Greece has its postcard-perfect places. The little town of Drama is not one of them. Here, in northern Greece, life is lived without scenery. The town, the vineyards, and the mountains form the framework for a region that still works for those who live here. Now, we invite you to join us to explore Greece off the common trail, the authentic Greece.
Greece reached new tourism heights in 2025, recording record visitor arrivals and revenue in a year that Minister for Tourism, Olga Kefalogianni, has described as the “best ever.” No doubt, Greece is a popular destination. However, that attracts more tourists, leads to longer queues, higher prices, and, very often, less charm.
Drama is located close to the border with Bulgaria, surrounded by mountains, vineyards, and the untouched Fraktos Forest, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Within short distances, you will find a concentration of both large and small quality vineyards, as well as the Nestos Valley and the Aegean coast.
The valley has warm days and cool nights, combined with altitude differences and varied soils, which provide ideal conditions for winegrowing. The area is not developed as a tourist machine. Life here is lived for those who live here. That is precisely why it feels authentic, more real than staged.
Looking forward to 2026, Kefalogianni saw a bright future for the Greek sector, saying: “The first data for 2026 create optimistic prospects, as another positive year for the sector is looming.”
City life, culture, and evenings that last
Let’s slow down. Drama is a town where life is lived outdoors. Cafés are filled from morning until late at night, families gather in the squares, and conversations last longer than planned. Food, music, and people mingle in the streets, and you become a natural part of the rhythm instead of standing on the outside looking in.
You are not met as a spectator, but as a participant. Not as a tourist, but as a guest.
However, we’re just in the planning stages. The Drama Wine Festival takes place in May. If we’re lucky, our visit will coincide with the festival, but not necessarily. Exact dates and prices will be announced shortly on our travel partner’s site, TAKs Verden.
Come With Us to the Authentic Greece, written in collaboration with Raymond O. Sebergsen, HoHoy.
All images © Tor Kjolberg/Daily Scandinavian