Drama is a city in Northern Greece
Understand
Covering an area in a valley between a mountainous area Drama is a central city in Northern Greece known for a number of events and sights around it. Taking its name from the Greek word "Ydrama" which roughly translates to "water park" Drama is a place of rare natural beauty and unique character.
Get in
The best way to reach Drama is by the Bus, frequently travelling from Thessaloniki (15euro for a single ticket), you can also travel there by train but the train station is about a 10 minute walk from the centre of the city. The bus station is about 3 minutes from the center of the city near "plateia elefterias" (freedom square) the main square.
By plane
You can travel to Kavala international airport and then catch a bus to Drama.
By train
You can get a train from either Thessaloniki or Athens. Cost is cheaper than the bus.
By car
With the now completed "Egnatia" freeway you can reach Drama in less then 2 hours from Thessaloniki, and around 30 minutes from Kavala.
By bus
You can take the KTEL (Greek national busservice) from Thessaloniki (around 2 hours, 15 euro) or Kavala.
By boat
The nearest harbour is Kavala, mainly serving the routes between Kavala-Thassos-Samothraki.
Get around
One of the best things in Drama is the outstanding natural beauty of the surrounding areas. This might be tricky to reach and Drama does no get the tourism it deserves therefore it is best reached by car. But if you are thinking of seeing a part in Greece that is not spoiled by tourism then this area is for you. In the city there are cozy restaurants and Ouzo places as well as a booming nightlife of very luxurious cafe-bars for the size of the city. There are also a number of nightclubs some near the area of the center and some a little further out of the city center.
See
Do visit the '''Agia Varvara Park''' (located on the north west of the main square) walk around the area of the train station for some old houses and do see the "Kapnomagaza" (tobacco warehouses) in the east of the Agia Varvara park. Some of those are now being converted to museum buildings for exhibitions.
In the north of the main square, around 30 minutes by foot there is a small hill that you can take a hike, on the top of the hill there is a coffee shop.
On the east of the city there are a number of old churches, some with old decorations and paintings of byzantine style.
Do
Do go for a coffee on one of the luxurious coffee places and do eat at a local taverna. Drama is well known for its night life which attracts lots of people from surrounding cities.
There are also an archaological museum and a religion history museum in the city.
Surrounding the city there are a number of archeological sites, including the "philipoi" ancient theater. This is an operational theater and remakes of ancient Greek theater plays are played here.
Learn
Do visit the Archeological sites surrounding the city and do see some very interesting forests in the surrounding mountains.
Work
Volunteering work in the area of Drama is possible during the christmas period where the central square is transformed into a theme park known as "oneiroupoli" (city of dreams), you can contact the city municipality for information.
Buy
Drama has a very competitive market for its size and you can find practically anything you would expect in a major city. The market is closely packed together surrounding the main square.
Eat
There are number of places to eat in Drama. The quality of the food offered is very good and since the city is virtually tourist-free you can expect to have a decent meal for a normal price
Restaurant/Taverna To Hani (To Xani). enizelou 47, Drama. rom the main square (plateea) of Drama, head up towards 'Mitropoly' via Venizelou - we are located on the left (aristera plevra) side of the road.. 0302521300996. ttp://www.tohani.synthasite.com. idday til late. Serves a wide range of meals including Grilled, Cooked and Specialist dishes to suit all age ranges and tastes.
'Prin To Hani (To Xani)' . enizelou 47. ocated in front of restaurant/taverna 'To Hani (To Xani)'.. 0302521055755. 0.00am til late. Traditional souvlaki sandwiches, "eat in" or "take-away". Tele-menu also available.
Budget
Stefanos, follow the road towards the west from the main square, offers Greek "suvlaki" and "gyros" sandwiches (around 5euro per person for 2 sandwiches).
Kalamia, towards the east of the main square next to a bank, offers "kebab" style grill, (around 5euro per person for 2 servings).
Bugatsa Lefteris: Next to the taxi park between the central square and the park, offers greek "bugatsa" (cream filled pasty), around 1.5 euro per serving.
Goody's: opposite the square on the right, greek hamburger franchise, around 5 euro for a meal.
Mid-range
Nisaki: Located between the agia varvara park and the kapnomagaza. Serves coocked food, grills and fish. Prices around 15euro per person
Splurge
Lukulos: Located outside of the city, this is an extremely luxurious restaurant.
Drink
'''Kafe Elefteria''' Probably one of the oldest coffehouses in the city, in the now renovated old building serves plenty of hot and cold drinks. Located north of the main square.
'''Kafe Aigeo''' Serving a younger crowd this lively bar is located of the west of the agia varvara square. It gets very crowded on weekends and the music is loud.
Sleep
Hotels:
'''Emporiko''', 2521027925.
'''Marianna''', 2521066100.
'''Ksenia''', 2521033195.
If you do not wish to stay in the centre there are numerous hotels in the villages around Drama, indicatevely:
Katafygio Falakrou(the falakro ski-hut resort) 2522041822
Contact
City hall: 2521025555
Hospital: 2521023351
Police: 2521022341
Stay safe
In a city that is unspoiled by tourism you should try to maintain a respectful communication towards others as extreme behaviour towards people might cause a scene. Also try to avoid getting involved with any local disputes. Crime in Drama is nearly non-existent.
Cope
The weather can be very hot during summertime and the winters are usually cold and breezy with some snow.