Guide of Eastern Macedonia & Thrace

It is situated at the southeastern edge of the Prefecture of Rodopi and consists of the villages of Xylagani, Prosynites, Maronia, Imero, Amaranta, Vakos I, Vakos II, Issalon, Kallithea, Pamforo, Askites, Mirana, Vena, Salmoni, Ergani, N. Petra, Pelagia and the holiday resorts of Alkyona, Profitis Ilias, Platanitis and Aghios Charalambos. It covers an area of 300 km2 and its population amounts to 7,785 inhabitants, who are mainly occupied in agriculture and livestock farming and to a lesser extent, fishing. The Municipality is seated at Xylagani, 17 km from Komotini. Maronia is situated 12 km from Xylagani and has been renowned since Homer’s time as the homeland of Maron, the priest of Apollo, who lived in the city of Ismaros, in a sanctuary that was full of trees and pasturelands. The town’s location and the harbour were favourable for the development of commerce and seafaring. The town experienced great economic development, as certified by the silver coins that circulated from 520 B.C. until the reign of Phillip II and the gold coins that circulated during the first half of the 4th century BC. In the 4th century BC Maronia possessed battle triremes, an army and money. In 167 B.C. an alliance was signed between the Romans and Maronites. The town possessed a boule and a demos. During the Byzantine period, its name remained unchanged. During periods of prosperity, such as the 12th century, great expanses of grapevines were cultivated. The harbour always facilitated commerce, exports and communication with other centres.
Today the Municipality of Maronia is capable of satisfying the desire and special pursuits of all visitors as it possesses archaeological sites and natural attractions, such as clean beaches, mountain routes that are ideal for walking and exploring, an impressively decorated cave, rare wetlands with an abundance of flora and fauna and fisheries. The area is a challenge to visitors, who have to employ all their senses in enjoying the colours, alternating scenes and the smells from the mountain and the sea, while also experiencing the rich cultural summers with the maronite festivals and the unique savoury experiences.
At Xylagani, the custom of “Bambo” is revived on 8 January and the “Isnafia” custom is revived on Shrove Monday. Xylagani also has a folklore museum.
The shallow waters and nice sandy beach of Imeros, which is equipped with umbrellas and sun beds, attracts many visitors during the summer months, whereas the small pinewood next to the sea attracts many day-trippers in the spring. At the point where the river Filiouris flows into the sea, the wetland of Imeros acts as a refuge for many bird species, particularly the striking flamingoes.
The archaeological site of Maronia, the picturesque small port of Aghios Charalambos 5 km away, the imposing red-coloured soil towards the beach Kagele, the shades of green stretching from the top of Ismaros until the edge of the port, the port’s arm and the aquamarine waters, are relaxing and refreshing to visitors who may take it all in while sitting at one of the two fish restaurants that serve fresh delicacies. At the traditional settlement of Maronia, with its narrow alleys and restored mansions, the central square with its age-old sycamores acts as a starting point for visitors wishing to walk around the village or wanting to savour delicious spit-roasted goat washed down with Maronite wine. This should necessary be complemented with Maronite halva, local squashed olives and blossom honey. It is a delight to swim, fish, go underwater fishing, surf or water ski in the crystal-clear waters of the Municipality’s beaches.