Europe Explored » Nature https://europeexplored.com Travel through the most beautiful places in Europe Fri, 06 Sep 2013 07:49:44 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=3.6 Some of the top Bulgarian summer holiday resorts https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/08/some-of-the-top-bulgarian-summer-holiday-resorts/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/08/08/some-of-the-top-bulgarian-summer-holiday-resorts/#comments Wed, 08 Aug 2012 12:19:03 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=10480 The Bulgarian resorts located on the Black Sea coast are really modern and comfortable, and have everything which you will need for funny and memorable summer vacation. The resorts which Bulgaria has are really a lot and if you still don’t know which one to visit, then check below some of the top places where […]

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The Bulgarian resorts located on the Black Sea coast are really modern and comfortable, and have everything which you will need for funny and memorable summer vacation. The resorts which Bulgaria has are really a lot and if you still don’t know which one to visit, then check below some of the top places where you will have many pleasant and relaxing moments.

Sunny Beach, Bulgaria
Sunny Beach, Bulgaria by kismihok

Sunny Beach resort

Sunny Beach is the biggest sea resort in Bulgaria and it is real alternative to the Spanish resorts with its more than 4 km long beach which somewhere is up to 100 meters wide. The resort attracts more international fans of the sun than any other resort in the country. The beach is one of the best in Bulgaria, offering all sorts of attractions from mini golf to parachuting. There are also many lovely and lively restaurants and bars where you can have fun during the whole day. If you are looking for a safe and comfortable resort where you can improve your tan, this is the right place to go.

Sunny Beach can be seen as a small island, because there are very few tourists who are willing to leave its sun and golden beaches during their vacation. The most common destination for those who still want to visit other interesting places on the Bulgarian coast is the nearby Nessebar. The high quality comes at the right price and Sunny Beach is considered as one of the most expensive places for summer vacation in Bulgaria.

Sveti Vlas resort

Sveti Vlas is one of the newest sea resorts on the Black Sea coast of Bulgaria and it is located only 5 km north of Sunny Beach. The village was originally founded by the Thracians, who called the ancient settlement Larissa and was later renamed in honor of St. Vlas. Despite the ancient history of the resort, there are almost no historical monuments. Nowadays, it is a place where you can see many luxury hotels and apartment complexes, awesome bars and restaurants. There is opened the first private marina in Bulgaria with capacity for 300 yachts in 2007. The port also has a luxury hotel and restaurant complex.

The center of St. Vlas is located near the beach. There you can find post office, bank, interesting restaurants, cafes, shops and some Internet clubs. The narrow beaches are one of the best available in Bulgaria, but in comparison with those in Sunny Beach they are much calmer and less crowded with tourists. The water is shallow and provides a good opportunity for water sports like jet skiing, diving, windsurfing and banana boat.
The above resorts are just small part of everything that Bulgaria has to offer. There are also many resorts and towns where you can rent an apartment for really great price. The mild climate and the warm water will definitely make your summer vacation in Bulgaria unforgettable. The entertainment is everywhere, so pack your luggage and head to the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. You will never regret it.

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Kaliakra Cape – watch dolphins at Black Sea Coast in Bulgaria https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/02/kaliakra-cape-watch-dolphins-at-black-sea-coast-in-bulgaria/ https://europeexplored.com/2012/02/02/kaliakra-cape-watch-dolphins-at-black-sea-coast-in-bulgaria/#comments Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:21:58 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=6138 One of the most interesting places on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is Kaliakra Cape (Nos Kaliakra), located north of Varna and 12 km from the town of Kavarna. Kaliakra is a huge elongated limestone plate, protruding from the sea to a height of 70 meters. It is 2 kilometres long. Photo licensed under the […]

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One of the most interesting places on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast is Kaliakra Cape (Nos Kaliakra), located north of Varna and 12 km from the town of Kavarna. Kaliakra is a huge elongated limestone plate, protruding from the sea to a height of 70 meters. It is 2 kilometres long.

Kaliakra Cape, Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by alex yosifov

There are several legends about this place, the most famous is about 40 girls who in an effort to avoid the Turkish slavery together jumped off cliffs into the sea. This fabulous event is commemorated by an obelisk called the “The Gate of the 40 Maidens” at the entrance to the Cape. You’ll also find a small museum with archaeological finds here. There are remnants of Tirisis fort that was built before the advent of the Romans and served until the Middle Ages. Its location on the Cape was not accidental, the sea and high cliffs represented an ideal natural protection against invaders.

But the main thing that attracts tourists, is the overall scenery of the Cape and the local nature at all. The dramatic view from the top of the rocks of the turquoise sea is really worth it. There are many caves and photogenic corners here. Kaliakra Cape is a protected area since 1941, but since that it has increased its area three times and now reaches 687 ha.

Kaliakra Cape, Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria 3
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by Marcin Chady

Fairly typical is to watch the dolphins while playing in the waves. Even relatively recently it was also a home to rare Mediterranean seal. This animal was in the past, very abundant and very common throughout the Mediterranean and the Black Sea including Bulgaria, but due to the pollution of their environment, hunting and development of the tourism industry they disappeared. The last Bulgarian seals could be seen in the early eighties of the 20th century. Today, Mediterranean seal is officially considered the most endangered mammal of the European Union and its future existence is uncertain.

Other places for nature lovers are 8 kilometres away, in Taukliman protected area and the subsequent reservation called Jajlata.

Kaliakra Cape, Black Sea Coast, Bulgaria 2
Photo licensed under the Creative Commons, created by alex yosifov

Surroundings of Kaliakra Cape is interesting not only from the land but also from the sea. In August 1791, in the vicinity of the cape, there was a naval battle, during which the Russian fleet under the leadership of the famous admiral Fyodor Fyodorovich Ushakov completely destroyed the large Turkish fleet. That is one reason why the area attracts divers and wrecks seekers. On the seabed there are a number of objects and remnants of ships from various medieval periods and of the World War II.

Very interesting is also a restaurant situated in one of the caves in the middle of the Cape. It boasts an outdoor garden offering magnificent views of the surrounding area. However you will not find any accommodation right on the spot, most tourists come here on a trip from various places on the Black Sea, for example, from a well-known resort of Albena. If you go on your own, you surely find some bed in the vicinity.

So if you wandered into this region, just visit this place, where sea fights with the mainland and still make for an unusual beauty.


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The town of Tsarevo – one of the sunniest places in Bulgaria https://europeexplored.com/2011/06/17/the-town-of-tsarevo-one-of-the-the-sunniest-places-in-bulgaria/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/06/17/the-town-of-tsarevo-one-of-the-the-sunniest-places-in-bulgaria/#comments Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:13:01 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=4493 Tsarevo (formerly known as Vasiliko or Mičurin) is a town and a spa resort in the southeastern part of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. It is located approx. 70 km from Bourgas and 17 km from Primorsko. The resort is situated between the mountains Strandja and the Black Sea, on two peninsulas. Around you can find […]

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Tsarevo (formerly known as Vasiliko or Mičurin) is a town and a spa resort in the southeastern part of Bulgaria’s Black Sea coast. It is located approx. 70 km from Bourgas and 17 km from Primorsko. The resort is situated between the mountains Strandja and the Black Sea, on two peninsulas. Around you can find the beautiful bays with sandy, rocky and grassy beaches.

Thanks to its location the city and its surroundings belong to the warmest areas of the Bulgarian coast. For its beautiful nature the resort was a popular place for the Bulgarian royal family in the past. Today Tsarevo is a popular tourist destination suitable for lovers of comfortable, quiet, romantic, but also of active holiday.

In the center of town you will find the pedestrian zone, shops, markets, cafes, pastry shops, restaurants, discos, bars, parks, cinema or a jungle gym for children. Tsarevo has a football field with artificial turf, which is freely accessible to children. In Tsarevo you can also enjoy some sport activities such as sailing, diving or widsurfing. Close to the resort you can stay in well-known campsites Bulgarka and Nestinarka.


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Srebarna Nature Reserve – home to hundreds of species of birds | Bulgaria https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/17/srebarna-nature-reserve-home-to-hundreds-of-species-of-birds-bulgaria/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/05/17/srebarna-nature-reserve-home-to-hundreds-of-species-of-birds-bulgaria/#comments Tue, 17 May 2011 09:28:42 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=3914 Srebarna is important freshwater lake and Bulgarian Nature Reserve listed on the UNESCO Heritage List since 1983. It is located in north-eastern part of Bulgaria, near the village Srebarna. It is home to hundreds of species of birds. Srebarna Nature Reserve is located on the major migration route between Europe and Africa. Most of the […]

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Srebarna is important freshwater lake and Bulgarian Nature Reserve listed on the UNESCO Heritage List since 1983. It is located in north-eastern part of Bulgaria, near the village Srebarna. It is home to hundreds of species of birds. Srebarna Nature Reserve is located on the major migration route between Europe and Africa. Most of the birds are very rare and endangered species. Among the most important you can see herons, Dalmatian pelican, glossy ibis, and others.

Srebarna lake is one of the most significant natural heritage in Bulgaria. The entire lake is surrounded by mosses, which reach a length of more than 1.5 km. The water covers an area of 638 hectares.

You will find here also many rare plants. This place is a paradise for nature lovers and ornithologists.


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Pirin National Park in one of the highest mountains in Europe | Bulgaria https://europeexplored.com/2011/01/12/pirin-national-park-in-one-of-the-highest-mountains-in-europe-bulgaria/ https://europeexplored.com/2011/01/12/pirin-national-park-in-one-of-the-highest-mountains-in-europe-bulgaria/#comments Wed, 12 Jan 2011 10:34:46 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2293 Pirin National Park is a part of one of the highest mountains in Europe – Pirin Mountains located in southwestern Bulgaria. The highest mountain peak is Pirin Vichren (2914). The big area of the mountains is forested and 27,000 hectares are a part of Pirin National Park. It is the home to many endemic and […]

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Pirin National Park is a part of one of the highest mountains in EuropePirin Mountains located in southwestern Bulgaria. The highest mountain peak is Pirin Vichren (2914). The big area of the mountains is forested and 27,000 hectares are a part of Pirin National Park.

It is the home to many endemic and rare species of the Balkan Pleistocene flora. There are also lots of famous and popular ski resorts. Since 1983, the entire area of the Pirin National Park is listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Pirin National Park with its caves, waterfalls and glacial lakes should be included on your list of destinations if you are planning your visit to Bulgaria.

Visible is the impact of glaciers from the last Ice Age, which created deep valleys and numerous lakes. The rivers are fed from melting snow on the peaks during the summer as well. Water falls to the valleys in several beautiful waterfalls. Pirin, Rila and Rodopi together form the mass of the southern Bulgarian mountains. Pirin is interesting due to the fact that 45 of its peaks have an altitude of 2600 meters above sea level.

During the hiking to one of the peaks you can meet several islands of more-years-old snow, so-called firn, which is an intermediate stage between snow and glacial ice. As the Pirin National Park is relatively far from inhabited areas, many European wildlife species found their home here.

Pirin National Park has well-marked hiking paths and trails for the ski runs. You can choose the level of difficulty according to your physical abilities. However most of them belong to less demanding routes. Rest and food for tourists provide several huts, which offer the possibility of overnight accommodation in a beautiful and romantic landscape. The chalet Vichren, which lies at an altitude of 1950 meters can even be reached by car. From there, visitors can walk to the highest mountain peak in just 2-3 hours. The Pirin National Park has just very few tourists throughout the year, which also has its charm. The reason is probably its remoteness, but the park offers unique world of majestic mountain, which is certainly worth a visit.


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Rupite – extinct volcano in Bulgaria https://europeexplored.com/2010/11/15/rupite-extinct-volcano-in-bulgaria/ https://europeexplored.com/2010/11/15/rupite-extinct-volcano-in-bulgaria/#comments Mon, 15 Nov 2010 21:39:07 +0000 Claire https://europeexplored.com/?p=2092 Near the town of Rupite, in southern Bulgaria, there is an extinct volcano crater. In the area, there are several thermal springs that form lakes, in which tourists swim. It was right here where a famous clairvoyant Baba Vanga lived. Her advices to manage even the Bulgarian communists. According to legend, at the age of […]

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Near the town of Rupite, in southern Bulgaria, there is an extinct volcano crater. In the area, there are several thermal springs that form lakes, in which tourists swim. It was right here where a famous clairvoyant Baba Vanga lived. Her advices to manage even the Bulgarian communists. According to legend, at the age of six years, she met an angel, who gave her the choice between the eyes and clairvoyance. She chose clairvoyance and later she became famous for healing of the people. She advised a total of 7000 predicted events from wich 80 percent were correct. In the area of the church you can find her grave.

Rupite includes a small mountainous protected area in the part Blagoevgrad Province, about 10-12 kilometres northeast of Petrich.


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