Bulgaria - Walking and Wildlife Holidays

Holiday Profile

Until recently, one of the least-known and least-visited corners of Europe, the Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains are now internationally acknowledged for their unique flora and fauna. Almost 2000 species of plants can be found in the region, including many rare and endemic species, several of which grow nowhere else in the world. The fauna is equally diverse, particularly the birdlife. Approximately 300 species, some 70% of Bulgaria's bird fauna has been recorded in the Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains. Among these species, 115 are listed under Annex II of the Bern Convention, 90 are considered to be of conservation importance in Europe, and 4 are globally threatened. Especially striking about the bird fauna of the Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains is the high concentration of raptor species. An amazing 37 of the 38 species of birds of prey known to occur in Europe can be found in the Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains, and the region is internationally recognised as one of the two natural European refuge areas for birds of prey, having the highest aggregation of diurnal raptors in Europe.

This unique private guided birdwatching holiday in the Bulgaria's Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains is offered to individuals, couples or small groups, and has been specifically developed to provide a comprehensive birdwatching exploration of the most typical bird habitats in the Rhodope (Rodopi) Mountains, and includes visits to the majority of the region’s key birding sites and Important Bird Areas. The itinerary also includes visits to two other neighbouring Important Bird Areas: the ‘Besaparksi Hills’ Important Bird Area and ‘Sredna Gora’ Important Bird Area.