Kirkovo combines mountain trails with unusual rock formations, ancient trees and cultural sites. When planning, it is worth keeping the various starting points in mind: Veykata, the caves and the historic sites have different access routes. Kirkovo Municipality lies in the southwest of Kardzhali Province. Its highest peak is Veykata: at 1,463 metres, it is considered the highest peak of the Gyumurdzhinski Snezhnik in Bulgaria. On a clear day, the view reaches Greece, the Aegean Sea and as far as Porto Lagos.
Mountain Trails, Forests and Rock Formations
Veykata can be approached via Chakalarovo and Dolno Kapinovo. The route via Chakalarovo follows a marked trail through beech and mixed forest. Before setting out, check trail conditions and markings locally.
Landscape features include pristine maple, beech and beech-fir forests that are more than 150 years old. Some trees are more than 300 years old, and a few are even over 400 years old. Species found in the area include golden eagles, sparrowhawks, honey buzzards, black woodpeckers and bears; the forests offer a connection with nature beyond the summit trails.
Near Benkovski is Gubata, a protected sandstone formation about two metres high and shaped like a mushroom. The route from Benkovski is two kilometres. The Turtle rock-cult complex near Fotinovo is a megalithic site dating to the Stone Age, with several turtle-like shapes; the largest is said to measure 7.6 metres. The route from Kirkovo or Krilatitsa to the complex is five kilometres. These distances help you compare the routes without implying a walking time.
Ancient Trees and Caves near Kremen
Near Medevci stands a centuries-old sessile oak with a trunk circumference of 6.50 metres. It is estimated to be about 480 years old and is considered easy to access. In Fotinovo, beside the village mosque, stands a protected Oriental plane tree. Its trunk circumference is 6.20 metres, and its estimated age is around 400 years. Both trees are striking natural attractions, but they are in different locations.
The area around Kremen contains several caves in marbleized limestone. The cave fauna described includes bats, centipedes and scorpions. One cave contains a small lake with fish, while another has visible traces of earlier life. Draperies, stalactites and dendrites are among the formations in the caves. The entrances may be hidden by overgrown shrubs; a local guide is recommended for a visit. The route from the Kirkovo–Kremen turnoff is ten kilometres.
Fishing Spots and Practical Considerations
Fishing opportunities vary by location and type of water body: beside the Hvoynova Polyana hut is a pond stocked with carp. Near Kirkovo, at Golyama Niva, there is a reservoir accessible by car; the larger MĹglene Reservoir is near Benkovski. MĹglene is also accessible by car. It has a volume of eight million cubic metres and is considered suitable for fishing, but has no overnight facilities. Check access and facilities before setting out. Confirm fishing permits and current fish stocks locally.
Cultural Sites and Getting There
The Wooden Mosque of the Seven Maidens in Podkova is open to visitors. It dates from 1428, was restored in 2009 using traditional building techniques and is designated a cultural monument. The complex includes seven symbolic graves, known as cenotaphs, associated with the tradition of the Seven Maidens. Shoes must be removed before entering; please also observe local religious etiquette. The HĹdırlez gathering at the mosque takes place on 6 May. Guests come from Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey and Western Europe; the scale and organization may vary from year to year. Check the details for your travel date.
The area around Podkova railway station provides a starting point for visits to the Wooden Mosque and the Damla Kaya cult complex. If travelling by train, check the latest BDZ information before departure. The Punar-Kaya domed tomb near Stareyshino is about 300 metres from the Damla Kaya cult complex. A hiking route from Podkova or Stareyshino is listed as around six kilometres; confirm conditions and access locally.
A route overview for 2024 lists bus connections such as Kardzhali–Kirkovo–Gorno Kapinovo, Kirkovo–Yakovitsa–Chakalarovo and Kirkovo–Medevtsi–Benkovski, as well as connections to Starovo, Lozengradtsi and Shumnatitsa. It also lists routes from Starovo, Sredsko and Delvino to Podkova railway station. As the overview dates from 2024, check current timetables before deciding how to travel.
Discover more destinations: Kirkowo, Chakalarovo, Dryanova glava, Fotinovo, Varben, Krumovgrad, Djebel, Ardino.
For the broader travel overview: Kardzhali Province.
