Kamena is one of the villages whose lands lie within Belasitsa Nature Park, which covers the northern slopes of the Belasitsa Mountains. Marked routes, church foundations, archaeological traces and two annual festival days in May offer different points of interest when choosing where to visit. Bus connections to Petrich and the neighbouring villages at the foot of the mountain are also part of planning your trip.

Waterfall Routes and Planning Your Time

A short, marked route leads from Kamena to a waterfall and a chapel and back. The route to Kameshnishki Waterfall begins on the edge of the village and climbs gently along the right bank of the Kameshnitsa River. After about ten minutes, you cross the river on a wooden bridge. After about 30 to 40 minutes on foot, you reach a shelter with a table and benches; walking time may vary depending on trail conditions and breaks. Kameshnishki Waterfall is 21 metres high. A wooden bridge has been built in front of the waterfall to provide a better vantage point.

For planning your day, a short marked round trip to the waterfall and chapel and an eight-hour round trip to Kameshnishki Waterfalls are available as options with different time requirements. The municipal mountain-hiking list includes the longer route from Kamena; trail conditions and the time required may change. The 30 to 40 minutes refers to the walk to the shelter, not the total duration of the eight-hour route.

Church Sites and Earlier Traces

A marked tourist route passes through the site of the Velikdenska Church, where the foundations of an old church are visible. About three kilometres north of Kamena, at Suhiya Dol (Koriendek), traces of a settlement believed to date from the Late Neolithic have been found. Remains of ancient fortresses have also been found at Suhiya Dol and nearby Kadresh. For those interested in culture, these are distinct points of interest: church foundations at Velikdenska Church and archaeological finds north of Kamena. The settlement is only believed to date from the Late Neolithic, while the fortress remains are classified as ancient.

Festivals and Local Produce

The church festival is held annually on 2 May (Borisovden), and the village festival annually on 6 May (St George’s Day). The dates are four days apart but mark different occasions; the local programme may vary from year to year. Beekeepers in Kamena produce acacia and chestnut honey. This should be distinguished in time from earlier production: in the 19th century, sesame oil and wine were produced in Kamena. Thus, present-day local production and a historical tradition coexist, although they relate to different periods.

Getting There and Accommodation

Bus connections are available to Petrich and the neighbouring villages at the foot of the mountain. As transport services and frequencies may change, check the timetable before your trip. Bungalows Kamena and Ecocomplex Prohlada are accommodation options in the village and are located near Kameshnishki Waterfall. If you plan to use either as a base, check availability for your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Kulata, Kromidovo, Kolarovo, Yavornitsa, Chuchuligovo, Petrich, Borovichene, Marikostinovo.

Back to the main travel overview: Petrich.