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OVERVIEW
Located in most north-eastern portion of mainland Greece, the region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is a haven for history lovers. Komotoni, a settlement established in the second century which is full of history from the Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman eras, is the region’s capital. Some other popular cities of the region are Kavala, Drama, Xanthi and Alexandroupolis. Famous for the Rodopi mountain range, the rivers Evros, Nestos, Ardas, the islands of Thasos and Samothrace, the internationally acclaimed wetlands in the Dadia forest and the Evros River Delta, this part of Greece has it all: dense forests, stunning landscapes, beautiful beaches, hospitable locals.
.HISTORY
Thrace is a land where Greek legend has placed the mythical home of Orpheus, the most talented music player of the ancient times. It is said that god Apollo was his father, from whom took his extreme talent in music, and the Muse Calliope was his mother. Around 700 B.C.E., Greeks began setting up colonies in Thracian territories, mostly around the coastlines. Many parts of Thrace, however, did not fall under Greek control. Macedon/Macedonia once took control of many Thracian lands during the reign of Philip II circa 360 B.C.E., which lasted until the end of the Macedonian Wars (214-148 B.C.E.) when Rome gained control over much of Thrace. The iconic via Egnatia passes through western Thrace, revealing the region’s strategic importance to Rome as a route to move trade and soldiers. Archaeological sites include ancient Greek, Byzantine, medieval and Ottoman monuments.
.ECONOMY
The primary sector in the region especially agriculture, plays a key role in GDP. An important advantage to the economic growth of the region is added by the forests. The region is also known for its mineral resources – including marble, gold, and silver. Eastern Macedonia and Thrace is also home to Greece’s only oil production facility in the waters off the town of Kavala.
>Gross regional product
Total: €7.2 billion Per capita: €14,300
.REGIONAL ADMINISTRATION
The region is comprising the eastern part of the region of Macedonia along with the whole of Thrace and two major islands of the Thracian Sea, Thasos and Samothrace. Along with Central Macedonia, the region is supervised by the Decentralized Administration of Macedonia and Thrace based at the city of Thessaloniki.
Region’s capital: Komotini Region’s area: 14,157.76 km2 Region’s population (2021): 562,069 Postal Address: 1 Kakoulidi str., 69132, Komotini, Greece Region’s Website: https://pamth.gov.gr Region’s touristic website: https://www.emtgreece.com/en Email: periferiarxis@pamth.gov.gr Tel: +30 25313 52101
Christodoulos Topsidis Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
Christodoulos Topsidis was born on July 1, 1973 in Nea Vyssa Orestiada. He studied in Thessaloniki and became an entrepreneur with activity and participation as a shareholder in various sectors and businesses in Greece and abroad. In October 2023, he was elected Regional Governor of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
.REGIONAL UNITS
Explore the six regional units of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace. Click on each box to find out about history, museums, top attractions, beaches, gastronomy, festivals, activities, transportation, accommodation and much more.
Note: Some regional units are not available yet, they will be soon.
