Nature

Bulgaria is a country with an exceptionally rich landscape within a comparatively small area. In Bulgaria are situated some of the highest mountains on the Balkan Peninsula e.g. Mnt. Musala in the Rila Mountains boasts the highest peak of them all at 2925 m!River valleys, meadows and fields are rich in natural life, providing the home for 256 species of butterflies and diverse flora and fauna. The Bulgarian coast line extends over 378 km, dotted with vast beaches covered with fine golden sand. Almost 90 % of the coast line is used for tourism needs. The majority of Bulgaria beaches have been awarded the EU Blue Flag for their environmental exellence. 

Bulgarian flora consists of 3,850 species, especially grasses, pink and rose plants which combine to classify Bulgaria's natural life within the five richest in Europe. Also noteworthy is the fact that Bulgaria is Europe's number 1 exporter of medicinal plants - a glowing testimony to the wonderful condition of this environment!

The exceptionally virgin landscapes, in which human activity is rare, are a major factor in the conservation of some of the world's endangered species such as the Lady's Slipper Orchid, Lizard Orchid, Fen Orchid, and Viola Pumila amongst others. More than 700 species of the plants in Bulgaria are considered rare.

Of these 3,850 flora species, there are 169 indigenous Bulgarian plant species as well as 49 species protected by the Bern Convention of Switzerland. Add to these the 303 indigenous Balkan species and you will begin to appreciate the unique wealth and diversity of Bulgaria's natural treasures. Bulgaria is famous for its oleaginous rose which bloom in the Valley of Roses. The Bulgarian tobacco brands are world - famous.

After 6000 years of recorded human activity, Bulgaria still has exceptional natural territories which can be designated as protected areas.

The balneological resorts in Bulgaria have the longest history. The Thracians, who have lived in Bulgarian lands have made a cult of the spring waters. The resorts activities originated on the basis of the Thracian medicine, known as nature healing power medicine. The Ancient Greeks have also used widely the Bulgarian mineral springs and worshipped them, which is shown on their coins. There are swimming pools around these springs. There are over 600 natural mineral springs varying in temperature between 10°C (50°F) and 120°c (248°F), and over 370 soundings, some having a chemical composition equal to the water composition of the most famous world balneotherapy and mud-curing spa resorts. More famous balneological resorts are Bankya, Velingrad, Varshets, Hisarya, Pomorie (with medicinal mud). A lot of the sea resorts also have balneological-physio public health stations: Albena, Golden Sands, Sveti Konstantin, Sunny beach.