Strandja Nature Park

 

When people think of holidays in Bulgaria they normally think of relaxing on beautiful sandy beaches on the Black Sea coast or skiing and snowboarding on the fabulous slopes of the popular ski resorts. But there is a unique corner of this wonderful country that for a large part is still undiscovered, Strandja Nature Park, the perfect place for lovers of nature and those interested in birds, insects, wildlife, culture and an energetic walking holiday.

 

Set in the south east of the country Strandja Nature Park is the largest park in Bulgaria and one of the top eco-tourism destinations in Europe. The east of the park borders the Black Sea coast with fabulous coastal walks and magnificent views. To visit this area is easy as the park is close to Bourgas Airport and flights from Dublin to Bulgaria are getting more popular every year and Flights Bulgaria can offer good competitive rates.

 

There are many companies offering lots of packages for holidays in Strandja whether you are holidaying as a couple, family or small group of friends. These companies give excellent advice on the areas to visit and will supply you with an information pack and maps of the area you are interested in such as:

You can make your own arrangements but some of the holidays can be organised to your personal requirements. The companies can book the B&Bs and rental cars so you just have to turn up!!

 

There is a lot to discover in the park, rolling hills, forests and lush valleys. To the west there are great hiking areas though deep wooded valleys and streams, in the centre are dense forests dominated by oak and beech trees and beautiful valleys and rivers, while to the east is the sea with volcanic rock formations and the unspoilt beaches along the forest’s edge. 

 

The rich culture and history of this area are still visible with Thracian temples, Roman graves and tombs in the hills that have been preserved. In the heart of the park you will come across secluded villages with traditional Strandja houses and many chapels which were built close to springs that are said to have healing properties. 

 

Spring time between April and June in Strandja Nature Park is perfect for a walking holiday as the trees are budding and the wild flowers are beginning to cover the valleys. The weather is good and not too hot, so walking is comfortable. In the summer time the weather can be hot so early rising is recommended with a relaxing afternoon and maybe more exploration in the cool of the evening.

 

Autumn is a fabulous time in the park between September and November as this area has a fabulous Mediterranean climate and the weather is still warm. The turning colours of the trees are beautiful and the local speciality is the wild mushrooms that grow in the park. Coastal walks are very popular as the sea temperature is still pleasant and the unspoilt beaches are a great attraction.

 

Strandja Nature Park is well protected and the Bulgarian Biodiversity Foundation has worked diligently in protecting and raising awareness about the unique nature in the park. It is an unspoilt area with many undiscovered areas, of which there are few left in Europe, and is well worth a visit for nature lovers.

 

This area offers the perfect walking holiday for families, couples and groups of friends who love being close to nature. The best price for flights to Bulgaria from Ireland and UK can be found online.