Borino: Nature and Rhodope Culture

Borino is located in the western Rhodopes, on the Krichim–Mihalkovo–Devin–Dospat road. For trip planning, the marked nature route to the Devil’s Bridge and the local culture of weaving, costumes, songs and dances offer different points of interest.

The Trail to the Devil’s Bridge

The Devil’s Trail can be reached from Borino via a parking area near Chataka, about five kilometers southeast of the village. The marked route passes through an old coniferous forest to the Devil’s Bridge, the Hidden Waterfalls and the confluence with the Buynovska River. Wooden shelters along the trail provide places to rest.

From the trail at the Devil’s Bridge, you can reach the Hidden Waterfalls in 15 to 20 minutes on foot. This time estimate applies to the section leading to the waterfalls, not to the duration of the entire route.

Landscape in Borino Municipality

Borino Municipality lies in the Rila–Rhodope region, in the Veliyshko-Videnishki part of the Rhodopes and in the Trigrad karst region. Its mountainous, deeply dissected terrain, characterized by rounded landforms, includes high ridge plateaus, deep river valleys, gorges and extensive tectonic basins. The entire municipality is part of the Natura 2000 network.

The Kastrakli Biosphere Reserve is six kilometers from the village of Borino. The reserve protects an old black pine forest, endemic plant species and rock formations. The area also contains a small artificial lake with a water surface of 35 decares and a depth of 18 meters. It is fed by an underground spring, and the lake is considered a tourist attraction. In Borino Municipality, locals and tourists gather medicinal plants, mushrooms and fruit, including oregano, raspberries, blueberries and porcini mushrooms.

Weaving, Costumes and Folklore

Borino’s material culture includes crafts, patterned textiles, traditional costumes and folklore associated with three ethnic groups. Woolen textiles and costumes are made on looms. Two types of traditional costumes and textiles are associated with Turkish and Bulgarian religious affiliation, respectively.

Local folklore is preserved primarily through songs and dances. The authentic folklore group and the children’s dance and folklore ensemble “Borinche” help preserve it. Borinche’s stated aim is to preserve local Rhodope and Bulgarian traditions, customs and folklore. The Borino ensemble’s repertoire includes Bulgarian Rhodope songs.

Getting There and Finding Your Way

The area around Borino is accessible by bus or car. Borino is on the Krichim–Mihalkovo–Devin–Dospat road. The main road through the village leads from Smolyan and Devin toward Dospat, Gotse Delchev, Batak and Velingrad. These road connections provide regional orientation for the journey; they do not indicate a specific travel time.

Nearby Buynovska Gorge

Nearby Buynovska Gorge is considered Bulgaria’s longest gorge and was designated a natural landmark in 1971. The Buynovo River runs through the gorge, forming numerous waterfalls and pools. There are several tourist trails in the gorge area. The gorge thus complements the nature route near Borino with another landscape highlight, though the two trails should not be understood as the same route.

Discover other destinations: Kozhari, Buynovo, Yagodina, Chala

Return to the main travel overview: Borino.