BELASITSA NATURAL PARK

Belasitsa Natural Park is located in the eponymous mountain, in the southwestern part of Bulgaria, at the border with Greece and Macedonia.

It is the newest park in Bulgaria – 28 December 2007.

Belasitsa is declared a protected area in order to preserve endemic and protected plant and animal species, unique representative communities and ecosystems in the treeless zones of the mountains. About 1,200 plant species have been found up until the present moment in Belasitsa. Another 1,500 invertebrate species and 180 vertebrate species were found. There are 120 bird species in the region of the mountain.

The two huts – Belasitsa and Kongur can be reached by the main paths of the park; ultimate point is often the mountain ridge of Belasitsa. There are also routes from the villages of Kolarovo, Klyuch and Skrat. Four thematic routes are specified in the park – The butterflies and flowers of Belasitsa, The life of the chestnut, The path of the ant and Friends. Information boards are placed along the routes, telling the visitors interesting facts and acquainting the visitors with the place, the fauna and flora.

Eight villages are located at the foot of Belasitsa Natural Park. Many of the specified tourist routes lead to them. The villages offer accommodation in a traditional Bulgarian atmosphere.

The memorial complex Samuilova Krepost (Samuil Fortress) can be seen in the Natural Park can be seen. It was built as a tribute to the tragic events of the battle by Klyuch village in 1014 AD. The аncient town Heraclea Sintica and Vanga complex are situated at a distance of about 10 kilometers from the park.