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05.06.2015

Natural Landmarks

Bratanova Cave Natural Landmark
The largest cave in the Bulgarian part of Strandja is situated 9 kilometers northwest of Malko Tarnovo, in the Three gullies area. The cave has been partially researched and materials from the late Bronze period , the late Antiquity and the Middle Ages have been found in it.

Since part of Vitanovo reserve falls behind the border facility, the access to the cave is possible only with permission and escort by the Border Police and written permission by the Ministry of Environment and Water of Bulgaria.

Juniperus Communis Natural Landmark
It has been established in order to preserve the only habitat of this coniferous species in Strandja Nature Park. It consists of several shrubs, located 530 meters above sea level, at about 1.5 kilometers west of Goliamo Gradishte peak and a few hundred meters from the border with the Republic of Turkey. It distinguishes itself from the Juniperus oxycedrus L, which is common for Strandja by its bluish-black cones and greyish-white stripe on the top of the needles.


Mladejka River Caves and Springs Natural Landmark

It has been established in order to conserve the interesting rock formations, caves and the remains of the early-Byzantium fortress. The area captivates visitors with its beautiful karst landscape. The trees overhanging  the clear river, the steep rocks, the gushing spring and the myriad of caves make this reserve a favorite place for many tourists.

 Maharata Natural Landmark
It includes the Maharata cave, together with the old oak forests that surrounds it. It is considered to be the biggest cave in seaside Strandja. The place has been poorly researched. One of the legends about it says that it has a difficult to access gallery that passes under the Rezovska river and enters Turkey.

Helen’s Hole Cave Natural Landmark 
It is situated on the territory of Biala voda village, in the eponymous area close to the road Birgas-Malko Tarnovo. It has been declared a natural landmark in 1981. There is a legend, which says that while the girls from Biala voda were dancing, a strong whirlwind appeared out of nowhere and took one of the girls – a girl named Elena. After some time, her pigtails were found near the entrance of the cave, which meant that the girl was kidnapped by a dragon, which lived there.

Kamenska Barchina Natural Landmark 
It is situated 6.5 kilometers northeast of Malko Tarnovo, near the road for Tsarevo. The landmark is also known as “the Stone”. It was established in 1981, to conserve remarkable rock formations. It represents an ancient Thracian sanctuary, where 2,500 years ago the Thracians were greeting the God Sun and were performing their rituals.

Habitat of the Balkan Pond Turtle – Nakovo Kladenche Area Natural Landmark
It is situated in the north, in close proximity to the town of Ahtopol, and has been established in order to conserve the habitat of the Balkan Pond Turtle and the European Pond Turtle. Both species are strictly protected in Bulgaria and in Europe. On the territory of the Park, they are found not only in Nakovo kladenche area, but also in Veleka and Rezovska rivers, as well as in some of the small rivers in the seaside part.