Developing Senior Tourism in Remote Regions (TOURAGE)

Located on the northeastern edge of Greece, the Region encompasses three regional units of Thrace (Evros, Rodopi, Xanthi) and two of East Macedonia (Drama, Kavala). According to the temporary results of the 2011 census, the population of the Region comes to 606,170 residents, corresponding to 5.6% of the total population of the country. The economy is based mainly on agriculture and livestock farming, as well as on constructional and industrial activity, trade, commerce, transport, education, and public administration.

The Region covers a total area of 14,157 square kilometres, corresponding to 10.7% of the total area of the country. It is traversed by the Evros and Nestos Rivers and it is home to numerous lakes and lagoons, the most important one being Vistonis Lake. The northern part of the Region is dominated by the Rhodope mountain range. The Region also includes two islands, Thassos and Samothrace; apart from featuring particularly interesting environments, Thassos is a major draw for tourists and Samothrace is an emerging tourism destination.

Bestowed with the most hydro-biotopes in Greece protected by the European Union, the region offers sanctuary to rare and protected bird species. The Region' s southern Aegean coastline is dotted with vast sweeps of crystal-clear sandy beaches, as well as with rocky coves ideal for fishing and diving. Combining a variety of traditional forms with a wide range of samples imported from Western Europe, the local architectural tradition reflects the region' s rich political, social and economic history.Special forms of tourism are promoted in the Region such as: Conference, Urban, Marine, Cultural, Sport and Nature (eco-agro) tourism.