The Arda forms the northern boundary of Krumovgrad Municipality; part of the Studen Kladenets Reservoir, including its dam and hydroelectric power station, also lies within the municipality. The 30-kilometre-long reservoir offers opportunities for water sports and fishing. On its left bank, the Great Sipey stands out for its tall, steep and deeply rugged cliffs. The waterscape and striking rock formations are part of a diverse natural environment here.
River Landscapes, Protected Areas and Caves
Important tourist areas include the Krumovitsa Valley, especially the area near Dolna Kula, the area around Studen Kladenets, and the confluence of the Krumovitsa and Arda rivers. The protected landscape of Oreshari covers 55 hectares and preserves an Eastern Rhodope setting with cliffs, arches, caves and Thracian rock niches. Nearby, Ribino offers a different type of landscape: this 66.3-hectare protected area encompasses a karst landscape with rock massifs, springs and caves. Samara and the Mirror Cave are included on the list of Bulgaria’s 250 best-known caves.
Six caves near Mosta are located close together within the Oreshari protected area. Their entrances are two to three metres wide, and they range from ten to twenty metres in length. They are habitats for protected bat species. Djelovo is also known for a distinctive natural feature: its stand of Turkish hazel is considered the only one in the Eastern Rhodopes. Scattered among the trees are individual specimens more than 300 years old. These natural attractions differ not only in their rocks and caves, but also in their characteristic habitats.
Vulture Watching and Rock Niches
The Vŭlchi dol Reserve has a purpose-built feeding platform for griffon vultures and an observation structure. Access is subject to the reserve’s restrictions. At the edge of Studen Kladenets, the nature conservation centre adjoins the reserve; it has been adapted for visitors with mobility and visual impairments.
At Kovan Kaya in the Oreshari protected area, more than 150 rock niches are arranged in several groups. They are associated with Thracian settlements, fortresses, sanctuaries and rock necropolises in this part of the Arda region. The Oreshari–Strandzhevo rock niches have their own visiting conditions: admission is free and available year-round, guided tours are not offered, and access for people with disabilities is not guaranteed. Visitors can reach the site by municipal road, footpath and regular public transport. Check the practical information again before your visit.
Four waterfalls in the municipality are designated natural landmarks: Vodopada near Djanka has a drop of 25 metres, while Dushan near Krasino and Bureshte near Padalo each have a drop of 20 metres. Mandrata near Chal reaches ten metres. These place names and heights provide specific guidance if you would like to make waterfalls a focus of your trip.
Gold Mining, Museum and Regional Culture
Europe’s oldest gold mine was discovered at Ada Tepe near the town of Krumovgrad. It was in operation from the 15th to the 8th century BC. The history of the area can be complemented by visits to other cultural sites: Krumovgrad is home to the Church of St Ivan of Rila, built in 1934; the Church of St Elijah in Avren dates from 1870. The Church of St Athanasius in Chernichevo was built in 1847–1848.
The museum collection in Krumovgrad comprises about 2,000 exhibits covering archaeology, recent history and ethnography, displayed across 250 square metres. The collection opened in 1971 and is housed in a building erected in 1901 and designated a cultural monument. Historical crafts offer another glimpse into life in the town and its surrounding area. These included coppersmithing, pottery, the making of bags and sacks, aba textiles, opanki (traditional leather shoes) and other footwear.
Living traditions also shape the cultural calendar. An annual folk art gathering has been held in Krumovgrad since 1994; it is joined by the traditional Seid Baba autumn fair and village festivals. At an event featuring a culinary festival and the “Produced in Krumovgrad” bazaar, local cultural associations and groups presented traditional dishes. They also offered or displayed handmade souvenirs, bags, jewellery and children’s toys, as well as honey and bee products from Chuchuliga, Guliya and Chernooki, and dairy products from Chaika. Nature attractions and cultural heritage thus provide distinct themes to consider when planning a trip.
More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Krumovgrad, Djebel, Kardjali, Ardino, Kirkovo.
Return to the main travel overview: Kardzhali Province.
