Alexandroupolis, the capital of the district of Evros, is a seaside town known for its fine sandy beaches. To the north-east of Alexandroupoli is Ferres and along the Greco-Turkish border, to the north, is Soufli, famous for its silk production and its silks, and even further north are Didimotiho and Orestiada. The first is a splendid Byzantine city and the second is a small town built in a fertile area.
Some of the roads that lead to Alexandroupolis pass through planted fields, flanked by wooded mountains and the deep blue sea. Others pass through cities, villages, and landscapes assessing a rare Greek beauty. The same roads lead the visitors through nature, history, and tradition to the eastern-most point of Greece, called Thrace.
Alexandroupolis (50.000 inhabitants) is the pleasant chief city of Evros Prefecture. With bus, train and air services to Athens and Thessaloniki - as well as to other major Greek cities - and a sea connection with the island of Samothrace, Alexandroupolis is one of the best locations to explore Thrace. It is noted for its fish, caviar and mussels which are its specialties. The main road, parallel to the sea, forms the principal boulevard of the city.
The huge modern cathedral further inland is prominent from the sea. There is an archaeological collection in the Old City Hall with archeological findings from the area as well as from the Sanctuary of Demeter at Mesembria. Other findings include plans from the Sanctuary of the Great Gods of Samothrace. Its advantageous geographical position between Europe and Asia has been the determining factor throughout the course of history. Alexandroupolis, forming a vital crossroad for land and sea routes from prehistoric times to the present, has experienced many movements of tribal groups, colonial settlements, influences of peoples and cultures, enemy invasions, wars and conquerors.
The Evros river, rises in Bulgaria and enters the Aegean Sea opposite the island of Samothrace through a delta 11km wide. Since 1923, its lower course through the flat Thracian plain, has formed the boundaries between Greece and Turkey and its waters abound in fish and water fowl; rarely, geese and eagles may also be seen.
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