Expreriences
Routes

Apart from the physical revitalization, the Hydrama Grand Hotel and the wider area of ​​Drama are a good choice for spiritual revitalization. Unique natural landscapes, special monuments of nature, places of archaeological and religious interest but also the famous wineries of Drama compose a puzzle of many options through which each visitor can choose what suits him. With an ideal climate at all times of the year, with a unique nature environment, as well as with a long cultural tradition, Drama is the ideal destination for mental and physical health. Below are some suggestions for excursions starting from Hydrama Grand Hotel.

Destinations near Hydrama

OPTION 1: CAVES – KTIMA LAZARIDI

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CAVE OF AGGITIS :The only fluvial cave of Greece that is recovered. It is a linear but not rectilinear tube that was created by the erosion of lime stone of Mount Falakro. Very close to the main entrance, archeologists brought to light some very important findings from the Paleolithic and the Paleontological era, that are now exposed at the Archeological Museum of Drama. The cave is 21km long but only 500m of it are accessible. The inside of the cave has a stabletemperature of 17 Celsius and a very impressive landscape. As the visitor walks along the path and over the bridge, against the water flow, he can gaze upon the unique interior of the cave which is made up of red and white stalactite.
 

 

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ALISTRATI CAVE :One of the most beautiful caves in Greece, with a breathtaking interior, only 6km southeast of Alistrati. The marvelous Alistrati cave, with its unique natural ventilation system in all its halls, was born from natural phenomena that occurred nearly 2.000.000 years ago. The cave has a stable temperature (18 Celsius in winter time and 20 Celsius in spring time) and an accessible area of 1100, on a completely flat ground.
 

 
 

 

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KTIMA COSTA LAZARIDI : Covering a total surface of 15.000 square meters which includes a winery of exemplary architecture, distilleries, under soil cellars for wine aging and areas for hosting wine enthusiasts, our Estate, the life time work of Costa Lazaridis, is in the front line of wine makers of Greece since 1992.
 

 
 

 

To view the route click here

OPTION 2: FORT LISSE – AGGITIS CAVE – KTIMA MANOLESAKIS

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FORT LISSE :Fort Lisse is just outside Ochiro village and about 2 km away from Neyrokopi. It is in this fort that the Greek army fought bravely against the German and Bulgarian divisions on the 6th and 7th of April 1941. Against the furious attempts and assaults of the intruders, the fort was never occupied but instead was surrendered to the Germans after the signing of the treaty between Greece and Germany. The German troops saluted the Greek soldiers and treated them as heroes during the surrendering of the fort. In memory of this battle and to honor the men who lost their lives a small museum has been built on the spot and scheduled visits inside the fort and through the tunnels is a unique experience for younger and older crowds.
The manpower of the fort was made up of 12 officers and 457 soldiers Because of the secrecy and the need to camouflage, th effort is very hard to spot from the outside.
 

 

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CAVE OF AGGITIS :The only fluvial cave of Greece that is recovered. It is a linear but not rectilinear tube that was created by the erosion of lime stone of Mount Falakro. Very close to the main entrance, archeologists brought to light some very important findings from the Paleolithic and the Paleontological era, that are now exposed at the Archeological Museum of Drama. The cave is 21km long but only 500m of it are accessible. The inside of the cave has a stabletemperature of 17 Celsius and a very impressive landscape. As the visitor walks along the path and over the bridge, against the water flow, he can gaze upon the unique interior of the cave which is made up of red and white stalactite.
 

 

KTIMA MANOLESAKIS :1989 Giorgos Manolesakis introduced in his vineyards, in Adriani Drama, a number of international varieties such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Ugni Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Syrah as well as domestic ones, like Assyrtiko, that adjusted perfectly to the Adriani climate. Further development of the knowledge on vine farming is an ongoing process, which ultimately leads to the production of quality wines. As every other living organism, the grape also requires constant care throughout the year. The people at Manolesakis winery, attuned to the laws of Nature, take fully care of the vineyard and in returned are provided with high quality product, the perfect reward of their efforts. Constantly searching for novelties Manolesakis has furthered his list by adding domestic varieties such as Malagouzia, Agiorgitiko and Muscat.

To view the route click here

OPTION 3: BIRD PREDATOR PARK – ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE OF FILIPPI – SAINT LYDIA’S BAPTISERY- KTIMA LAZARIDI

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BIRD PRODATOR PARK :The Park is located in the Drama Market in a beautiful natural environment. Respecting the visitors, the space and the housed birds, with proper configuration, maintenance and supervision, with provision and interest in accessibility and service, spaces have been created for viewing and visiting. In the park the visitor has the opportunity to get to know many species of birds of prey and night birds and to go to the exhibition hall to watch various videos, photos and accessories for the birds. Finally, experience culminates in the spectacular demonstration of free flight of trained birds of prey. You will be left unforgettable by the sight of the hawks that fly into the bait, fly up and go downhill at high speed or maneuver.
 

 

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ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE OF FILIPPI :The ancient city of Filippi was built on the swamp selvage that covered the northeastern part of Drama’s valley and it’s the most important archeological site of eastern Macedonia. The first residents were colonists from the island of Thasos, that in 360 B.C. founded the colony of Krinides. The city reached its peak during the Hellenistic era.The ancient theater is also a very important site. Its current form is a result of continuous structural reshaping, that represent different stages in the history of the city. It is located at the northeast hill of the Acropolis and it leans upon the east wall.
The Philippi archeological museum was built in the 60’s by architects I. D. Triantafyllidis and D. Fatouros on the edge of the archeological site of Philippi. The building features two floors of a permanent collection with findings of the ancient city of Philippi.
 

 

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SAINT LYDIA’S HOLY BAPTISERY : he ancient city of Filippi was built on the swamp selvage that covered the northeastern part of Drama’s valley and it’s the most important archeological site of eastern Macedonia. The first residents were colonists from the island of Thasos, that in 360 B.C. founded the colony of Krinides. The city reached its peak during the Hellenistic era.The ancient theater is also a very important site. Its current form is a result of continuous structural reshaping, that represent different stages in the history of the city. It is located at the northeast hill of the Acropolis and it leans upon the east wall.
The Philippi archeological museum was built in the 60’s by architects I. D. Triantafyllidis and D. Fatouros on the edge of the archeological site of Philippi. The building features two floors of a permanent collection with findings of the ancient city of Philippi. In this very spot, in the waters of river Zigaktis, the Greek woman Lydia was baptized the first Christian of Europe. People from across the globe travel here to visit the holy ground, whilst some of them choose to be baptized. The temple that stands here is quite impressive, as it is covered with stained glass, mosaics, gold and marble. It is a peaceful spot just outside Filippi, surrounded by green, that is worth visiting.

 

 
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KTIMA COSTA LAZARIDI :Covering a total surface of 15.000 square meters which includes a winery of exemplary architecture, distilleries, under soil cellars for wine aging and areas for hosting wine enthusiasts, our Estate, the life time work of Costa Lazaridis, is in the front line of wine makers of Greece since 1992.
 

 
 

 

To view the route click here

OPTION 4: ELATIA FOREST – FRAKTO VIRGIN FOREST

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ELATIA FOREST (KARADERE) :Elatia forest is part of the prefecture of Drama and is part of the central sierra Rodopi. The highest peak is called “Tsakalos” and is 1.826m above sea level. It is the biggest domestic forest, as it spreads over an area of 700 square kilometers and its flora consists of spruce trees, cedars, oaks, pine trees, wild roses, birch trees etc. In the west side of the mountain (location “Magoula”) one can find the unique in all of Greece birch forest. In general, the flora system of Elatia is very rich (more than 700 species), with a a part of that number being indigenous and indeed rare for our domestic eco system. Finally a good number of edible mushrooms can be found throughout the forest.
 

 

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FRAKTO VIRGIN FOREST :Mount Frakto is 40km away from the city of Drama. For centuries now the northeast part of the mountain is dominated by an “organic Parthenon”, the largest undisturbed Monument of Nature throughout Europe, the Virgin forest of Paranesi, 5892 acres big and divided in two sections (5020 and 872 acres respectively). It has been declared as a “Natural Monument” and it is the only virgin forest of the country. It is considered one of the most important forest systems in Europe and since 1980 it has been under special treatment. To visit the forest one needs to have a visitor’s pass (24 hours), provided by the local Forestry. Trees here live up to 500 years and can grow to impressive sizes (59m high and 1,20m in diameter for pine trees and 45m high for Fagus sp). Steep slopes and small streams help the formation of waterfalls. As far as flora is concerned, the Frakto forest is quite exceptional as there are 15 taxa species. Fauna wise there is a rich list with a considerable population density. Birds in specific have more than 120 different kinds, a quarter of which needs to be under protective programs, whereas mammals ‘ bio diversity consists of 32 different species. The most important ecological value of the forest is the undisturbed ecosystem. The later holds great importance as it can be used as a case study for the dynamic development of other forestry eco systems. The forest covers a total area of 1072 acres, 589 of which are characterized as Protected Zone, 269 acres are protected by a special bill from the ministry of Agriculture and 214 are under the protection of the local Forestry Office.

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OPTION 5: THESAUROS HYDROELECTRIC DAM – FRAKTO VIRGIN FOREST

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THESAUROS HYDROELECTRIC DAM :One of the biggest hydroelectric tasks ever made in the area of Drama. Works began in 1983 by constructing the diversion tunnel of the dam. Today there are two dams operating, one in Thesauros and one in Platanovrisi, where two lakes have been formed respectively. The Thesauros dam is 175m high, considered the biggest in the country, and the lake surface is 18 sq. km.
 

 
 

 
 

 

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FRAKTO VIRGIN FOREST :Mount Frakto is 40km away from the city of Drama. For centuries now the northeast part of the mountain is dominated by an “organic Parthenon”, the largest undisturbed Monument of Nature throughout Europe, the Virgin forest of Paranesi, 5892 acres big and divided in two sections (5020 and 872 acres respectively). It has been declared as a “Natural Monument” and it is the only virgin forest of the country. It is considered one of the most important forest systems in Europe and since 1980 it has been under special treatment. To visit the forest one needs to have a visitor’s pass (24 hours), provided by the local Forestry. Trees here live up to 500 years and can grow to impressive sizes (59m high and 1,20m in diameter for pine trees and 45m high for Fagus sp). Steep slopes and small streams help the formation of waterfalls. As far as flora is concerned, the Frakto forest is quite exceptional as there are 15 taxa species. Fauna wise there is a rich list with a considerable population density. Birds in specific have more than 120 different kinds, a quarter of which needs to be under protective programs, whereas mammals ‘ bio diversity consists of 32 different species. The most important ecological value of the forest is the undisturbed ecosystem. The later holds great importance as it can be used as a case study for the dynamic development of other forestry eco systems. The forest covers a total area of 1072 acres, 589 of which are characterized as Protected Zone, 269 acres are protected by a special bill from the ministry of Agriculture and 214 are under the protection of the local Forestry Office.

To view the route click here

OPTION 6: ALISTRATI CAVE- PANAGIA IKOSIFINISA – KTIMA COSTA LAZARIDI

ALISTRATI CAVE :One of the most beautiful caves in Greece, with a breathtaking interior, only 6km southeast of Alistrati. The marvelous Alistrati cave, with its unique natural ventilation system in all its halls, was born from natural phenomena that occurred nearly 2.000.000 years ago. The cave has a stable temperature (18 Celsius in winter time and 20 Celsius in spring time) and an accessible area of 1100, on a completely flat ground..
 
 
 
 
 
 

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PANAGIA IKOSIFINISA :Panagia Ikosifinisa, with the Impalpable illustration of Holy Mary, is one of the biggest pilgrimage spots in Macedonia and the oldest active monastery in Greece and indeed Europe! Although it is located in the border line of Serres and Kavala, in the wooded mountain of Pangeo and in 753m altitude, the administration belongs to the Cathedral of Drama. The founding of the monastery is hard to trace over the centuries. A great number of folk tradition claims that while practicing his ascetic life the monastery of Agioos Ioannis Prodromos in the river Jordan, Agios Germanos had a vision and left Palestine. The vision, presented to him by an angel, drove him to Vigla site, mount Pangeo in 518 A.C. Once he completed the building of the first chapel, Agios Germanos took a walk in the nearby forest looking for a piece of wood in order to depict the figure of holy Mary, as a gesture of gratidute. As he finished processing the wood and just before he started painting on it, the wood cracked, leaving the holy man disappointed. It was then that a bright red light, “finikoun” in ancient Greek, covered the piece of wood and the talking image of Holy Mary and Jesus appeared before him. “Don not despair for I am here for you”, said a voice and the figure of Holy Mary was miraculously printed on the wood. And that is how the illustration and thus the monastery took it’s name (ikon + finisa) The monastery celebrates three times a year : on August 15th ( the Sleep of Virgin Mary), on September 14th (celebration of the finding of the Holy Cross) and November the 21st (Isodia).
 

 

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KTIMA COSTA LAZARIDI :Covering a total surface of 15.000 square meters which includes a winery of exemplary architecture, distilleries, under soil cellars for wine aging and areas for hosting wine enthusiasts, our Estate, the life time work of Costa Lazaridis, is in the front line of wine makers of Greece since 1992.
 

 
 
 
 
 

To view the route click here

OPTION 7: BEACHES OF KAVALA – AMOLOFOI

BEACHES OF KAVALA – AMOLOFOI :In a 45 minute drive from the hotel, you will find the best beaches of north Greece, with amazing waters and fully organized. Almyra, Amolofi, Nea Iraklitsa, Nea Peramos, Palio are only a handful of your many choices.
 
 

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Cycling Routes

Drama, a “ring” trip

Starting from the hotel we ride a circle around the city. Riding through the historical centre where we see the byzantine church of St. Sophia we are heading  to the exurbal forest of Korylovos. Then we meet the  building of the National  Institute of Tobacco  , a picture of  the  golden  era  of  tobacco in Drama.  Cycling to the south part of the city through the area of the tile works we enter  the area of St. Tryphon. Here  thanks to the  special microclimate there have been  the vineyards of the city . The  returning to the hotel is through the Railway Station  and part of the centre of the city.
The route is 12 km and lasts 2 hr.

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Vineyards of Menikio – River Aggitis’ springs

Starting from the village of Kali Vrisi at the foot of Menikio Mountain and cycling via the vineyards one will reach the archaeological site that is attributed to the god Dionysos’ temple. You will continue cycling through an area that is a game reserve until you reach the springs of the river Aggitis and you will be able to visit the remarkable cave as well. The next stop of this trip is the winery at the village of Kokinogia, where further guiding and wine tasting is offered. The final destination is the capital of the municipality, the city of Prosotsani where a Folklife Museum is open. The route is 21 km, lasts about 4,5 hours and it is on rural and provincial road.

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Zoodochos Pigi Springs – Mylopotamos local aquarium

We leave back the city of Drama heading to the fertile plain of the prefecture. Mainly cycling on rural roads  through corps  of cereals, cotton and energy plants we reach Mylopotamos, a small watermills’ village of the last century. One of the  restored watermills is the aquarium of the area when one can  meet rare species of  sweet water  endemic fish of this part of Greece.
The length of the tour is 11km and lasts about 2 h.

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Tour of Agios Pavlos Mountain – Fortresses – Historical Passages

The trip is a tour of the south western peak of Falakro Mt. (Agios Pavlos – 1753m.). On one side of the route one can be seen the springs of the river Angitis and on the other side the sinkholes from which this river is formed. This area was for many years the passage from the Drama basin, and the area of Nevrokopi as well as the borders to Bulgaria. There are big differences in the natural environment and microclimate of the area. Βunkers of World  War II, antitank impediments, religious monuments and an uncompleted sanatorium, are just some of the varied sights available on this route. The route lasts 4,5 hours on forest and disused provincial roads. Recommended to highly trained persons.

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Simvoli – River Aggitis Canyon

This ride  starts from   the dam  of Aggitis at  Simvoli village   and  goes on  a bikeroad  built parallel  to the stream   of the  river.
Thanks  to the panoramic view to the canyon  we have  the  chance to see  mountain  paths, caves  as  well  as  birds of  prey  nestling  on the  rocks.
The  ride  ends  close  to  another  village – Krinida –   where  the  stream  flows  calm. We return  from  the  same  route having  cycled 13km in 2.5h

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Religious Tourism

OPTION 1

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SAINT LYDIA’S HOLY BAPTISERY : In this very spot, in the waters of river Zigaktis, the Greek woman Lydia was baptized the first Christian of Europe. People from across the globe travel here to visit the holy ground, whilst some of them choose to be baptized. The temple that stands here is quite impressive, as it is covered with stained glass, mosaics, gold and marble. It is a peaceful spot just outside Filippi, surrounded by green, that is worth visiting.

 

 

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PANAGIA IKOSIFINISA :Panagia Ikosifinisa, with the Impalpable illustration of Holy Mary, is one of the biggest pilgrimage spots in Macedonia and the oldest active monastery in Greece and indeed Europe! Although it is located in the border line of Serres and Kavala, in the wooded mountain of Pangeo and in 753m altitude, the administration belongs to the Cathedral of Drama. The founding of the monastery is hard to trace over the centuries. A great number of folk tradition claims that while practicing his ascetic life the monastery of Agioos Ioannis Prodromos in the river Jordan, Agios Germanos had a vision and left Palestine. The vision, presented to him by an angel, drove him to Vigla site, mount Pangeo in 518 A.C. Once he completed the building of the first chapel, Agios Germanos took a walk in the nearby forest looking for a piece of wood in order to depict the figure of holy Mary, as a gesture of gratidute. As he finished processing the wood and just before he started painting on it, the wood cracked, leaving the holy man disappointed. It was then that a bright red light, “finikoun” in ancient Greek, covered the piece of wood and the talking image of Holy Mary and Jesus appeared before him. “Don not despair for I am here for you”, said a voice and the figure of Holy Mary was miraculously printed on the wood. And that is how the illustration and thus the monastery took it’s name (ikon + finisa) The monastery celebrates three times a year : on August 15th ( the Sleep of Virgin Mary), on September 14th (celebration of the finding of the Holy Cross) and November the 21st (Isodia).
Opening Hours: Every day: 08:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 19:00
 

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IERA MONI ANALIPSEOS PANGEOU :In an altitude of 930m. on mount Pangeo, overlooking the plain of the Panagia Ikosifinisa monastery below, lays the monastery of Analipsi (Christ’s Ascension). Initially found as a monks monastery in the 18th century, it was rebuilt on the same spot in 1979 only to operate as a nunnery this time. The monastery as an institution stood by the difficult times of the Christians of the greater area but was also the cause of many troubles as the area was repeatedly raid and destroyed by the Ottoman and the Bulgarian occupiers. The destructions of 1913, 1917 and 1944 were probably the most memorable ones. Building wise, the main body of the church is a rare cruciform rotunda, shaped after the architectural style of the temple of Christ’s Ascension in the mount of Olive Trees in the Holy Lands. Today the man power of the monastery is 20 nuns, whose main occupation are hagiography, vestments, pyrography and wax sculpting. It celebrates 40 days after Easter Sunday.
Opening Hours: Every day: 09:00 – 16:00
 

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MONASTERY ST. PARASKEVI :On a picturesque location, lies the Monastery of Saint Paraskevi, with a history which goes back 750 years. Little is known as regards the exact time and means of its construction, covered in mystery. Yet, it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in Greece. It is the first convent in Macedonia and has a deep connection with the center of Orthodox monasticism, Mount Athos.
Opening Hours: From sunrise to sunset.
 

 
 
 
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MONASTERY OF ST. MINAS : Just outside the city of Drama, in the geographical border line between Drama and Serres, lays the picturesque village of Perichora. In the wooded area that surrounds the village you can find the monastery of Ayios Minas. First erected in 1957 to honor the memory of Ayios Minas, the small country church turned into a chapel by 1974, upon the arrival of the first brotherhood of monks. It was after that date that new buildings were added to the initial one and the chapel turned into a priory.
Opening Hours: From sunrise to sunset.
 

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OPTION 2

image49ANALIPSEOS TOU SOTIRA, TAXIARCHES DRAMA : The monastery of Analipseos tou Sotira (Christ’s Ascension) is in Taxiarches, Drama, and is connected with the live and works of saint Georgios Karslidis the Avower. Saint Georgios came from Argyroupoli, in the Black Sea area, to reside in Sipsa (Taxiarches), Drama in 1930. In 1939 he began the construction of the monastery, the main temple of which is dedicated in the memory of the ascension of Jesus Christ into the Heavens. Next to the main temple the saint built his personal cell. Nowadays this monastery is home to substantial number of nuns and has both domestic and international visitors, that wish to pay homage to the scented burial site of saint Georgios Karslidis the Avower and ask for his guidance.
Opening Hours: Every day: 08:00 – 13:30
 
 
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SAINT LYDIA’S HOLY BAPTISERY : In this very spot, in the waters of river Zigaktis, the Greek woman Lydia was baptized the first Christian of Europe. People from across the globe travel here to visit the holy ground, whilst some of them choose to be baptized. The temple that stands here is quite impressive, as it is covered with stained glass, mosaics, gold and marble. It is a peaceful spot just outside Filippi, surrounded by green, that is worth visiting.

 
 
 

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PANAGIA IKOSIFINISA: Panagia Ikosifinisa, with the Impalpable illustration of Holy Mary, is one of the biggest pilgrimage spots in Macedonia and the oldest active monastery in Greece and indeed Europe! Although it is located in the border line of Serres and Kavala, in the wooded mountain of Pangeo and in 753m altitude, the administration belongs to the Cathedral of Drama. The founding of the monastery is hard to trace over the centuries. A great number of folk tradition claims that while practicing his ascetic life the monastery of Agioos Ioannis Prodromos in the river Jordan, Agios Germanos had a vision and left Palestine. The vision, presented to him by an angel, drove him to Vigla site, mount Pangeo in 518 A.C. Once he completed the building of the first chapel, Agios Germanos took a walk in the nearby forest looking for a piece of wood in order to depict the figure of holy Mary, as a gesture of gratidute. As he finished processing the wood and just before he started painting on it, the wood cracked, leaving the holy man disappointed. It was then that a bright red light, “finikoun” in ancient Greek, covered the piece of wood and the talking image of Holy Mary and Jesus appeared before him. “Don not despair for I am here for you”, said a voice and the figure of Holy Mary was miraculously printed on the wood. And that is how the illustration and thus the monastery took it’s name (ikon + finisa) The monastery celebrates three times a year : on August 15th ( the Sleep of Virgin Mary), on September 14th (celebration of the finding of the Holy Cross) and November the 21st (Isodia).
Opening Hours: Every day: 08:00 – 14:00 & 17:00 – 19:00

 

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MONASTERY ST. PARASKEVI: On a picturesque location, lies the Monastery of Saint Paraskevi, with a history which goes back 750 years. Little is known as regards the exact time and means of its construction, covered in mystery. Yet, it is considered to be one of the oldest monasteries in Greece. It is the first convent in Macedonia and has a deep connection with the center of Orthodox monasticism, Mount Athos.
Opening Hours: From sunrise to sunset.

 

 

To view the route click here

OPTION 3

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ANALIPSEOS TOU SOTIRA, TAXIARCHES DRAMA : The monastery of Analipseos tou Sotira (Christ’s Ascension) is in Taxiarches, Drama, and is connected with the live and works of saint Georgios Karslidis the Avower. Saint Georgios came from Argyroupoli, in the Black Sea area, to reside in Sipsa (Taxiarches), Drama in 1930. In 1939 he began the construction of the monastery, the main temple of which is dedicated in the memory of the ascension of Jesus Christ into the Heavens. Next to the main temple the saint built his personal cell. Nowadays this monastery is home to substantial number of nuns and has both domestic and international visitors, that wish to pay homage to the scented burial site of saint Georgios Karslidis the Avower and ask for his guidance.
Opening Hours: Every day: 08:00 – 13:30

 

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SAINT LYDIA’S HOLY BAPTISERY :In this very spot, in the waters of river Zigaktis, the Greek woman Lydia was baptized the first Christian of Europe. People from across the globe travel here to visit the holy ground, whilst some of them choose to be baptized. The temple that stands here is quite impressive, as it is covered with stained glass, mosaics, gold and marble. It is a peaceful spot just outside Filippi, surrounded by green, that is worth visiting.

 
 
 
 

image14MONASTERY OF ST. PANTALEIMONA :The Monastery of Saint Pantaleon was founded in 1978 and is located in Chryssokastro, just twenty km from the city of Kavala. When the disaster of the Asia Minor occurred, following the population exchange, the Turkish population left and refugees from Asia Minor settled in their homes. The first concern of the pious inhabitants was the construction of a place of worship. They transformed, thus, the existing mosque into a church dedicated to their favorite Saint Pantaleon.
Opening Hours: From sunrise to sunset.
 
 
 
 

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MONASTERY OF PANAGIA PAGGEOTISA: The Monastery of the Holy Virgin Mary “Virgin of Pangaion” is located in the NE side of the Pangaion Hills, two km above the village of Hortokopi, at an altitude of 200 meters. Its construction had begun in August 1978. A family of refugees from Pontos (actual northern Turkish coast on the Black Sea) who came back from Russia to Greece and settled in the village of Hortokopi in 1940, happened to bring them the miraculous icon of the Virgin.
Opening Hours: From sunrise to sunset.

 

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OPTION 4

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SAINT LYDIA’S HOLY BAPTISERY : In this very spot, in the waters of river Zigaktis, the Greek woman Lydia was baptized the first Christian of Europe. People from across the globe travel here to visit the holy ground, whilst some of them choose to be baptized. The temple that stands here is quite impressive, as it is covered with stained glass, mosaics, gold and marble. It is a peaceful spot just outside Filippi, surrounded by green, that is worth visiting.

 

ΙΕΡΑ-ΜΟΝΗ-ΑΓΙΟΥ-ΠΑΝΤΕΛΕΙΜΟΝΟΣ

IERA MONI PANAGIAS ARCHAGGELIOTISSAS: The monastery of Panagia Archaggeliotissa (Virgin of Archangels) is located northeast of Xanthi, at the foot of the massif of Rhodope. The Monastery’s structure remains the same since 1841, when it was built during the era of Eugenios, the late Archbishop of Xanthi. Ecclesiastic books bear the information that the Monastery existed under the same name since 1559. A reminder in a Codex reads:”The present structure belongs to our Holy Mother Mary, the so called Archaggeliotissa, above the city of Xanthi“.

Opening Hours: From sunrise to sunset.

 

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PORTO LAGOS :Porto Lagos borders the counties of Xanthi and Rhodope and more specifically at the point where Lake Vistonida meets the Thracian Pelago, a location which combines in a exceptional way the green shades of the forest with the blue shades of the Greek sea. The Monastery of Saint Nikolas is built on a reef in the center of the lake. It is connected to the mainland by a wooden bridge and has a small guest house. The Museum has archeological findings from ancient Avdira, birthplace of several philosophers, and from the Lake Vistonida.
Opening Hours: From sunrise to sunset.

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OPTION 5

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MONASTERY OF ST. PRODROMOS, SERRES : In the depths of a canyon, surrounded by cypresses, planes trees and pine trees, stands the Monastery of Timios Prodromos (John the Baptist). It was built in 1270 AD and despite multiple disasters it remains a monument of extraordinary beauty of Byzantine art.

Opening Hours: Every day 08:00 – 14:00 & 16:30 – 19:30
 
 
 
 
 

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MONASTERY OF ST. PRODROMOS, AKRITOHORI : The Retreat of Timios Prodromos (John the Baptist) Monastery in Akritohori, Sinitiki, was built in 1981. It hosts 40 nuns. From here, the visitor may admire a breathtaking view, as the Kerkini Lake unfolds in all its magnificence.

 
 
 
 
 
 

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    Parks and Sites

    Be amazed by the historic wealth and the natural beauty of the local parks. Discover
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    Wineries

    Explore the wide variety of fine wines produced in the region as well as the impressive wineries in which they are made. Discover