A marked nature trail and a distinctive cultural identity give Borino two different points of interest. The trail passes through an old coniferous forest to Devil’s Bridge and the Hidden Waterfalls; woven textiles, traditional costumes, songs and dances represent the local Rhodope culture.
Hiking trail to Devil’s Bridge and the waterfalls
From Borino, the access route starts at a car park near Chataka, about five kilometres southeast of the village. The marked trail passes through an old coniferous forest to Devil’s Bridge, the Hidden Waterfalls and the confluence with the Buynovska River. Wooden shelters along the route provide places to rest. This route brings together the forest, waterfalls and river, with several named natural landmarks along the way.
In the wider Borino destination, a 15- to 20-minute walk leads from the trail at Devil’s Bridge to the Hidden Waterfalls. From there, you can continue to the confluence with the Buynovo River; the trail ends two to two and a half kilometres below Yagodina Cave. For planning purposes, you can treat the walk to the waterfalls as a separate section or continue along the route to the river.
Kastrakli and the wider Borino landscape
The Kastrakli Reserve, within the Borino Forestry Administration area, protects an old black pine forest, endemic plant species and rock formations; a small reservoir lies nearby. In the wider Borino destination, the Kastrakli Biosphere Reserve is six kilometres from Borino village. The artificial lake in the area has a water surface of 35 decares and is 18 metres deep. It is fed by an underground spring and is also considered a tourist attraction.
At the municipal level, the entire Borino municipality is part of the Natura 2000 network. The municipality lies in the Rila-Rhodope physiographic region, in the Veliyshko-Videnishki part of the Rhodopes and in the Trigrad karst massif. Its mountainous, deeply dissected and rounded terrain includes high ridge areas, deep river valleys, gorges and extensive tectonic basins. Near Borino stands a protected black pine, 34 metres tall and about 100 years old; locally, it is called the “Lyre of Orpheus”.
The Buynovo Gorge is also part of the wider Borino destination. It is Bulgaria’s longest gorge and was designated a natural attraction in 1971. There are several tourist trails in the area. This is a different landscape attraction from the marked trail from Borino to Devil’s Bridge.
Weaving, traditional costumes and folklore
Borino’s material culture includes crafts, patterned textiles, traditional costumes and folklore associated with three ethnic groups. Woollen textiles and traditional costumes are made on looms. Two types of folk costumes and textiles are associated with Turkish and Bulgarian religious affiliation, respectively. These details give Borino’s cultural offerings a distinct focus alongside its trails and protected areas.
Local folklore is preserved primarily through songs and dances. The authentic folklore group and the children’s dance folklore ensemble “Borinche” contribute to this effort. The Borino ensemble’s repertoire includes Bulgarian Rhodope songs. Borinche’s purpose is to preserve local Rhodope and Bulgarian traditions, customs and folklore.
Getting there and finding your way
Borino lies in the Western Rhodopes on the Krichim–Mihalkovo–Devin–Dospat road. The main southern Rhodope road passes through the village from Smolyan and Devin towards Dospat, Gotse Delchev, Batak and Velingrad. The area is accessible by bus or car. If you are travelling by bus, check the timetable for your travel day.
Discover more destinations: Kozhari, Buynovo, Yagodina, Chala.
Back to the main travel overview: Borino.
