exofen:Layout 1 3/21/08 12:29 PM 1

Texts (in Greek): Katerina Boli, Eleftheria Theodoroudi Translation into English: Maria Anagnostopoulou Translation into Bulgarian: Glossima-Vehrheim Editors: Maria Katsakiori, Katerina Boli Map: Lena Hatziiordanou, Antonis Apostolakis Photos: Photographic archive of ΕΚΒΥ/Eghromon, Maria Katsakiori, Katerina Boli lily photo: Kostas Vidakis Brown bear photo: Sotiris Milionis Lay out: Art Makers Printing: D. Altintzis

March 2008

The traveller’s guide to Rhodope mountain range was produced in the framework of the project “Common approaches to a joint planning for the promotion of the ecologically sensitive sites on the Rhodope Mountain” of the Community Initiative Operational Programme INTERREG IIIA/PHARE CBC - of the Ministry of Economics and Finance, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (75%) and by national resources (25%).

BENEFICIARY

EDITOR exofen:Layout 1 3/21/08 12:29 PM 2 exofen:Layout 1 3/21/08 12:29 PM 3 exofen:Layout 1 3/21/08 12:29 PM 4 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 1

A natural boundary between Greece and Bulgaria, Rhodope spreads over a surface area of approximately 19,000 km2 (82% in Bulgarian and 18% in Greek territory), signalizing a precious ecosystem of the Balkans, a mountain range of enormous ecological significance.

At the north of the Prefectures of and , from mount Falakron to the Pomac villages of Xanthi, and from the Hellenic-Bulgarian borders till the area of Stavroupolis and , the western and central parts of the Rhodope moun- tain range have the privilege to host the richest forests in Greece and some of the least disturbed natural ecosystems of Europe, while they provide shelter to ani- mals which are threatened by extinction, such as the brown bear and the chamois. The area is characterized by a multifarious relief with innumerable peaks, mean- dering streams and tributaries of the river , densely vegetated gorges and impressive waterfalls. It is a thinly populated area, however rich in deserted vil- lages, water mills, arched bridges, castles and other archaeological ruins. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 2

The mountain range of Western and Central Rhodope is one of the most interesting areas in Europe, thanks to its Central and great biodiversity. This is the result of its geographical position (a meeting point for the Balkan, Irano-caspian Western and Mediterranean flora), its geology and geomorphology, in addition to the fact that the area was not affected by Rhodope the glaciers. Thereby, for several species of central and northern Europe, Rhodope provides shelter and delimits their southernmost occurrence. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 3

> Central and Western Rhodope

Despite its relatively small surface area, the Greek part of On the Greek side, 5 sites have been the range has a high ecological interest, as it hosts vari- included in the NATURA 2000 Network, 1 of able ecosystems and vegetation zones, from the purely them is designated Natural Monument on the Mediterranean ones, to that of the boreal conifers of basis of national legislation and Biogenetic northern Europe and the proalpine zone of meso-Europe. Reserve and another is also nominated as The Bulgarian part is equivalent; its conifer forests repre- Biogenetic Reserve by the Council of Europe. sent 70% of the total vegetation of Rhodope and its western part hosts the best-preserved European black pine forests of Bulgaria, as well as well preserved moun- Since 1941, when the first protected tainous grasslands. area was established, Bulgaria has declared 216 protected areas until 2006. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 4

Travelling along less than 100 km, from the coast to the highest peak of the Rhodope mountain range, you will observe all vegetation zones, from the Mediterranean to a similar to the boreal conifer zone, a unique experience in the entire Mediterranean.

First you will cross the Mediterranean zone of evergreen broadleaves with strawberry trees, wild olive trees, kermes oak, ash tree, Judas tree, etc. Up the slope you will enter the transi- tional zone of the kermes oak, and moving on even higher, you will find yourself in the zone of oak forests, the most important of Rhodope, cardinal species being the Hungarian oak, the ses- sile oak and the downy oak. In the same zone, there are lime wood trees and European black pine stands, either non-mixed or mixed with oak. Further above, you will enter the continental zone (beech zone), which often creates mixed stands with fir and Norway spruce, but also with maple, aspen, birch, European vegetation black pine and Scotch pine. One of the most beautiful mixed > forests of beech with fir and Norway spruce is the virgin forest of Frakto. The highest vegetation zone you will meet there, is the, unique in Greece, zone of boreal conifers, with forests of Scotch pine, Norway spruce and birch, which compose real Exploring proalpine or Scandinavian landscapes. vegetation A distinct category of vegetation, which does not follow the rules of species altitudinal succession as it does not depend on climate but rather on water, is that of the riparian forests, with willows, white poplars, common alders and oriental planes. You will meet those along the river Nestos and the local gullies and streams. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 5

The kermes oak, a natural protection against soil erosion and highly demanded goat food, supported the economy of Rhodope and the entire country as a source of energy for heating, the oper- ation of limekilns and furnaces and the distillation of raki. Currently, kermes oak forests are only present on . In the rest of Greece, the kermes oak On the Rhodope, the beech grows mostly occurs in the form of a shrub. over the best quality soils and on the most humid north and east-facing slopes. Uniformly grown or mixed with other species, it creates most produc- 44% of the forests in Greece are oak tive forests of great ecological, economic and forests. It was therefore not accidental that the aesthetic value, which moreover contribute to oak was consecrated to Jupiter, became the sacred the generation of pure drinking water. tree of Macedonian kings, and acquired the power to vaticinate. Oak wood was used as fuel, and as raw material in naval architecture, furniture making and fencing. Its acorns became food for pigs, goats, wild animals but also people, who, during the German occupation (2nd World War), survived by making bread out of acorn flour. The dominant species on Rhodope, but also in the entire country, is the Hungarian oak, a species of outstanding value, due to the extent of its ecosystems (80% of the total oak forests), but also because of the much sought, light-coloured wood. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/081:01PM6

> forest …treasures natural the Discovering ti n ftems euiu oet ntecountry. the in forests beautiful most the of one as is value, it aesthetic its matching biodiversity, great its great, to due is significance ecological Its Europe. the and in the Greece southernmost of of whole part the in northern unique the is Drama in of Prefecture forms it that spruce forest in Norway The and appears forests. pine sporadically Macedonian or it pine Greece, Scotch In beech, Russia. Scandi- in in and areas creates navia proalpine leaves, in “tremulous” forests non-mixed delicate, extensive the characteristic and its bark with birch, white the species, boreal virtually A Forest (birch) Simida The 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 7

The Virgin Forest of Frakto The area of Frakto hosts one of the most beautiful mixed forests of beech with fir and Norway spruce, as well as one of the least disturbed natural forest ecosystems in Europe, with vast ecological interest. The Virgin Forest lies in the north eastern corner of the Prefecture of Drama, beneath the highest peak of Central Rhodope, at 1,953 m. In 1979, its phytogeographical and ecological value was acknowledged and in 1980, it was designated as a Natural Monument. Ever since, it enjoys an absolute protection status and entrance is only allowed for scien- tific purposes. Nevertheless the peripheral zone of the forest, which accommodates the Forest Worksite of Frakto, is open to the public. Visitors can arrange an overnight stay, by contacting the Forest Service of Drama. At the Visitor Centre of Frakto the traveller can take all necessary information to organize a tour about the forest, following forest roads and marked paths. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 8

The Beech Forest in Tsihla, Haidou

Haidou, on the mountains of the Prefecture of Xanthi, is in fact the southern part of mount Koula (its northern part pertaining to Bulgaria). Its highest peak is Gyftokastro (1,827 m). On Haidou, beech forests domi- nate, mixing with Scotch pine, birch and Macedonian pine. At higher altitudes you can see grasslands, remnants of aestival pastures. The Beech Forest, around 12 km from the Forest Village of Erymanthos, is situated at the loca- tion “Tsihla”, at 1,500 m and occupies approximately 18 hectares. It has been designated as a Natural Monument due to its undisturbed beech stands and its ecological, botanical and aesthetic value.

The Elatia Forest

At the northern corner of the Prefecture of Drama, along the Greek-Bulgarian borderline, in the area of Elatia, you will come across the Norway spruce forest, unique in the country. Your visit will imprint in your memory, as the aspect of the forest landscape leads you directly to those of northern Europe. In this impressive piece of nature you will identify all forms of Norway spruce existing in Europe, such as that of Sudety (West Czech Republic) with the pendulous branches, but also wild flowers, endemic of the Balkans and rare in Greece. In the same area, you may visit the Forest Village of Elatia, the local administrative and operational centre, at a distance of 72 km from Drama. At the village you may enjoy the accommodation facilities or take one of the opportunities for interesting organized tours starting there. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/081:01PM9 fRhodope of flowers wild The pce eitrda aei Greece. 82 in rare and as registered species species protected 59 the Peninsula, of Balkan endemics 150 around endemics, Rhodope, Greek of 10 endemics 7 been include 834 have These plants recorded. Rhodope, of subspecies of 287 and range species mountain the Across h otrptdwl lwrof flower lily wild its is reputed Rhodope most The eto evdts hr h pce a enreported been occur. has to species the where Leivaditis, settle- of the ment the near also in but them, Frakto, of between grasslands in sub-alpine spaces Norway and open beech in of forests, edge spruce the at summer, admire in and beauty it rare its for of Look Book Greece”. Data of plants “Red threatened and the and in Greece included of is and legislation Bulgaria, national Bern the the by by protected occurs is Convention, it It m. Greece, 1,600 In over species. sporadically, the the of of the population side host largest which Bulgarian grasslands, alpine the sub in at range, mountain 1951 in recorded nally lily Rhodope the colour, Llu rhodopaeum) (Lilium xust,wt rgtyellow bright with Exquisite, . a origi- was

> wild flowers 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 10

Tracking the animals The large mammals that find refuge in the forests of Rhodope, the 139 bird species, amphibians, reptiles, but also the fish species living in the streams of the area, qualify this mountain massif as highly important for the fauna. Footprints on the For the capercaillie and the ground, sounds and wingbeats will point toward hazel grouse, the Virgin Forest the presence of the animals. of Frakto constitutes the one and only nesting site in Greece.

On the steep slopes of Frakto, you may see the chamois, with a population that does not exceed 50-60 individuals.

In the rich beech forests, particularly in older trees, 8 out the 10 woodpecker species animals recorded in Greece find refuge. > The most remarkable mammal of the area is the brown bear, a priority species at European level. Its population is estimated at around 25-30 individuals.

The habitats of major importance to amphibians are the high-altitude In the waters of Vathyrema and Stravorema, there are popula- grasslands of Rhodope which are tions of the wild trout, which present a particular interest as a crossed by streams and gullies. gene pool. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 11

Following …the water

The River Nestos …

A natural borderline between Macedonia and , the river Nestos emanates from mount Rila of Bulgaria and discharges into the , after a total course of 234 km. Crossing the Hellenic-Bulgarian frontier, it traverses the mountain range of Rhodope, it reaches Paranesti and flows on till the town of Stavroupolis, where it enters its gorge, which has been designated as an “Aesthetic forest”. The gorge of river Nestos spreads over 2,380 hectares up to the town of Toxotes, creating an environment of outstanding beauty. Further south, from the bridge of Toxotes towards the coastal zone opposite the island of Thassos, the river forms an extensive delta of 55,000 hectares, which is a wetland of international importance (Ramsar site) surrounded by a riparian forest, unique in Greece for its size and among the most beau- tiful Europe-wide.

…and the “obstructios”

The only “obstructions” along the flow of river Nestos are… the dams. Those of Platanovrysi and Thisavros. Constructed for power generation and irriga- tion water storage, they have modified the bank structure and the water flow pattern and compose an admittedly imposing landscape. water > 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 12

The streams…

Along its course, river Nestos collects the waters of numerous streams, forming a manifold hydrographic net- work with a noteworthy fish fauna and plentiful riparian vegetation. Wandering about the mountain massif, you will come up against tributaries of the river Nestos, with streams of variable size; Arkoudorema, Diavolorema, Stravorema, Megalo Rema, but also river Kosynthos. You will see their junctions and their arched bridges, you will become spellbound by the magic of the waters and you will be overwhelmed by their waterfalls.

…and the waterfalls of… Ahladorema

The stream Ahladorema forms 5 waterfalls in the Frakto forest. The first one, a cascade of no more than 7 m. The second one, more impressive, 13 m in height. With the water dashing down from a height of 70 m, the third waterfall at the edge of the Virgin Forest, is magnificent to watch, though only visible from the opposite slope (the other two cascades are seasonal and hard to access). 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 13

If you wish to visit them, you must enter the peri- pheral zone of Frakto and walk to the near Forest Worksite, where you will be supplied with useful infor- mation by the guards, and by the Visitor Centre. Going on, you will see the sign-posted crossway which guides the tour about the forest. For the access to the waterfalls, you will have to choose between two options: you may either take the organized path which starts a few meters further and ends up at the waterfalls after a trek of 3 km, or continue on the forest dirt road that will lead you to another path, only 300 m far from the first waterfall. Walking until the first cascade is undemanding. Keeping on the same path, and passing through a dense beech forest, you will arrive at the second cascade. Accessing the third waterfall is more laborious, as you will have to cross steep moraines. water > 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 14

Trahonio (Leivaditis)

With its waters violently rushing down from a height of approxi- mately 40 m, it reasonably claims the reputation of the most impressive waterfall on Rhodope. At the verge of the Prefectures of Drama and Xanthi, no matter if you reach it via Paranesti or via Stavroupolis, whether you remember it as the “Waterfall of Trahonio” or “the Waterfall of Leivaditis”, it will undoubtedly enchant you. If you start your tour from the Prefecture of Xanthi, you might either opt for the trail Lykodromio-Kallithea (on the secondary road from Xanthi to Drama), which will easily take you, after a drive of about 30 km, to the Forest Village of Erymanthos, and further on to the waterfall, or, alternatively, for the equally beau- tiful trail Stavroupolis-Daphnonas- Ano Karyofyto-Leivaditis (22 km). A small deviation at Kato Karyofyto, in order to visit the traditional water mill and the stone bridge, is worth the time. Arriving at Leivaditis, (at 1,220 m) and taking the asphalt road leading to the Forest Village of Erymanthos (see trail 4), you will be presented with a double option, as two tracks start at that point. The first one, called “Tilemahos Samouridis” is 2 1/2 hours long (200 m from the settlement) and a shorter one, to which you will be led by the dirt road you will take, around 4.5 km after Leivaditis. Constantly meandering, the path will take you to the waterfall after a trek of 2,000 m. Those of you who wish to start from the Prefecture of Drama, you may set off from Paranesti and take the direction to Trahoni, following the road network (around 27 km in total). 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 15

This trail goes along the stream Arkoudorema through dense oak forests. Passing, successively, from the crossways of Ano Tholos and of the Dam of Platanovrysi, of Silli and of Prasinada, it reaches the rather small, but still impressive waterfall of Agia Varvara and moves on to the sign-posted junction with the dirt road (7 km) which will lead you to the deserted settlement of Trahonio. There from, another 7 km along the forest dirt road will bring you at a hairbreadth (300 m) from the waterfall of Trahoni. You will have to leave your car there and effortlessly walk on the path, overgrown with beech, maple, ash and lime wood trees. water >

The trail is rather short (700 m), smoothly descending with continuous zigzags through dense vegetation with beech and oak trees, whereas at the lower parts, maple, elm and lime wood trees. On your way back from the waterfall, keep on the same trail, to end up at Megalo Livadi. You will have the chance to Lepidas contemplate the view of the mountains of Rhodope and the Approximately 35 m in height, it is the most voluminous valley of Arkoudorema, from the viewpoint of the Forest waterfall created by the stream Tsoukali, within the forest of Worksite of Lepidas, and discover the impressive, though Lepidas. You may access it following the road from Paranesti hard to access, waterfall of the stream Skoteino rema. to Dipotama (about 21 km), in whose vicinity, one of the Megalo Livadi, located at 1,500 m, will bewitch you with its largest stone bridges of Eastern Macedonia brings together wild flowers and the Scotch pine stands growing around its the banks of the stream Arkoudorema. From the settlement of valley. From there on, you may reach the bog of the area, Dipotama, you should take the well-maintained gravelled road inexhaustible source of information on the evolution of the leading to the forest of Lepidas. After a drive of 7 km with a vegetation, and return via the forest road heading south, only panoramic view of Rhodope, you see the starting point of the to end up at the Forest Worksite of Lepidas, having comp- trail that will lead you to the base of the waterfall. leted a circular course. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/081:01PM16

> culture ieo hs oa tc-reeswolived times. who ancient stock-breeders in there nomad of those way the of to life you Elatia initiate of will Village Erymanthos, Forest and the at Sarakatsani of Reunions the will The Oreo, water. of of power area the you the remind Kato in of Halil of those and as Karyofyto such mills, time. water in traditional lost settlements, communication the among eyes, paths your before number, expose in the hundred will a together than more bringing banks, stream bridges The Rhodope. arched of heart stone the in hiding wealth the you to reveal will ), of centu- (southeast 3rd A.D. ry - 2nd the of Bull-Slayer) “Tavroktonos” the Mithras (Mithras of Relief River the the and of Nestos area wider the over control ensure to II Philip by homo- built the probably from settlement), nymous km (4 Kalyva of century Castle 2nd the the B.C., of Dafnonas) to road Komnina the from (on Komnina at Tomb Macedonian Xanthi. The and Drama of Prefectures the plain of the parts of capital cultural the complement Rhodope and of significance the to stone enhance back centuries, dating innumerable customs and and traditions bridges, mills water monu- ments, archaeological settlements, Traditional …culture of trails the On The etrladclua value. cultural archi- and tectural outstanding of complex a you residential to the living reveal of will will Xanthi, villages of part Pomac Drama mountainous the of while you, villages enchant countless The mountain Rhodope. deserted around tours of num- a ber for options plentiful you give will , Ehinos, Leivaditis, Potamoi, Trahoni, Dipotama, as Skaloti, such Settlements tradi- the lifestyle. to tional you introduce will Stavroupolis Museum of Folk the na while the Rhodope, of on assets you tural inform will Paranesti in Museum History Natural The massif. mountain the to the gate you for open will Stavroupolis and Paranesti 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 17

the unique Simida 1st trail: towards the Simida (birch) Forest Forest in Greece

Setting off from Drama, you may take the road from Drama to Exohi, in order to drive to . It is worthwhile to deviate from the main road and visit the cave of the Aggitis river Essential sources, the Hellenistic Sanctuary of Dionysus (near the settle- ment of Kali Vrisi), Volakas and the ski centre of Falakron, the trails on settlement of Granitis, the fort of Lisse, a rampart of Metaxa bunkers and a monument of the Hellenic contemporary history. Rhodope After K. Nevrokopi, the trail heads eastwards, following the secondary road network with the direction to Potamoi and Mikromilia. After Leivadaki, it passes the crossroad of Pagoneri (among the most noteworthy traditional settlements of the area), passes by the refugee settlement of Mikrokleisoura and reaches Potamoi; the settlement is the starting point for highly intere- sting ecotouristic itineraries, such as the one leading to the Forest Worksite Megali Panagia. From Potamoi, the trail continues towards the settlement of Mikromilia, until the sign- posted crossroad where you may take a well-maintained dirt road that will lead you to the forest of Simida (around 20 km from Potamoi). trails > 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 18

the unique Norway spruce Forest in Greece trails >

2nd trail: towards the Elatia Forest The Forest Village of Elatia is a 26 km drive from Take the road Drama--Skaloti. This ever ascending trail Sidironero. The last inhabited settlement you will meet is passes through the settlements of Taxiarhes and Leivadero, where that of Skaloti (950 m), where you will observe the beech the landscape gradually changes and the vegetation thickens. A lit- zone succeeding that of the oak forests, and gradually tle further from Leivadero, you will see the height “Touloumbari” giving its place to the Norway spruce. About 5 km before which practically marks the entry to the mountain massif, and you the Forest Village, that asphalt ceases and the trail con- will cross the successive bridges of Nestos and of Vathyrema, tinuous on a good quality dirt road. When entering the before you arrive at Sidironero, a site from where several interest- Forest Village, the signs will help you organize your tour ing trails start. Oak, chestnut and opt for shorter or longer itineraries in the forest, so and lime wood trees, Hop- as to take a close look at the rare peatland of the area, to hornbeam, Turkish hazel, and approach Stravorema and the location where the ash trees, wild orchids, lilies “Reunion of Sarakatsani” of Drama takes place every and crocuses gradually reveal year. If you have a four-engine vehicle, you will be able to the richness of Rhodope. approach the peak Tsakalaos, the Forest Worksite Megali Panagia, but also the Frakto Forest. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 19

3rd trail: towards the Frakto Forest

This trail starts from Paranest and heads north, parallel to Diavolorema, following the road network till Thermia (approxi- mately 33 km). Along its course it passes through dense oak forests, the Dam of Platanovrysi and the area of Polygefyro, it the Virgin meets one of the bridges of Diavolorema, and also the trail lead- Forest ing to the Elatia Forest, crossing 8 bridges of Arkoudorema one after another. Moving on, it reaches the old worksite of Zarkadia, passes from the confluence of the streams of Thermia and Farasinos which join to form Diavolorema, crosses the contem- porary bridge of Farasinos and ends up at the spa of Thermies, known for their sulphurous springs and their extemporaneous barracks. This is where the asphalt stops and gravelled road will take you, after a drive of 6 km, to the location “Zeta”, domi- nated by the European black pine, and your trail crosses the road connecting Frakto with Elatia. Heading towards Frakto, you will come across the stream Karydorema, openings with panoramic view and organized resting sites. The road will take you to the location “Afhenas” (13 km form the location “Zeta”), where the guardhouse and the control bar for the entrance to the Virgin Forest are located. To get in there, you ought to have obtained a permit from the Forest Directorate of Drama. The forest road will take you, after 2 km, to the Frakto Forest Worksite, administrative and operational centre of the forest and the ideal starting point for your tour about the peripheral zone of the Virgin Forest. 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/081:01PM20

> trails cestruhtestlmn fKliha hc o a aiyrahfloigtera rmSaruoi oLkdoi (if Lykodromio to Stavroupolis from road the following reach easily may ends you and which Forest Kallithea, Haidou the of around settlement going the one trail. through opportunity the alternative Access as the an such have via trails, you Village, other asphalt wherefrom Forest for Erymanthos, the the opt at of take to up Village or Leivaditis, (Leivaditis) Forest From Trahonio the Kallithea. of to waterfall of settlement the settlement the reach the connects to sets from which them starts km, of One 10 other Stavroupolis. about the from of start while which road Leivaditis, of of both trails, settlement two the between choose from to off need will you Forest, Haidou the access To 4 th ri:twrsteHio n xaForest Oxia and Haidou the towards trail: endsBig u lorahtepa fGyftokastro. of the peak visit the trails, organized reach following also vehicles forest conventional but the for Bridge about suitable move Leonidas km, you 12 enable of will the which total cycling, a to for of Village perfect road Forest and dirt the satisfactory from a trail is The (beech) stay. Oxia different organ- of Leivaditis. really its Forest to at a you enjoy end taking may its finally you to Erymanthos, where comes of installations, it Village ized before Forest those to area, the leading before for the road just of Lykodromio merge dirt bog itineraries the to two acid across The the junction come to (3rd will and you Sarakatsani” Drama way of to the “Reunion Along the Xanthi intriguing. form equally is or Xanthi), ) via moving or Drama via move you Monument Natural the 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 21

The E6 European trail crosses Rhodope mountain range. The trail passes from Kato Nevrokopi then to the east to Bolakas village, north of Falakro Mount and through Livadero. The trail continues to Paranesti and from that point leads to Livaditis and to Forest village of 5th trail: towards the Pomac villages of Xanthi Erimanthos. The hiker finds his way through Nestos gorge to Xanthi and ends up to . The trail offers a unique Setting forth from Xanthi and heading north, you may follow the experience and will guide the hiker through forest tracks secondary road network and the river Kosynthos, in order to and footpaths to the heart of Rhodope Mountain. admire, one by one, its beautiful bridges and arrive at Sminthi, the first Pomac village along this trail and seat of the Municipality of Myki. Trails starting from there will reveal to you a residential complex of extraordinary interest. The road net- alive and impulsive work heading to the northwest, will take you to the amphithe- Rhodope atrically settlement of Kyknos and next to it, to Oreo, in whose vicinity you may visit the traditional water mill of Halil and the bridge of Papas, but also to taste the wild trout at the local fish farm. Moving on to Revma, where the asphalt ceases, you have the option to access the Oxia Forest. To return, opt for the trail via the village of Stamati, in order to admire one more bridge of the river Kosynthos. Equally exciting is the trail leading from Sminthi to Myki, to Ehinos, – the biggest Pomac village of Xanthi, to Meloivia and to Dimario (47 km in total), onset towards the peaks of Thermo and Gyftokastro, but also towards the local traditional water mill. The trail moreover gives you the option to access the settlement of Thermes (14 km from Ehinos), their Loutra (spa), the Relief of Mithras, but also Medusa, one of the most beauti- ful settlements, at the northernmost part of the Prefecture of Xanthi. You may chose to return via (where there is a women’s cooperative in operation), Pahni and (in order to visit one of the towers of Rhodope). 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 22 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 23 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 24

Useful information

Access Prefecture of Xanthi Bus to Drama, 25210 32421 Ano Kariofito Bus to Xanthi, 25410 22684 «Kyveli», 25420 31031, www.kyveli-hotel.gr Train to Drama, 25210 36569 «Karyon», 6974010956 Train to Paranesti, 25240 22148 Imera Train to Xanthi, 25410 22581 «Imera», 25410 20330 Komnina Train to Stavroupoli, 25420 22233 «Iniohos», 25420 21008, www.hotels-in-greece.gr «Nemesis», 25420 21005-6, www.hotelnemesis.gr Accommodation Lykodromio Prefecture of Drama «Tzivaeri» 25410 74843, 6973988823, www.tzivaeri.eu Stavroupoli Volakas «Nostos», 25420 22027 «Arhodiko Papaemanouil», 6932739073, www.arpap.gr «Xenios Zeus», 25420 22444 www.xenios-zeus.gr «Marilia», 25230 23350, www.marilia.gr «To Arhodiko», 25420 22225, www.toarhodiko.gr «Monopati 6», 25230 23916, 6974426160 «», 25230 23990 Forest villages and shelters «Petalo», 6948 248104, www.petalo.com.gr Erymanthos Forest village, 25420 21008, www.forestvillage.gr «T’aloni tou kyr Thanasi», 25230 23714, www.alonihotel.gr Elatia Forest village, Forest Service of Drama, 25210 34093 / 34074 Granitis Fraktos Forest Worksite, Forest Service of Drama, 25210 34093 / 34074 «Granitis», 25230 23955 / 23933 Livaditis Shelter, EOS, 25410 68023 «Hotel Grand Chalet», 25230 22832-3 Shelter of the Nature and Cultural oriented Association “Livaditis”, 6944833799 Elatia Forest «Elatia», 25210 91300, 6972081157 Museums and archaeological sites Kato Nevrokopi Natural History Museum of Rhodope-Paranesti, 25240 21010, www.paranesti.gr «Akritas», 25230 22319 Environmental Education Centre of Paranesti, 25240 21005, [email protected] «Orvilos», 25230 22515 / 22611 Stavroupoli Folk Museum, 25420 22260 Livadero Macedonian Tomb, Komnina-Kastro Kalivas, 25420 22040 «Petrini gonia», 25210 91388 / 91381 Paranesti Women associations «Nessos», 25240 21021-2 Kotyli, 25440 24190 «Philoxenia», 25240 22001/ 22364 Satres, Xanthi’s branch, 25410 27321 Potami Paranesti, 25240 22262 «Xenonas Potamon», 25230 23523 Sidironero Outdoor activities «Voreas», 25210 91391 Riverland, 25410 62488 «Driades», 25210 91395 / 25972 Taxiarhes Vistonis ravel, 25420 22441, 6948206206 «Jennifer», 25210 30005, www.jenifer.gr Nestos plus, 6978107717, www.nestosplus.gr