The amazing nature and the rich cultural and historical heritage create great opportunities for the development of mountain, ecological, rural and cultural tourism. The geographical proximity of Turkey and Bulgaria, as well as the historical circumstances, have contributed to numerous local, border and cross-border models of cohabitation, communication and interaction between the local communities of the two nations.

The basis of these models are the processes of intercultural dialogue, cooperation and continuity, the common ethnographic basis (customs, folk customs, folk – song motifs and rhythms, cuisine, etc.), the common natural heritage of the Strandzha Mountain, the specific archaeological sites on both sides of the border, the similar psychology of the two nations , the inherited geographical names, the rhythm of life. With their own specificity, these phenomena and subject areas are part of different kinds of heritages of the past and the present.

Today, the modern inhabitants of the two border areas consistently seek out and build good neighbourly relationships through practical model of intercultural dialogue and cooperation. This creates a basis for common tourism initiatives. Besides its Black Sea coast, the mountain offers us the following opportunities for recreation:

Tourism in Bulgarian part of Strandja

The amazing scenery combined with the rich cultural and historical heritage create wonderful opportunities for development of mountain, ecological, rural and cultural tourism. The picturesque villages in Strandja region such as Brashlyan, Bulgari, Kosti, Brodilovo, Fakia, Momina Church, Zvezdets, Gramatikovo and many others are key destinations for rural and ecotourism preserving the Bulgarian traditions, culture and history. Here you can witness an ancient pagan custom – fire-dancing. The traditions of the indigenous people are interesting, where pieces of the ancient history of the region are entangled.

Tourism in the Turkish part of Strandja

The Yildiz Mountains have a rich human history. People have been a part of the landscape and ecosystem for millennia; indeed, their activities have shaped the landscape and their activities are responsible for many of the values that people now seek to protect. The communities of Yildiz Mountains are part of this heritage and the future management of the area. The geographical vicinity of the Republic of Turkey and the historical circumstances have contributed to numerous local and cross-border models of cohabitation, communication and interaction between local communities of the two nations. At the base stand the processes of intercultural dialogue, cooperation and continuity, tangent ethnographic basis (customs, folk customs, folk – song motifs and rhythms, cuisine, etc.), self-titled common natural heritage of Strandja Mountain, specific archaeological sites on both border sides, the common people mentality, the inherited geographical names, the rhythm of life. With its own specificity, these phenomena and subject areas, are objects of the different types of legacies from the past and present. They build the slide presence and the spiritual image of the project area.

Today, the modern inhabitants of the two border regions consistently seek out and build good neighborly contacts through practical model of intercultural dialogue and cooperation. This creates a basis for common tourism initiatives. The Turkish part of the mountain offers:

The province of Kaklareli has great potential for natural, marine, cultural and congress tourism. Ineada and Kayakyoy are important centres for marine tourism along the Black Sea coast which has many forests, sandy beaches and seashores.

The natural resources and aesthetic qualities of the landscape have proven its recreational, restorative and healing effect. Their specificity and diversity are a prerequisite for the development of many types of alternative tourism. Strandja is unique for Turkey, Bulgaria and Europe, both with its abiotic and biotic factors. The views from and to the highest peak of Strandja – “Mahiada” are very attractive.

Located about 30 km from the town of Demirkyoy, Dupnitsa cave is one of the places that contribute to the tourism in the province. The ancient Dupnitsa cave (over 200 million years) is the longest cave in Turkey. “Dupnitsa” is a cave system in the Turkish part of Strandja. It issues the big Rezovska river which in its upper stream serves as the border between Bulgaria and our southern neighbour.