Irem: My Journey in Bulgaria: 10 Days in Peaceful Primorsko
On June 1st, 2025, my fellow volunteer Furkan and I set out from Istanbul. Our first stop was Sofia, and from there, we traveled to Primorsko, a beautiful town on the Black Sea coast.
When we took a short walk around, we immediately noticed how clean and beautiful Bulgaria’s nature was. We wanted to explore Primorsko more, so we walked through the town and met some of the local people. Everyone was very kind to us. While standing in front of a market, a few elderly locals even gifted us some fresh plums. Their gesture really warmed our hearts.
The next day, we visited the city of Burgas. One of the highlights of our visit was the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius. It was a unique and beautiful experience for both of us. As we explored more, we slowly started learning about the region’s culture and historical architecture.
On the way back to Primorsko, we had some minor transportation issues. Luckily, a local man kindly offered us a ride. He was very friendly and fun to talk to. During the drive, he shared stories about Bulgaria and pointed out many of its natural and cultural beauties.
The following day, Furkan and I went on a bike tour. Our first stop was the Ropotamo River. We spent some time there, simply enjoying the calm waters and natural beauty.
Our next destination was a castle called Love with Wind. Along the way, we were amazed by how clean and untouched nature was. We even encountered many different animals on the road, which made the trip even more special. The roads were spotless—completely free of trash—which showed how much the environment is respected here.
Another day, we visited a natural and historical site in Primorsko called Beglik Tash. We learned that it was once used to measure time and seasons—essentially serving as an ancient astronomical site and temple. It was a very fascinating and impressive place.
All in all, my 10 days in Primorsko were filled with new experiences, beautiful nature, warm-hearted people, and unforgettable memories.
Furkan: My Erasmus+ Experience in Primorsko, Bulgaria
At the beginning of June, my fellow volunteer İrem and I had the opportunity to participate in an Erasmus+ project held in the town of Primorsko, Bulgaria. The project aimed to raise awareness among young people about environmental consciousness, sustainable practices, and cultural exchange.
In this post, I’d like to share my observations and experiences from the first ten days of the project. Because this wasn’t just a project — it was the beginning of a new connection with nature, culture, and people.
My First Impressions and Connection with Nature
From the moment we arrived in Primorsko, we were struck by the cleanliness of the environment, the preserved natural beauty, and the warm attitudes of the people. On our second day, we started exploring the town early in the morning. Locals who found out we were Turkish greeted us with a few words in our language. These small but meaningful interactions helped us form a warm cultural connection.
Cultural Discoveries and Unexpected Encounters
We visited the nearby city of Burgas, where we had the chance to see significant landmarks such as the Church of Saints Cyril and Methodius. The monuments and parks around the city reflected the deep historical roots of Bulgarian culture.
On our way back, we experienced an unexpected situation when public transportation had stopped running for the day. That’s when we met Emil Ilarev, a local who kindly offered to drive us back to Primorsko. During the ride, we had enriching conversations about culture, work, and life — and we discovered just how many common points exist between our countries.
Sustainability Practices and Nature Rides
The project’s environmental focus became even more tangible during our bike tour. We rode approximately 40 kilometers to reach the Ropotamo River, and then visited the beautifully located castle “In Love with the Wind.” We spent time surrounded by nature while also traveling in an eco-friendly way that avoided the use of fossil fuels.
History and Nature: Visiting Beglik Tash
Another highlight of the project was our visit to the ancient site of Beglik Tash. Once used for observing the sky and calculating seasons, this place holds significant historical and scientific importance. The fact that it is now a protected site speaks volumes about the value placed on natural and cultural heritage here.
A Summary of My Initial Observations
Throughout my first ten days in Primorsko, one of the most striking things I noticed was how much respect is shown toward nature and the environment. Clean roads, recycling systems, and an eco-conscious community reflect the reality of sustainable living.
Working alongside volunteers from different countries has also been incredibly meaningful, allowing me to experience the power of cross-cultural collaboration and collective action.
For Now, That’s All…
The first ten days I spent in Primorsko are just the beginning of the project. The program will continue until August 2, and many more activities, workshops, and discoveries await us.
