The mountainous complex in the region of Rodopi as well as the rest of the mountains not only in the continental Thrace but also in the Eastern Macedonia, and in both the islands of Samothraki and Thassos, give the chance to visitors for tours, activities and sightseeing.
The island if Samothraki offers the chance to march on the difficult to approach gorge of “Gria Vathra” near Loutra, it has the spectacular falls of Fonias, and it gives the chance to climbing up to the peak of Feggari at the mountain Saos. These are some of the most wonderful destinations during summer time.
Due to the cave of Maroneia in the region of Rodopi (journey Komotini-Xylagani-Maroneia, for further information contact: +30 (0) 5330 22 210), to Aggitis in the region of Drama (for further information contact: +30 (0) 5220 60 604, journey Dram-Prosotsani-Kokkinogeia-Piges Aggitis) but also because of the spectacular geologic phenomena (“Xionotrypa” at the mount Falakro), the existence of very rich and unique varieties of forests (the forest of the endemic black pine in Petrotes, the forest of birches, etc), up to the shelters which are spread all over the region, the visitors need many days in order to enjoy the nature and the richness of the continental region.
Apart from what nature has to offer, antiquity as well as other periods of history left their traces on the mountains. Many built-up areas on the mountains of Rodopi. Byzantine fortresses spread all over the region, and modern fortresses as well, (since World War II) give to us another view of these mountains. The visitor besides all the monuments and the natural scenery will meet an extraordinary cultural inheritance because of the existence of different local groups, the Pomacs being the most characteristic inhabitants of the region.
Many rocky bridges, especially in the regions of Xanthi and Drama were constructed in these mountainous places, and paths on the mountains are still used through the centuries. The European path E6 covers the greatest part of the region from the Mount Falakro through the continental part of Xanthi, Komotini in order to end up to Samothraki.
On the mountains of Rodopi we can find the well known shelters of Komotini “Charalampos Dimou”, 34 kilometres from the city of Komotini (journey Komotini the road of Oxyro to Nymphaia, capacity of 45 persons, for further information contact: E.O.S. +30 (0) 5310 29411) and the shelter of “lasmos” (mountain road lasmos-Polyarnos, capacity 12 persons for further information contact: +30 (0) 5340 22 253).
MACEDONIA TOURISM Photo Gallery
The narrow and rich in plantation River Nestos Straits, where you can visit the railway station of Liveron, and stay also because it was reconstructed; other facilities are offered as well such as a restaurant (for further information contact: +30 (0) 5410 93 055 and +30 (0) 5410 62 488, journey Xanthi-Stayroupoli-Komnina or by train from Stayroupoli). There exists also an eco tourism complex in the village of Komnina (for further information contact the local Inn +30 (0) 5420 22 483, journey Xanthi-Stayroupoli-Komnina), the forest village of Erymanthos (for further information contact: +30 (0) 5420 22 226, at a distance of 60 kilometers of the city of Xanthi trough Stayroupoli-Livadeiths), the forest village of Elatia (capacity 40 persons, for further information contact: +30(0) 521091 340 and +30 (0) 5210 34 074. at a distance of 72 kilometers from Drama-Sidhronero-Skaloti). In the city of Drama you visit some watermills that are still in use. the most impressive fall that we can find in the area of Central Rodopi. at Livaditi. of a height of 35 meters, the hydraulic dam of Thysayros (for further information and guided tours contact: +30 (0) 5210 91 251. journey from Dram-Paranesti-Temenos – Dam of Thysayros), these are just some of the destinations that people who love nature can chose and enjoy.
The unique beauty of the narrow straits of the river Nestos (”the Tempi of Thrace”) will be revealed to the passenger, who will march opposite to the course of the river, and follow the path that leads from Galani to the springs of Kromnikos. The beautiful view as well s the journey back to the starting point through a path sculptured on the brusque rocks that follow the train rails is a wonderful compensation to him. The panoramic view of the meander-like forms of the river can been seen by the passenger if he follows the path from Toxotes to Imera.
