Vezenkovo
Explore the Local Area….
Explore the local area and enjoy unpolluted air, unparalleled nature and complete relaxation opportunities.
Village of Vezenkovo
Calla Retreat is located in the village of Vezenkovo. Nestled among old-growth deciduous forests, on the south slopes of the East Stara Planina Mountain range. We are in the municipality of Sungurlare (Burgas region) in South-eastern Bulgaria.
The village is named after the Bulgarian doctor Konstantin Vezenkov. Dr Vezenkov participated in the Russo-Turkish War of Liberation from 1877-1878 and was wounded near the village.
The village looks towards the peak of the mountain affectionately known as ‘the old man’.
The river Kamchia runs through the village. We’ve been advised that is possible to catch European chub, Common rudd, Rainbow trout, bleak, barbel, catfish, carp and pike.
Surrounding the village are old growth forests of beech, oak and hornbeam trees. Also near the village are the remains of 2 ancient fortresses.
In the village there is a post office, several shop’s, a traditional bar, community centre, park, and medical services.
We are located 17 km from the nearest town of Sungurlare and 90 km from Burgas and the International airport. It is around an hour’s drive to one of the many beautiful beaches on the Black Sea Coast. There is bus transport which connects the village with the neighbouring villages and towns.
Hiking from Calla Retreat
There are plenty of stunning hikes directly from the village. As we are in a valley it is all uphill! However, the views are amazing so it’s well worth the effort!!
There are lots of opportunities for bird/nature watching along with foraging for fruit and herbs. Bulgaria is well known for its quality of wild medicinal and culinary herbs. We definitely take advantage of this and we encourage you to do the same.
Looking down towards Vezenkovo Hiking from Vezenkovo 
Wild Mullein field, in the hills above the retreat Hiking from Vezenkovo Wild yellow plums, sweet and delicious Hiking from Vezenkovo Forest of wild garlic (April) Forest of wild garlic (April) Foraged wild garlic Hiking from Vezenkovo Hiking from Vezenkovo
The Weather
Located on the south slopes of East Stara Planina Mountain range, with an altitude of 550m. The climate of the region is temperate, with Black Sea and continental influences.
The summer and autumn are typical for the Mediterranean climate – long and dry! Characterized by a mild winter, early spring, moderate summer and warm autumn. Rainfall is generally scarce though May/ June do tend to have some fabulous thunderstorms.
Kamchia Dam
The river Kamchia runs into the Kamchia Dam (alongside 6 other rivers). It is one of the largest dams in Bulgaria and was created in 1973. It’s a beautiful scenic area with the dam nestled between areas of imposing cliffs and old growth forests. The dam is suitable for swimming and boating.
You can reach the damn either from the village of Manolich (less than 10 minute’s drive away) or the village of Podvis (15 minute’s drive away). There is a stunning viewpoint of the damn from Podvis with a lovely picnic and barbeque area.
Sungulare
The town of Sungulare is 17kms from Calla Retreat so around 10-15 minute’s drive. Sungulare has a restaurant along with other small eateries. It also has various retail shops where you can buy household goods, clothes and delicious locally grown fruit and vegetables.
The territory of Sungurlare municipality is one of the biggest in the Burgas county. Twenty-three decares of vineyards are cultivated in the area. The Sungurlare region is well-known in Bulgaria and abroad for its marvellous wines. The most famous brand called Sungurlarski misket is made from the grapes grown in the adjacent wine-growing villages and towns.
There are 2 vineyards within the area that offer wine tasting experiences.
Sungulare has a small museum of Wine and Vine. This hosts an annual traditional celebration on 14th February every year – for St Trifon Zarezan. The festival includes the traditional crowning of the Vine King, the ceremonial cutting of the vines and then a celebration in a local park. We highly recommend it if you are visiting at this time!
Sungulare is an ecologically clean area with no heavy industry or pollution. Dominated by narrow river valleys and numerous ravines that flow into them.
Forests cover an area of 393,000 acres in the region making it perfect for nature lovers or bird watchers. Coniferous forest areas are represented by pine and fir, while deciduous forest areas prevailing species are oak, beech and maple. Annually nearly 2,000 acres of new forests are planted and it is an area rich with a wonderful variety of wildlife, flora and fauna.
Medven
Medven is 14 kms from the retreat (around 15 minute’s drive) and is well worth a visit. The village has preserved its authentic architecture of the National Revival. Walking along the narrow-paved streets one still can feel the active spirit of the enlighteners. Most of the Medven houses are proclaimed monuments of culture. The gates of some of the most ancient of them still bear scars from Circassian axes.
The village of Medven is a birthplace of the famous writer and revolutionary Zahari Stoyanov. There is a house-museum “Zahari Stoyanov” in the village, situated in Jurta hamlet. There are some wonderful hiking trails from the village, one of which leads to a breathtaking waterfall – Sinir Vir. Also known as the blue pool from the unique colour of the water. It’s a great place to swim!
Zheravna
Zheravna is also a wonderful village to visit. It is a beautiful mountain village and architectural reserve 30 kms from Calla Retreat (30 minute’s drive).
There are more than 200 old houses (preserved and restored) dating back to the National Revival period. It is a popular tourist destination as well as an inspiration source for artists and writers. Zheravna is a place where time has stopped. The air is filled with village smells and sounds… of stock trotting by, of coffee cups clatter on a tray, of fresh cold mountain water running in the basin…
Many of the houses are nowadays museums and guest houses. The ground floors of others are functioning as shops, restaurants and cafes. Streets are stone laid, narrow and winding. You can easily lose your way or miss the turn you are aiming for. Parking is difficult and it might be better to leave your car in the central square and then walk on.
In August Zheravna hosts one of the most spectacular festivals in Bulgaria. The Festival of Folklore Costume is a 3 days escape from modern life. People wear old folklore costumes or uniforms, sleep under the stars and cook on open fire. Artisans, musicians and warriors reach for the old traditional tools of the trade and engage in workshops and re-enactments. Modern technology such as phones and cameras are not allowed for the festival period and some kind of folklore costume is required in order to attend!
Karnobat
Also in the local area, the city of Karnobat is our nearest larger city and is only 45 kms away from the retreat. Here you will find plenty of shops, bars and restaurants. There is also a large outdoor pool which is part of a hotel complex (but is open to outside visitors for a small fee).
There is a beautiful park in the centre which hosts lots of local events. It also has a small animal zoo which is free to enter.
Just outside Karnobat you will find the remains of the Markeli fortress. The castle was an important military centre and has played a major role in the Bulgarian-Byzantine relationships. It was built probably during the Byzantine emperors Anastasius I and Justinian in order to guard the only road to Varbishki and Rishki Passes.
Sliven
The lovely city of Sliven is 68 kms away. You will find has numerous shops, restaurants and bars. Plus, the fabulous attraction of its slightly hair-raising chair lift which operates year round (weather permitting). The lift takes you to the top of the blue mountain and the views are simply stunning.
Yambol
Yambol is also less than an hour away and offers all the usual facilities of a large city. It also hosts the annual Kukerlandia festival between the second and the first Sunday prior to Lent – which is free to attend.
It is a masquerade festival. Monsters and creatures! Accompanied by the pounding of bells attached to their belts, perform rituals to chase away phantoms and evil spirits. This is how, with the coming of Spring the spectators of the kukeri take a communion, immersing themselves in the tumult, wealth of colour, and sorcery of fertility rites.
We welcome you to come to Calla Retreat. Experience yourselves the many fantastic possibilities for recreation, historical and cultural exploration, as well as the diversity of beautiful natural surroundings.
