The "Sinite Kamani" Nature Reserve

This park, located not far from the town of Sliven, takes its name from the rock massif situated here. The rocks here consist of quartz with various impurities and, under certain lighting, take on a striking dark blue hue. This does not happen often, but at other times too the mountain ranges and the magnificent nature of this region are very beautiful. It is not for nothing that the area is sometimes called the “Sliven Alps”.

The animal and plant life here is extraordinarily diverse, and the reserve is home to many

endangered species listed in the Red Book. There are 176 species of birds alone, and more than a hundred of them are protected by law.

In total, 50 tourist trails of various kinds have been laid out on the park’s territory. Nature lovers should walk the “biological” trails, which allow you to see rare plant species and possibly animals as well. History enthusiasts will find the “historical” trails interesting. There are also general-purpose routes. There are even special trails equipped for people with disabilities — a great rarity in Bulgarian nature reserves.

One of the most interesting places in the reserve is Halkata. This complex, made back in prehistoric times, consists of a stone throne and an oval window hollowed out in the rock 33 metres away from it. According to scholars, this site is something like an ancient observatory intended for astronomical observations. Nearby there are several more structures whose purpose can so far only be guessed at. Perhaps this whole complex of buildings served to create solar and lunar calendars, or perhaps it was used for other purposes as well.

Practical information

• You can reach the park by car by two routes: through the Ablanovo area or via the road in the north-east of Sliven in the direction of the town of Kotel and the village of Ichera.
• The reserve has an information centre, which in the summer season is open 5 days a week (except Monday and Tuesday) from 8:30 to 17:00. In winter the centre opens by prior arrangement.
• A 2-hour guided tour of the park costs 20 lv for groups of 5 to 10 people; 40 lv for groups of 10-20 people; if the group is larger than 20 people, it is 2 lv per person.
• A four-hour tour costs one and a half times more. There are also 8-hour tours, which cost from 40 leva.
• On the territory of the reserve you can pitch a tent and stay overnight for a nominal fee.

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