• Hellenic Republic • Prefecture of Drama

The area is located in the central and northern parts of the prefecture and extends along the Greek-Bulgarian border area. It is characterised by dense forests that cover 90% of the area and by the existence of the forest village of Elatia.
At the location known as "Koutra" which is situated 72 km from Drama lies the forest village of Elatia, owned by the Forest Service, the village being the administrative and operational centre for the Forest of Elatia.
The village consists of impressive stone buildings that are used by the Forest Service to accommodate visitors, among other things. The village is fully equipped with running water, electricity and telephones.

The primula, among the first wild flowers of spring to appear.

The only forest of spruce trees in the country is to be found at Elatia where the landscape brings to mind similar landscapes in central and northern Europe. Moreover there is also another unique forest nearby known as "Magoula" consisting of birch trees. The Fly Agaric mushroom is poisonous. In this area worshippers of the species will find a wealth of edible mushrooms.

The Fly Agaric mushroom is poisonous. In this area worshippers of the species will find a wealth of edible mushrooms.

Other species of trees and bushes which can be encountered are Abies borisii regis (which resembles the European poplar), pinus sylvestris, cedars, beech, birch, poplar, willow, sorbus, maple, oak, ash, alder, dogwood, hornbeam, ostrya, elder, bourtree, wild roses, whortleberries and so on while there is a whole range of softwood plants to be seen. Generally speaking there is a great wealth of plant species in Elatia (more than 700) many of which are perculiar to the Balkans, and many of which are rare even in Greece. Moreover, a wide variety of mushrooms are to be seen many of which are edible (Boletus, Shaggymane and Amanita caesarean). The fauna in the area is also rich with species such as the brown bear, the wild boar, the deer, the roe deer, the hare, the wolf, the wild cat, the wood pigeon, eagles, hawks and woodpeckers, among others.