The Ropotamo natural reserve

The region around the Ropotamo river was officially declared national natural reserve in 1992. It is situated on an area of 1000.7 ha, down the two shores of the river. It includes the natural park Ropotamo (the Water Lilies reserve), and the reserves “Zmiiski Ostrov” (Snake Island), “Arkutino”, and “Morski Pelin” (Sea Wormwood), which previously existed as separate units. At the place where the Ropotamo river flows into the Black sea, a firth has been formed, where sea water can freely penetrate. On some places, swamps have been formed, where groups of beautiful water lilies can been seen. The flora and fauna in the region include rare and endangered species, which makes the natural complex a site of international importance. The river of Ropotamo is named for the Greek goddess Ro (meaning "run;" potamo means "river") who, with her songs and charm, won the mercy of pirates terrorizing ancient Apollonia. The river courses through a forest thick with large deciduous trees, many of them with their roots and lower trunks submerged in water. Tall grasses, reeds, and liana-like climbing ivy give the area a wild, jungle-like appearance. The last seven kilometers of the river contain over 100 varieties listed in the Bulgarian Red Book of endangered species.