Dadia Forest: The Heart of Evros' Wild Nature UNESCO
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Raptors, ecological adventures, and silk culture

Dadia Forest: The Heart of Evros' Wild Nature UNESCO

The Dadia Forest National Park is one of the most important protected natural habitats in Europe, known for its wide variety of raptor birds, such as the black vulture and the rare griffon vulture.

Dadia Forest: Where Wildlife and Tradition Coexist Harmoniously

The Kingdom of Raptors: A Unique Ecosystem.

The Dadia Forest National Park is one of the most important protected natural habitats in Europe, known for its wide variety of raptor birds, such as the black vulture and the rare griffon vulture. The forest serves as an ideal sanctuary for dozens of species of fauna and flora, while offering excellent opportunities for ecotourism, hiking trails, and birdwatching.

Route

Suggested Cultural Monuments Route in the Dadia-Lefkimi-Soufli National Forest Park and the Wider Area

Duration:
2-3 days
Ideal for:
For all ages
stops:
19

With unique biodiversity, rare species of birds of prey, and pristine forest ecosystems, the area combines wildlife with cultural heritage.

More
Local flavors, stories, and sights around Dadia, Lefkimi, and Soufli.

Discover more in the Dadia National Park area.

Silk Museums of Soufli
Points of Interest

Silk Museums of Soufli

The silk museums of Soufli are outstanding examples of cultural heritage preservation, showcasing exhibits that include silk production tools, traditional costumes, and archive material that highlight the economic significance of silk in the region.
 

Silk Museums of Soufli
Points of Interest
Silk Museums of Soufli
The burning of Judas or Ovrios (Hebrew) in Nea Chili, Alexandroupolis
History and Culture

The burning of Judas or Ovrios (Hebrew) in Nea Chili, Alexandroupolis

An impressive Easter-time custom that attracts many people. An effigy of Judas, made of wood and old clothes, is placed on a pile of wood, and set ablaze on Resurrection night, in a festive atmosphere of symbolic purification.

The burning of Judas or Ovrios (Hebrew) in Nea Chili, Alexandroupolis
History and Culture
The burning of Judas or Ovrios (Hebrew) in Nea Chili, Alexandroupolis
Honey of Kirki
Local Products

Honey of Kirki

A select product from the area of Kirki in Evros, known for its bright, amber color and rich, sweet taste. In addition to blossom honey, the "Kirki" brand includes beeswax ointments with anti-wrinkle and healing properties, as well as propolis tincture with antibacterial properties.

Honey of Kirki
Local Products
Honey of Kirki
Sausages, Tsipouro, Silk of Soufli
Local Products

Sausages, Tsipouro, Silk of Soufli

Indicative products of the long-standing livestock tradition and the unique art of silk processing.

Sausages, Tsipouro, Silk of Soufli
Local Products
Sausages, Tsipouro, Silk of Soufli
Fossilized Forest of Lefkimi
Points of Interest

Fossilized Forest of Lefkimi

The fossilized forest of Lefkimi is a rare geological monument, 40 million years old. Its fossilized trees and plants provide significant information about the climate and flora of the past, making it one of the most interesting geological sites in Greece.

Fossilized Forest of Lefkimi
Points of Interest
Fossilized Forest of Lefkimi
Soufli Folklore Museum "Ta Gnafala" by the Bouroulitis Family
Points of Interest

Soufli Folklore Museum "Ta Gnafala" by the Bouroulitis Family

The “Gnafala” Folklore Museum of Soufli focuses on the daily life of the town’s residents, presenting the evolution of silk production and the social conditions of past centuries. It is a valuable source of knowledge about local history and folklore.

Soufli Folklore Museum "Ta Gnafala" by the Bouroulitis Family
Points of Interest
Soufli Folklore Museum "Ta Gnafala" by the Bouroulitis Family
Byzantine Castle of Gibrena (Kornofolia)
Points of Interest

Byzantine Castle of Gibrena (Kornofolia)

The ruins of the castle of Gibrena probably date back to the time of Justinian (6th century AD), during which the Byzantine Empire engaged in extensive fortification activities to protect its borders. The castle appears to have played a strategic role in controlling the area, serving as a center for defensive operations.

Byzantine Castle of Gibrena (Kornofolia)
Points of Interest
Byzantine Castle of Gibrena (Kornofolia)
Stone Bridge of Giannouli
Points of Interest

Stone Bridge of Giannouli

Constructed between the 15th and 16th centuries, the three-arched bridge of Giannouli is an architectural gem that facilitated communication in mountainous Thrace. Its well-crafted stones testify to the exceptional skills of the craftsmen of the time.

Stone Bridge of Giannouli
Points of Interest
Stone Bridge of Giannouli
Bread and Wheat Museum in Lefkimi, Evros
Points of Interest

Bread and Wheat Museum in Lefkimi, Evros

This thematic museum is dedicated to cereal cultivation and bread making, two key elements of the area's rural life. Its exhibits include tools, archival documents, and information on cultivation techniques that shaped the region's nutritional history.

Bread and Wheat Museum in Lefkimi, Evros
Points of Interest
Bread and Wheat Museum in Lefkimi, Evros
Abandoned Settlement of Moukante (Kotronia)
Points of Interest

Abandoned Settlement of Moukante (Kotronia)

The archaeological site of Moukante comprises megalithic monuments (dolmens) associated with prehistoric burial mounds. These monuments reveal construction techniques found in various ancient cultures and demonstrate the long habitation of the area. The settlement retains traces of human activity likely extending from the Bronze Age to the Early Historic period.

Abandoned Settlement of Moukante (Kotronia)
Points of Interest
Abandoned Settlement of Moukante (Kotronia)
Stone Bridge of Pesani
Points of Interest

Stone Bridge of Pesani

The bridge of Pesani is the epitome of folk architecture, made entirely from local stone. It served as a key transportation axis for local residents, reflecting the importance of bridges in transportation and trade.

Stone Bridge of Pesani
Points of Interest
Stone Bridge of Pesani
Carnival of Tychero (Municipality of Soufli)
History and Culture

Carnival of Tychero (Municipality of Soufli)

A colorful celebration of joy and fun held by the Municipality of Soufli, featuring impressive carnival parades, music, and traditional events for all ages.

Carnival of Tychero (Municipality of Soufli)
History and Culture
Carnival of Tychero (Municipality of Soufli)
Evros Olive Oil
Local Products

Evros Olive Oil

A product of olive groves cultivated in a particularly favorable climate, thanks to the proximity of the river to the sea.

Evros Olive Oil
Local Products
Evros Olive Oil
Continuous cultural events
History and Culture

Continuous cultural events

Continuous cultural events with book presentations and conferences organized by active cultural associations in the area, the Ethnological Museum of Thrace – Angeliki Giannakidou, the Historical Museum of Alexandroupolis, and the Democritus University of Thrace.

Continuous cultural events
History and Culture
Continuous cultural events
Monastery of Panagia Portaitissa (Kornofolia)
Points of Interest

Monastery of Panagia Portaitissa (Kornofolia)

The Monastery of Panagia Portaitissa holds a special place in the religious and cultural landscape of Thrace. Its church, well-preserved, is linked to the long-standing Orthodox tradition and is a center of worship.

Monastery of Panagia Portaitissa (Kornofolia)
Points of Interest
Monastery of Panagia Portaitissa (Kornofolia)
Monastery of Dadia
Points of Interest

Monastery of Dadia

The Monastery of Dadia is closely tied to the religious life of the area. Its natural surroundings, near the Dadia National Park, make it an attraction for visitors and pilgrims. Its historical significance demonstrates the continuous presence of monastic communities in Thrace.

Monastery of Dadia
Points of Interest
Monastery of Dadia
Burial Tumulus of Mikri Doxipara-Zoni
Points of Interest

Burial Tumulus of Mikri Doxipara-Zoni

The burial tumulus of Mikri Doxipara-Zoni is a unique burial complex from the 2nd century AD that reveals significant elements of burial customs during the Roman period in Thrace. The standout finding is the four carriages and horses that accompanied the deceased, demonstrating the particular burial practices of the upper social classes of the time. This monument holds great archaeological significance, documenting Thrace's relationship with the Roman Empire.
 

Burial Tumulus of Mikri Doxipara-Zoni
Points of Interest
Burial Tumulus of Mikri Doxipara-Zoni
Stone-built Macedonian-style Tomb (Lagyna)
Points of Interest

Stone-built Macedonian-style Tomb (Lagyna)

The tomb of Lagyna is one of the most typical examples of Macedonian funerary architecture, dating back to the 4th century BC. It is constructed from hewn stones and features a vault, akin to similar burial structures found in Macedonia. Its existence confirms the cultural and economic development of the area during the Classical period, while its structure reflects the social and political conditions of the time.

Stone-built Macedonian-style Tomb (Lagyna)
Points of Interest
Stone-built Macedonian-style Tomb (Lagyna)
Traditional events on the "Chilia" hill
History and Culture

Traditional events on the "Chilia" hill

The Alevi Muslim community of Thrace organizes annual traditional events on the "Chilia" hill near Roussa, Evros. These events, usually held in August, include religious ceremonies and oil wrestling competitions known as "pechlivanides."

Traditional events on the "Chilia" hill
History and Culture
Traditional events on the "Chilia" hill
Eleftheria of Alexandroupolis
History and Culture

Eleftheria of Alexandroupolis

Held every May with a rich cultural program featuring musicians and renowned Greek singers.

Eleftheria of Alexandroupolis
History and Culture
Eleftheria of Alexandroupolis
Oumats, Ifkadia, Trachanas
Local Products

Oumats, Ifkadia, Trachanas

Traditional Thracian pasta recipes that reflect the gastronomic history of the area.

Oumats, Ifkadia, Trachanas
Local Products
Oumats, Ifkadia, Trachanas
River fish
Local Products

River fish

such as the wels catfish, which can weigh up to 150 kilos, the common carp, and the Corfu toothcarps, which are tasty fish.

River fish
Local Products
River fish
Soufli Silk Museum by the Piraeus Cultural Foundation (PIOP)
History and Culture

Soufli Silk Museum by the Piraeus Cultural Foundation (PIOP)

Rich program of nearly daily cultural events, film screenings, and theatrical performances at the Soufli Silk Museum by the Piraeus Cultural Foundation (PIOP).

Soufli Silk Museum by the Piraeus Cultural Foundation (PIOP)
History and Culture
Soufli Silk Museum by the Piraeus Cultural Foundation (PIOP)
Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know.

Where can I find information about the Dadia – Lefkimi – Soufli Forest National Park?
Where can I find information about the Dadia – Lefkimi – Soufli Forest National Park?
Does the park offer organized tours or educational programs?
Does the park offer organized tours or educational programs?
How is the access to the National Park?
How is the access to the National Park?
Are there hiking trails in the park?
Are there hiking trails in the park?
Can I cycle in the park?
Can I cycle in the park?
Are the trails accessible for people with mobility impairments?
Are the trails accessible for people with mobility impairments?
Where can I park my vehicle?
Where can I park my vehicle?
Can I observe birds in the park?
Are there recreational areas in the park?
Are there recreational areas in the park?
Are there accommodation options near the National Park?
Are there accommodation options near the National Park?
Where can I eat in the area?
Where can I eat in the area?
Is there a map for the suggested route?
Is there a map for the suggested route?