Ropotamo

12 km south of Sozopol is situated the Ropotamo reserve. It covers a territory of 1000 hectares on the two banks
of the Ropotamo River. It is not along river, the splendid dense forest and the water-lilies make it a magnificent
spot. The dense forest impresses with its overgrowth. Ropotamo is formed by two rivulets - Rosenska and Tserovska,
rising from the Strandja Mountain, and having total length of 50 km. In its upper stream the river is freshwater
but some km downstream becomes salted. Ropotamo’s banks are really picturesque –the steep sides are wreathed with
overgrowth and from beneath it appear lonely rocks. The most whimsical rock is called "The lion’s head". Tall elms,
oaks, sycamores and other trees incline branches over the water. Virgin’s bower and ivy creep on them,
bearing a resemblance to an equatorial forest.

In its downstream the river overflows and creates meadows or inaccessible reedy and water – lily swamps.
The more it gets nearer to the sea, the more beaches become all green. The most beautiful part of the river-the firth,
surrounded by forests, green hills and sand dunes, comes up. The river is rich in fish species -chub, goby, barbell,
carp, etc. In the park live also deers, does, rare birds, etc.

The Ropotamo reserve includes several small reserves – "Water lilies", "The snake island", "Arkutino" and
"Sea warm wood".


In the "The snake island" reserve there are several sorts of cactus. A variety of snake and bird species live in it.
"Arkutino" is a swamp-lagoon with a lot of reed, rush and water- lily.


The" Sea warm wood" reserve is famous for its warm wood deposit, used in the pharmaceutics.

The "Water –lilies" reserve covers a territory of 14 hectares and includes a part of the previous river bed.


The way to the swamp called "Veliov vir" passes through a shady tunnel of trees and plants.


The yellow and white blossoms of lilies on large green leaves are a fine view.

Visiting the reserve of Ropotamo, tourists enjoy the pure and untouched nature.

Source: visit.bg