Reserve “Ali Botush” — Slavyanka mountain

Only a short distance from Sandanski is one of the most preserved corners of Bulgarian nature — the biosphere reserve “Ali Botush” in the Slavyanka mountain. It is a place that welcomes you with its quiet majesty, with its centuries-old forests and the feeling that you are touching something real and unadulterated.

What to expect from the walk in “Ali Botush”

The reserve is famous for its exceptional flora and fauna — here you will find hundreds of species of rare plants, including endemics, which are not found anywhere else in Bulgaria. The mountain trails pass through beech and pine forests, revealing impressive panoramas of Pirin, Belasitsa and Greece. If you love nature in its purity and authenticity, you will feel especially happy here — “Ali Botush” retains the feeling of a virgin mountain in which the presence of man is barely palpable.

Hidden corners and little-known sights

The walk to the Ali Botush Reserve is not just a walk — it feels like a little adventure. If you deviate along the less used paths, you will come across meadows covered in spring and early summer with flowers that seem to paint the landscape with all the shades of green and purple. Look up — rare birds of prey often hover over the peaks, and in the silence you can hear the song of wild creatures.

Practical advice for visiting

• The best time for a walk:May and June are extremely beautiful when the reserve blooms, and autumn brings golden light and warm colors.
• How to get there:From Park Hotel Pirin to the village of Goleshovo can be reached by car in about 40 minutes (in the direction Petrovo - Goleshovo). From there, the main routes to the reserve begin. Always check current routes and traffic conditions before departure.
• What to wear:Comfortable hiking shoes, a light backpack with water and light food, outerwear (even in summer mornings are fresh), sunscreen and a hat.
• Shoot, but leave no trace:The reserve is strictly protected, so move only along the marked paths, and respect the tranquility of nature.

How does the place feel?

In “Ali Botush” time seems to stop. Silence envelops you, and the air is saturated with the aroma of grass, resin and herbs. Among the coolness of the pines, you will feel a liberating lightness and a desire to look deeper not only at nature, but also at yourself. It is a place for a slow, careful walk and discover the simple joys.

Discover the magic of Slavyanka with your home in Park Hotel Pirin

We warmly invite you to make Park Hotel Pirin your starting point to the magic of Slavyanka Mountain and the Ali Botush Reserve. Trust the tranquility and comfort of the hotel and get inspired to explore the wild side of this part of Bulgaria — you will leave not only with new memories, but also with the tranquility that only the mountains can give you.