One of the most popular sights of Thrace, constitutes Delta of Evros. We had the chance to remain in Feres that it abstained less than 2km. Nikos Tsouloukis (Ploumisti’s cousin) knew very well the region and he volunteered to tour us. The best thing for us!!!
Until 1-2 years ago, the access in the Delta, became only with special authorisations that published by the army, while the river constitutes also the natural border between Greece and Turkey. The region allocates only earth-roads that in their majority are negotiable. Labelling does not exist beyond certain informative plates and certain observatories. Thus if you decide to move alone , it would be good for you to remain in the central earthy road network (35-40km), in order not to lead – by false - outside Greece, mainly the summer months that the level of the river goes down.
Evros is the longest river of the Balkans. It begins from Bulgaria and cross Greece and Turkey. Its name in the thrace dialect - accordingly with ancient students - means “goat”. Its other name is “Maritsa”, which the Bulgarians still use it.
Before many years Evros was navigable and the harbour of Andrianoupolis (“Edirne” is the current Turkish name) knew glory because of the trade. Almost 30km before its estuaries, the river is separated in the two, shaping an enormous lengthy triangle, the deltaic plain, extent of 200.000 acres.
The big value of the Delta of Evros is found in its rich ornithology-fauna. In the region have been observed at least 316 species of birds from the 420 roughly that exist in Greece! The ecosystem functions as biotope for nest, as shelter for big populations of aquatic birds and the winter as space of concentration and rest of immigratory birds.
We stood lucky and because of Nikos, we could wander secondary earth-roads at length of watercourse of the river and see beautiful parts with dense vegetation but also Turkish and Greek observatories. We led near the estuaries of the river, where is found a small tavern, in the point that begin also the boating. In general, it is difficult to see flock of birds and more difficult to accomplish to photograph it. It has to do with the season and with the hour of the day. The luck smiled to us when we had the occasion to find ourselves near swarm of big pelicans… the spectacle was much impressive!!!
Once more we would want to thank Nikos for the company and his conducted tour.
