• Hellenic Republic • Prefecture of Drama

The forest is located on the northeastern edge of the Prefecture of Drama below the highest peak of Central Rodopi at 1,953 m. It has been characterized as a virgin forest and is the only such forest in the country and considered one of the most important of its kind in Europe. 11 million square metres were recorded as virgin forest in 1979 and in 1980 it was immediately declared a natural monument worthy of protection due to its large phyto-geographical, ecological and historical value.

Since then the area has been under a mantle of absolute protection since no human activity apart from scientific research is permitted in the forest. It is described as virgin forest because it has followed exclusively natural processes in its development and has not been disturbed by man for at least 500 years. By the term "virgin" we do not imply that there has never been any human presence or activity but rather that human influences have been mild and have not affected the general nature of the undisturbed forest ecosystem.
The form of virgin forest differs from that of a common forest because in a virgin forest various species of broad-leaved trees and conifers of different ages and heights co-exist with aged and dried out trees of great height. Visibility is poor due to the dense vegetation and passage is difficult due to fallen trees. In a virgin forest there is a high possibility of meeting some wild animal since their populations here are large and they are not afraid to show themselves since they have not become used to human interference..
Around this particular forest there is a protective band of forest known as Frakto forest. In this area the forest resembles that of Central Rodopi and is partially protected since herding sheep and hunting are both prohibited while timber production and forest leisure pursuits are permitted. The operational centre of the forest is the Frakto forest worksite that is located some 8.5 km from the border of the virgin forest.

The fauna that is to be seen in the virgin forest includes a great many species in large numbers. The area is one of the most important Greek mountainous ecosystems with almost all species of animals living on Greek mountains being found here. The fauna that lives here has free range throughout the whole of the forest of Frakto.
The forest is located at relatively high altitudes, commencing at 780 m, covering densely forested slopes and ending with the virgin forest at an altitude of 1,953 m. There are many gorges, flat areas and meadows (at the upper altitudes) and these create the necessary conditions for the co-existence of many species. In Frakto more than 100 species of birds nest and reproduce including quite a few species which are listed in the European Community Directive on species requiring special protection. The forest is equally rich in mammal species. In the wider area of the forest there are at least 32 species of mammal to be found, including sundry rare species to be found in Greece and Europe. The Virgin Forest is essential for their incontinued survival.
From an aesthetic point of view what makes the forest of Frakto stand out is its unique beauty. Strong geological formations in the central section of the area together with many rough slopes lend an air of harshness and wilderness to the area that is something that normal forest landscapes do not have. The stream "Achladorema" together with the other streams in the forest form six impressive waterfalls and add that other necessary aesthetic element, water.

The landscape of the area contains a wealth of vegetation which with a large variety of evergreens and deciduous trees, broad-leaves and conifers giving many shades of green to enjoy while in the autumn the tones of the changing leaves are impressive. Moreover, the existence of wild fruit-bearing trees and bushes as well as the large number of wild flowers combine to make this a truly beautiful landscape. The virgin forest is needless to say, characterized by its virgin vegetation. The height of the tress, the structure of the forest and the density of plants create the sense of an unfamiliar landscape for the visitor.
The forest of Frakto is a unique natural monument, as far as the Rodopi mountain range is concerned. The existence of the virgin forest here, the combination of geological and hydrological formations with the rich flora and fauna make this a complete forest landscape that is considered to be one of the most beautiful in Greece.