Kondolovo village – “The wild rhododendron kingdom”

Kondolovo lays into Strandzha Nature Park, and it is a small village, mostly known for its significant habitat of a rare plant from prehistoric times – the wild Rhododendron ponticum. In its surroundings, there is a centuries-old deciduous forest, which is a real treasure because of other exotic and rare plants into it. Apart from its natural features, Kondolovo is also interesting for tourists because of the preserved old Strandzha houses from the middle of the 19th century. The village is almost deserted, the population is only 16 people. It is 24 km west of Tsarevo and 33 km east of Malko Tarnovo, and it lays on the main road connecting both cities, which are also municipal centres.

Here we will introduce you to the eco path leading to “The wild rhododendron kingdom”, which is relatively new, opened in 2015.

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Balgari village: Peak Diado Valcho and “Briar root” area near Silkosia Reserve

It is a pleasant and easy route that runs along the border of the Silkosia Reserve, located on the territory of Strandzha Nature Park. On this trail, one crosses a lovely forest with a wide variety of vegetation species. One plant is an instant eye-catcher – the Rhododendron ponticum. This plant, indeed, with its shiny evergreen leaves, in itself, creates an association with the vegetation of exotic and distant tropical jungles. At the end of the route, we reached the highest point in the area, which offers beautiful views of the surrounding green hills. There is a habitat of another rare and protected plant – the Briar root. At the request of the hikers, from there can continue to the village of Kosti.

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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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Kosti village and the 14 brothers oaks in Strandzha

The village of Kosti into Strandzha Nature Park is popular with its nestinarian customs, the old-growth forests and eco-trails in its surroundings. It is a suitable destination both as a for rural tourism and adventure tourism. Attractive is also the preserved old houses, as well as its church, which is one of the most beautiful rural churches in the area. Moreover, its proximity to the Black Sea resort of Tsarevo (24 km away) makes it an accessible tourist destination for holidaymakers that want to diversify their seaside vacation. The village also offers guest houses for a more extended stay.

Here we will present an easy and short hiking trail leading to the chapel “St. Elijah ‘and the 300-year-old 14 old Strandzha oaks. As rural tourism landmarks, along this walk can see lovely nature and a chapel, essential for the culture of local people. That species of wood is called Strandzha oak (Quercus hartwissiana), and in Strandzha they call them “Lazhnik.”

Below you will find brief information about the village of Kosti and pictures of old wooden houses and the church.

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Sinemorets: Silistar Beach

 Silistar Beach is the southernmost big beach on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. The hospitable sheltered bay, the wild forest behind the beach, the lack of buildings together with the incredibly clear waters, the elongated rocky capes at both ends make it a favourite beach for the many vacationers who chosen the local area as a holiday destination.

The beach is attractive to both adventurers and vacationers seeking solitude, as there are two completely wild beaches nearby that one can reach along а coastal eco-path. Those are the beaches “Lipite” and “Listi”.

Silistar Beach lays between the resort settlements of Sinemorets (6 km) and Rezovo (7 km) and from the regional city Burgas is 88 km south. Can reach the beach by car, there is also parking in the woods.

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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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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: Boat trip upstream the Ropotamo River

Along with this boat trip, you can contemplate the dense forests on the banks, similar to a jungle, with creepers, many swamp turtles and water snakes. The vegetation is such abundant, so overhanging branches of the trees overshadow the river.

Overall, this trip is a small but easily accessible adventure in the wildlife around the town of Primorsko.

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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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