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 Located
on the northeastern edge of Greece, the region
encompasses three prefectures on Thrace and two
on Eastern Macedonia. Bestowed with the most
hydro-biotopes in Greece protected by the
European Union, offers sanctuary to rare and
rotected bird species.
The region's southern
Aegean coastline is dotted with vast sweeps of
crystal-clear sandy beaches, as well as with
rocky coves ideal for fishing and diving.
Combining a variety of
traditional forms with a wide range of samples
imported from Western Europe, the local
architectural tradition reflects the region's
rich political, social and economic history.
 The great participation of
the faithful in festivities centered around
monasteries and churches has assisted in
preserving the Byzantine character of the region
that for centuries constituted the geographical
and cultural surroundings of Constantinople.
SEA TOURISM: Tens of
blue-flagged beaches, modern tourist
infrastructure and organized camping sites
attract thousands of visitors each year,
offering ample opportunity for a wide range of
water sports. The beautiful islands of
Samothrace and Thassos are the region's green
gems.
 BIOTOPES: The area's rich
flora and fauna includes the majority of the
plant and animal species on Greek soil.
Vistonida Lake, the Delta of Evros and Nestos
Rivers, the Dadia Forest, the Mitrikos Lake, are
all areas where one can meet species tending to
extinct worldwide.
ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOURISM:
Plethora of historic and prehistoric monuments
are scattered throughout the area. Visitors will
find towns with uninterrupted human presence
going back thousands of years, with monuments
from antiquity, Roman era, early Christian
period, Byzantine and Ottoman times. From west
to east, one may see archaeological findings at
the Philippous, Thassos, Maroneia, and of
course, Samothrace.
 RELIGIOUS TOURISM:
Festivities and the miracle-performing icons
attract individual and group visitors to the
well-preserved Byzantine churches and
monasteries. It is worth visiting the
Eikosifoinissas Abbey at the Paggaio, the
renowned Kosmosoteira at Ferres and the plethora
of monasteries at Xanthi.
MOUNTAIN TOURISM: The
mountainous masses of Rodopi and the other
mountains on the mainland and the two islands
offer ample opportunity for nature walks,
action-sport activities and all types of
sightseeing.
 FORESTS: In spite of
centuries-long destruction of the wooded areas,
large forest portions have survived, mainly on
the mountainous regions, covering up to 55% of
the area in each prefecture. Throughout the
region lie forests of unique and natural beauty,
such as the Elatia Forest, the virgin forest of
Fraktos and many more.
GASTRONOMY: Seaside
tavernas serve fresh fish and sea-food, while at
mountain villages visitors should savour the
local sausages and fresh meat dishes from
locally bred cattle. Food lovers should not miss
the great variety of appetizing mezes
(appetizers) invariably accompanied with local
wine made from choice grapes. Sweet pastries
soaked with thyme honey are still made according
to old traditional recipes. The region is also
famous for its dairy products. |
