PREFECTURE OF DRAMA

The prefecture lies between the prefectures of Serres, Kavala and Xanthi. It is surrounded by the bulges of Rodopi (1,953m), Menikio (1,963m), Orvilos (2,212m), Paggeo (1,956m) and finally the mounts of Lekani (1,298m). The highest bulge is Mount Falakro (2,232m) which is the mountainous symbol of Drama.

The flora making up the vegetation in the prefecture of Drama is rich in rare species that are unique to Greece. The number of species exceeds 1,000, while forests onsisting of these species are only to be found in the Prefecture of Drama. The fauna in the prefecture is particularly endowed. More than 150 species of birds can be found in the prefecture and at least 32 species of mammals, most of which are rare and under threat of extinction such as carnivores, predatory, reptiles and amphibian. The climate is mainly humid and continental for the highlands and windy for the flat country. Rainfalls usually occur during winter and the main feature of the climate is the extra low temperature observed in the district of Kato Nevrokopi. This is an area known to most for its harsh winters with temperatures falling to as much as -20°C. In administrative terms the prefecture falls within the Eastern Macedonia-Thrace Region and is divided into eight municipalities (Drama, Kato Nevrokopi, Prosotsani, Nikiforos, Paranesti, Doxato, Kalambaki and Sitagri) and one community (Sidironero).

The population of the prefecture of Drama is 103,975 including the residents of the city of Drama (43,485). The prefecture is not too far from other cities such as Thessaloniki (155kms), Athens (665kms), Kavala (36kms) and Xanthi (87kms) if someone wants to travel on road. Another choice for the traveller would be by train so as to enjoy the beautiful scenery throughout the route. Two more choices would be by ship from Kavala and by plane via the Megas Alexandros Airport at Chrysoupoli.

Meadows, forests, rare lands with rich fauna and flora is just a short description of the natural environment that surrounds the Prefecture of Drama.
For those who love adventure and high risk Mount Falakro is one of the most exciting areas for climbing in all of Greece. Rising majestically in the centre of the prefecture of Drama Mount Falakro consists of a group of three massifs: the north-western one known as "Ayio Pnevma" with the highest peak rising to 1,629m, the south-western one known as "Ayios Pavlos" whose highest peak stands at 1,768m and the eastern one known as "Profitis Ilias" whose highest peak rises to 2,232m. There are also two other peaks known as "Vardena" and "Hionotrypa". Today Mount Falakro is 45% covered in meadows, 35% in forests and 20% with shrubs, bush, rocks and exposed land. It is highly recommended for climbing, ascenting, strolls and skiing.

Mountain Menikio is a continuation of Mount Falakro towards the south. The highest peak on Menikio is "Mavromata" in the prefecture of Serres that stands at 1,963m while the highest peak located within the prefecture of Drama is "Thamnotopi" standing at 1,952m. The mountain is characterized by its distinctive terrain ranging from mountains and sub-alpine meadows with rich flora to forests of beech and beech mixed with Abies borisii regis, forests of centuries old chestnuts and the rich bird life. The fauna of the area includes wild boars, roe deer, hares, wolves, skunks, rock badgers and so on.
Mountain Orvilos forms the common boundary between Bulgaria and prefectures of Drama and Serres. Its highest tip reaches 2,212m.
The rivers, lakes, streams and waterfalls compose a unique scenery ans silmutaneously play and role in the greenery of the prefecture.
The river Nestos springs up in central Bulgaria and enters Greece via the prefecture of Drama and spills out into the Gulf of Thrace. In total it is 234 km long, 130km of which pass through Greek territory and constitutes the common border between the prefectures of Xanthi and Kavala. It flows into the sea opposite the island of Thassos forming the Nestos delta.
The river Angitis is a main element in the hydrographical network starts at the Maara springs, crosses the western side of the lowlands and having collected its waters at Philippi pours into the Strymon river. The Maara springs are the outlet of an underground river that crosses the Maara cave.
The lakes of the prefecture have been created by the construction of three dams. The dam of Lefkogia, Platanovrisi and Thysavrou. There are also many streams such as the Arkoudorema (bear's stream), the Diavolorema (devil's stream) and the Megalo Rema (big stream).