Geography
In geomorphological aspect the Rhodopes are part of the Rilo-Rhodope massif which is the oldest landmass on the Balkan peninsula. They are the most extensive Bulgarian mountain. The Rhodopes are spread over 14,735 km², of which 12,233 km² are on Bulgarian territory. The mountains are about 240 km long and about 100–120 km wide, with an average altitude of 785 m. To the north the mountain slopes are steeply descending towards the Upper Thracian Plain, to the west the Rhodopes reach the Avram saddle, Yundola and the valley of the Mesta River. To the south and east they extend over the border with Greece. The Rhodopes are a complex system of ridges and deep river valleys.
Fifteen reserves have been established in the region, some of which are under UNESCO protection. The mountains are famous for the largest coniferous woods in the Balkans, their mild relief and the lush vegetation in the western parts as well as the abundance of birds of prey in the eastern areas.
Read more about this topic: Rhodope Mountains
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