Thrace. It is often called the “Great Earth” and with good reason, since there are many points of ecological interest in this blessed place. At the same time, the sense of the endless horizon that allows the gaze to travel far and wide makes the above characterization even more apt. During your trip to Thrace, you also encounter the water element – lakes, lagoons, and rivers, most important habitats, largely defining the area. With several days at your disposal, you can make a long trek. Below is the first part of the itinerary, focusing on excursions to the most beautiful cities of Thrace, beginning from Komotini (the second part can be read
here)
Travelogue in Thrace: Beginning from Komotini
Komotini. Ideal choice if you want to get a smell of all three prefectures. Besides, the Via Egnatia makes transportation an easy and comfortable affair in this place. The distance of the city from Athens is about eight hours (743 km distance) with conservative driving. Komotini is the capital of the Rhodope Prefecture, and during the Ottoman Empire it was called Gülmoutzina. 
The journey in Thrace continues with the monuments of Komotini…Fortress and Byzantine wall: Although some parts of it have been destroyed, its image remains very strong. History attributes it to Emperor Theodosius I (379-395). It was built for economic-military reasons, fortifying the city with a wall, built with stones and strong ceramic mortar.
The central Monument (Sword): In the center of the city, it was built in 1884. Its feature is the voluminous column in its center. 14m high, with a huge metal sword effigy, placed vertically. Every Sunday, the raising and lowering of the Greek flag takes place here, with passers-by standing still until the process is completed. 
Imaret: One of the oldest surviving Ottoman monuments in Europe.
Since 1999, this monument has housed the Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini.
Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary: It is located opposite the wall and dates back to 1800. In the beginning, it was built inside the wall on the foundations of a ruined Byzantine church. Then, it was placed at a lower level because during the Turkish occupation, it was not allowed to raise a church to the same level as mosques. Inside is kept an icon of the Virgin Mary of the 14-15th century. 
Nymphaea Forest: 4 km north of the city, it is mainly covered by pine trees.
A stop at the Tourist Kiosk (it has a restaurant and café) on an exquisite natural balcony, from where every visitor can enjoy a view that “fits” the sea, the green, and three large rivers. 
Trekking in Thrace: Stops not to be missed
- Bougatsa to lick your fingers on Jerome (the whole city eats this dish here!).
- Since 1935, the coffee shop of George Kekkeris has been operating in the city. Now, the third generation of the family roasts and grinds coffee in an atmospherically wonderful setting. In his shop, mix the smells of spices and freshly ground coffee along with the joyful roar of students who love it just as much as the locals.
- Syrupy at Nedim’s – the grocery store at the clock.
- Buy for the treat to friends and relatives, for all tastes: fluffy, hard, or peppery.
Beautiful villages and towns around Komotini
- At a distance of 187 km and 2 hours, there is the village of Marasia, where the two rivers that run through the prefecture, Ardas and Evros, join.
- A little further south, at 182 km and 2 hours drive, is the village of Kastanies. Here is also one of the customs offices that leads us to Turkey. The walk on the banks of the river Ardas is always beautiful, and in winter is dressed with an aura of melancholy.
- The village of Nea Vyssa, at 175 km from the village, is known for its garlic (every year about 30 thousand tons of garlic are produced here) but also for its colonial-type architecture.
- A beautiful choice is the traditional village of Maroneia, 19 km from Komotini (half an hour). Here, most of the houses have preserved the traditional Macedonian-Thracian architectural style. The plane trees in the center of the village complete the picture of this old urban and commercial hub of Thrace.
- Didymoteicho (144 kilometers from Komotini): It is just two kilometers from our border with Turkey. Its strongest point is its castle with its 24 towers and caves. The mosque of the 15th century. and the narrow uphill alleys give the identity of this city, where Byzantine and Ottoman history meet in Northern Greece. Definitely a stop you should make on your trip to Thrace.
- Sapes (29 km from Komotini): A small rural town that one could say encapsulates the modern history of Greece, from the Balkan wars to the collapse of the former Soviet Union and the settlement of expatriates from Russia. Within walking distance from Sapes and to the northeast are the villages of Sykorachi and Kirki. In the second village, make a stop at its mines. Around here, there is a black pine forest (in the homonymous picturesque village) consisting of miniature trees. In Sapes, do not forget to make a stop at Melissa restaurant or Hassan, as most people know it. It has been in place since 1964 and serves guaranteed delicious local meats.
Trekking in Thrace and the lakes
Lake Ismarida. The locals also call it Lake Mitriko or Mana Limni. It is located in the southwest of the prefecture, at the point where today lies the plain that in ancient times was inhabited by the people of Kikoni. Its name comes from the ancient city of Ismaros, which was known since Homeric times for its wine, the “ismarikon” wine, with which Odysseus got the cyclops Polyphemus drunk. It is the only shallow freshwater lake that survived in Greece after the drying up of Karla, Kopais, and Lake Giannitsa. At the same time, it is one of the most important habitats for avifauna in Northern Greece, as about 225 species of birds are found here. 
Xirolimni lagoon. It is located west of the village of Arogi. A strip of sand separates the lagoon from the sea. The lagoon is an important habitat for many species of birds. The somewhat surreal landscape “includes” reeds, courts (basketball, tennis, volleyball, etc.), a hunting lodge on the north shore of the lagoon, and a fishing station in its southeastern part.
Read the second part of the travelogue in Thrace.
Vacations in Greece
Travel to the Greek lake surrounded by 18 villages, Drakolimni
Verliga: A rare alpine landscape in Greece
Zerelia: The secret that lies at the bottom of Greece’s twin lakes
Frequently Asked Questions
Thrace is a region in Greece known as the 'Great Earth' due to its abundant ecological points of interest and endless horizons. It features multiple water elements including lakes, lagoons, and rivers that define the landscape and create important habitats throughout the area.
Komotini is approximately 743 km from Athens, which takes about eight hours of conservative driving to reach. The city is easily accessible via the Via Egnatia highway, making transportation comfortable and convenient for visitors.
Komotini is the capital of the Rhodope Prefecture and was called Gülmoutzina during the Ottoman Empire. The city preserves its oriental past through traditional architecture, including low houses with outer walls and inner enclosures, reflecting its rich historical heritage.
Key attractions in Komotini include the Byzantine Fortress and wall (built by Emperor Theodosius I), the Central Monument with its 14m sword effigy, the Clock Tower, the Imaret (an Ottoman museum), the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, the 21-acre Municipal Garden, and the Folklore Museum housed in the Peidis mansion.
Komotini's central square is surrounded by paved narrow alleys with pergolas covered in vines and climbing plants. The municipal market is known for its blacksmith shops and bustling bazaar atmosphere, offering an authentic local experience with traditional shopping also available on Ermou Street.
The Imaret is one of the oldest surviving Ottoman monuments in Europe, located in Komotini. Since 1999, it has housed the Ecclesiastical Museum of the Holy Metropolis of Maroneia and Komotini, preserving important religious artifacts and history.
The Municipal Garden covers 21 acres and is considered one of the most elegant municipal gardens in Greece. It features tall trees, beautiful flowers, a playground, a zoo, and an artificial lake with colorful fountains that create a magical atmosphere during evening strolls.
The Nymphaea Forest is located 4 km north of Komotini and is primarily covered by pine trees. At the Tourist Kiosk on a natural balcony, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the sea, green landscape, and three large rivers.
The Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary dates back to 1800 and is located opposite the city wall. It was originally built inside the wall on a ruined Byzantine church foundation but relocated to a lower level during Turkish occupation. It houses a significant icon of the Virgin Mary from the 14-15th century.
With several days at your disposal, you can make a long trek through Thrace to explore multiple cities and attractions. The itinerary in this travelogue focuses on the most beautiful cities, with additional destinations available in a second part covering the full region.
