NATURAL SITE ST ILIYA, NEAR THE VILLAGE OF KOSTI
The place is located 2 km west of the village of Kosti. A dirt road takes you there.
Coordinates: 42°03’30.94” N, 27°45’48.84” E; 35 m above sea level.
Preservation
Until recently St. Iliya had the status of a protected natural site, declared in 1974. Currently it is not included in the register of protected areas in Bulgaria with a status of its own. It is a part of Natural Park Strandja under the Birds Directive of the European Natura 2000 network.
Area Descriptions
This place can be reached on foot in about 30 minutes starting from the village and going west. It is near Veleka River. 14 majestic centuries-old Strandja oak trees (Lujnitsa) grow in the grove. Hidden among them is the little chapel with a holy spring St. Iliya.
There is a picnic shelter near them.
A nice pedestrian route, staring from the village of Bulgari and passing along Góspodyovata trail, can take you there too.
Other natural sites:
In the area of the village of Kosti is the oldest Bulgarian RESERVE - SILKOSIA (a separate dossier) as well as several valuable natural sites.
Coordinates: 42°05’21.46” N, 27°45’09.27” E 289 m above sea level.
GORNAELENITSA PROTECTED AREA(91.1 ha). This is the buffer zone of Silkosia reserve, declared a protected area in 2007 after the last re-categorization.
42°05’21.46” N, 27°45’09.27” E; 289 m above sea level.
NATURAL HABITAT OF HEATHER (ERICA ARBOREA) PROTECTED AREA (22.39 ha)
It was declared a protected area in 1973. It is located in Dyado Valcho area, 4 km northeast of Kosti. Its rugged sunny sides are the protected habitat of the most significant fields of heather and other rare shrubs and grasses. Heather is a relict evergreen shrub (preserved from past geological eras). In Bulgaria it is found only in Strandja. The area is very attractive with the views that it offers across the hills of Strandja. It is easily accessible and is close to Silkosia reserve.
KALKATAPROTECTED AREA (THE OWL) (18.9ha)
Declared in 1989, it is located southeast of the village and Veleka River in very close proximity to them. It was designated to protect the nest of a pair of owls. For this reason, the protected area is known as "The owl".
MAHARATA NATURAL LANDMARK, Sarpia area
It was declared in 1973. It includes Maharata cave with the impressive s preserved oak forest urrounding it. It is believed to be the largest cave in Strandja. It is not well researched. One of the legends about it has it that there is a secret gallery which passes under Rezovska river and goes into Turkey.
The caves in Strandja are not suitable for visitors.
References
Tourist Guide – Natural Park Strandja, Published by the Directorate of Natural Park Strandja, 2007.
Register of protected areas and protected zones in Bulgaria, Ministry of Environment and Water
Natural Park Strandja. Natural resources, archaeological heritage, spiritual culture. Authors: Diko Patronov, Ivan Karayotov, Diana Radoynova, Published by the Directorate of Natural Park Strandja, 1999.
