Northern Greece - Greece - page 532

poli, it's among Europe's most important wetlands , comprising 188 sq km of coastal
lakes, lagoons, interior rivers, sand dunes, swamps and reed beds. This birdwatcher's
paradise hosts 316 of Greece's 422 known bird species, and sundry fish, amphibians, rep-
tiles and mammals. And hey, there's also the sheer thrill of snapping pictures in a heavily
militarised border zone.
Consult the Evros Delta visitor centre ( tel/fax [phone]; www.evros-delta.gr ;
8am-4pm) , 14km east of Alexandroupoli. The delta's western segment is always open,
though motorised transport is restricted along the southern littoral. The most fascinating
eastern section, near Turkey, requires a police and army permit , arranged for free by the
visitor's centre: just fax or email them 14 days ahead with your full name, date of birth,
passport number and expiry date. The centre provides maps and conducts guided tours
(€10 per person) and minibus and boat trips.

TOP OF CHAPTER

Alexandroupoli to SoufliΑλεξανδρούπολη προς Σουφλί
Three roads run northwards from Alexandroupoli to Didymotiho and Orestiada. The
westernmost, country route runs through unvisited Esymi, Megalo Derio and Mikro
Derio; some 10km west of the latter is Roussa , and its 9th-century-BC megalithic Thra-
cian tombs , decorated with mysterious rock carvings.
The middle route from Alexandroupoli is the faster, 'new' road heading straight north;
the older, third road east of it accompanies the train line along the Evros River, by the
Turkish border. The rolling hills here are punctuated by storks' nests on phone poles and
great fields of wheat and sunflowers.
Frequent bus (and some train) connections from Alexandroupoli are possible.

Feres Φέρες

On the eastern river route 29km northeast of Alexandroupoli, Feres boasts the frescoed
Church of Panagia Kosmosotira (1152), built by Byzantine royal Isaac Komnenos.
Feres has a small tourist office ( 25550 24310) .

Tyhero Τυχερό

Beyond Feres, little Tyhero offers the family- friendly Thrassa Eco-Tourism Guest-
house ( 25540 20080; www.thrassa.gr ; s/d/ste €45/65/95; ) . Along an 800m-
long lake, it has big, breezy rooms and numerous hanging plants and vines. Friendly