Dobrich-Selska: Nature, Trails and Culture

The Sukhata Valley runs through the Dobrich-Selska Municipality from north to south. The landscape is characterized by dry valleys, terraced slopes, rocks and cliffs. The Sukhata Valley is home to ruins of ancient Thracian, Roman and medieval fortresses, as well as rock monasteries. Botevo Hut is situated at an altitude of 280 m and has 28 beds and a dining room that can seat 40 people.

The dry valley of the Sukhata is home to more than 460 plant species. Sixteen of them are listed in Bulgaria’s Red Data Book; the area is also home to numerous endangered animal species. The valley brings together a diverse range of flora and fauna with clearly defined landforms. Dry valleys, terraced slopes and cliffs are among the distinctive features of this landscape.

The Batova Valley offers another striking landscape: wooded mountain slopes rise abruptly from the Dobrudzha Plain. The valley is regarded as Bulgaria’s only “mountain beneath a plain.” If landscape is a key factor in choosing a destination, this contrast between wooded slopes and flat terrain can be a natural highlight in its own right.

A day-long hiking route passes through Sukhata Canyon, from Karapelit towards Zhitnitsa. Along the way, you can visit the karst cave in the “Krali Markova stapka” area. The route description indicates the direction of the hike; the cave is also mentioned as a possible stop.

The Batovska Trail runs from the “Buzluka” area to the “Gubkite” area, close to the village of Batovo. Another option is the trail from Stozher to the Sweta Marina Monastery, which is said to take about four hours. These trails have different stated starting and ending points and details on duration: an approximate time is given for the route from Stozher, while the Batovska Trail is described by the areas it passes through.

Kaleto Fortress is another notable landmark: it lies about 2 km southeast of the village of Odartsi and was built on a rocky, hill-like peninsula. The Karalezka Fountain, by contrast, is in a small park in the center of the village of Stefan Karadzha.

The fortress ruins in the Sukhata Valley span several historical periods: ancient Thracian, Roman and medieval fortifications are mentioned. There are also rock monasteries. The area’s cultural heritage thus includes both fortresses from different periods and monasteries set in rocky landscapes.

The “Mihovi” Honey House is an apiary and also a kind of museum that attracts tourist and educational groups. Visitors can see different types of beehives: a stone cave, hollow tree trunks and tree hollows, a clay basket of the kind used in Egypt and Israel, and a woven beehive typical of the local area. These examples differ in material and design, making the Honey House a cultural attraction and experience in its own right, alongside the historic sites.

The Karalezka Fountain in the village of Stefan Karadzha bears a “Cross of Bravery.” It is dedicated to the members of the Third Bulgarian Army who fell during the Dobrich Epopee in the fight to liberate Dobrudzha.

To explore other places in this subregion, you can include Popgrigorovo, Stefanovo and Vladimirovo in your research. To compare destinations in the wider area, you can also look at Shabla, Krushari, Dobrich, General Toshevo and Tervel.

How long does the trail from Stozher to the Sweta Marina Monastery take?

The hiking trail from Stozher to the Sweta Marina Monastery is said to take about four hours.

What types of beehives can you see at the “Mihovi” Honey House?

Visitors can see, among other things, a stone cave, hollow tree trunks and tree hollows, a clay basket, and a woven beehive.

Where is Kaleto Fortress?

Kaleto lies about 2 km southeast of the village of Odartsi, on a rocky, hill-like peninsula.

For the wider travel overview: Dobrich Province.