Evros - Thrace (Greece)

The Evros Delta

In Thrace, on the border with Turkey, the Evros river forms a distinct delta. It covers an area of  200 km.sq. (77 sq. mi.) and it unique because of the presence of rare plants and animals. In the delta of Evros all possible land formations are found such as lagoons, islets, sandy beaches.

The Delta contains a unique variety of species and is a wetland of international importance. The area has been designated as a Special Protection Area. In total, 314 bird species have been identified, a very high number, especially when you compare it with the total number of bird species in Greece (412). It is an important wetland for migration and for overwintering of many bird species. Hundreds of thousands of birds, mostly from northern Europe and Russia can be observed here. Pelicans, swans and ducks feed in the lagoons of the delta in winter. During the twilight one sees them migrating to the south. A large number use the wetland as an intermediate stop for migration from Europe to Africa and back.

The rich biotopes host a unique diversity of fauna. In the river live 46 species of fish like the mulet and the common carp. In the broader area are more than 40 species of mammals and 28 species of reptiles and amphibians.

The Dadia forest

The Dadia forest covers the southeastern part of the Mountain Rodopi. It is known for its large forest of pine and oak which is home to rare birds including all kinds of hawks and eagles. The scenery is diverse, with pine and oak forests, white rocks and steep slopes, gorges and rivers, meadows and cultivated areas. Here live many wild animals like the wolf and the jackal. There is a rich reptile population, 41 different species live here like turtles, lizards and snakes. But also rare birds like the Black stork .

Sights and tips Evros

• The ancient zone of Messimvra and the cave of the Cyclops.
• The Byzantine Wall in Didimoticho which consists of 10 towers.
• The cave of teh Saints Theodoroi in Avantas and the castles of Avantas.
• The several lakes of Evros like the ones in Orestiada, Soufli and Didimoticho.
• The Macedonian Thomb in Elafochori.
• The Byzantine Cathedral Panagia Kosmosotira in Feres.
• The Ethnological and historical museum of Feres.
• The Historical, Ecclesiastical, Ethnologic museums of Alexandroupolis.
• The beaches of Alexandroupolis, Dikela, Agia Paraskevi, Kokkina Vrachia (Red Rocks).
• The spa of Traianoupolis.
• The petrified forest of Tychero.
• The Ethnological Museum of Soufli.

Text: Jorgos and Wendy Nikolidakis - Text edited by Katrina Butzer