Strandzha is a mountain massif in South-Eastern Bulgaria and the European part of Turkey, including 5 nature reserves, 14 protected sites and 8 natural sites. Discover a part of one of the most preserved and largest protected territory of Bulgaria.
Strandzha is Bulgaria’s largest (1161 km2) and most varied nature park located along the Black Sea Coast in Eastern Europe, one of those unspoilt, undiscovered areas in Europe where man has had very little influence. It includes 5 nature reserves, 14 protected sites and 8 natural sites. A landscape of rolling hills is perfect to explore on foot. It’s a very quiet area, with only 7000 people living there. Strandzha has a Mediterranean climate with the highest number of sunshine hours in the whole of Bulgaria during Summer. The area offers a wide variety of Landscapes. Nature lovers and preserved areas of mass tourism will be delighted.
In the middle of the nature park the landscape is dominated by extensive beech and oak forest where taking place the Veleka river, one of the cleanest and unspoilt rivers in Eastern Europe.
The eastern border of Strandzha Natural Park where we spent time offers extraordinary panoramas that you can discover on foot, along the quiet coast and enjoy undiscovered beaches, volcanic rock formations and impressive coastal landscapes. Walk over quiet beaches on Strandzha’s Black Sea coast is a real pleasant moment of relaxation. Start from Rezovo, the last village before the Turkish border. With its 46 inhabitants, it is the most south-eastern point of European Union in continental Europe in the coastal Strandzha geographical region. Make a break under the Bulgarian and Turkish flags, just in front of Turkey.
©madamebulgaria, Rezovo, the last village before the Turkish border
Then go up the Bulgarian coast. Feel free to mark a stop in the open natural places lying within the boundaries of the Strandzha Nature Park as the incredibly beautiful Silistar Beach. Also known by the name « The beach of pirates », the beach is located at only 5 km south of village of Sinemorets, in intersection on the road to Rezovo village. Silistar beach is reached by 1 km dirty road through the forest. Its sea water is crystal and clear and the sand fine and golden. Silistar was declared a protected area in 1992 by the Ministry of Environment of Bulgaria. At dunes and cliffs around nesting rare and endangered birds. It’s definitely so quiet and beautiful.
©madamebulgaria, Silistar Beach
Sinemorets means « Bleu Azur ». With its two lovely white beaches and incredible cliffs, this spot is one of the most impressive and relaxing place of the Strandzha area. Leave the crowds behind and enjoy the beautiful views to the sea. It’s so amazing !
©madamebulgaria, Sinemorets
The Mouth of Veleka River, in the same area, is the most picturesque spot on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast where Veleka river meets the Black sea. The distribution is almost unique. On one side a small lake where some fish and on the other the sea where others bathe and play.
©madamebulgaria, Mouth of Veleka River
Ahtopol is located on a rocky peninsula at the foot of the Strandzha mountain. According to the Greek legend, the goddess of love Agata loved so much the little peninsula of so-called Ahtopol that she made it her favorite place and named it Agathopolis – City of Love. Enjoy a moment to take a diner on one of the restaurant offering breathtaking views of the sea. During a morning walk along the « Chemin des Douaniers », a path lining the coast, you may be lucky to see a few dolphins wandering along the coast. A very nice and picturesque spot do not miss.
©madamebulgaria, Athopol
Then, Varvara, a few kilometers on the North of Ahtopol, is a small village best known for its intellectual community of artists and writers. Many fishermen also live in the village. There is a secluded sandy beach, and one of the most famous diving areas on the Black Sea known as the Dardaneli lies next to the village. This is a series of underwater caves and canyons offering snorkeling and diving on the coast. Just unique !
As beautiful landscapes and small authentic towns not to be missed along the Strandzha Nature Park on the Black Sea coast. Guides are available from the tourist offices of the region for you and offer you various hikes.
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