Although the Greek Islands offer wonderful landscapes and crystal sparkling sea with plenty to do, there is any number of interesting places to visit on the Greek mainland. Drama, the backbone of the municipality of the same name, has much to offer the visitor, particularly in today's alternative tourism market, given its geographical beauty. Whilst it has a great summer climate, the town is keen to promote itself as an all year destination and has the benefit of experiencing a cold winter, allowing fast developing modern ski resorts at Mount Falakro.
Certainly, Drama is well placed to make the most of all year tourism and eco tourism, due in no small part to the natural beauty of this area. When visiting the town, it is worth making the effort to get out and about into the outstanding countryside. This is a fascinating, lesser visited part of the mainland and should be receiving more recognition. The area has not received the attention of mass tourism and has thus not been overdeveloped. 
If you are keen on nightlife, then Drama is an excellent choice with locals coming from nearby villages to take advantage of the bars and restaurants. In town you'll discover numerous tavernas and ouzo bars with clubs and upmarket cafes. Although not a large town, there is plenty to occupy every visitor and as Drama has yet to be really discovered, prices are noticeably lower than other towns, plus the standard of service is high.
Whether you are in Drama for just a couple of days or a week, there is much to see. The town is strewn with buildings of traditional architecture and is full of greenery and flowers. Meritting a visit is Agia Varvara park and springs. This is on the north western side of Freedom Square. A walk around the area will highlight ancient architecture and the tobacco warehouses to the east mix modern and industrial heritage.
Having an industrial past, these old buildings are being put to new uses, often acting as galleries with art exhibits and museum displays. If you walk from the square in a northerly direction for about half an hour you'll arrive at the top of the hill where there are wonderful views of the town, where you can sit with a coffee in a small cafe.
There are several old churches with some amazing Byzantine frescoes in very good condition. Two which are particularly worthy of mention are Taxiarches and Agia Sophia. A visit to the Archaeological Museum is a must if you are keen on the past, as are the archaeological sites surrounding the town.
Outside the town there is rich natural beauty. Those who love nature will be delighted with the forests, valleys and mountains. The scenery is breathtaking. Maara's Cave at Kokinogies is worth visiting for its glorious, huge stalactites. Heading south east from Drama is a very attractive village, Doxato, which is increasingly popular with the younger set. The historical town of Philippi is around 20 km from Drama, with Roman ruins. Falakro mountain offers a huge diversity of flora and is often called the mountain of flowers. The countryside surrounding the city has unequalled charm and to really experience this a hike along the gorge of Petroussa-Pyrgon is a must.
Drama is compact and easy to get around with all the facilities you would want. Given that it has escaped the mass tourist trade, its biggest asset is a feeling of discovery and exclusivity. The combination of a cultural and alternative break is all here. A great place for a true escape.
Pictures courtesy of Kostas Tsembelis and Spiros Kombogiannis
