//
The "Dassiko Horio" hotel is in the middle of the Elatia Forest, the southernmost point of Europe, where you can find alpine vegetation. The Elatia Forest Hotel is the starting point for walks in the "Frakto mediterranean primeval forest". You drive from Drama passing the Nestos dam and the village Sidironero on a paved road to Skaloti. From there follow the dirt road for 15 km to the hotel. Elatia is the largest forest in Greece with a variety of special plants and animals. UNESCO has classified the forest as a natural monument with protected areas, especially the pristine part of Fraktos. Hiking in the uninhabited area requires proper preparation.
© OpenStreetMap contributors
From the ruined castle Adriani only the foundation walls are left. What makes the approximately 5 km dirt road nevertheless worth going, is the fantastic view over the mountains and the Pangaion Mountain range. On the ruins of the castle, a chapel (Ag.Ioannis) was built, which is very photogenic despite its simplicity because of the stunning landscape.
Inhabited from prehistoric times to the 6th century AD.
About 50 km from Drama on the mountain Falakros is the ski centre of the same name. The environment is wonderful and the views impressive, so you should not miss a visit even in the summer.
Coming from Petrussa, shortly after the end of the gorge, on the right side you can see the ruins of an ancient fortification with the Greek flag visible from afar. Tradition has it that the wife of Alexander the Great (Roxane) was imprisoned here after his death, since she was not welcome as a Persian to the Macedonians. A few kilometres further you come to the very worth seeing mountain village Pyrgi, which means towers. In the village you can see the ruins of several towers built of natural stone, which were probably residential towers, comparable to those in the well-known villages on the Mani (Peloponnese). These defensive towers were multi-story houses with small windows, designed to defend its inhabitants. The village is in a fantastic mountain landscape with some photogenic churches and a recommendable simple restaurant, where you can sit cool even in midsummer.
The viewpoint overlooking the city with a cafe in a pine forest is one of Drama's must see attractions.
There is a small bird of prey park in the village Agora east of Drama. The Birdwatching Park from 15 June to 15 September will be open daily from 17:00 and the weekend from 11:00. Birds flying will take place on Saturday and Sunday at 19:00.