The region of Eastern Stara Planina Mountains offer many opportunities for mountain, country and cultural tourism, on its territory there are several tourist routes that reveal the beauties of that part of the mountains. A sight of great interest in the area is the picturesque village of Asparuhovo, situated at the foot of Stara Planina Mountain, in the defile of Luda Kamchia River, at the bank of Tsonevo Dam.
Asparuhovo has a population of 840 inhabitants and is situated 85 km southwest of Varna. According to archaeological data the settlement sprang up as early as the 8-9th century, until the early 20th century it was called Ovchaga, the name of the fortress of the peasant leader Ivaylo. Later on the village moved to another place and part of the old houses formed an architectural and ethnographic complex that carries the spirit of Bulgarian folklore. The monastery school of the Bulgarian Revival period and the stone church of 1857 alike have been entirely moved from their original sites flooded by the dam-lake. They already live their second lives with the functions of cultural institutions-community clubs, library and a youth club.
Apart from visiting these unique buildings, tourists are offered the opportunity to practice Old Bulgarian crafts (pottery making, weaving of carpets and rugs, etc.) under the skilled instructions of local masters. This incredible place also gives you the chance to try traditional Bulgarian cuisine, adding another interesting feature to the overall unforgettable experience.
The Dam
Tsonevo Dam is situated in the Valley of Luda Kamchia River, only 1 km from the village of Asparuhovo. The dam ranks third in size in Bulgaria, with water service of 17,300 decametres and it is used for water supply and irrigation in the region. There are wonderful opportunities for fishing as the dam is rich in different fish species-bream, perch, and rudd. It also is an attractive place for relaxation and recreation close to nature, as there are bungalows on the dam banks and comfortable private lodgings are offered in the adjacent villages of Tsonevo and Asparuhovo.
The Golf Course
By the end of this year a golf course is to be built in these beautiful surroundings. A plot of land of 1 000 000 sq.m. was bought recently by a German company, planning to build a golf course of highest quality in the region. The property is situated in the far left part of the village where is enough space for a luxury hotel complex to be built too. The German company, undertaking the project has built golf courses all over the world; the biggest ones are in Miami and Johannesburg. This project is welcomed with great anticipation by the village mayor Svetlyo Iakimov and the people of Asparuhovo. It is believed that such foreign investments will lead to the region’s revival and will attract the attention of other possible land buyers, plus many more tourists and golf players from all over the world.
