And the Next Major Destination is Strandzha Mountain

Balkan Travellers, Feb 27, 2008

One of the wildest and most remote areas of Bulgaria – the Strandzha Mountain on the border with Turkey, seems to be turning into the next major destination for individual adventure tourism. With the growing number of travellers interested in ecotourism, this wild, preserved area, abundant with unexplored ancient and medieval ruins was a highlight of last week’s international tourism fair, Vacation – SPA and Expo 2008, in Sofia.

Situated in Bulgaria’s south-east and continuing deep in the European part of Turkey, Stradzha is considered by ecologists to be one of the most precious European nature reserves. In Bulgaria, the protected zone spreads over 1,161 square kilometres and reaches the Black Sea coast at Ahtopol and Sinemorets.

Its flora, ecologists say, is a fascinating mixture of European, Black Sea and Caucasian species, varying between coastal forests and vegetation, typical for swamps and sand dunes, to evergreen plants and higher mountains vegetation, to Mediterranean plants, mingling with deciduous trees. At least three species of the plants found there are thought to be endemic to Bulgaria, and seven – to the Balkans.

Apart from the natural resources of the park, it boasts vast areas of unexplored historical heritage from ancient and medieval times. A temple of Apollo stands in the border zone with Turkey, a large zone of Thracian and Roman tombs lays near Mishkova niva and wild forests cover a number of Byzantine and medieval Bulgarian ruins.

The preserved contemporary culture also adds to the attraction. The mystic nestinari ritual, involving people who walk on burning coals, is still alive in the area.
Strandzha Mountain is even more interesting and unexplored on the Turkish side, where most of its territory is situated. Routes, touring both sides of the border are still not offered, but make a brilliant option for adventurers, willing to organise their trips individually.