With around 150,000 residents, Evros is organized into five municipalities: Alexandroupolis, Orestiada, Didymoticho, Soufli, and Samothrace. The region boasts over 150 villages, highlighting its rich cultural and geographic diversity, and Alexandroupolis, as Evros’ capital and largest city, is the focal point for regional activities.
Tychero, a town not far from the buzz of Alexandroupolis, sits a mere stone’s throw from the river that marks the Greek-Turkish border. Its inhabitantas, mostly farmers, along with a handful of military families stationed in the area, live a life dictated by the rhythm of the seasons. The town’s pride? The mouthwatering “golden heads,” a variety of melons so named for their lustrous color, that thrive across a sprawling thousand acres of fertile plains. But Tychero’s true gem is a man-made lake, born from the Lyra Dam’s construction on a tributary of the Evros River.
Sandwiched between two ecosystems of profound significance – the Dadia Forest, recently scarred by wildfires, and the majestic Evros Delta, a crucial wetland for the Balkans – Lake Tychero may not boast the expanse of the delta but certainly mirrors its magnificence in miniature. On the day of our visit, ducks and swans graced the waters, while overhead, a medley of other bird species soared—Evros is a breeding ground for 77 bird species, with many more calling it home either temporarily or permanently. A well-trodden path encircles the lake, offering a tranquil stroll amidst the beauty and serenity of the landscape, only punctuated by the chatter of birds amidst the reeds. Even the journey from Athens to this hidden beauty is an adventure, marking Tychero Lake as one of Evros’s must-see destinations.
The Petrified Forest of Evros
Our ecotourism journey didn’t stop at the lake’s edge. A short hike from the village of Lefkimi led us to a breathtaking natural monument: the petrified forest of Lefkimi, a 40 million-year-old relic unique in Europe for its fossils scattered throughout a lush, dense forest. A stroll through this ancient landscape is rewarding beyond words.
Scientists attribute the creation of the Fylakto petrified forest to the area’s volcanic activity, with the fossilization process considered perfect, preserving the trees’ characteristics in astonishing detail.
In Tychero and its surroundings, nature weaves a story of beauty, resilience, and history—a narrative waiting to be explored by those willing to venture off the beaten path.
The trails lead to fossilized trunks, guiding visitors through a landscape where time has stood still. The star attraction of the forest is a petrified oak tree, approximately 20 meters long and 1.5 meters in diameter, estimated to be 35 million years old. This marvel can be admired in the Fylakto petrified forest, while a small exhibit showcasing fossilized finds from the broader area is hosted at the Tychero Tourist Center, adjacent to the lake. This region has developed facilities catering to those drawn by eco-tourism’s allure.
For those seeking a few days of rest in a genuinely tranquil setting, Thrassa Hotel is recommended. Located beside the lake, it offers meticulously arranged rooms and apartments with lake views and a vast garden, making it an ideal base for exploring the wider area and engaging in activities such as boat rides on the lake. With its expansive beauty, the Evros petrified forest sits undisturbed, awaiting those curious enough to explore its ancient beauty.
Meanwhile, the Silk Museum of PIOP in Soufli, housed in the impressive Kourtidi Mansion (1883), offers a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Tips for your Trip to Lake Tychero
Lake Tychero is 23 kilometers from Soufli, 50 kilometers from Alexandroupolis, and 50 kilometers from Didymoteicho.
If visiting the lake during the summer months, it’s advised that you bring along some insect repellent, as mosquitoes can be particularly perssitent.
A trip to the area should undoubtedly include a visit to the Evros Delta, one of Europe’s most significant wetlands.
Soufli has been declared a “Best Tourism Village” by the World Tourism Organization. You can learn more about this beautiful town, renowned for its silks and much more, here.
Indeed, a trip to Evros is ideal for those who love nature and traditional gastronomy, offering a blend of scenic beauty and culinary delights waiting to be discovered.
Read also:
Dining in Alexandroupoli – A Guide to the Best Spots
Discover an “unknown”, mystic side of northeastern Greece
In the cosmopolitan Soufli of silk and flavours – a unique travel experience
