The largest dam built in Bulgaria since the mid 80s onwards, is The Tsankov Kamak Dam. Located near the village of Mihalkovo, the dam is part of the Dospat-Vacha Water Cascade. The dam collects water by rivers Vacha and Gashnya, and its volume is 111 thousand cubic meters of water. The shores of the lake are very steep and inaccessible, its altitude is about 680 m. The water mirror of the reservoir reaches Devin and its length is about 15 kilometers. Besides large-scale hydro facility, it is also a favorite tourist attraction in the Western Rhodopes, mainly due to the wonderful fishing opportunities and attractive boat trips that can be organized in the lake. Boats and water wheels are equipped with life jackets and meet all safety standards. Boating or water wheel trip is requested in advance by phone for reservations: 0885 25 27 37. More pictures of the Western Rhodopes you can see...
Read more
The reserve is an exceptionally beautiful landscape with vertical rocks, centuries-old forests of white pine, fir, beech, sycamore, hop hornbeam and aspen (age 200 years). 25 protected plant species have been identified. Reserve Kastrakli is a kind of a paradise for butterflies, wild orchids, mountain flowers in general, etc. A small 18-meter deep reservoir (artificial lake) has been created with a water area of 35 decares which is filled by a small underground spring and is a tourist attraction in itself. In the reserve are strictly forbidden the following activities: lifestock grazing, cutting of woods, picking of flowers and herbs, lighting fires, hunting, fishing, making noises – singing, crying and listenig to loud music. Over 450 species of butterflies have been identified here, and a special natural center is being built that will house in a separate area the Museum of the butterfly. The area of the reserve is approximately 130 hectares, it is popular among tourist, fond of walking, with the beautiful meadow Kastrakli and from there on mountain paths the tourists can continue to the hut Orpheus and The Kemera bridge. More pictures from the Western Rhodopes you can find...
Read more
The view to the Rhodope Mountains from the Red Rock area is delightful, so it takes a worthy place among the sights of the Western Rhodopes. The Red Rock is located above the village Ravnogor near another local landmark – Bekovi rocks. Besides the unforgettable view, Red Rock is also known for the legend that comes from centuries of Ottoman rule – two young girls threw themselves from this place to keep their faith. They entangled their long hair in a single braid and jumped into the abyss. The courage and faith of those young girls induces admiration and reverence until today. For the convenience of tourists in the Red rock area several benches are placed, so as to allow the tourists to indulge in silence, fresh air and beauty of the mountain. More pictures from the Western Rhodopes can be seen...
Read more
Along the river Trigradska and the Devin-Trigrad road, 1.5 km away from the village, is located the majestic and strikingly beautiful Trigrad Gorge, also declared a protected area. The Trigrad Gorge is a deep gorge along the Trigradska River. This majestic view of vertical rocks partly covered by spruce and pine add special value to the natural reserve. The limestone cliffs of the gorge form one of the richest habitats of endemic, rare or relict plant species in Bulgaria. Many rare bird species such as the rock nuthatch, various birds of prey, woodpeckers and others nest here which attracts many birdwatchers. The road leading to the village of Trigrad passes through the gorge, curving along the river and at some places is very narrow, sometimes even carved into the rocks. Part of unusual Trigrad Karst Region is the Devil’s Throat Cave. More photos from the Western Rhodopes you can find...
Read more
The rock formation Skaleto is located approximately 1.5 km to the west of the village Tsrancha (Dospat municipality). It is interesting that it was used as a sanctuary back in the late Bronze Age and in the Iron Age. The area around the village is dotted with Thracian and Roman tombs. An ancient Thracian and Roman road is preserved which connected the settlement with the Aegean sea. After amateur archaeological studies performed by local teachers in the 50s skeletal burials with inventory mainly of pottery were discovered. Crawling the site materials from the Middle Ages were also found. The area can be reached on foot or by terrain vehicle on the road that leads from village of Tsrancha to the village of Vaklinovo. The view of the green sea of the Rhodopes that reveals from the cliffs is fascinating. More pictures from the region you can find...
Read more
When you climb to the Bekovi rocks in front of you reveals the fascinating views of the beautiful hills of The Western Rhodopes, covered with ancient forests and among them the sparkling waters of Vacha Dam. The air is clean and fresh and on the rocks several benches are placed for the benefit of tourists. There is a comfortable road from the village of Ravnogor that leads to Bekovi Rocks. The villagers are friendly and helpful and will gladly help you to find the way. Ravnogor village is located 1340 meters above sea level, the area is inhabited since the time of the Thracians, as evidenced by the numerous Thracian mounds around the village. More pictures from The Western Rhodopes you can find...
Read more