Demir Ali Beach,
Evros, Eastern Macedonia-Thrace
The prefecture of Evros is a place with unsurpassed and unique beauty, combining sea and mountain in a fascinating way. One may say that Evros is suitable only for summer tourism due to the plethora of its beaches that have been distinguished with the blue-flag award, covering a distance of approximately 25 kilometres, stretching from the town of Alexandroupolis all the way to the ancient site of Mesimvria Zoni.
Mesimvria Zoni Archeological Site, Evros, Eastern Macedonia-Thrace
This is not true though, since the prefecture of Evros is not lacking in attributes to make it a remarkable alternative destination. Evros is a land endowed by nature as proven by the presence of two areas with extremely important environmental significance, which are protected by international treaties and attract global interest: we naturally refer to the Forest of Dadia and the Evros Delta.
Dadia Forest, Evros, Eastern Macedonia-Thrace
The Forest of Dadia is located in the heart of the prefecture of Evros, covering the southeastern hilly outskirts of the mountain mass of Rodopi. The smooth hills of Dadia are furrowed by tens of ravines and brooks; the mature pine and oak forests are interrupted by small clearings and prairies, pastures and cultivated lots, while steep mountain sides and rocks rise here and there in a dream-like landscape. Nevertheless, what makes the Forest of Dadia truly unique in Europe is the fact that visitors have the opportunity to marvel at rare vultures that build their nests in the area either permanently or for the winter. At 500 meters from the settlement of Dadia, catering to visitors the Ecotourist Center is in operation with an Information Center, hotel, restaurant and an outlet selling local products. The Center serves as a spring-board for short or long trips to areas of particular interest in the National Park as well as the broader area.
Evros river Delta, Eastern Macedonia-Thrace
In the southeastern tip of the prefecture, the Evros River forms a rich delta, a wetland of international importance with its vast variety of flora composing a colorful mosaic. The Evros Delta also hosts a great variety of fauna, unique in Europe. The area is particularly important for a great number of migratory birds, as well as for those who build their nests there for the winter. Tens of aquatic birds are wintering at the Delta. Visitors have the opportunity to marvel at hundreds of swans and thousands of geese feeding at lagoons and traveling towards the coast at sundown. In Traianoupolis, at 14 kilometers from Alexandroupolis, the Evros Delta Visitors’ Center hosts an exhibition and special hall for projecting movies and slides. Starting from Traianoupolis and Ferres, there are organized guided tours through selected land and water routes at the delta.
The Silk Museum, PIOP, Soufli, Evros, Eastern Macedonia-Thrace
The mountain routes of the prefecture are very impressive and easily accessed by car, leading to areas of unique natural beauty, as well as to historic monuments and traditional settlements, such as Metaxades, Paliouri and Petrota. Thick pine and acorn forests line the mountain tops, dotted by the Pomakohoria near the border with Bulgaria. Also noteworthy, Ardas River, the tributary of Evros, reveals incomparable beauties as it runs all the way to the quaint village of Kastanies. Finally, particularly important for alternative tourism, the island of Samothrace, with its rich and wildly green nature surpasses the stereotype of the sandy-beached island. The steep mountain of Saos, whose peak Feggari is the highest point in the Aegean, is suitable for mountain climbing and trekking.
Samothrace, Evros, Eastern Macedonia-Thrace