The Vulture Volcano

In the heart of the Rhodopi mountain, some 60 km east of the town of Kardjali and 60 km southeast of the town of Haskovo, between the Studen Kladenetz and Ivaylovgrad dam lakes, the river Arda cuts through the pinnacles of a prehistoric two-crater volcano, forming a gorgeous canyon. 4 protected areas have been established within the volcano crater. The natural landmark Kovan Kaya includes a total of four picturesque rock complexes, screes, open terrains, located down the northern shore of the Arda river. It has been declared a natural landmark with a view of protecting some rare and protected birth species inhabiting the area. Of the species, included in Bulgaria’s Red Book, the unique white-headed and Egyptian vulture live around the area. The black vulture also inhabits the place, as well as other threatened and rare species, such as the black stork, white-tail buzzard, blue and versicoloured rock thrust, etc.