Looking North: Why Two Lesser-Known Greek Towns Deserve a Closer Look

Drama and Serres, Greece
Authentic, affordable, and full of charm—Northern Greece beyond the postcards.|©iStock/Dimitrios Vasilakis

When most people think about moving to Greece, they imagine sun-drenched islands, sparkling coastlines, and bustling cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. But beyond the iconic postcard images lies Northern Greece—home to the lesser-known areas of Drama and Serres.

Rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, these two cities are emerging as ideal destinations for expats seeking an authentic and immersive Greek experience, without the crowds or high costs of Greece’s more famous locales.

Drama, located about 400 miles (650 km) from Athens, is nestled at the foot of the Falakro Mountains and boasts a history stretching back to antiquity. The area was a significant trading center during the Roman and Byzantine periods and played an important role in both the Balkan Wars and World War II. Its name is thought to derive from the Greek word ydrama, meaning “rich in water,” a reference to the many springs and streams that run through the region.

Today, the population of approximately 43,000 full-time residents participates in a local economy shaped by a blend of traditional industries, including manufacturing and farming, and evolving sectors like ecotourism.

A glimpse into Serres’ vibrant street life.
A glimpse into Serres’ vibrant street life. |©iStock/Iuri Gagarin

Serres, located about an hour west of Drama, is one of the oldest cities in Greece, with a history dating back over 2,500 years. The city was once a thriving Roman and Byzantine hub and played a strategic role due to its proximity to the Strymon River. More recently, it gained attention as the setting for a popular Greek Netflix series, Serres. With a population exceeding 60,000, the city blends its rich heritage with modern comforts and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Greek mythology, ever-present in the cultural fabric of the country, also touches this region. The Strymon River, which flows near Serres, is named after a mythological river god who, according to legend, was the father of Rhesus, a Thracian king mentioned in Homer’s Iliad. These ties to ancient lore deepen the sense of place and timelessness in Northern Greece.

5 Reasons to Consider Drama and Serres

Lake Kerkini is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers in Northern Greece.
Lake Kerkini is a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers in Northern Greece.|©iStock/nicholas_dale

While Athens and Thessaloniki continue to attract the lion’s share of international visitors, Drama and Serres offer a compelling alternative for those looking to truly integrate into Greek life. Let’s look at some of the advantages of these lesser-known cities.

1. Cost of Living

Both Drama and Serres offer a significantly lower cost of living compared to Greece’s metropolitan hubs. Rent is affordable, often featuring charming architecture and scenic views. A quick visit to the real estate platform Spitogatos.gr reveals many rentals in these cities for under $500 (€400) per month. Those considering property purchases will also find prices here substantially lower than in Athens or Thessaloniki.

Housing isn’t the only place you’ll save money. Local markets brim with fresh produce, and dining out remains wallet-friendly.

2. Proximity to Nature

Nature lovers will find paradise in this lesser-known corner of Northern Greece, where mountains, lakes, forests, and thermal baths offer year-round adventure.

Just six miles (10 km) from its foothills, Drama serves as the gateway to the majestic Falakro Mountains. This range is home to one of Greece’s most scenic ski resorts, featuring 21 trails of varying difficulty. The highest summit, Profitis Ilias, rises 2,232 meters above sea level, making Falakro a haven for hikers, skiers, and anyone seeking rich biodiversity. Whether you’re drawn to snow-covered slopes or alpine summer hikes, this region delivers natural beauty and outdoor exploration in every season.

To the west, Serres is 24 miles (40 km) from Lake Kerkini, one of the best places in Europe to observe more than 300 rare and protected bird species. You can explore the lake by traditional flat-bottomed boats called plaves. These peaceful excursions allow visitors to glide through lily-covered waters and get close to birds and buffalo herds, with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

Forest lovers can head to the Lailias Forest, about 15 miles (25 km) from Serres. The forest is crisscrossed with well-marked trails winding through beech, pine, and fir trees. These paths offer everything from leisurely walks to challenging hikes, all with impressive views and the chance to spot local wildlife such as deer, foxes, and rare birds.

For a unique and therapeutic experience, travel 15 miles (25 km) north of Serres to the Spa of Sidirokastro and enjoy its hillside thermal baths. The site offers panoramic views of the landscape, including the Strymonas River, combining natural healing, historical ambiance, and scenic beauty.

If natural beauty is what you seek, Drama and Serres have much to offer.

3. Cultural Events and Festivals

Beyond nature, both cities feature vibrant cultural calendars, from film festivals to carnival celebrations.

Drama hosts the acclaimed Drama International Short Film Festival (DISFF), an Oscar and European Film Academy-qualifying A-list event that attracts filmmakers, industry professionals, and cinephiles from around the world. Established in 1978, last year’s festival was held across five sold-out venues and welcomed more than 125,000 attendees.

Serres is known for its Mascarata carnival and the Anastenaria Fire-Walking Festival in nearby Agia Eleni. Mascarata is held before Greek Orthodox Lent and features cultural performances that revive folk customs and dances from Serres and surrounding regions, including Pontic, Vlach, and Thracian traditions. Expect a lively street parade of masked revelers in humorous, satirical, or folkloric costumes.

Anastenaria is a traditional northern Greek ritual of fire-walking that dates back to pagan times. This deeply spiritual festival takes place on May 21 and has been recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage. Processions with icons, ecstatic dance, and a fire-walking ceremony symbolize faith and purification.

4. Authentic Greek Living and Regional Flavors
Bougatsa: Serres’ iconic flaky pastry, served sweet or savory with coffee.
Bougatsa: Serres’ iconic flaky pastry, served sweet or savory with coffee.|©iStock/ALEXANDRA FAKIRI

Tucked away from the usual tourist routes, Serres and Drama offer a window into the genuine, relaxed rhythms of Greek life. Here, you’re not surrounded by tour buses or curated photo ops—just the daily pace of a place where traditions are lived, not staged. Whether it’s a neighbor sharing figs from their garden or spontaneous dancing in the village square, these moments reflect Northern Greece at its most authentic.

Greek cuisine is legendary, and this region adds its own delicious twist. In Serres, try the iconic bougatsa—a flaky phyllo pastry filled with creamy custard, cheese, or minced meat, often served with powdered sugar or paired with strong Greek coffee. In Drama, local tavernas serve rustic favorites like kokoretsi (seasoned offal wrapped in lamb intestines, roasted over coals) and soutzoukakia (spiced meatballs in rich tomato sauce)—recipes passed down through generations.

Seasonal vegetables, tangy cheeses, and fresh-baked bread round out meals that are less about presentation and more about flavor, family, and hospitality. Here, food isn’t just something you eat, it’s something you share. And life moves at a pace that lets you savor both.

5. Access and Infrastructure

Both cities offer a laid-back lifestyle without sacrificing connectivity or infrastructure. Drama lies about 90 miles (145 km) from Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, and is served by a regional airport in nearby Kavala. Serres is roughly 52 miles (84 km) from Thessaloniki and also benefits from access to its international airport (SKG).

Being part of mainland Greece provides another key benefit: access to high-quality medical care without the logistical challenges of ferry travel. From both Serres and Drama, it’s easy to reach top-notch hospitals in Thessaloniki or even Athens. This ease of access adds to the appeal of these cities as attractive and practical retirement destinations.

Challenges and Considerations

While life in Drama and Serres can feel idyllic for many, it’s important to acknowledge a few challenges:

  • Fewer expats means fewer English-speaking services. Part of the appeal of these cities is their non-tourist-focused vibe. While this offers a more authentic Greek experience, it also means you may encounter language barriers and fewer opportunities for socializing and networking with fellow expats.

  • Job opportunities in English-speaking roles are limited. Remote work or retirement may be more viable paths for newcomers. Most local job opportunities will require proficiency in Greek.

  • Navigating bureaucracy can be complex without a basic understanding of the Greek language. This is true throughout Greece, but it may feel more daunting in smaller cities with less infrastructure for expat support.

That said, many people find that these challenges are outweighed by the richness of the lifestyle, the strong sense of community, and the chance to live in a place where history, nature, and mythology are part of the everyday landscape.

Final Thoughts

Drama and Serres may not be the first names that come to mind when thinking of Greece, but they’re well worth considering. These cities offer a compelling blend of ancient heritage, unspoiled landscapes, and genuine Greek culture—qualities that are becoming increasingly rare in today’s fast-paced, globalized world.

For expats seeking a slower pace, deeper connection, and a truly authentic Greek experience, these hidden gems in Northern Greece might just be the perfect place to call home.

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