Lailia forest, high on the mountainside of Brodou, has a strong aesthetic presence and phyto-sociological significance in terms of natural beauties.
It is a tall forest of beech and pine forest with an area of 33,000 acres, a unique paradise near the town of Serres
(25 km), linked to a thousand traditions and stories.
A mountainous complex, with a highest peak of 1850 m (Ali Baba), with a 83% forest cover and a 110 km road network.
It is a rare example of harmony between the wild landscape and the marvelous beauty of nature.
The towering trees, the steep ravines, the steep and huge rocks and the majestic location in general, truly enchant the lovers of the mountain and the countryside.
In winter the forest is surrounded by real Alpine splendor, as it is covered with a thick layer of snow. At the top “Ali Baba” there is a cool spring with excellent water, which used to produce the famous “Akkendon” (loukoumia), which is today a traditional local sweets of Serres.
The area, due to the exceptional weather conditions, is offered all year round for picnics, picnics, sports, mountaineering, while in winter it is also offered for winter sports (skiing) on its ski slopes. The international footpaths E4 and E6 pass through Lailia to continue their journey
Although the existing historical data on the mountainous complex of Brondos, which includes the Lailia forest, are not able to account for the complete historical development of the area, they show that this area was not an independent mountainous part cut off from human activity of the neighboring plain of Serres, which was particularly intense since the ancient times. During the Ottoman domination, two thousand Premieres had been resided in Lailia, and Mepes sent their harems there to celebrate. There were then about 40 mosques, halls, many Monasteries, schools and thousands of other various buildings, ie the whole city. Shortly afterwards, the Serres created a picturesque village in Lailia, making it a remarkable resort. The B ‘world war, however, destroyed everything there.
The magical beauty of Lailias is celebrated in 1668 by the tourist traveler Evlia Tselepis, who dedicates an entire chapter on the “Praise of the great resort of Serres” in his travel book. “This resort,” he writes, “is famous all over Pomelej, Arabia and Persia. It is a place with a brilliant climate, a true heavenly heaven, above which there is no. In this resort, people in the summer need a coat, because sometimes they get snow and the cold is worse than winter. ”
Lailias did not leave the French consul and traveler Cousinevy unaffected, who, when visiting Serres in 1814, devoted many pages to knit the praise of this enchanting forest
The Turkish cemeteries, whose remains still exist, reminisce about the establishment of the conquerors in the beautiful forest. They are reviving the legend of Catia, the girl who committed suicide by falling from the homonymous rock, in order not to marry the one he did not want, Mohammedan. This cliff, which today attracts the greatest interest of visitors and lies on the edge of a deep ravine, which in its view breathes in awe, leads a picturesque path that starts from the heart of the forest.
In the interwar period, the Serres, in the organized resort they had in the mountains, organized under their thick and beneficial shadow
the beeches , their unforgettable “retreats.”
The Blammen nomadic breeders had settled on the lowest and milder levels of the forest, building a settlement, in which the church was distinguished, with a great deal of passion and reverence.
Bubble trenches from the World War I are still found today on the northern slopes of Lailia, while in the stone, granite excursions of the mountain, the air brings to life stories of sacrifice of human progress in space and time.
Do I have to wear a mask in transports – inside taxi or private hired vehicles – in Greece?
(2022 guidance on the use of face masks in Greece – Covid19 update)
TAXIS / PRIVATE TRANSFERS / MINIVANS / MINIBUSES / CITY BUSES
Our staff will wear a face covering inside the taxis and all private-hired cars for the duration of your journey. Our driver will use hand satinizer before and after any transaction or contact with your luggage etc. In Greece, it is the law that you must wear either a face covering or face mask even if you are vaccinated inside the taxis or private hired cars. Exemptions include people who have medical issues (trouble breathing, unability to wear a mask properly etc), children under the age of three (3) or you have any other legitamate reason not to – however please note that proof maybe requested by local authorities. Our drivers treat everyone with respect and compassion and understand if it is not immediately obvious that some people are not able to wear face covering for medical reasons.
AIRPORTS / AIRPLANES / TRAINS / INTERCITY BUSES:
From Wednesday 1st of June 2022 and after, Greek state decided and it is the law now that masks are not mandatory.
SHIPS / FERRYBOATS
From Thursday 2nd of June 2022 and after Greek state decided and it is the law now that masks are not mandatory, but it is strongly reccomended.
Where do I have to wear mask in Greece?
(in use after 1st of June 2022 for summer/autumn period – Covid19 update)
From Wednesday 1st of June 2022 and after, Greek state decided and it is the law now that:
– Masks are NOT mandatory anymore INDOORS. This means that you DON’T have to wear a facemask anymore, if you want to visit a coffee shop, a restaurant, a beach bar, a shop, hotel or supermarket.
– You MUST wear a mask, if you visit the following places: public hospital, pharmacy, private clinic, doctor’s office, medical centre, retirement and nursing home. You must also wear a mask, when using public transportation (public bus, taxi, chauffeurred-driven vehicles etc)