RODOPI

General Information

The prefecture of Rodopi shares borders with Bulgaria to the north, with the prefecture of Xanthi to the west, with the prefecture of Evros to the east, and its southern coastline is cooled by the crystal waters of the Thracian Sea. Its landscape presents many variations, as the fertile plains off the coastline gradually ascend through forested slopes to imposing mountain peaks, with the intervention of picturesque valleys, breathtaking gorges, and magnificent beaches. Komotini, the capital city of the prefecture with its extended historical heritage, the archaeological site of Maronia, and the numerous Byzantine monuments, compose an array of additional reasons for visiting the beautiful lands of Rodopi. Its population reaches 110828 residents, while its expanse covers 2543 sq.km.    

History - Culture

The region has been inhabited since Prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological, anthropological and paleontological findings from all across the prefecture, such as the Neolithic cities of Paradimi and Ergani, the second being protected by a fully fortified acropolis. In ancient times, during the archaic and the classical period, the leading city of the region was Maronia, initially a colony of Chios, which reached its peak in the 4th century BC. Soon after Rome took control of the region, its economy was  rallied by the construction of the famous Via Egnatia, a road initially built to enable the Roman legions to access the Eastern frontier of the Empire quickly, but also boosted trade and development. Many cities were built along this route, and prospered until late Byzantine times, when the Turks destroyed the entire empire. The history of the region is connected to the history of the Byzantine Empire, due to the proximity of this land to the capital of Constantinople. In 1361, it passed into the hands of the Turks, a yoke from which it broke free in 1881. In recent history, a characteristic fact is the presence of guardhouses in most of the villages of the region, two of which -those of Echinos and Nymfaia- played a leading role in World War II, as their defenders delayed the descent of the German forces significantly, upsetting their overall military operations (Russian and African front).

Sights

Rodopi is a place of great natural beauty, with high mountains in the north, green highlands and lowlands, picturesque fishing villages and comely beaches along the southern coastline. Unaffected by the great current of mass international tourism, the land offers quiet vacations in untouched natural surroundings and with the presence of a genuine, hearty local populace. The prefecture is abound with significant monuments, such as the archeological site of the ancient city of Maronia, where there are also Prehistorical remains in a nearby cave, the countless Byzantine churches, chapels, monasteries, and castles, the Neolithic cities of Paradimi and Ergani, and the relics of the Roman era. Rodopi is a most exciting region with a combination of features that visitors can hardly meet anywhere else. Hellenic and Oriental elements harmonize beautifully with each other and the unique natural environment; here minarets are often found beside Christian churches. Komotini is an amazing city with the tiny shops in the old picturesque shopping area, the grove with its zoo, the ruins of nearby Mosynopolis, and the old city with its distinctive oriental flavor and Moslem population. Forests, ancient settlements and bridges, the monasteries at Papikio and the site of Ancient Maronia with its extensive archaeological remains are worth visiting and within the proximity of Komotini. Wonderful scenery, innumerable villages and monuments is what the region holds in store for the traveller who likes to explore and discover the true beauty of a land. Only such individuals will discover the tranquility of the lake Ismarida with its nenuphar?strewn surface, the medieval bridge in Paterma, and other such beauties held for the inquisitive, unconventional visitor. 

Entertainment-Sports-Shopping

The capital city of Komotini has a picturesque old market and a shopping area with a wide variety of goods, while another interesting market can be found in the town of Sapai, just 21 km from Komotini. The unparalleled natural beauty of this prefecture presents an ideal setting for a great number of interesting and exciting activities. The University of the city of Komotini hosts a sports training school, and thus offers extensive sports facilities of high standards which include football fields, basketball, volleyball and tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, and many more. The seaside resorts situated on the beaches along the southern coastline offer water sports facilities and entertainment, as in most there are numerous bars, taverns, night clubs and coffee shops. The northern mountain ranges are optimal for climbing, trekking and driving adventures, while visitors will be astounded by the infrastructure that exists in this field. Everywhere in Rodopi, travellers have the opportunity of tasting oriental specialties, delicacies and sweetmeats in restaurants and taverns, while local traditional festivities offer food, drink, music, dancing, and genuine entertainment.

Access

Flights are carried out from Athens & Thessaloniki to Alexandroupolis and from there is a coach service to Komotini. Coaches arrive daily from Athens & Thessaloniki. There is also train and coach service from Thessaloniki.

Connections

A highway from Athens to Thessaloniki and from there a national road link Komotini to Athens (759 km). Buses link Komotini with Athens and Thessaloniki (282 km), several times a day. Local buses connect the capital with nearby cities, like Alexandroupolis and Xanthi. Trains connect Komotini with Athens and Thessaloniki. Komotini has no airport. It is served by the Airport of the nearby city of Alexandroupolis (85 km). From this airport there are flights to and from Athens (55 min).

Museums

Interesting findings are on display in the Archaeological Museum in Komotini. There is also a Folk Art Museum with an impressive collection of traditional garments and a Byzantine Ecclesiastical Museum.

Alternative Tourism

Ecotourism, spiritual, religious, cultural, educational, speleology, archaeology, birdwatching, sporting, (water sports, windsurfing, trekking, mountain climbing, mountain bike, jeep safari, canoe, kayak).

Useful Telephone Numbers:

KOMOTINI AREA CODE:  25310-

POLICE STATION: 25310-22100, 34444

TRAFFIC POLICE: 25310-83243, 34732, 35555

MUNICIPALITY: 25310-24444, 22644

NATIONAL TOURISM ORG.: 25310-70995

TELECOMMUNICATIONS ORG.: 25310-25499

POST OFFICE: 25310-23195

TAXI STATION: 25310-33223, 37777

HOSPITAL: 25310-24601-9, 22222

PHARMACIES: 25310-27020, 29717, 24050, 84484, 24707, 37104, 26200, 26933, 27189, 23023, 35556, 29572, 23444, 32648

RAILWAY STATION: 25310-22650

THESSALONIKI RAILWAY STATION:  +30-2310-517517

BUS STATION: 25310-31796, 22912