Troyan in Bulgaria is a picturesque mountain town in the Central Stara planina Mountains. I have passed through the town and its surroundings many times, and I have stayed in the area several times. My last visit took place on a gloomy June day. It happened on the rainiest possible weekend that spring. However, I saw several interesting places that were new to me and others that I already knew.
Musala Peak (2925 m) is the highest peak on the Balkan Peninsula and it is located in Rila Mountain, Bulgaria. Climbing Mount Musala (2925 m) is achievable for almost anyone, but preparation is mandatory. In this article I will describe the route to Musala Peak and will share how to prepare for climbing it, emphasizing that this is a summer climb – in seasons without snow cover.
Dokuzak Waterfall is the most full-flowing and powerful waterfall in Strandzha Mountain. We visited it at the end of July, and the waterfall was especially beautiful then. Then we spent three wonderful days near the town of Malko Tarnovo and one of the places we visited there in the region was the waterfall. Yes, Strandzha is famous for the many remains of Thracian sanctuaries and shrines and the waterfall somehow doesn’t fit in very well among them, but it is a fact. It is not the only waterfall in Strandzha, but the other known ones have a rather modest watershed.
Bolata Beach is an amazingly beautiful place on the Northern Bulgarian Black Sea Coast, near the village of Bulgarevo. The beach is a small bay, surrounded by high cliffs almost in a semicircle. Behind the sandy strip there is a marsh with rich vegetation and interesting birds. On one side, the beach is cut by a small river that flows into the sea. Seen from above from the cliffs, the beach looks like a seashell.
Hotnitsa Waterfall is the highest waterfall in the Veliko Tarnovo region. We first visited it and hiked along the picturesque eco-trail along it 10 years ago. Captivated even then by the beauty of the waterfall and the entire area, we returned there more than once. All the relatives and friends we took there over the years to see it remained enchanted.
Veliko Tarnovo, Tarnovgrad, Tsarev Grad. All those are names of the old Bulgarian capital, proudly perched on the historic hills of Tsarevets, Trapezitsa and Sveta Gora, picturesquely surrounded by the waters of the Yantra River.
There is a legend according to which, when God created the world, he looked down at his creation, and then, out of admiration, bent down to kiss it. The place where God kissed the earth was at Tarnovo.
Kamchia Beach is among the most beautiful on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. I especially like it for its wide, open space and the striking scenery—an expansive bay, sand dunes covered with drought-resistant plants, and a lush green forest as a backdrop.
The Boyana Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Vitosha Mountain. It is about 25 meters high and is formed by the Boyana River. Its waters fall from a rather relief rock crown. In many articles it is mentioned as the “andesite rock crown”. It was not clear to me what type of rock crown this was, so I took the trouble to check – andesite is a type of volcanic rock. Apparently the rock under the waters of the Boyana Waterfall is exactly that.
Rezovo is the southernmost settlement on the Bulgarian Black Sea coast. There, the Rezovska River, which forms the border between Bulgaria and the Republic of Turkey, flows into the Black Sea. From Rezovo, a wonderful panorama opens up to the sea and the nearby Turkish coast with a huge, but deserted beach.
Cherni Vrah is the summit of Vitosha, one of the most recognizable and beloved mountains in Bulgaria. It is 2290 meters high and is among the most visited mountain peaks in Bulgaria, and its popularity is due not only to the beautiful panoramic views it offers, but also to the easy access and close proximity to the capital Sofia. Every year thousands of tourists, photographers, mountaineers and nature lovers climb the peak for pleasure, sports, photos, or simply to relax in nature.
