Dadia Forest
The Dadia Forest in eastern Greece is famous for wildlife, especially birds, with accommodation and information available at the Dadia Ecotourism Centre.
Head north-east from the Evros Delta and you will reach the small town of Féres, which would make a good base for exploring the area to the north of here, the 32,500-hectare Dadia Forest Reserve. Set in the Evros Valley and overshadowed by the Evros Mountains, this is another scenically splendid area of Greece and mostly visited by those with an interest in its wide range of wildlife. It's especially noted for the fact that 36 of Europe's 38 species of predatory birds can be found here.
Dadia Forest Reserve Information Centre
There is an information centre in the forest, at the Dadia Ecotourism Centre, reached from near the village of Likófi. At the centre you will naturally find a lot of information about the flora and the fauna of the Reserve, which is especially noted for its rare birds of prey. At the centre you can also get advice on exploring the Reserve, which can be done by way of an organised tour van, which goes into the areas where cars are banned, or on foot.
There are two main footpaths to be followed, and these are well-marked. One leads to the highest point in the Reserve, at 520 meters (1706ft), and the other to a hide which looks out over the Mavrorema Canyon, giving chance for visitors to see some of the raptors as they soar on the thermals that rise out of the canyon.
In addition to the eagles and vultures, other species seen here include the lanner falcon, black kite, goshawk, Levant sparrowhawk, honey buzzard and the increasingly rare black stork, although there are only a few of these in the forest.
Accommodation in the Dadia Forest
It is quite possible to stay in the Reserve, as there are 20 rooms available at the Dadia Ecotourism Centre, which also has a restaurant and café. You would need to book ahead as it gets full at busy periods such as migration times in spring and autumn. There is a café nearby, and more eating options and shops in the village of Dadiá, about 1km (1/2 mile) away.
Our Pick of the Guides to Greece
Other Thrace Pages
Greece Travel Secrets explores the best areas for Birdwatching in Greece including the Prespa Lakes, Evros River Delta, Dadia Forest and Mesolongi.
Macedonia and Thrace are the regions in Greece where travelers will find Thessaloniki, Mount Athos monasteries, Halkidiki and sites like Dion and Pella.
The city of Xanthi in Thrace is a lively university town with several museums, old mansions, and one of the best markets in Thrace.
Philippi is an ancient archaeological site near Kavala in East Macedonia and Thrace and is famous for being the place where the apostle St Paul was imprisoned.
Komotini is a town in eastern Thrace in Greece, with many Turkish influences, and it is also home to the Pomak people.
The Evros Delta National Park is one of the most important wetlands in the whole of Europe, and a magnet for birdwatchers, with nearby accommodation.
The village of Avdira, or Abdera, with its ancient archaeological site is close to Xanthi in Thrace, Greece, and has its own beach and nearby is Lake Vistonida.
Alexandroupoli is a city in the Thrace region of Greece, in the extreme east of the country, the closest Greek city to the border with Turkey.
Greece Travel Secrets goes hiking in southwest Crete with Ramblers Walking Holidays based in Paleohora and hiking the E4 footpath and to Anidri and Azogires.
The Bradt Guide to Northern Greece is a detailed guide to Thessaloniki, Halkidiki, Macedonia, Thrace, The Pelion, The Sporades and the rest of Northern Greece.
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