Would you like to discover more of Bulgaria’s wonderful nature in addition to Cape Kaliakra on the Black Sea coast and the beautiful cities of Bulgaria? Then you should visit the diverse Strandzha Nature Park, which is known not only for its unique flora and fauna but also for its clear waters.
The Strandzha Nature Park is located in the southeast of Bulgaria, near the Turkish border. It is known as the largest protected area in Bulgaria and immerses visitors in a subtropical vegetation with numerous rivers and rare animals. In this nature park, you will not only explore untouched nature but also encounter traditional villages. Embark on this adventure and follow the countless hiking trails!
The nature park boasts rich biodiversity with a variety of different plant species. On the Bulgarian side, you can discover over 1,660 species and 54 subspecies of higher ferns, horsetails, and seed plants. So don’t forget to bring a magnifying glass and download a plant identification app beforehand.
Another highlight is the incredibly diverse occurrence of fungi. So far, over 100 species have been discovered, most of which belong to the rare species of Europe. As with plants, the park is home to fungi listed on Bulgaria’s Red List and species considered endangered or threatened. In addition, around 14 species of mushrooms found on your exploration tour are edible, but cannot be collected.
However, it is not only the plant world that is impressively diverse, but also the animal world of Strandzha Nature Park. So far, 164 species of invertebrates have been identified, which play a central role in nature conservation. These include 34 relict species. The term relict species refers to species that originate from an earlier climatic period (e.g., the Ice Age) and were once widespread but are now found only in isolated areas. Among the invertebrates, there are also species listed on the global Red List, making their protection all the more important.
But the park is not only known for its invertebrates, but also for its vertebrates. It is no coincidence that Strandzha Nature Park is considered the Bulgarian protected area with the richest vertebrate fauna, with a total of 404 species. You can discover, among others, 41 species of freshwater and migratory fish, as well as 70 species in the coastal waters. The number of relict species is also high here. In addition to various fish species, there are 10 amphibian species in the area, including the European tree frog, which is globally endangered. Alongside amphibians, you can also find a variety of reptiles (24 species) and a large number of birds (269 species). You may be lucky enough to spot the globally threatened corncrake or the white-backed woodpecker. But you will not only see resident birds of the reserve in the sky but also migratory birds. Strandzha Nature Park lies within the second largest migratory bird route in Europe, where you can witness massive flocks of white storks (up to 40,000 a day), as well as pelicans, honey buzzards, common buzzards, and lesser spotted eagles. Many rivers and bays also serve as wintering grounds for many bird species.
In addition to invertebrates, vertebrates, amphibians, reptiles, and migratory birds, 66 species of mammals live within the park’s boundaries. Former residents such as bears and lynxes unfortunately no longer exist in this nature reserve. However, you can still spot bats, small mammals, and large mammals such as red deer, wolves, or foxes. A special highlight is the populations of otters and wildcats, as well as rare species of ground squirrels and the European souslik.
In addition to its unique flora and fauna, Strandzha Nature Park is also known for its streams, gorges, and rivers that run through the varied landscape, making it truly unique. Veleka and Rezovska are the largest rivers in the Bulgarian part of the park and enhance the green scenery with their unique beauty.
The Veleka River originates at Demirkapu Peak in Turkey and is the largest and longest river in the park. The river winds through gorges, forming tributaries with currents and rapids. It can be accessed from the villages of Kovach, Petrova niva, and Stoilov. However, its banks are steep and surrounded by cliffs. But the river also has a gentle side, eventually flowing into a wide and calm river valley.
The Rezovska River rises in the highest part of Strandzha, also in Turkey. Just like in the Cape Kaliakra Reserve, legends exist here as well. One tells that the river owes its name to the Thracian King Rhesus. Moreover, this river has not yet been fully explored and is therefore not widely known. It is bordered by dense oak and oriental beech forests, creating a habitat for rare and protected species.
Natural monuments are natural features that, due to their rarity, uniqueness, beauty, or scientific, natural history, cultural history, or regional significance, enjoy special protection. In Strandzha Nature Park, you can discover various natural monuments. You should definitely visit the Bratanova Cave, considered the largest cave in the Bulgarian part of the park. It is located 9 km from the town of Malko Tarnovo, in the area of the three gorges. The cave has only been partially explored, but remains from the late Bronze Age, late Antiquity, and the Middle Ages have already been found. Note, however, that part of the cave lies beyond the park’s border, and you will therefore need various permits for access and be accompanied by border police.
Alongside Bratanova Cave, Maharata Cave is also considered a natural monument. It is located in an oak forest and is surrounded by a legend. According to speculation, there is a difficult-to-access passage running under the mystical Rezovska River, leading into Turkey. Another legend-associated natural monument is Helen’s Hole. Located in the village of Voda, it was declared a natural monument in 1981. The legend says that during a dance of the village girls, a strong whirlwind appeared and abducted one of them. Time passed, and later the girl’s braids were found near the cave entrance. The villagers concluded that this meant the girl had been taken by a dragon living there.
Another interesting natural monument is Kamenska B archina, often referred to today simply as “The Stone.” It is protected due to its unique rock formations and is linked to an ancient Thracian sanctuary.
The Juniperus Communis Natural Monument is the only habitat for a certain conifer species in the park. Particularly interesting are its bluish-black cones and the gray-white stripes at the tips of its needles. This forest is an especially interesting location for botanists. Similarly, the Nakovo Kladenche Natural Monument is protected, as it forms the habitat of the Balkan terrapin.
We wish you a pleasant trip to Bulgaria and lots of fun on your exploration tour of Strandzha Nature Park. Don’t forget to inform yourself about the country’s toll regulations. You can find more information about the toll in our guide. You are also welcome to use our route planner to better plan your trip and see the toll products you will need. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via email.
