Aksakovo: Stone Pillars, Reservoirs and Village Churches

Aksakovo can be explored through a wide range of themes: the stone pillars of Pobiti Kamani, birdwatching, reservoirs, horse riding and historic churches. Fishing culture and regional products are also among the facets of the municipality. If you are planning a hotel stay, you can first consider which of these interests matter most for your trip. The nature and cultural attractions described are spread across different places in the municipality and can help you choose a suitable base.

Stone Pillars and Protected Natural Areas

Pobiti Kamani consists of upright stone pillars among exposed Eocene sands. Together, the landscape resembles a stone forest. Part of the Pobiti Kamani protected area belongs to Aksakovo Municipality. The area is part of the Natura 2000 network; it protects important inland sand habitats with characteristic flora, vegetation and wildlife. Part of Golden Sands Nature Park also lies within the municipality. The two protected areas offer different starting points if you are interested in landscapes and nature.

Another nature destination is Batova, which partly lies within Aksakovo Municipality. A total of 184 bird species have been recorded there. Of these, 50 are listed in Bulgaria’s Red Data Book, and 80 are of European conservation importance. These figures give a concrete impression of the diversity of birdlife and its importance for nature conservation.

Reservoirs and Outdoor Activities

Each reservoir offers something different. At Botevo Reservoir, visitors can fish and observe wild and water birds, including wild ducks, storks, snipes, swans and cormorants. Zasmano Reservoir offers opportunities for recreation and fishing in a wooded setting. Osenovo Reservoir is located in the village of Osenovo in Aksakovo Municipality and is considered a year-round destination for anglers and nature lovers. The seasonal presence of fish may vary.

Horse-riding options also vary. Dolishte Riding Centre offers forest rides for visitors of all ages, led by a professional instructor. In Kichevo, riding is available for beginners and experienced riders, both outdoors and in an indoor arena, throughout the year. At Borisovi Riding Centre, routes pass through forests, fields, meadows, rivers and reservoirs; they are suitable for training and recreational riding. The average elevation at Borisovi is 150 m. Depending on your interests, you can choose between forest rides, different riding environments and a range of experience levels.

Churches and History

Several churches connect Aksakovo and the surrounding places with specific historical dates. The Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah in Botevo was built in 1867 with the Sultan’s permission and was later designated a local architectural cultural monument. The Holy Trinity Church in Izvorsko dates from 1885. In Aksakovo, the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God was completed for its first liturgy in 1906; its oldest icons are on an iconostasis dating from 1900. These construction and furnishing dates provide different historical reference points from the 19th century to the early 20th century.

Fishing Culture and Regional Products

The Interactive Museum “Fishing and Blue Growth” shares knowledge about fishing culture and the everyday lives of fishermen in the past, the history of fishing, and the historical and cultural factors behind its development. The “Blue Growth” strategy is also among the topics. An interactive narrator guides visitors through the exhibition rooms.

The Interactive Cultural and Information Centre “Blue Growth” is located in the cultural centre building in Botevo. Its interactive table provides information about fishing, natural attractions and the resources of the local fisheries action group “Varna, Asparuhovo District–Beloslav–Aksakovo”. This adds an overview of nature and local resources to the fishing-related themes.

The Varna Winery, which began operating in 2008, is located in General Kantardzhievo. It includes wine processing and production, wine tourism with a tasting room, and a shop selling wine and accessories. Izvorsko Farm keeps cows on freely accessible pastures and offers dairy products with an authentic taste reminiscent of traditional recipes from times past.

Getting to Pobiti Kamani

Pobiti Kamani can be reached by car or by bus line 43 to the Razklon Banovo stop in Slanchevo. Check the line’s timetable before travelling.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: General Kantardzhievo, Lyuben Karavelovo, Osenovo, Aksakovo, Dobrogled, Zornitsa.

Discover more destinations: Devnya, Dalgopol.

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