Dospat: Reservoir, Nature Trails and Rhodope Culture
Accommodation in Dospat
The municipality of Dospat is located in the Western Rhodopes. Dospat Reservoir, trails through the protected Karadzhadere landscape, and cultural landmarks ranging from archaeological sites to an annual tradition give the destination its varied character.
By the reservoir: promenade and seasonal activities
The “Little Bosphorus” promenade along Dospat Reservoir is 2,120 metres long, three metres wide and reserved exclusively for pedestrians. Along the way, there are gazebos, a barbecue area, two fire pits, tables, benches and a children’s playground. The promenade therefore combines a waterside walk with several places to stop and relax. When choosing your holiday apartment, it can help to first decide on the kind of day you want: should the lakeshore be the focus, or are you mainly planning longer walks in the landscape?
Dospat Reservoir is 18 kilometres long and about one kilometre wide. Nearby, there are seasonal facilities for water sports and leisure activities, including boats, pedal boats, canoes, rowing and jet skis. Since these facilities are seasonal, check dates and current availability before planning your trip.
Nature trails and the Karadzhadere landscape
Eco Park Dospat has a 790-metre tourist trail with rest areas, gazebos, tables and a stage. Texts and images along the trail provide information about the park’s most common tree, birds and mammals, landforms, rivers and the reservoir. The trail thus brings together nature and information in one specific place.
A route from Dospat follows an old paved path into the protected Karadzhadere landscape. The area was established to protect the otters living there, which are considered very rare and endangered. The longer Karadzhadere route is a three-to-four-hour circular trail for pedestrians and cyclists. For longer walks, it is advisable to check the current trail conditions locally.
In the Karadzhadere area, the Otter Trail offers a short and a long route, as well as a floating information centre about the otter. If you plan to visit the information centre, check beforehand whether it is currently open. The two routes and the longer circular trail differ in their stated duration: the longer Karadzhadere route is listed as taking three to four hours, while the Otter Trail is offered as a short and a long route.
History, tradition and local produce
The area’s cultural history also offers places to visit. The Skalet rock formation near Tsrancha was used as a sanctuary in the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age; ancient Thracian pagan rituals took place there. In Dospat, the Rhodope Fountains Park Museum is located in the Keltepe area, right next to Eco Park and above the sports hall.
At the end of August, the annual gathering of fountain builders takes place in the Sabora area, also known as the Traditional Cultural Festivities. It is held under the patronage of the mayor of the municipality of Dospat. Contact the municipality before your trip to find out the exact dates of the event.
Towards Batak, 5.7 kilometres from Dospat, lies Pochilena Barchina, also known as Kral Markos Barchina. It was a fortress; a sanctuary is located on its summit. The round trip takes two to four hours and can be reached by jeep and on foot. Local produce from Dospat includes cheese, kashkaval and fresh Dospat trout.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Zmeitsa, Dospat, Chepelare, Zlatograd, Smolyan, Devin, Banite, Rudozem.
Back to the regional travel overview: Smolyan Province.
