Drama, Greece, is a place where untamed nature, rare wildlife, and breathtaking landscapes come together to create one of Europe’s most diverse ecosystems. From the Nordic-like forests of Frakto to the rugged peaks of Falakro, this region is home to an astonishing variety of fauna and flora, making it a dream destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife watchers.
Frakto Virgin Forest – One of Europe’s Last Untouched Forests
Located 95 km northeast of Drama, near the Bulgarian border, Frakto Virgin Forest is considered Greece’s wildest and most untouched forest. It has remained undisturbed by human activity for over 500 years, making it a natural laboratory where ecosystems have developed entirely on their own.
A Scandinavian Forest in Greece
One of the most unique aspects of Frakto is its unusual Nordic-like ecosystem. It is the southernmost point in Europe where Norway spruce (Picea abies) forests thrive, making it feel more like Scandinavia than the Mediterranean. Alongside the spruce, the forest also shelters tall fir, beech, and pine trees, creating a dense and mystical woodland.
Wildlife of Frakto Virgin Forest
The area is a sanctuary for rare and protected species, including:
✔ Brown bears 🐻 – Roaming freely through the dense forests.
✔ Wolves 🐺 – Thriving in the wild landscapes.
✔ Red deer 🦌 – The last wild population in Greece.
✔ Wild goats 🐐 – Found on the rocky cliffs.
✔ Golden eagles & imperial eagles 🦅 – Majestic birds of prey soaring above the trees.
✔ Capercaillies, pygmy owls & nutcrackers – Nordic-style birdlife that has made a home in these forests.
The waterways and wetlands of the forest also attract otters, wild boars, roe deer, dormice, and squirrels, while numerous bat species find shelter in the caves and hollowed-out trees.
Getting to Frakto Virgin Forest
Frakto Virgin Forest is located about 2.5–3 hours from Drama by car. Due to its strict protection status, visitors cannot enter the virgin section, but hiking trails around the forest allow you to explore its fringes, offering breathtaking views of Achladorema Waterfalls, the Gorge of the Wild Goat, and the Norway spruce woodlands.
Beyond Frakto – The Diverse Wildlife of Drama
While Frakto is the most untouched, the entire Drama region is rich in biodiversity, with a variety of habitats ranging from mountains and forests to wetlands and riverbanks.
Falakro Mountain – The Alpine Wilderness
Falakro, also known as “The Bald Mountain”, is one of Greece’s most striking mountain landscapes, known for its high-altitude meadows, rocky cliffs, and winter snowfields. This alpine environment provides a home to:
✔ Wild goats & chamois – Agile climbers navigating the steep slopes.
✔ Golden eagles & peregrine falcons – Powerful birds of prey hunting over the peaks.
✔ Balkan snow voles – Rare rodents adapted to the harsh climate.
✔ Lynxes (rare sightings) – Mysterious and elusive predators.
Falakro is also a fantastic hiking and adventure destination, offering off-road 4×4 trails, rock climbing, and mountain biking routes.
Nestos River & Wetlands – A Birdwatcher’s Dream
The Nestos River, which flows along the Drama-Kavala border, is one of the most important wetlands in Greece, providing a habitat for migratory birds and aquatic species. Key wildlife includes:
✔ Dalmatian pelicans & great white egrets – Iconic wetland birds.
✔ Otters & beavers – Living along the riverbanks.
✔ Kingfishers & ospreys – Skilled fish hunters.
✔ Turtles & amphibians – Found in the marshes and slow-moving waters.
Nestos is a paradise for nature photographers and birdwatchers, offering stunning kayaking and river rafting experiences through the lush river valley.
The Forests of Elatia & Menikio – Home of the Big Predators
The Elatia and Menikio forests, located in the northern part of Drama, are known for their dense beech, fir, and pine forests that provide an ideal environment for Greece’s largest carnivores. Here, you can find:
✔ Brown bears & wolves – The region’s apex predators.
✔ Red foxes & badgers – Smaller but equally fascinating mammals.
✔ Wild boars – Commonly seen in the undergrowth.
✔ Owls & hawks – Hunting in the thick canopy.
These forests are amazing for trekking, wildlife observation, and off-road adventures, offering some of the most remote and peaceful landscapes in Greece.
Why Drama is a Must-Visit for Nature Lovers
✔ One of the most ecologically diverse regions in Greece
✔ Home to rare species found nowhere else in the country
✔ A mix of Scandinavian and Mediterranean ecosystems
✔ Perfect for hiking, birdwatching, off-road trips, and wildlife observation
✔ A place where nature still exists in its purest form
Whether you want to explore untouched forests, hike dramatic peaks, observe rare wildlife, or simply reconnect with nature, Drama, Greece, offers an adventure unlike anywhere else in the country.