Kosti village ecotourism: Trail to Raykov Vir waterfall

To the “Raykov Vir” Waterfall is one more hiking trail, near the lovely village of Kosti – a destination for ecotourism and rural tourism. In fact, we learned about this short and easy route from the “Rhododendron ponticum Festival” which in 2019 took place right here – in the village of Kosti, nearby Tsarevo city on the Black Sea Coast.

Like the route leading to the “Kazancheto” waterfall, this one will also take you to a small secret waterfall, and along the way will see in many places the rare plant and symbol for Strandzha – the Rhododendron ponticum.

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Kosti village: The secret waterfall Kazancheto

Here is another opportunity for a nice eco-walk in the vicinity of the Strandzha village of Kosti – the path to the “Bogorodishki Dol” area. Along this adventure trail, one moves through astonish old-growing forest past the Veleka River. Finally – at the shelter of “Bogorodishki Dol” can see the secret small waterfall “Kazancheto”, as well as seeing the beautiful and rare plant that has become a symbol of Strandzha – Rhododendron ponticum (Black sea rhododendron in translation).

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Ahtopol – Sinemorets – hiking trail past volcanic formations to the Veleka Mouth

In Ahtopol, at the fishing pier near the lighthouse, is the start of the route past volcanic formations to the Veleka River Mouth. Near the port can park a car. Then, there is walking to the south along the curves of many small bays resembling fjords and rock formations. Тhere are ascents and descents along the entire route because the relief is rugged. At the end of the way, overall, you will reach a steep shore where can see a magnificent view of the Veleka River Mouth near Sinemorets.

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Pomorie Lake: Walk along the sand strip

Pomorie Lake is separated from the sea by sand strip and artificial dyke, and it lays around the town of Pomorie. The sand of the beach is in black because of the iron oxides that contain. It is the longest beach on the Southern Black Sea – 6 km long. Moreover, the place is suitable for beach, walking, jogging and leisurely cycling, as the whole road is wholly level and wide enough. Along the sand strip, there were formed dunes during the years. On them grow rare and protected kinds of plants that need high salinity soil.

The locals call the area with the name “Ivitsata” ( “the strip” in translation).

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Marina Reka – a walk in the prehistoric forest

In this incredible place – the “Marina Reka” area, you will have the opportunity to observe into one small area plants that inhabited the whole of Europe during the Tertiary period. The locality attracts tourists because of its easy access, as well as being the closest destination to the sea, where the symbolic plant for Strandzha mountain grows. That is the rhododendron ponticum. The area is only 12 km west of Tsarevo and 45 km east of Malko Tarnovo.

The beginning of the hiking trail leading to the area starts from the main road Tsarevo – Malko Tarnovo. It is about 5 km after the village of Izgrev, Strandzha Nature Park. At the present time, there is only a small, hard-to-see sign where can park a car. It is preferable to reach that exit by vehicle (own or rent) because public transport doesn’t stop here. For more accurate orientation, you can download the GPX file attached below.

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Primorsko: From Arkutino to the mouth of the Ropotamo River

As an alternative way to reach the mouth of the Ropotamo River, except for the hiking trail starting from Primorsko, there is also an eco-path whose start is at Arkutino Beach. Sequently is passing through Cape Caya and continues to the mouth. The path consists of an alternation of dunes and forest and the route is smooth and relatively flat. Along the way, you can see many rare sandy plants, moreover and the bizarre rock formations of Cape Kaya. This route belongs to Ropotamo Reserve.

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Sinemorets – a paradise for relaxing at sea and adventures.

Sinemorets resort has excellent conditions for recreation at sea combined with opportunities for tourist walks around beautiful nature. To this contributes its location on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast and the mouth of the Veleka River. The beaches of Sinemorets are among the most beautiful along the Black Sea Coast. Two of them are entirely wild and suitable for those seeking tranquillity and privacy in nature. The 8 km stretch from the mouth of the Veleka River to “Tsarsko kladenche” is acceptable for sailing, which provides opportunities for a motorboat and kayak trip, to observe the rare yellow water lily.
The location of  Sinemorets is on the territory of Strandzha Nature Park (the most significant nature park in Bulgaria). Next to the village, there are declared two protected areas with unique natural resources. Read more… “Sinemorets – a paradise for relaxing at sea and adventures.”

Primorsko: Rock formation “Lion’s Head” and a fortress

The “Lion’s head” (“Lavskata glava” in Bulgarian) is a part of Ropotamo Reserve near Primorsko, Bulgaria. It is a rock formation composed of syenite blocks and declared as a natural landmark. Its age is 65-70 million years, and it rises 80 meters above the Ropotamo River in a stretch where the trunk road Sozopol – Primorsko runs parallel to the river. It has great popularity because it is noticeable by travelling cars on the road. In proximity to the “Lion’s head” (300 meters of it) you can go by one of the hiking trails in Ropotamo Reserve.

The place attracts tourists because of the beautiful forest nature, rugged relief, panoramic views of the surrounding area, as well as the opportunity to see objects of archaeological significance. It is suitable for hikers, came for a vacation at the Black Sea coast. In the early Iron Age, it was built an ancient city, and its fortress was used until the 19th century when was named “Valchanovo Kale” (“Valchan’s fortress” in Bulgarian).

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Primorsko: Walk to the mouth of Ropotamo river

Ropotamo Reserve is located near the town of Primorsko, Bulgаria and has the same name as the passing river. It is part of the larger protected area Ropotamo Ramsar. In addition to the variety of animal and plant species, you can also see many other unusual and rare landmarks: rock formations, archaeological monuments, the Ropotamo river basin, the marsh with the European white water lilies, etc. In this part of our site, I will introduce you the eco path reaching the mouth of the Ropotamo river.

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Ropotamo Reserve – information and map of hiking trails

Ropotamo Reserve and its surroundings are famous for its wild nature, rugged relief, various natural landmarks, rocky seashores, beach, dunes and swamps. Its location is close to the town of Primorsko, Bulgaria.

On the attached map below, the boundary of Ropotamo reserve is with a red line. The protected areas “Beglik Tash – Ropotamo” and “Rock formations, the fjords and the seal’s cave in the field of Cape Maslen Nos” are located close to it. Read more… “Ropotamo Reserve – information and map of hiking trails”