A rock arch shaped by water over millions of years is a striking feature of Borino’s karst landscape: Devil’s Bridge is 18 metres high, its opening measures 6 metres, and the rock layer is 3 to 4 metres thick. A marked and secured trail leads there from Borino; wooden shelters along the way provide places to rest.
Karst Landscapes and Gorges
Borino Municipality lies in the Rila-Rhodope region, in the Veliyshko-Videnishki part of the Rhodopes and in the Trigrad Karst Massif. The terrain is mountainous, deeply dissected and rounded. High ridge plateaus, deep river valleys, gorges and extensive tectonic basins form its landscape. The entire municipality is part of the Natura 2000 network because of its exceptionally rich biodiversity.
The Buynovo Gorge also shows how closely rock and water interact here. It is a protected natural landmark covering an area of 608.60 hectares, located 6.5 kilometres northeast of Buynovo. Unique rock formations are protected there. The Buynovo River flows through the gorge, forming numerous waterfalls and pools.
The protected area “Trigrad Gorge” lies partly within the land territory of Yagodina in Borino Municipality. It was designated by Order No. RD-4021 on 6 December 1963, expanded by No. RD-429 on 18 July 2007, and its area was updated by No. RD-677 on 8 October 2015.
Six kilometres from the village of Borino lies the Kastrakli Biosphere Reserve, with a small reservoir and characteristic black pine forest. The artificial lake has a water surface of 35 decares and is 18 metres deep; it is fed by an underground spring. It is considered a tourist attraction in the municipality.
Waterfalls, Caves and Wide-Ranging Views
The Hidden Waterfalls can be reached after a 15- to 20-minute walk along the trail to Devil’s Bridge. From there, you can continue to the confluence with the Buynovo River. The end of the trail is 2 to 2.5 kilometres below Yagodina Cave. The walking time and trail endpoint help distinguish this hike from the region’s other nature experiences.
The section of Yagodina Cave developed for tourists is 1,100 metres long and passes through several chambers. You’ll encounter various karst formations there: stalactites, stalagmites, stalactones, dendrites, cave pearls, draperies and colourful, leopard-skin-like facets. There is also a prehistoric dwelling at the cave’s natural entrance. A 270-metre paved path leads there from the asphalt road to Buynovo. Archaeological excavations from the 1970s offer insight into the way of life and material culture of the region’s prehistoric inhabitants.
Near Yagodina Cave, on Mount Sveti Iliya in the Western Rhodopes, the “Eagle’s Eye” panoramic viewing platform stands at an elevation of 1,563 metres. From there, you can see the Buynovo Gorge and the villages of Borino, Chala and Yagodina. In the distance, the view extends to parts of the Pirin and Rila mountains, as well as mountain ranges in Greece. Videnitsa Peak is also a destination visited by tourists; a marked trail leads to the top.
Folklore and Local Traditions
Borino’s cultural heritage includes two types of traditional folk costume and woven textiles: Turkish and Bulgarian. They are associated with religious affiliation. Local folklore is preserved mainly through songs and dances and kept alive by two ensembles: the authentic folklore group and the children’s dance folklore ensemble “Borinche”.
The ensembles take part in traditional festivals in Borino, Dospat, Grohotno, Gyovren, Buynovo, Yagodina and Chala. The traditional village festival in Buynovo takes place on 24 and 25 May. If you’d like to plan your trip around a festival, check the dates and programme details in advance.
Discover more destinations: Borino, Buynovo, Yagodina, Chala, Kozhari, Dospat, Smolyan, Nedelino.
Return to the main travel overview: Smolyan Province.
