DRAMA

General Information

The prefecture of Drama is placed upon the Greek northern borderline, sharing borders to the north and to the northeast with Bulgaria. To the east lies the entrance into the district of Thrace through the prefecture of Xanthi, to the south there is the prefecture of Kavala, while to the west there is the prefecture of Serres. The marvelous forests of Elatia and Fraktos, the affluent flora and fauna, the abundance of water springs, the river Nestos and its lakes, the river Aggitis and the cave of Maara, and the imposing Mount Falakro form the outstanding natural setting which is can be found in Drama. A prefecture fully organized to accommodate guests, its natural beauty is complemented by the aura of a history of millennia, which has naturally developed a most rich cultural tradition. There are remarkable choices for winter tourism and winter sports. Its population reaches 95000 residents, while its extent covers 3500 sq.km.

History - Culture

As evidenced by the discoveries made within the cave of Maara, the prefecture of Drama has been inhabited since the Paleolithic Age. As in the whole region of Eastern Macedonia, during the Neolithic Era many settlements were established, many of which flourished significantly. In the Bronze Age, a profitable trade with Central Europe and the Balkans developed, while in the Iron Age cultural relationships began to flourish among Eastern Macedonia, Central Macedonia, Chalkidiki and the Thracian tribes; excavations in the area have revealed ancient establishments dating back to the early Iron Age. Within the city of Drama, a vaulted Macedonian tomb of the Hellenistic years bears witness to the fact that the area was also inhabited through the Historic Period. There is evidence that the inhabitants worshiped Dionyssos, Apollo, Artemis, Isis, and Hercules. Thucydides first mentioned Drama under the name Dravesco, but other sources have revealed that the ancient name of the city of Drama was Dyrama or Ydrama. In the 5th century BC, when the Athenians were defeated in a nearby battle by the King of Macedonia, Drama came under Macedonian rule. As the city of Philippi fell into decline, the city of Drama became the most important of the broader region, its imposing castle signifying this dominance. The region suffered many barbarian raids throughout the centuries of the middle ages, and in 1371 it came under Turkish domination. Drama was liberated in 1912, but Bulgaria attempted to retake it with temporary success in 1917 and 1944. It has now been incorporated into the Greek State. 

Sights

The densely forested, mountainous landscape of this prefecture creates an unlimited array of inspiring icons for those who revel in natural beauty. Rivers, streams and rivulets run across the valleys, gorges, forests and plains, forming an idyllic setting for ecotourism. There is beauty everywhere, but most will find it at its best during the winter. In the city of Drama, the capital of the prefecture, there is the ancient cemetery within the industrial zone, the walls of the ancient city, the Byzantine churches of Taxiarches and Aghia Sofia, and the area of Nissaki, adorned with lush vegetation and an abundance of running waters. The view from the tourist stand up on the ?Korylovo? Hill is breathtaking, while only after a short drive of 17km to the SW, there is the village of Photolivos, where a large Neolithic settlement has been discovered, revealing significant archaeological findings. Near the village of Skaloti, there is the unique Forest of Drama, also known as Forest of Elatia, the only one with red fir trees -Erythrelati, a rare fir species which can reach a height of almost 50m? in Greece. The valley of Nestos River is another spectacle of beauty that can only be seen by riding the special train which runs this course. This is the only way for visitors to see inaccessible locations, and it is certain to be a lifetime experience. In the small town of Doxato, 10km SE of Drama, there is the church of Aghios Athanasios, bearing a wood-carved icon stand of the 19th century. Visitors can also see the Municipal Park and the springs of Bounar-Basi, situated in a striking environment of huge trees on the foot of Mount Kouslaris. In the village of Nevrokopi, near the borders with Bulgaria, there is the church of Aghios Dimitrios -dating back to the 19th century- and the fortress ?Lise?, while a little further, in the village of Perithorio, there is another impressive modern fortification. Both have underground departments and heavy armament, and they block the narrow passage between them. The virgin Forest of Fraktou, 42km N of the village of Paranesti, should definitely be visited while close to the town of Prosotsani, there is the unique Cave of Maara. Within it there is a 500m long passage for the waters of the Aggitis River, a course adorned with huge stalactites of amazing colors that reach all the way down to the surface of the water. There is much more to see in the beautiful prefecture of Drama, but some things are best left to be discovered. 

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

In the city of Drama, the capital of the prefecture, quality facilities exist for the convenience of visitors. There are hotels and small inns, a large market, restaurants, taverns, coffee shops, bars and night clubs, and vivid night life. The services offered in the city are more than adequate while the fine road network enables visitors to tour around this exciting prefecture with considerable ease. The tourist infrastructure in the rest of the region may be of a smaller scale, but the small towns and villages are certainly inviting for those who wish to spend relaxing holidays. One thing that will certainly capture the interest of the visitor is the originality of the traditional festivals, which can be very entertaining, and quite often exciting. Sporting activities offered in Drama include traditional sports such as basketball, volleyball and football, while in the capital there is also an indoor gymnasium. Near the peak of Mount Falakro, there are two refuges for mountain climbers and a fully equipped ski resort. Trekkers will thrilled in this region, as countless routes through captivating natural settings offer them more than they could have asked for. Local delicacies can be tasted in taverns and pastry shops, which never disappoint. All in all, Drama is an ideal destination for winter vacations, but this only applies to those who could bear to miss the beauty of such a natural environment in the other seasons.

Access

All year round, flights are carried out from Athens to Kavala and bus services from there to Drama. There are daily bus services from Athens and Thessaloniki to Drama. Trains depart from Athens-Piraeus to Thessaloniki and from there to Drama.

Connections

There is frequent bus connection with Kavala, Xanthi and Serres on a daily basis. Trains departing from Athens and Thessaloniki link daily Drama, Serres, Xanthi, Komotini, Alexandroupolis.

Museums

Within the city of Drama there is an Ecclesiastical Museum, a Folk Art Museum, and a large archaeological collection, part of which is exhibited in the open air space of the church of Aghia Sofia. Exhibits include items ranging from the Paleolithic Age to the latest centuries.

Alternative Tourism

Ecotourism, agrotourism, canyoning, sporting (mountain climbing, mountain bike, jeep safari, trekking, river trekking, parapente, ski).

Useful Telephone Numbers:

DRAMA AREA CODE:  25210-

POLICE STATION  : 25210-22341

MUNICIPALITY: 25210-25555

POST OFFICE: 25210-48320

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 25210-26999, 56161

HOSPITAL: 25210-23351

TAXI STATION: 25210-32111, 32555

PHARMACIES: 25210-24440, 31761, 25150

BUS STATION: 25210-32421

CHRYSSOUPOLIS AIRPORT ( KAVALA ) : 25910-53273

TRAFFIC POLICE: 25210-22340