EVROS

General Information

The northwesternmost corner of Greece, the prefecture of Evros borders with Bulgaria to the north and to the northwest, with Turkey to the east, with the prefecture of Rodopi to the west, and the Thracian Sea to the south. As Evros, the greatest river of the Balkan peninsula, pours its waters into the sea, it shapes its famous Delta which includes an islet of unrivalled beauty and a most beauteous wetland, a critical refuge for many rare bird species and an ecological reserve of immense value. Its population is approximately 145000 people, while this considerably large prefecture extends over 4250 sq.km.

History - Culture

A very prosperous and scarcely populated area, it has played an important role in shaping Thracian culture through the ages. Populated since prehistoric times, its historical significance grew during the 7th century BC, as the neighboring island of Samothrace developed into a local power, establishing a series of fortified cities along the coastline of Evros. The construction of the Via Egnatia, the famous road which the Romans designed to facilitate the access of their legions and traders to their eastern provinces, crossed through the region, endowing it with further development. During the Byzantine era, proximity to the capital of the Empire naturally brought attention to it, and many significant constructs were erected, including a series of monasteries on Mount Papikios. At the times of Turkish domination the area shared the same historical course with the rest of Thrace and Greece, and was finally liberated early in the 20th century.

Sights

Alexandroupolis, the capital city of the prefecture, is a large yet charming urban center, built neatly along the layout of a finely designed city plan and with an interesting, colorful architecture. In the remote town of Didymoticho there is a defensive wall with ten towers and the largest mosque in Greece (1000 sq.m), while the impressive Byzantine fortress Empythion is located on the outskirts of the town. The sites of ancient Mesimvria, ancient Treanoupolis, the monasteries up on Mount Papikios, and the cave of the in the area of Makri -reputed to be the home of the legendary Cyclops- are also major attractions. Most, though, will find that the unique Ecological Reserve of the Delta of the River Evros is the principal attraction of the region, with the enchanting forest of Dadia a close second. Visitors may also wish to go across to the island of Samothrace, where they can see the ruins of a complex of ancient temples and monuments covering a total surface that exceeds 50000 sq.m.  Fertile plains, imposing mountains and a beauteous coastline render Evros a rich and beautiful land that, quite surprisingly, is known to all but a few fortunate travelers. This makes it an ideal destination for those who enjoy discovering new places, and here their effort will be richly rewarded. 

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

The tourist infrastructure of the prefecture has been developing rapidly, offering suitable accommodations and quality services. Entertainment can be found in the major cities, while traditional festivals and fairs are the principal attraction in the smaller towns and villages. Alexandroupolis has a market worthy of a town its size, while it offers extensive sports facilities. But most visitors will find that there are far more exciting sporting challenges in the countryside, such as the water sports activities available on the organized beaches of the region and the extensive trekking routes by the river and across the mountains and plains. Evros is famed for its cheeses, sweets and sausages, and also for its fresh seafood originating from Samothrace. Local textiles are renowned for their quality and design, and most people visiting the town of Soufli cannot leave without buying garments of silk, a trade with a tradition of more than a thousand years, as silk production began in the region after one of the first reported major incidents of industrial espionage. The Byzantines, realizing the prospective profits of introducing silk production in Europe, sought to find a way to steal the secret of its production from the Chinese, who guarded it with utmost care. An emissary of monks managed to come back with the invaluable silk worms hidden in their hollow walking sticks! Since then, the tradition has endured and flourished, proving that some things need not ?or should not- ever change.

Access

Flights are carried out from Athens and Thessaloniki to Alexandroupolis throughout the year. There is a daily bus service from Athens and Thessaloniki while trains depart from Athens-Piraeus to Thessaloniki where one must change and take a local train to Alexandroupolis. Travelers are advised to choose the "Inter-City" express train, which is much more fast and punctual, and well worth the additional expense.

Connections

There is a flight connection with Athens and Thessaloniki, a train connection with Komotini, Xanthi, Thessaloniki, Kavala and Athens. Ferry-boats link Alexandroupolis, the Dodecanese, the Eastern Aegean Sea islands and Samothrace from where ferries sail to Kavala.

Museums

There is an Archaeological Museum hosted within the Town Hall of Alexandroupolis and an Ecclesiastical Museum within the Cathedral, a Folk Art Museum in Didymoticho, an Archaeological Museum in Paleopolis of Samothrace, another Folk Art Museum in Orestiada, and the unique Silk Museum in Soufli, with exhibits regarding silk and its history.

Alternative Tourism

Ecotourism, agrotourism, birdwatching, archaeology, speleology, spiritual, cultural, sporting (trekking, river trekking, water sports).

Useful Telephone Numbers:

Alexandroupolis (+30 25510)

Police Station:   37352

Alexandroupolis Port Authority:            26468

Samothrace Port Authority:       41305

Alexandroupolis Airport:           45198

Alexandroupolis Bus Terminal:  26479

Traffic Police:   37111

Alex/polis Municipality: 64100, 64141

TAXI Station:   27700, 28484

Greek Telephone Company:     26699

Hospital:           25772-2

Pharmacies:      28337, 28396