Towns & Villages

In the area, there are many villages to visit, some in the mountains and others on the fertile plains of the region.

Karidia and Pantrosos : situated on the lower slopes of Mount Nimfaia here one can enjoy local food in the tavernas set among the rich nature of the region.

Lasmos: is a picturesque large village. The churches of St. John Prodromos and St. Nikolaos along with the old houses add a certain charm to the village. The villagers retain many of the old traditions of the area, and the visitor will enjoy their hospitality

Thrilorio: here is the Gipsy Museum of Woven Baskets, is unique and has on display woven baskets from around the region.

Sapes: southeast of Komotini, set among lush vegetation this town is rather charming. The region around Sapes offers the visitor the chance to visit traditional villages in the nearby mountains.

Gratini: is circa 14km northeast from Komotini, here you can see the aqueduct and church along with the remains of the fortress built during the Byzantine period. To the northwest of the village is the massive reservoir that supplies water to the power stations in the region.

Paterma: this small village set in the mountains is picturesque, ere you can visit the ruins of a small Byzantine chapel and the remains of an ancient settlement. The area is very popular with locals due to its natural beauty.

Maronia: situatedon the hillside of Ismaros, with its charming houses, the churches The Holy Mary and of St. John Prodrome the village is a place of natural charm and worth the visit. The central square offers views over the Thracian Sea, in the square there are tavernas where one can try the local dishes. The area has many ruins from an earlier age.  The town, formerly on the coast moved on the hillside in the 16th century due to repeated attacks from marauding pirates.

During the Macedonian conquest Alexander, the Great travelled through ancient Maronia on his way to Asia. Near the harbour are the remains of an earlier settlement from the 3 rd century BC. Remains of a wall and portico from Roman times are visible in the harbour of St. Haralambos. The restoration of the ancient theatre being done will soon be finished, when completed plays will be held here. Nearby is the temple of Dionysus where archaeologists found a ceramic mask from the 4th century BC. Remains from the Byzantine period a temple from the 11 th century BC, and fortifications. The archaeological findings to the east of Maronia, where ruins of a basilica from the 6 th century and the remains of a 9 th century monastery are of importance to understanding the earlier life in the region.

Near the village of Proskinites, one will find a cave with stalactites and stalagmites, according to legend this was the cave of the Cyclops Polifimo.

Along the coast are resorts that are becoming popular with the tourist due to their good beaches and amenities.

Wildlife: the rich water wildlife sanctuaries offer a unique experience to the ornithologists due to the site of hundreds of birds amongst others, flamingos, dwarf geese, wild swans

Vistonida Lake: in the western part of the Prefecture between the Prefecture of Xanthi and Rodopi is a shallow lake, separated from the sea by a single strip of land. According to legend, the name descends from the ancient Thracian people of Viston, who used to populate the area, and it was here that Hercules accomplished his eighth trial of labour capturing the fierce (man-eating) horses of Diomedes.