Discover Laki

The municipality of Laki lies in the northeastern part of the Western Rhodopes. This rugged mountain region is crossed by five rivers: Manastirska, Belishka, Dryanovska, Yugovska and Lakinska. The municipality is also close to Pamporovo and Bachkovo Monastery.

Nature and Trails

Part of the Red Wall Reserve lies within the municipality; the reserve is recognised by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. The municipality also has four registered natural landmarks. The 52-metre-high Slivodolsko Padalo Waterfall lies in the Red Wall Reserve and is registered as a natural landmark. The area around Laki is home to brown bears, chamois, mouflon, wolves, red deer, protected birds, otters and reptiles, among other wildlife.

The Komin Dere Eco-trail begins in Laki and runs for about four kilometres to the hamlet of Braykovitsa. Protected and rare plants, relict species and endemic species grow along the trail. The route includes three pavilions, a panoramic viewpoint and four educational information boards. Trail conditions and facilities may change; check for current information before your hike.

The scenic eco-trail to the Holy Spirit Waterfall on the Manastirska is also about four kilometres long. It includes steps, handrails, a footbridge and rest areas. About two kilometres beyond Belitsa, the Giumburtia Waterfall lies on the Belishka River, near the Kormisosh residence.

A regional trail description dated 11 August 2024 starts the Belitsa–Cave Eco-trail at the first houses in Belitsa on the approach from Laki. The trail follows the Belishka River and the slopes of the Krushevska mountain ridge to a natural cave. Inside are drawings of animals and people resembling prehistoric paintings. The trail description classifies the route as suitable for families. Trail conditions may change; check them before your visit.

Kormisosh State Hunting Enterprise offers accompanying programmes such as fishing, horse riding, ecotourism, wildlife photography and excursions to historical sites and natural attractions. Programmes and availability may change; check in advance for current offerings.

Culture, Crafts and Regional Cuisine

The Nature and Heritage House in Laki is about ten minutes from the town centre. It presents an ethnographic collection and regional crystal formations. A touchscreen information kiosk provides details about destinations and cultural activities in the region. Visiting arrangements and kiosk availability may change; check current conditions before your visit.

In Yugovo, the Holy Trinity Church was built in 1842. It preserves 19th-century wall paintings and an iconostasis with icons dating from 1846 to 1851. The Krastova Gora–Holy Trinity Monastery Complex is a pilgrimage centre with healing water from Ayazmoto. Preserved regional crafts include wood carving, woodworking, horizontal-loom weaving, knitting, sewing and embroidery.

The region’s traditional Rhodope cuisine features potatoes, dairy products and other animal products. Local activities also include beekeeping, fish farming and raspberry growing. However, traditional farming and livestock-raising activities are not widely practised.

Planning Your Stay

The tourist information centre in the town of Laki provides detailed information about attractions, accommodation and municipal event dates. Travel within the municipality is by road only. The municipal tourism programme for 2024–2027 identifies poorly maintained fourth-class roads as making it difficult to reach tourist destinations and some settlements. Road conditions can change, so check current conditions before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Kalofer, Brestnik, Plovdiv, Parvomay, Sopot, Borovo, Hisarya, Vinitsa.

For the overview of the wider region: Plovdiv Province.