Its length from northwest to southeast is about 125 km, and its width reaches up to 65 km. The total area of the mountain range is about 10,000 km², most of which lies within Turkish territory.
Strandzha is a low-mountain range with an average elevation of about 200 m. However, its terrain is characterized by extensive horizontal fragmentation, typical of the country’s high mountains. This, combined with the dense forested vegetation, makes it difficult to access, which has allowed the wilderness to remain largely protected from human activity, boasting a rich flora and fauna that includes over 1,000 plant species and more than 50 mammal species.
The mountain is home to a wide variety of wild animals, including deer, wild boars, wolves, and bears. For this reason, there are many specially built facilities for wildlife observation.
Over 250 bird species are found in the Strandzha Mountains, 17 of which are listed in Bulgaria’s Red Book. Their nests are protected within the protected areas.
Many Bulgarian rivers originate here, including the Ropotamo, Veleka, Dyavolska, and Rezovska Rivers. There are dozens of springs in the mountain, some of which are considered to have healing properties. According to some legends, the spring located near the village of Gramatikovo possesses the greatest healing power. The Strandzha Mountains are known for their gold ore deposits.
There are several protected areas in Strandzha. The Strandzha Nature Park, which covers an area of over 116,000 hectares, is also located in the mountain range. It is home to protected plant species found exclusively within its boundaries.
Strandzha has a rich history dating back thousands of years. There are many ancient sites to explore within its territory, including Thracian tombs, medieval fortresses, and traditional Bulgarian villages. Some of the most popular attractions include the Thracian sanctuary of Beglik Tash, the medieval fortress of Gradishte, and the village of Brashlyan.
One of the most unique and captivating aspects of the local culture in the Strandzha Mountains is the Nestinar dance—an ancient Thracian ritual of spiritual purification in which participants dance barefoot on hot embers. The ritual is included on UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage and, in its authentic form, can only be seen in the village of Bulgari during the celebration of Saints Constantine and Helena on May 21.
