Traveler's Guide

East Macedonia & Thrace

Route from Komotini to Polyanthos village, the medieval stone bridge in Kompsatos, Iasmo and Thracian Meteora - Rhodope Region

The route is interesting if it is done in May or June when cherries come. The villages west of Komotini situated at the foot of the Rhodope villages known as the "Giaka" it is produced one of the tastier varieties of cherries in Greece which is also being exported. Move north towards the village Symbola. After crossing the village on your right is a Macedonian tomb which you can visit only after consultation with the Archaeological Museum of Komotini. Then come back and follow the signs to the villages Pholea, Dimi, Agiasma and Thamna. After Thamna and after passing the campus of Komotini, find the road to Misko village. At the 2.5 km you will find a sign for Maximianoupolis on your left. In the ruins of the Byzantine city later dubbed Mosynoupoli where there are the ruins of the Episcopal Church. Continuing the road to the south and acrossing the road of Komotini – Iasmos, turn right and after 9 km you will come across the village Polianthos. Drive through the village and follow the old road and the sign to the medieval bridge. Leave your car a few meters before the bridge. In two minutes you will see one of the best preserved stone bridges of Greece. The bridge is located at the exit of Kompsatos, which stems from the Rhodope mountain, crosses the Thracian valley and empties into Vistonida Lake. In the surrounding area have been identified several sites with pre-Christian and Christian antiquities main Byzantine castle Polyanthos and an aisled basilica church between the village and the bridge. The three-arched bridge was with two piers and two abutments and its direction is from West to East. Today survives the middle and eastern arc and the eastern abutment. The middle arc was raised slightly larger. Its opening is 21.80 m long and has a height of 12 meters. The arc in east has an opening of 17 m. On two piers there are reliever’s openings with flat base and arched roof. It is considered to be a work of craftsmen from Epirus and it dates back to 17th-18th century. Continue to Iasmos the capital of the municipality that has as its emblem a bridge. Iasmos is an old and rich village throughout the centuries, with a rich tradition offers you the opportunity to rest and try local and European cuisine with stunning views over the valley and the Vistonida Lake. Make sure you have fuel and car charger for your cell phone. Continue after Iasmos to Xanthi in one kilometer you will find signs right to the Thracian Meteora. From here it begins a rough dirt road of 25 km length. 9km after Iasmos turn left to Polyarno and Euthimo. After Polyarno you will find signs with two alternative routes marked hiking trails that will lead you to the Thracian Meteora, with their geological formations that will amaze you. If you are lucky you may come across herds of wild horses. On the way there are several signs that will facilitate you. Turn to Iasmos. If you wish in Polyarno there is a hostel. For the keys please contact the Municipality of Iasmos. Onsite services are not offered. Finally, taking the Egnatia Highway you can return to Komotini in just ten minutes. (Total distance covered 58+45 Km, duration 4 hours)