Chala lies at an altitude of about 1,428 metres above sea level, between pine forests and open meadows. Videnitsa, also known as Gyoz Tepe, rises near the village. At 1,652 metres, it is the highest point near Chala. In clear weather, the view from there can stretch as far as the Aegean Sea, the Pirin Mountains and Perelik. The mountain is a distinctive landmark for a stay that brings together the village, forest scenery and hiking.
Hiking around Chala
A tourist trail leads from Chala to Videnitsa, passing the Seferov Spring. A hiking route runs from Chala via Videnitsa, Buynovo, Kozhari, Portata, Bashish and Yagodina. You can make the summit your hiking destination or include it in a route that takes in several places. Before setting out, it is worth checking trail conditions, which can vary.
Landscape and nature
Chala’s plant life includes coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests, meadow herbs and wild berries. The area is considered rich in species; its animal groups include mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. Chala is one of the settlements within the protected natural landmark of the Buynovo Gorge. The protected natural landmark of the Devil’s Bridge and Waterfall is also located within the lands of Borino and Chala; it protects rock formations and a waterfall.
Culture and local traditions
A solitary Thracian mound lies at the southeastern edge of the village and is designated a cultural asset of national significance. Archaeological excavations at Videnitsa suggest the presence of an ancient sanctuary of Dionysus. Chala’s traditional village festival takes place every year on the last Saturday in August. If you are planning your trip around it, confirm the date locally in advance.
Accommodation and dining
A guesthouse in Chala offers four double rooms, each with a private bathroom, fast Wi-Fi, an LCD TV and digital television. As facilities may change, check the latest details before booking.
Mehana Chala serves Rhodope specialities prepared with local produce. These include homemade Rhodope pancakes and traditional patatnik. The menu may change; before your visit, check whether the dishes you want are currently being served.
In the wider Borino destination
Borino Municipality lies in the Rila-Rhodope physical-geographical region, in the Veliyshko-Videnishki part of the Rhodope Mountains and in the Trigrad karst massif. Its terrain is mountainous and highly dissected, featuring high ridge plateaus, deep river valleys, gorges and extensive tectonic basins.
The Devil’s Bridge is a natural rock arch shaped by the waters of Chatak Dere over millions of years. It is 18 metres high, its opening is 6 metres wide, and the rock layer is 3 to 4 metres thick. From Borino, access is via a marked and secured trail with wooden shelters for resting. From the trail at the bridge, you can reach the Hidden Waterfalls after a 15-to-20-minute walk; from there, you can continue to the confluence with the Buynovo River. The trail ends 2 to 2.5 kilometres below Yagodina Cave.
A section of Yagodina Cave developed for tourists is 1,100 metres long and passes through several halls. The karst formations there include stalactites, stalagmites, stalactones, dendrites, cave pearls, draperies and coloured, leopard-skin-like facets.
Discover more destinations: Buynovo, Kozhari, Borino and Yagodina.
Go to the wider travel overview: Borino.
