The Rhodope Mountains lie in Southern Bulgaria on the border with Greece and Turkey. This is the region where continental, temperate and Mediterranean wildlife meets. The Rhodope mountains are covered in extensive forests. There are high cliffs and thunderous rivers, but also extensive, steppe-like grasslands and dry, rocky slopes. The wildlife is amongst the richest in Europe. Large numbers of birds of prey patrol the skies, wolves and jackals hide in the woodlands and scores of butterflies and wildflowers grace the meadows. Remote and wild as this region may seem, it is actually very easy to visit. This guidebook tells you all about the Rhodopes and describes many routes and sites to explore these mountains and their flora and fauna.* 24 routes (car and walk)* 20 site descriptions* Where to watch birds information* Finding butterflies, wildflowers, reptiles, etc.* Detailed background information on landscape and ecology