Sarnitsa: Dospat River, Reservoir and Nature

Sarnitsa lies on the Dospat River: The river flows past the town and empties into the Dospat Reservoir. The reservoir is 19 kilometers long and connects Sarnitsa with Dospat.

Reservoir, Nature and Seasons

The municipality of Sarnitsa lies between the Veliishko-Videnishki Ridge and Dabrash in the Western Rhodopes. The municipality is located at an average elevation of about 1,250 meters. Cool summers and snowy winters support both summer and winter tourism and give the region a distinct seasonal character.

The Dospat Reservoir is considered suitable for water sports such as jet skiing, pedal boating and boating. Operators and rules may vary; check local conditions in advance if you plan to take part in any of these activities. Fishing is also popular by the water: carp, trout, perch, crucian carp and rudd are highlighted as target species for shore fishing. The mouth of the Dospat River is considered suitable for sport fishing; species mentioned there include Balkan trout, barbel and chub. Local regulations may apply.

Sarnitsa is included in the Natura 2000 site BG0001030 Western Rhodopes, which is dedicated to protecting natural habitats and wild plants and animals. The protected area of Chibutsi, covering 4.8 hectares, is also located within the town. There are numerous mountain eco-trails in the surrounding area.

Stenata, also known as the Eye of Sarnitsa, is 4.9 kilometers from Sarnitsa. The rocky cliff is located at an elevation of 1,540 meters; from there, the view stretches toward Sarnitsa, Dospat, the Dospat Reservoir and Rila. The surrounding area brings together views of the water and the Rhodope landscape.

The Kayali Rocks area comprises an eight-hectare complex of rock formations, 10 to 50 meters high, among old white pines and spruces. After an asphalt road, a 4.5-kilometer forest road leads to the site and can be traveled on foot or by off-road vehicle. As road conditions can change, check the final stretch before planning your visit.

History and Local Culture

The Roman Road site is 8.4 kilometers from the center of Sarnitsa. A section of an ancient route, later known as the Byzantine Road, has been preserved there. The route was associated with travel between Thrace and Constantinople and passed through the Sarnitsa area. At the site, you can combine a visit to the historic remains with a forest shelter, wells, barbecue facilities and a children’s area.

At Pobit Kamak, an approximately four-meter-high menhir carved from rock stands in the Azmako meadows near the village of Pobit Kamak. The site is accessible by car; a roughly 300-meter walking trail then leads to the destination. Check local conditions before your visit. Local tradition links Pobit Kamak with Thracian sacred rituals.

An ethnographic collection at the Sarnitsa Youth Center features exhibits on the traditional life and culture of the local population. Staff at the community center lead a local folk group. Traditional dishes include patatnik, gel salad, Rhodope pach, Rhodope klin and Rhodope kachamak.

Discover more destinations: Yundola, Pobit Kamak.

Go to the main travel overview: Velingrad.