Natural park “Blue Stones” is one of the most beautiful and romantic parts of the whole Eastern Balkan.
It is located in the Eastern Balkan Mountains and Stidovska and Grebenets mountains between 42 ˚ 30 and 42 ˚ 50 north latitude and between 26 and 26 ˚ 10 ˚ 30 east longitude GMT. It is bordered by Vratnik pass, Luda Kamchia gorge; Marishki and Avramovski passes, Asenovska River, District Centre – Sliven, which is situated in 25 km long Slivensko field, that is separated from Sarnena Sredna gora by Tundzha River. It covers an area of 11380,1 ha.It has been announced as a park in 1980 and expanded in 2002 .The aim of the expansion was to preserve the communities of Moesian beech and the communities of rare, endangered and threatened species of flora and fauna and their habitat.
Developed road network in the area of the park, which provides connection with Northern Bulgaria, close location to the Black Sea, the railway line and the first-class highway Sofia – Burgas – all of these show how important the central position of the park is for nature lovers and tourists.
This beautiful spot in the Balkan mountain has rich historical and cultural past.Remains of a Roman fortress (ІІІ – ІV B.C. ) and a Thracian settlement (ІІІ – V B.C.) have been discovered near to the area of Hissarlaka.Ruins of an ancient town and guard posts which were created during the years of Roman empire and the Middle Ages can be spotted on dozens of places.
Natural park “Blue Stones” is famous for its sights – rocky phenomena Halkata, Kuminite, Kuklite, Rakavichkata , Kaloyanovite kuli and others ; Zmeevi dupki cave, Bachvata cave, Futula, Haidushka, Peschenik caves; the springs of Kushbunar and Belite izvori; for its diverse forest, morrow and aquatic landscapes.And last but not least – for “Blue Stones” rock massif – the largest deposit of Permian and partly dolnotriaski quartz-porphyry rocks on the Balkan Peninsula, included in the Corine site as a massif of great European importance.
The terrain is rugged, mountainous. The lowest point is 290 meters above sea level, while the highest – Balgarka Mount – 1181 m (the highest in the Eastern Balkan Mountains). The difference in altitude, rugged nature of the terrain are the reasons for the variety of terrain. Northern slopes are steep, difficult to pass, covered with beech forests, and the southern ones – cut by ravines, pools and waterfalls. Sheer cliffs are a great place for adventure lovers and for those who enjoy climbing. This place really has magnificent views,which give any visitor the feeling of enjoyment and elevation of mind.From the area of Prozoreca one can take a look at the Kotel Mountain, Danube Valley and Ludogorie. From the Kulata Mount and Slancheva polyana visitors can observe the whole city, and far to the south contours of Strandja Monastery Heights can be detected.
Another valuable specification of the park is its rich flora and fauna, by the specific climatic and terrain conditions.Most spotted species of the fauna are Moesian beech, hornbeam, oak and winter, tserat, maple, hazel.Morjoram, geranium, thyme can also be seen. Urumovo tulip, David Colchicum, helmet-shaped orchid, anemone are the ones out of 77 other species with national and international protection.
The species of the native fauna are foxes, rabbits, deer, wild boar, badgers, deer, Crimean degree lizard Peacock butterfly. But most attractive and of big significance to the preservation of nature are the golden eagle, eagle Phillips, Egypt (small) vulture, long-legged buzzard, the great hawk, peregrine falcon, etc.
Natural park “Blue Stones” is a perfect place for skiing, hang gliding, orienteering competitions , climbing.The tourist routes and programmes offered at the visitor information center of natural park “blue stones” provide opportunities for organization of national and international events,for rest and relaxation amidst the peace and tranquility of the forests and meadows, along the crystal rivers and whimsical rocks.