Drama
Understand
Covering an area in a valley between a mountainous area Drama is a central city in Northern Greece known for a number of events and sights around it. Taking its name from the Greek word "Ydrama" which roughly translates to "water park". Drama is a place of rare natural beauty and unique character.
Get in
The best way to reach Drama is by the Bus, frequently travelling from Thessaloniki (€15 for a single ticket), you can also travel there by train but the train station is about a 10 minute walk from the centre of the city. The bus station is about 3 minutes from the center of the city near "plateia elefterias" (freedom square) the main square.
By plane
You can travel to Kavala international airport and then catch a bus to Drama.
By train
You can get a train from either Thessaloniki or Athens. Cost is cheaper than the bus.
By car
With the now completed "Egnatia" freeway you can reach Drama in less then 2 hours from Thessaloniki, and around 30 minutes from Kavala.
By bus
You can take the KTEL (Greek national busservice) from Thessaloniki (around 2 hours, €15) or Kavala.
Get around
One of the best things in Drama is the outstanding natural beauty of the surrounding areas. This might be tricky to reach and Drama does no get the tourism it deserves therefore it is best reached by car. But if you are thinking of seeing a part in Greece that is not spoiled by tourism then this area is for you. In the city there are cozy restaurants and Ouzo places as well as a booming nightlife of very luxurious cafe-bars for the size of the city. There are also a number of nightclubs some near the area of the center and some a little further out of the city center.
See
Downtown:
- 🌍 Agia-Varvara-Park. The park of St. Barbara is the main attraction in drama. Springs, small lakes with waterfowl, streams and beautiful restaurants and cafes under old trees by the water invite you to linger or to go for a walk. The park is also an experience for children.
- 🌍 City Park. The city park in the center is a nice place to relax under tall trees and many watercourses. Popular cafes line the park.
- 🌍 Arab mosque ruin. Unfortunately, the mosque has not been restored yet and is in deplorable condition
- 🌍 Byzantine castle and city wall. the remains of the former city wall and castle are a bit hidden and are unfortunately completely neglected
- 🌍 Archaeological Museum. Interesting exhibits from the area and Philippi
- 🌍 Lookout Cafe Enaston. The viewpoint overlooking the city with a cafe in a pine forest is one of Drama's must see attractions.
Further away:
- 🌍 Dripstone cave of Aggitis. Approximately 25 km northwest of Drama near the village Aggitis is the very interesting stalactite cave. Because of an underground river in the cave, there are only stalactites, but no stalagmites to visit.
- 🌍 Petroussa's Canyon. The gorge of Petrusa begins north of the village of Pyrgos and ends in Petrousa. With a length of more than 10 km, it is a magnet for nature hikers who can traverse it under vertical rocks in an amazing natural beauty landscape. In many places, the gorge is quite narrow with a width of not more than 3-5 meters with some pools. In winter, the river carries a lot of water, so you can not walk there. In summer, in the small open-air theater at the entrance of the gorge in Petrusa concerts are performed, which are worth the visit just for the view and the special atmosphere.
- 🌍 Cave of Alistrati and Agitis Canyon. Approximately 30 km from Drama in the direction of Seres, near the village of Alistrati is one of the most beautiful caves in northern Greece and one of the largest caves in Europe. The corridors have visited length of 3 km. Below the cave is the Agitis Canyon. The wonderful view worth the short walk. In three points of the canyon, rock paintings have been found depicting camels, deer, horsemen who hold the reins of horses and spears, and abstract designs. These paintings are estimated to date from the Bronze Age. Rich is the flora and fauna of the area, and over the centuries have created several caves and arches along the ravine. In recent years the river is home to sports like rafting, canoeing, kayaking etc.
- 🌍 Forest Village of Elatia. The "Dassiko Horio" hotel is located in the middle of the Elatia Forest, the southernmost point of Europe, where you can find alpine vegetation. Tthe Elatia Forest Hotel is the starting point for walks in the "Frakto mediterranean primeval forest". You drive from Drama passing the Nestos dam and the village Sidironero on a paved road to Skaloti. From there follow the dirt road for 15 km to the hotel. Elatia is the largest forest in Greece with a variety of special plants and animals. UNESCO has classified the forest as a natural monument with protected areas, especially the pristine part of Fraktos. Hiking in the uninhabited area requires proper preparation.
- 🌍 Falakros Mountain. ca 50km from Drama on the mountain Falakros is the ski center of the same name. The environment is wonderful and the views impressive, so you should not miss a visit even in the summer.
- 🌍 Fortress Lisse. Fort Lisse is one of the fortifications of the Metaxas line from World War II, located on the northern border of Greece near the village Ochyro, about 2 km from the city of Kato Nevrokopi. In this fortress, the Greek army fought on 6 and 7 April 1941 against the invasion of the Wehrmacht in Greece. In memory of this battle a monument was erected and a small museum was built. The museum's exhibits include firearms from the Greek and German armies, uniforms, medals, various personal belongings of soldiers and officers, as well as a map from 1941 depicting the Battle of the Forts. There is an artillery in the courtyard with which the forts were defended. You can participate in a computer simulation game, which makes the museum interesting for young people.
- 🌍 Frakto Forrest. In 1980 the forest was declared as a Protected Natural Monument, because of its high ecological value, as it is one of the few European forests that are virgin. It characterized virgin because its evolution only followed the rules of nature and not influenced by human activity. Magnificent deciduous and spruce forests, interspersed with numerous streams forming several waterfalls. They extend to the slopes of the highest peak of the central chain of the Rhodope Mountains, at an altitude ranging from 800 to 1900 m. Numerous species of birds and mammals including the bear. The landscape is absolutely uncontaminated. It can be reached from the village of Paranesti where the Filoxenia hotel is located. The asphalt road ends early and turns into a difficult track to cross (It takes two hours). Possibility of staying overnight in the local forest agency housing by calling +3025210 57821. Fax: +30 25210 57705 E-mail: dasdrama@otenet.gr. From 1980 until today it is under full protection and the only allowable activity is scientific
Archaeological sites
- 🌍 Castle ruin of Adriani. From the ruined castle Adriani only the foundation walls are left. What makes the approximately 5 km dirt road nevertheless worth going, is the fantastic view. over the mountains and the Pangaion Mountain range. On the ruins of the castle, a chapel (Ag.Ioannis) was built, which is very photogenic despite its simplicity because of the stunning landscape.
- 🌍 Dionisos Temple Ruin. The sanctuary was the center of the Dionysian cult of the area from the end of the 4th century BC. The sanctuary is open to the public after consultation with the Archaeological Museum of Drama and on Epiphany and August Full Moon
- 🌍 Philippi. The most important archaeological site in Northern Greece and a 'must see' for every visitor to the area
- 🌍 Castle ruin Acropolis Platanias. from prehistoric times to the 6th century AD inhabited
- 🌍 Castle ruin Kalyvas. It is located near the abandoned village, north of Ano Ionicon, and is one of the most important archeological sites of Thrace. It dates from the Hellenistic period and especially during the reign of Philip II. in 340 BC. Fortress built on the hill 627 meters. It had a strategic position because it controlled the valley of Nestos.
Do
Do go for a coffee on one of the luxurious coffee places and do eat at a local taverna. Drama is well known for its night life which attracts lots of people from surrounding cities. There are also an archaeological museum and a religion history museum in the city. Surrounding the city there are a number of archaeological sites, including the Philippi ancient theater. This is an operational theater and remakes of ancient Greek theater plays are played here.
- 🌍
Bird of Prey Park. The small bird of prey park is located in the village Agora east of Drama. The Birdwatching Park from 15 June to 15 September will be open daily from 17:00 and the weekend from 11:00
Birds flying will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 19:00 pm.
Learn
Do visit the archaeological sites surrounding the city and do see some very interesting forests in the surrounding mountains.
Work
Volunteering work in the area of Drama is possible during the Christmas period where the central square is transformed into a theme park known as "oneiroupoli" (city of dreams), you can contact the city municipality for information.
Buy
Drama has a very competitive market for its size and you can find practically anything you would expect in a major city. The market is closely packed together surrounding the main square.
Eat
There are number of places to eat in Drama. The quality of the food offered is very good and since the city is virtually tourist-free you can expect to have a decent meal for a normal price
- Restaurant/Taverna To Hani (To Xani), Venizelou 47, Drama (From the main square (plateea) of Drama, head up towards 'Mitropoly' via Venizelou - we are located on the left (aristera plevra) side of the road.), ☎ +30 2521300996. Midday til late. Serves a wide range of meals including Grilled, Cooked and Specialist dishes to suit all age ranges and tastes.
- 'Prin To Hani (To Xani)', Venizelou 47 (Located in front of restaurant/taverna 'To Hani (To Xani)'.), ☎ +30 2521055755. 10.00AM til late. Traditional souvlaki sandwiches, "eat in" or "take-away". Tele-menu also available.
Budget
- Stefanos, follow the road towards the west from the main square, offers Greek "suvlaki" änd "gyros" sandwiches (around €5 per person for 2 sandwiches).
- Kalamia, towards the east of the main square next to a bank, offers "kebab" style grill, (around €5 per person for 2 servings).
- Bugatsa Lefteris: Next to the taxi park between the central square and the park, offers greek "bugatsa" (cream filled pasty), around €1.5 per serving.
Mid-range
Nisaki: Located between the agia varvara park and the kapnomagaza. Serves coocked food, grills and fish. Prices around €15 per person
Splurge
Lukulos: Located outside of the city, this is an extremely luxurious restaurant.
Drink
- Kafe Elefteria Probably one of the oldest coffehouses in the city, in the now renovated old building serves plenty of hot and cold drinks. Located north of the main square.
- Kafe Aigeo Serving a younger crowd this lively bar is located of the west of the agia varvara square. It gets very crowded on weekends and the music is loud.
Sleep
Hotels:
- Emporiko, +30 2521027925.
- Marianna, +30 2521066100.
- Xenia, +30 2521033195.
- 🌍 Hydrama Grand Hotel. This 5-star hotel is in a restored 19th century tobacco house at the wetland of Santa Barbara in the town centre.
If you do not wish to stay in the centre there are numerous hotels in the villages around Drama, including Katafygio Falakrou (the Falakro ski-hut resort) +30 2522041822
Stay safe
In a city that is unspoiled by tourism you should try to maintain a respectful communication towards others as extreme behaviour towards people might cause a scene. Also try to avoid getting involved with any local disputes. Crime in Drama is nearly non-existent.
Connect
City hall: +30 2521025555 Hospital: +30 2521023351 Police: +30 2521022341
Cope
The weather can be very hot during summertime and the winters are usually cold and breezy with some snow.