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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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: Hiking trail to the wild beaches Lipite, Listi and Silistar Beach

“Lipite” and “Listi” wild beaches lay between the resort villages of Sinemorets and Rezovo, and they are entirely uncivilized and almost deserted. There is no road to reach them by car, and the only way to visit is the eco-path described here, whose going is a real adventure. On the trail, one runs along a stunning coastline past meadows and unusual rock formations. Indeed, those cliffs are the result of volcanic activity millions of years ago. Surrounded by wild forest, quiet and rarely visited, these wild beaches are attractive to seekers of tranquillity and privacy. At the end of the trail, you will find yourself at another exotic, trendy but not so peaceful place – the Silistar Beach.

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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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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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Cape Emine – the northern end of Burgas Bay

Cape Emine is the northernmost point of the Burgas Bay and can be seen from far away from some of the cities located in it – Pomorie, Nessebar, Sozopol, Chernomorets. Besides, the Cape is a navigation marker for sailors and fishing boats. In this regard, there is a lighthouse at its very end.

Beside Emine is part of the Balkan Mountains and a place where the mountain meets the sea. Because of this, the shores here are incredibly steep – 60 meters above sea level. The site is mostly visited by vacationers who came to to the nearby beach of Irakli, as well as by hikers, passing the 600 km long mountain hiking trail from Kom peak (near Berkovitsa, West Bulgaria). Access to Cape Emine is difficult and requires either a high-speed car or a pedestrian crossing (at least 7 km).

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