BENEFICIARY EDITOR. exofen:layout 1 3/21/08 12:29 PM 1

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1 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 Rhodope 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 GREECE-BULGARIA of the Ministry of Economics and Finance, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (75%) and by national resources (25%). BENEFICIARY EDITOR

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5 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 Drama and Xanthi, from mount Falakron to the Pomac villages of Xanthi, and from the Hellenic-Bulgarian borders till the area of Stavroupolis and Paranesti, the western and central parts of the Rhodope mountain 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 animals which are threatened by extinction, such as the brown bear and the chamois. The area is characterized by a multifarious relief with innumerable peaks, meandering streams and tributaries of the river Nestos, densely vegetated gorges and impressive waterfalls. It is a thinly populated area, however rich in deserted villages, water mills, arched bridges, castles and other archaeological ruins.

6 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 2 Central and Western Rhodope The mountain range of Western and Central Rhodope is one of the most interesting areas in Europe, thanks to its great biodiversity. This is the result of its geographical position (a meeting point for the Balkan, Irano-caspian and Mediterranean flora), its geology and geomorphology, in addition to the fact that the area was not affected by the glaciers. Thereby, for several species of central and northern Europe, Rhodope provides shelter and delimits their southernmost occurrence.

7 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 3 > Central and Western Rhodope Despite its relatively small surface area, the Greek part of the range has a high ecological interest, as it hosts variable ecosystems and vegetation zones, from the purely Mediterranean ones, to that of the boreal conifers of northern Europe and the proalpine zone of meso-europe. The Bulgarian part is equivalent; its conifer forests represent 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 mountainous grasslands. On the Greek side, 5 sites have been included in the NATURA 2000 Network, 1 of them is designated Natural Monument on the basis of national legislation and Biogenetic Reserve and another is also nominated as Biogenetic Reserve by the Council of Europe. Since 1941, when the first protected area was established, Bulgaria has declared 216 protected areas until 2006.

8 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. > vegetation Exploring vegetation 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 transitional 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 sessile 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 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 proalpine or Scandinavian landscapes. 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.

9 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 5 On the Rhodope, the beech grows 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 productive forests of great ecological, economic and aesthetic value, which moreover contribute to the generation of pure drinking water. 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 operation of limekilns and furnaces and the distillation of raki. Currently, kermes oak forests are only present on Crete. In the rest of Greece, the kermes oak mostly occurs in the form of a shrub. 44% of the forests in Greece are oak forests. It was therefore not accidental that the oak was consecrated to Jupiter, became the sacred 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.

10 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 6 Discovering the natural treasures The Simida (birch) Forest > forest A virtually boreal species, the birch, with its characteristic white bark and the delicate, tremulous leaves, creates extensive non-mixed forests in proalpine areas in Scandinavia and in Russia. In Greece, it sporadically appears in beech, Scotch pine or Macedonian pine and Norway spruce forests. The forest that it forms in the northern part of the Prefecture of Drama is unique in the whole of Greece and the southernmost in Europe. Its ecological significance is great, due to its great biodiversity, matching its aesthetic value, as it is one of the most beautiful forests in the country.

11 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 scientific 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.

12 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 dominate, 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 location 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.

13 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 9 The wild flowers of Rhodope Across the mountain range of Rhodope, 834 species and 287 subspecies of plants have been recorded. These include 7 endemics of Rhodope, 10 Greek endemics, around 150 endemics of the Balkan Peninsula, 59 protected species and 82 species registered as rare in Greece. The most reputed wild flower of Rhodope is its lily. Exquisite, with bright yellow colour, the Rhodope lily (Lilium rhodopaeum) was originally recorded in 1951 at the Bulgarian side of the mountain range, in sub alpine grasslands, which host the largest population of the species. In Greece, it occurs sporadically, over 1,600 m. It is protected by the Bern Convention, by the national legislation of Greece and Bulgaria, and is included in the Red Data Book of rare and threatened plants of Greece. Look for it and admire its beauty in summer, at the edge of beech and Norway spruce forests, in open spaces in between them, in the sub-alpine grasslands of Frakto, but also near the settlement of Leivaditis, where the species has been reported to occur. > wild flowers

14 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 ground, sounds and wingbeats will point toward the presence of the animals. For the capercaillie and the hazel grouse, the Virgin Forest of Frakto constitutes the one and only nesting site in Greece. > animals The most remarkable mammal of the area is the brown bear, a priority species at European level. Its population is estimated at around individuals. In the rich beech forests, particularly in older trees, 8 out the 10 woodpecker species recorded in Greece find refuge. On the steep slopes of Frakto, you may see the chamois, with a population that does not exceed individuals. The habitats of major importance to amphibians are the high-altitude grasslands of Rhodope which are crossed by streams and gullies. In the waters of Vathyrema and Stravorema, there are populations of the wild trout, which present a particular interest as a gene pool.

15 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 11 Following the water The River Nestos A natural borderline between Macedonia and Thrace, the river Nestos emanates from mount Rila of Bulgaria and discharges into the Thracian sea, 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 beautiful 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 irrigation water storage, they have modified the bank structure and the water flow pattern and compose an admittedly imposing landscape. > water

16 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 network 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).

17 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 13 If you wish to visit them, you must enter the peripheral zone of Frakto and walk to the near Forest Worksite, where you will be supplied with useful information 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

18 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 14 Trahonio (Leivaditis) With its waters violently rushing down from a height of approximately 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 beautiful 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).

19 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 Lepidas Approximately 35 m in height, it is the most voluminous waterfall created by the stream Tsoukali, within the forest of Lepidas. You may access it following the road from Paranesti to Dipotama (about 21 km), in whose vicinity, one of the largest stone bridges of Eastern Macedonia brings together the banks of the stream Arkoudorema. From the settlement of Dipotama, you should take the well-maintained gravelled road leading to the forest of Lepidas. After a drive of 7 km with a panoramic view of Rhodope, you see the starting point of the trail that will lead you to the base of the waterfall. 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 contemplate the view of the mountains of Rhodope and the valley of Arkoudorema, from the viewpoint of the Forest Worksite of Lepidas, and discover the impressive, though hard to access, waterfall of the stream Skoteino rema. Megalo Livadi, located at 1,500 m, will bewitch you with its wild flowers and the Scotch pine stands growing around its valley. From there on, you may reach the bog of the area, inexhaustible source of information on the evolution of the vegetation, and return via the forest road heading south, only to end up at the Forest Worksite of Lepidas, having completed a circular course.

20 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 16 On the trails of culture > culture Traditional settlements, archaeological monuments, water mills and innumerable stone bridges, traditions and customs dating back to centuries, enhance the significance of Rhodope and complement the cultural capital of the plain parts of the Prefectures of Drama and Xanthi. The Macedonian Tomb at Komnina (on the road from Komnina to Dafnonas) of the 2nd century B.C., the Castle of Kalyva (4 km from the homonymous settlement), probably built by Philip II to ensure control over the wider area of the River Nestos and the Relief of Mithras Tavroktonos (Mithras the Bull-Slayer) of the 2nd - 3rd century A.D. (southeast of Thermes), will reveal to you the wealth hiding in the heart of Rhodope. The stone arched bridges bringing together the stream banks, more than a hundred in number, will expose before your eyes, communication paths among the settlements, lost in time. The traditional water mills, such as those of Kato Karyofyto and of Halil in the area of Oreo, will remind you the power of water. The Reunions of the Sarakatsani at the Forest Village of Elatia and Erymanthos, will initiate you to the way of life of those nomad stock-breeders who lived there in ancient times. Paranesti and Stavroupolis will open for you the gate to the mountain massif. The Natural History Museum in Paranesti will inform you on the na tural assets of Rhodope, while the Folk Museum of Stavroupolis will introduce you to the traditional lifestyle. Settlements such as Potamoi, Skaloti, Dipotama, Trahoni, Leivaditis, Sminthi, Ehinos, will give you plentiful options for a number of tours around Rhodope. The countless deserted mountain villages of Drama will enchant you, while the Pomac villages of the mountainous part of Xanthi, will reveal to you a living residential complex of outstanding architectural and cultural value.

21 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 17 1 st trail: towards the Simida (birch) Forest Setting off from Drama, you may take the road from Drama to Exohi, in order to drive to Kato Nevrokopi. It is worthwhile to deviate from the main road and visit the cave of the Aggitis river sources, the Hellenistic Sanctuary of Dionysus (near the settlement of Kali Vrisi), Volakas and the ski centre of Falakron, the settlement of Granitis, the fort of Lisse, a rampart of Metaxa bunkers and a monument of the Hellenic contemporary history. 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 interesting 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 signposted crossroad where you may take a well-maintained dirt road that will lead you to the forest of Simida (around 20 km from Potamoi). the unique Simida Forest in Greece Essential trails on Rhodope > trails

22 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 18 the unique Norway spruce Forest in Greece > trails 2 nd trail: towards the Elatia Forest Take the road Drama-Sidironero-Skaloti. This ever ascending trail passes through the settlements of Taxiarhes and Leivadero, where the landscape gradually changes and the vegetation thickens. A little further from Leivadero, you will see the height Touloumbari which practically marks the entry to the mountain massif, and you will cross the successive bridges of Nestos and of Vathyrema, before you arrive at Sidironero, a site from where several interesting trails start. Oak, chestnut and lime wood trees, Hophornbeam, Turkish hazel, and ash trees, wild orchids, lilies and crocuses gradually reveal the richness of Rhodope. The Forest Village of Elatia is a 26 km drive from Sidironero. The last inhabited settlement you will meet is that of Skaloti (950 m), where you will observe the beech zone succeeding that of the oak forests, and gradually giving its place to the Norway spruce. About 5 km before the Forest Village, that asphalt ceases and the trail continuous on a good quality dirt road. When entering the Forest Village, the signs will help you organize your tour and opt for shorter or longer itineraries in the forest, so as to take a close look at the rare peatland of the area, to approach Stravorema and the location where the Reunion of Sarakatsani of Drama takes place every year. If you have a four-engine vehicle, you will be able to approach the peak Tsakalaos, the Forest Worksite Megali Panagia, but also the Frakto Forest.

23 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 19 3 rd trail: towards the Frakto Forest This trail starts from Paranest and heads north, parallel to Diavolorema, following the road network till Thermia (approximately 33 km). Along its course it passes through dense oak forests, the Dam of Platanovrysi and the area of Polygefyro, it meets one of the bridges of Diavolorema, and also the trail leading 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 contemporary 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, dominated 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. the Virgin Forest

24 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 20 the Natural Monument 4 th trail: towards the Haidou and Oxia Forest > trails To access the Haidou Forest, you will need to choose between two trails, both of which start from Stavroupolis. One of them sets off from the settlement of Leivaditis, while the other starts from the settlement of Kallithea. From Leivaditis, take the asphalt road of about 10 km, which connects the settlement to the Forest Village of Erymanthos, wherefrom you have the opportunity to reach the waterfall of Trahonio (Leivaditis) or to opt for other trails, such as the one going around the Haidou Forest and ends up at the Forest Village, via an alternative trail. Access through the settlement of Kallithea, which you may easily reach following the road from Stavroupolis to Lykodromio (if you move via Drama or Kavala) or form Xanthi to Drama (3rd junction to Lykodromio for those moving via Xanthi), is equally intriguing. Along the way you will come across the dirt road leading to the Reunion of Sarakatsani and to the acid bog of the area, before it comes to its end at Leivaditis. The two itineraries merge just before the Forest Village of Erymanthos, finally taking you to its organized installations, where you may enjoy a really different stay. The trail from the Forest Village to the Forest of Oxia (beech) is a satisfactory dirt road of a total of 12 km, suitable for conventional vehicles and perfect for cycling, which will enable you move about the forest following organized trails, visit the Leonidas Bridge but also reach the peak of Gyftokastro.

25 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 21 5 th trail: towards the Pomac villages of Xanthi Setting forth from Xanthi and heading north, you may follow the secondary road network and the river Kosynthos, in order to 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 network heading to the northwest, will take you to the amphitheatrically 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 beautiful settlements, at the northernmost part of the Prefecture of Xanthi. You may chose to return via Kotyli (where there is a women s cooperative in operation), Pahni and Glafki (in order to visit one of the towers of Rhodope). 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 Erimanthos. The hiker finds his way through Nestos gorge to Xanthi and ends up to Satres. The trail offers a unique experience and will guide the hiker through forest tracks and footpaths to the heart of Rhodope Mountain. alive and impulsive Rhodope

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28 22x22eng:rodopi22x22 3/21/08 1:01 PM 24 Useful information Access Bus to Drama, Bus to Xanthi, Train to Drama, Train to Paranesti, Train to Xanthi, Train to Stavroupoli, Accommodation Prefecture of Drama Volakas «Arhodiko Papaemanouil», , «Marilia», , «Monopati 6», , «Milos», «Petalo», , «T aloni tou kyr Thanasi», , Granitis «Granitis», / «Hotel Grand Chalet», Elatia Forest «Elatia», , Kato Nevrokopi «Akritas», «Orvilos», / Livadero «Petrini gonia», / Paranesti «Nessos», «Philoxenia», / Potami «Xenonas Potamon», Sidironero «Voreas», «Driades», / Taxiarhes «Jennifer», , Prefecture of Xanthi Ano Kariofito «Kyveli», , «Karyon», Imera «Imera», Komnina «Iniohos», , «Nemesis», , Lykodromio «Tzivaeri» , , Stavroupoli «Nostos», «Xenios Zeus», «To Arhodiko», , Forest villages and shelters Erymanthos Forest village, , Elatia Forest village, Forest Service of Drama, / Fraktos Forest Worksite, Forest Service of Drama, / Livaditis Shelter, EOS, Shelter of the Nature and Cultural oriented Association Livaditis, Museums and archaeological sites Natural History Museum of Rhodope-Paranesti, , Environmental Education Centre of Paranesti, , kpe-paran@sch.gr Stavroupoli Folk Museum, Macedonian Tomb, Komnina-Kastro Kalivas, Women associations Kotyli, Satres, Xanthi s branch, Paranesti, Outdoor activities Riverland, Vistonis ravel, , Nestos plus, ,