Maroneia

Maroneia is a village of 6,400 people (2011) in Western Thrace. Maroneia was one of the wealthiest towns of ancient world along with nearby Abdera and Mesimvria. Nowadays it's a village appreciated for its surrounding beaches (Profitis Ilias, Alkyona, Mesi, Kageles and Molyvoti).

Understand
Maroneia was one of the wealthiest towns of ancient world along with nearby Abdera and Mesimvria. Nowadays it's a village appreciated for its surrounding beaches (Profitis Ilias, Alkyona, Mesi, Kageles and Molyvoti). The settlement of Maronia spreads over a vast area at the foot of Mount Ismaros. Several ancient monuments are excarved but others are still hidden throughout the olive groves and the mountainous landscapes of Ismaro.

History
Maroneia was founded in the mid-7th century BC on the slopes of Ismaros and soon developed into a prosperous and densely inhabited centre. Maroneia was close to the acient town of Ismaros, mentioned by Homer in the Odyssey. Some scholars identify Maroneia with his Ismaros. Homer has Odysseus plundering the city but sparing Maron, whom he identifies as a priest of Apollo. Maron presents Odysseus with a gift of wine, as well as with gold and silver. The strong wine was later used by him to numb the Cyclops. During the Classical period, the city had a strong fortification wall, 10 km long, from the coast up to the top of Ismaros. Maroneia was the largest and most important of all ancient Greek colonies of Western Thrace.

In the following centuries, under different rulers (Mazedonians, Romans, Byzantine), it prospered and was an important harbour town, but finally lost its importance in the late Byzantine and Ottoman periods.

By car
Leave the motorway Thessaloniki – Alexandroupolis at the slip road Komotini East and follow the signpostings for about 30 km.

By boat
The little harbour is a good resting point for sailing boats.

Get around
The distances of the points of interest are not so far apart that it cannot be made on foot, but especially in hot summer, a car or motorbike is of great help.

Buy
The area was once famous for its wine in antique times, but there is still wine production, and it's worth to try the local wine.

Drink
Best places to have a drink in a relaxed environment is at the restaurants at the harbour mentionend above or at one of the beach bars up to Krioneri village.

Go next

 * Alexandroupolis
 * Samothrace Island
 * Thasos Island
 * Komotini
 * Kavala