Eastern Macedonia - Thrace
Kavala – Thassos
The Culture And Nature Destination
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
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 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.
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.