The Municipality of Dospat lies in the Western Rhodopes. At the Dospat Reservoir, along trails through the protected Karadzhadere landscape and at cultural sites around Dospat, you can explore different aspects of the area on a trip. When choosing a hotel in Dospat, it helps to decide in advance whether you mainly want to spend time by the water, take a longer tour or explore the region’s history.
By the reservoir and on short walks
The Dospat Reservoir is 18 km long and about 1 km wide. The “Little Bosphorus” promenade on the shore measures 2,120 m long and 3 m wide; it is for pedestrians only. Along the route, there are gazebos, a barbecue area, two fire pits, tables, benches and a children’s playground. The promenade can therefore be enjoyed as a walk in its own right. A 790 m-long tourist trail has been laid out in Eco Park Dospat. It includes rest areas, gazebos, tables and a stage. The trail also features text and images about the park’s most common tree, birds and mammals, landforms, rivers and the reservoir. Check the condition of the park trail locally before your visit.
Karadzhadere: nature and longer tours
One route from Dospat follows an old paved path into the protected Karadzhadere landscape. The protected area was established to safeguard the otters living there, which are considered very rare and endangered. For a longer outing, there is a 3–4-hour circular route that can be used on foot or by bike. The Otter Trail in the Karadzhadere area offers a short and a long route, as well as a floating information centre about otters. Check the trail’s current operating status locally before planning your visit.
Activities at the reservoir are also seasonal: nearby are limited, seasonally operated facilities for water sports and recreation, including boats, pedal boats, canoes, rowing and jet skis. If you plan to take part in any of these activities, check availability for your travel dates in advance. The Rhodope Springs Park Museum is in the Keltepe area of Dospat, close to the Eco Park and above the sports hall. The sports hall has a swimming pool, a fitness area and facilities for basketball, mini-football and volleyball. Before visiting, ask in advance under what conditions these facilities are currently accessible.
Culture, history and excursions
The rock formation Skalet is near Tsrancha. It was used as a sanctuary in the Late Bronze Age and the Iron Age, and ancient Thracian pagan rituals took place there. A recurring event in the local calendar is the annual Gathering of the Well Builders, also known as the Traditional Cultural Celebrations. It takes place in late August in the Sabora area under the patronage of the Mayor of the Municipality of Dospat. Check the exact dates for each year with the municipality.
Pochilena Barchina, also known as Kral Markos Barchina, was a fortress; a sanctuary stands on its summit. The site is 5.7 km from Dospat in the direction of Batak. The round trip takes 2–4 hours and can be made by jeep and on foot. This time estimate offers a different basis for planning than the stated trail lengths at the promenade and Eco Park. Local products in Dospat include cheese, kashkaval and fresh Dospat trout.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Dospat, Zmeitsa, Zlatograd, Madan, Chepelare, Banite, Borino, Devin.
For the regional travel overview: Smolyan Province.
