Welcome to Western Thrace in Greece! This region, located in the country’s northeastern corner, is known for its rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. Starting in Thessaloniki, we will take you on a journey through some of the most beautiful and interesting places to visit in Western Thrace, visiting Xanthi, Kavala, Alexandroupolis, Komotini, Drama, and returning to Thessaloniki. Along the way, we’ll also cover some useful information about lodging and points of interest.
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Arriving in Thessaloniki
Your journey to Western Thrace begins in Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city. Thessaloniki is a vibrant metropolis that is steeped in history, culture, and tradition. The city is located on the shores of the Aegean Sea and is renowned for its delicious food, lively nightlife, and stunning architecture.
If you’re arriving in Thessaloniki by plane, you’ll land at Makedonia Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to the city center. The journey takes around 30 minutes by taxi and around 45 minutes by bus.
Once you’re in Thessaloniki, there are plenty of things to see and do. Some of the top attractions include the White Tower, the Archaeological Museum, and the Byzantine Walls. You can also take a stroll along the seafront promenade, enjoy some delicious Greek food at one of the city’s many restaurants, or explore the vibrant nightlife.
Xanthi
After exploring Thessaloniki, travel to Xanthi, a picturesque town located approximately 200 kilometers to the east. Xanthi is well-known for its lovely old town, which combines Ottoman and Balkan architecture.
The Old Town of Xanthi is one of the city’s most popular attractions, with its narrow cobblestone streets, colorful buildings, and traditional houses with wooden balconies. In addition, there are numerous museums, galleries, and churches to visit in Xanthi, such as the Municipal Museum, the Folklore Museum, and the Church of Saint Nicholas.
If you’re looking for a place to stay in Xanthi, there are numerous options available, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. The Hotel Xanthippion, the Elisso Xenia Hotel, and the Hotel Elena are among the best-rated options.
Kavala
The next stop on the itinerary is Kavala, a coastal city about 70 kilometers south of Xanthi. Kavala is well-known for its beautiful beaches, picturesque harbor, and lively nightlife.
The Castle of Kavala, which offers stunning views of the city and the sea, is one of the top attractions in Kavala. Other must-see attractions include the Imaret, a former Islamic seminary that has been converted into a luxury hotel, and the Municipal Museum, which houses an ancient and Byzantine art collection.
In Kavala, there are numerous lodging options, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. The Lucy Hotel, the Esperia Hotel, and the Porto Palio Hotel are among the best-rated options.
Alexandroupolis
It’s time to leave Kavala and head to Alexandroupolis, a coastal city about 150 kilometers to the east. Alexandroupolis is well-known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and lively cultural scene.
The Lighthouse, which offers stunning views of the sea and the surrounding area, is one of Alexandroupolis’ top attractions. Other must-see attractions include the Ethnological Museum, which has exhibits on the region’s history and culture, and the Municipal Park.
Alexandroupolis has a variety of lodging options, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. The Alexander Beach Hotel, the Astir Alexandroupolis, and the Grand Hotel Egnatia are among the top-rated options.
Komotini
After exploring Alexandroupolis, travel to Komotini, a city located approximately 100 kilometers to the west. Komotini is well-known for its fascinating history, diverse culture, and breathtaking natural beauty.
The Mosque of Komotini, one of Greece’s oldest and most important Islamic sites, is one of the top attractions in Komotini. Other must-see attractions include the Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from the region’s ancient past, and the Municipal Park, which provides a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
In Komotini, there are numerous lodging options, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. The Arcadia Hotel, the Orpheus Hotel, and the Anatolia Hotel are among the best-rated options.
Drama
The next stop on the itinerary is Drama, which is about 60 kilometers northwest of Komotini. Drama is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty, delectable cuisine, and vibrant cultural scene.
The Agia Varvara Monastery, which offers stunning views of the surrounding area, is one of Drama’s top attractions. Other must-see attractions include the Archaeological Museum, which houses artifacts from the region’s ancient past, and the Municipal Park, which provides a peaceful respite from the city’s hustle and bustle.
In Drama, there are numerous lodging options, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. The Hydrama Grand Hotel, the Philoxenia Hotel, and the Xenia Hotel are among the best-rated options.
The Aggatis Cave
Passing Drama back to Thessaloniki, the Greece’s Aggitis Cave is a singular and magnificent natural wonder that can be seen close to the town of Drama. Because to its intricate morphology, abundant biodiversity, and stunning formations, it is regarded as one of Europe’s most amazing caves. The cave was created by the action of water on the regional limestone rocks and is thought to be 20 million years old.
Although though it stretches over 18 kilometers, just a small portion of it is open to the general public. A guided tour of the cave is available for visitors, who may marvel at the spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and underground rivers. The cave is a popular location for nature lovers because it is also home to numerous endangered and uncommon species of creatures, including bats, spiders, and snails.
Back to Thessaloniki
After exploring Drama, return to Thessaloniki to conclude your trip. Along the way, you might want to stop at Pozar, a popular thermal spa about 100 kilometers west of Thessaloniki.
Pozar is famous for its natural hot springs, which are said to be therapeutic. Visitors can relax in the hot springs or explore the surrounding area, which has stunning waterfalls, hiking trails, and other natural attractions.
Pozar has a variety of lodging options, including hotels, guesthouses, and apartments. The Loutraki Spa Hotel, the Orizontes Hotel & Spa, and the Guesthouse Kastro are among the top-rated options.
Conclusion
Western Thrace is a truly unique and beautiful region in Greece that is just waiting to be discovered. This region of Greece has something for everyone, from the stunning beaches of Kavala to the rich history of Xanthi. We hope this travel guide has given you a good idea of what to expect on your trip to Western Thrace and that you have a great time exploring this beautiful part of Greece!
