Vistonida, Lake Ismarida and the region around them. The network of wetlands in the National Park is one of the most important in Greece due to its large extent and high biological, aesthetic, scientific, geomorphological and educational value.
Vistonida Lake Vistonida is one of the most beautiful wetland habitats in Greece, with salt-water lakes and the typical lake-like traits. It is a wetland area of international importance, protected by the Ramsar Convention Natura 2000, with an area of 4,240 hectares and an average depth of 2.5 metres. The northern part of the lake has fresh water, whereas in the south it is brackish where the sea water enters. This means there is a wide range of species of flora and fauna. Tamarisk trees, reed beds, and salty and fresh flood marshes surround Lake Vistonida. To date, 37 species of fish have been recorded in the lake. The number of birds is also impressive, as 326 species have so far been recorded.
Ismarida Ismarida is the only freshwater lake in Thrace, covering an area of approximately 320 hectares and with an average depth of 1.5 metres. It is an important resting spot for many different species Îżf birds. A large part of it is covered with waterlilies and water chestnuts, and reed beds spread over the NE section. It is particularly important in the summer breeding season, as many migratory birds like the great crested grebe make their nests in the carpet of floating vegetation. Birds which have bred here in the last two years include two pairs of swans and black terns. At the Environmental Education Centre at Imeros they will happily give you detailed and reliable information. Tel: 25330 22596 Fax: 25330 22399
Mount Papikio It is said that the largest oracle of Dionysus was here, and that it was the favourite place of Orpheus. The region is famous for its interesting wall paintings and its unique architecture.
Rodopi Mountain Range If you come in a 4X4, you can enjoy the stunningly beautiful tracks through the Rodopi mountain range and on the slopes of Mount Ismaros. With Komotini as a base, nowhere in the prefecture is more than an hour away. Find out about the rare species of bird and get to know the area’s wetlands. Go for daring hikes or mountain bike rides! Exquisite, impressive, with an unexpected number of different habitats and primarily unexplored, the almost virgin nature of Rodopi is an invitation both for visitors and for residents of the region. Mountains, forests, vast plains rich in vegetation, lakes, wetlands, rivers, seas with exceptional beaches, and mythical caves. Fertile, rich and magnificent soil. However well you know it, however much you marvel at its rare beauty, you will always have the sensation there is something unexplored, the feeling that there is always something important hidden which you have not yet discovered. Here, in the parade of deep blue and green, the gold of the sand and the red slopes of Mount Ismaros, the scenery reflects the mystery of its mythic and mysterious history. Seductive but incalculable variety, a palette in the hands of a great painter who combines an infinite number of works of art.
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