Madzharovo

The Arda cuts through volcanic rock at Madzharovo in the eastern Rhodopes, leaving cliffs above the river that hold the main Bulgarian colony of griffon vulture, which had almost disappeared from the country by the 1970s and was brought back here through protection, supplementary feeding and reintroduction from the 1980s. Egyptian vulture, black vulture, golden eagle, Bonelli's eagle and long-legged buzzard all occur, and the area is the best raptor site in Bulgaria. A nature centre runs a small museum, viewing points above the feeding station and a hide, and there are marked walks along the river and up to the cliffs. The surrounding country is dry, open and volcanic, with abandoned mining works and thin villages.

What you actually see

• The griffon vulture colony - the main Bulgarian population on the cliffs.
• Egyptian vulture and eagles - the wider raptor list of the reserve.
• Feeding station viewpoints - the hides overlooking the site.
• Volcanic Arda gorge - the river cutting through the eastern Rhodopes.

When to go

March to June for breeding raptors, which is the season; vultures are present year round but activity is highest in spring. Half a day. Binoculars or a telescope are essential. Mornings are best.

Honest expectations

Birds are seen at distance and a telescope makes the difference. The centre keeps limited hours out of season. Roads in the eastern Rhodopes are slow. Madzharovo is a depressed former mining town with few facilities.

Nearby

Perperikon is west; the Arda runs through the eastern Rhodopes.