The forest of Elatia, within an area of 700 square kilometers, is a forested mountain area in the regional units of Drama and Kavala along the Greek-Bulgarian border. It is one of the biggest forests in the country, and one that has recently been expanded, due to the reduction of human (agricultural) activity in the area resulting in natural reforestation that continues even today.
It is a habitat of great importance, with numerous species of flora and fauna, some of which are endemic to the Balkans and many of which are rare in Greece. As a matter of fact, Elatia is the inhabitant of many wild mammals such as the brown bear, the wolf, the wild goat, the jackal, wild boar, the fox, the wildcat, the badger, the ferret, the weasel, the brown hare - among others. There is also a great wealth of birds including the rare wild boar. Elatia is the only birch forest in Greece of unique beauty. Additionally, the flora includes a wide variety of species such as - among others - spruce, pine, cedars, beeches, poplars, maples, oaks, and wild roses. A wide variety of mushrooms also grow in the forest - many of which are edible.
The forest village of Elatia is located in the middle of the forested area.
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