Upright stone pillars rise from exposed Eocene sands: Pobiti Kamani resembles a stone forest and makes a striking impression in the Municipality of Aksakovo. Parts of Golden Sands Nature Park and the Pobiti Kamani protected area are also located in this municipality. Nature, churches, horse-riding opportunities and reservoirs offer a variety of themes for your explorations.

Stone Landscapes and Birdlife

At Pobiti Kamani, the geological formations take centre stage: stone pillars rise among the exposed sands. The area is part of the Natura 2000 network. It protects significant inland sandy habitats and their characteristic flora, vegetation and fauna. The name “stone forest” captures the striking effect of the upright pillars, while the protected status also draws attention to the rare habitats.

Batova also lies partly within the Municipality of Aksakovo. There, 184 bird species have been recorded. Of these, 50 are listed in Bulgaria’s Red Data Book, and 80 are of European conservation importance. These figures offer a concrete insight into the diversity of birdlife in this natural area.

Churches and Fishing Culture

In Botevo, the Church of the Holy Prophet Elijah was built in 1867 with the Sultan’s permission; it was later designated a local architectural cultural monument. In Aksakovo, the Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God was ready for its first liturgy in 1906. Its oldest icons are displayed on an iconostasis dating from 1900. The Holy Trinity Church in Izvorsko adds another example to this overview of the municipality’s churches: it was built in 1885. The Botevo Monastery of St Marina was founded in the mid-19th century near a healing spring.

The Interactive Museum “Fishing and Blue Growth” explores fishing culture and the everyday lives of fishermen in the past. Its themes also include the history of fishing, the cultural and historical factors behind its development, and the “Blue Growth” strategy. An interactive narrator guides visitors through the exhibition rooms.

Another insight into the region awaits you at the Interactive Cultural and Information Centre “Blue Growth”, housed in the community centre building in Botevo. An interactive table provides information about fishing, natural attractions and the resources of the local fisheries action group “Varna, Asparuhovo–Beloslav–Aksakovo District”.

Horse Riding and Reservoirs

The horse-riding opportunities vary in focus. In Dolishte, guided forest rides are offered to visitors of all ages under the supervision of a professional instructor. In Kichevo, riding is available for beginners and advanced riders, outdoors and in an indoor arena, throughout the year. Borisovi Equestrian Centre offers routes through forests, fields, meadows, rivers and reservoirs, suitable for both training and recreational riding. The average elevation is 150 metres.

The reservoirs also offer a variety of activities. Osenovo Reservoir is located in the village of Osenovo in the Municipality of Aksakovo and is a year-round destination for anglers and nature lovers. The fish available may vary by season. Botevo Reservoir offers opportunities for fishing and observing wild and water birds, including wild ducks, storks, snipes, swans and cormorants. Zasmano Reservoir offers opportunities for relaxation and fishing in a wooded setting.

Wine and Farm Produce

Varna Winery in General Kantardzhievo began operating in 2008. It encompasses wine processing and production, as well as wine tourism with a tasting room and a shop selling wine and accessories. Izvorsko Farm keeps cows on open-access pasture and offers dairy products whose flavour recalls traditional recipes from times past.

Plan Your Visit

Pobiti Kamani can be reached by car or by bus route 43 to the Razklon Banovo stop in Slanchevo. If you plan to travel by bus, check the current timetable before setting off.

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

Go to the main travel overview: Varna Province.