Ropotamo

Ropotamo is a nature reserve spread across over 1000 hectares along the Ropotamo River, mixing forests, sand dunes, and wetland zones near the Black Sea coast. The landscape includes distinctive rock formations and different habitats that support varied wildlife.

The area gained protected status in 1940 and became a full nature reserve in 1992. This shift marked the beginning of organized efforts to shield the river ecosystems and their inhabitants.

Local names like Lion Head and Snake Island show how the community sees and connects with the landscape. Walking through the reserve, you notice how these named spots are woven into how people talk about and relate to this place.

Marked paths with information boards guide visitors, and boat tours on the river offer a different perspective of the landscape. Observation points are set up so you can watch wildlife without disturbing animals.

The reserve sits on the Via Pontica, a major migration route where thousands of birds pass through each year. This makes it a crucial stopping point for traveling bird populations from different regions.