Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2025 All Rights Reserved

Manna honey - the black gold of Strandzha Mountain

Autumn is coming soon and it is time to think how to boost our immune system. Walking in the nature in combination for instance with consumption of manna (honeydew) honey is the best decision. You can do both in Strandzha Mountain.

Local entrepreneurs have developed a special route that presents the Strandzha manna honey and the organic bee products produced in the forests near Veleka River. Tourists have the opportunity to visit two apiaries located in the local villages popular with the traditional fire dancing (nestinarstvo). Bee- keepers produce in these apiaries organic honey, honey vinegar and bee products which boost immune system.


The Strandzha manna honey has proven medicinal properties and has long ago become part of the tourist logo of this Bulgarian mountain. That is why people call it the “Black Gold of Strandzha Mountain!” In 2019, this product was included in the EU list of protected geographical indications. It is produced by honeybee colonies that collect honeydew from various plants and the sweet honeydew nectar from the acorns of the Hungarian Oak, which grows in Strandzha Mountain.

The Strandzha manna honey has a flavor of baked fruits and caramel and low content of pollens. It is rich in various minerals, amino acids and vitamins. It boost the immune system and helps the treatment of various diseases such as influenza, kidney or liver diseases. 


Along with the visits to the local apiaries, tourists get to know the local ancient sanctuaries, traditions, nature and cuisine.

Compiled by: Veneta Nikolova

Photos: courtesy of the organisers


Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Adorning brides, rolling couscous, taking photos in traditional costumes – Bulgaria's Ribnovo opens up to the world

Ribnovo, the magnetic Rhodope village, which until a decade ago lived in its own encapsulated world far from globalization, now warmly welcomes tourists. Its residents are Bulgarian-Muslims and are distinguished by their preserved way of life, colorful..

published on 1/10/25 1:35 PM
Plovdiv's Old Town

New York Times: Bulgaria among the top destinations for 2025 because of Schengen, but not only!

Where will the new year take us? The New York Times helps us start our travels with suggestions from its annual list of the 52 best places to visit in 2025 . Among them, Bulgaria stands out as an attractive destination that focuses the attention of..

published on 1/8/25 3:10 PM

About 5% more foreign tourists will visit Bulgaria this winter

A 4-5% growth in the number of foreign tourists is expected during the winter season. This forecast was made by Ivan Groshev, chairman of the Association of Incoming Agencies, in an interview with the Bulgarian National Radio...

published on 1/7/25 9:22 AM