Devin - my hometown and 5 favourite landmarks around

The Rhodopes is a mystical mountain and a favorite destination for tourism and vacation. Whether for nature walks or visiting sights, or even for the Rhodope traditional cuisine - here everyone can find something to fall in love with. There are many beautiful and interesting places - from east to west the mountain keeps its secrets, but tells the most interesting stories and legends as well. And there, right in the middle, in the heart of the mountain, in a tiny hollow, my native Devin suffocates. A piece of paradise with ancient history, captivating nature, favorable climate and delicious, very delicious food. Every trip to Devin is an emotional...

Every visit to Devin is an emotional journey through time for me – a meeting with the enduring memories of childhood and old friends, a return to my strong roots. Time flies always slower there, the sun shines more and there is no traffic at all. Everything is very close, it is quick and easy to get to any part of the city without a navigation. The forest is just a step away, it smells like mushrooms and wild berries. Naturally, it feels like home.

About the town

Devin is most famous for the 'Devin' brand of water, which can be found in any retail store. Also called the "city of mineral water", it has always been attractive because of the balneological treatments with healing waters. Fortunately, in recent years the city has developed quite well. It is becoming a great resort - a place for different types of tourism in all seasons. The presence of several outdoor pools and a thermal water park make the town a suitable place for relax in the summer. Lovers of winter sports like the fact that Pamporovo can be reached in less than an hour, while in Devin is less crowded during the ski season.

The infrastructure in town has also undergone a number of improvements recently. Missing sidewalks and walkways were built in. The central street, which is a pedestrian area, and the main square were also completely renovated. Now it looks nicer, benches for relaxation have been placed along the entire length. It is also very suitable for children with wheels and scooters, because they can ride undisturbed by vehicles. There are also several playgrounds for the little ones.

Since my daughter was born, we've been going to Devin a lot more often and staying longer. She really likes Ostrova Park, because there are various entertainments for her and interesting drawings on the alleys. Apart from that, we also like to go to the renovated playground at the old market (that's how the locals call it). The place is very sunny and nice to play.

In addition to our favorite places in the town, there are also some wonderful natural attractions in the immediate vicinity of it that I want to tell you about and show you. Some of them have been my favorites since I was a child, others I rediscovered later. Since I moved out from Devin, I've realized how beautiful my hometown region is, how many natural treasures it has and I regret that I had been taking them for granted for a long time. Now, I use every convenient moment to enjoy them. These are my 5 favorite places that I love to visit around.

Eco-path Struilitsa-Kaleto-Lakata

I notice that the eco-path has become quite popular recently. It often appears in rankings of recommended places to visit in the Rhodopes or those for the most beautiful eco-trails in Bulgaria. It is no accident. This eco-trail is incredibly picturesque, easily accessible and a favorite place to walk for locals and more and more tourists.

It covers the three localities: Struilitsa, Kaleto and Lakata, and the total length of the route is about 5 km. It takes around 3 hours walk at a normal pace. The path is easy and passable, at the beginning it is a black road that leads to the beautiful bridges across the canyon of Devinska river. Along its entire length, the path runs along the river.

Samodivsko praskalo waterfall

There are several detours along the route for sights worth seeing. One of them leads to Samodivsko praskalo waterfall – the highest waterfall in the Rhodopes. I recommend visiting in spring or after mid-autumn when it is at its fullest. In summer it usually dries up or the sprinkles are very thin if there has been a longer period of drought. And in winter you can see it frozen.

Kaleto

Another detour will take you to the remains of a medieval fortress Kavursko kale/ Sayata/ Babin grad (Калето). Крепостта, издигната в периода 8-10-ти век, е била активно използвана до края на 14-ти век, когато Ибрахим паша успява да я превземе.

A legend that connects the name of Devin (formerly Dyovlen) with three virgins, who, in order not to fall into the hands of the Turks, decided to end their lives by throwing themselves into the then raging river from a steep cliff in the Kaleto area. So that neither of them could break their oath, they decided to braid their hairs and jump together. The water swept them downstream and dumped their bodies at the beginning of Devin. Legend says that the souls of the maidens remained alive and became self-divine, who at sunset descended to the waterfall and danced in its waters. That is where the name of Samodivsko praskalo waterfall comes from.

Lakata

The eco-path leads to the "Lakata" - a wide meadow surrounded by a mountain ridge. Evidence of the existence of a medieval settlement has been found at this location. Today, you can only admire the beautiful view and rest from the long walk.

From "Lakata" you can reach another picturesque waterfall, although it is lower. The Bear's waterfall or the Bear splash is 40m high. Local residents said that they saw bears bathing there, hence its name.

Saing George chapel

West of Devin, in the direction of the ecopath, but closer, there is a charming place with a strong energy. The "St. George the Victorious" chapel was built on a hill above the town's stadium, at the foot of Mount Grebenets, and above it proudly rises the Virgin Mary Rock. According to legends, there was a sanctuary on it as early as the Middle Ages. The chapel is not open all year round and there is no rush of pilgrims and tourists. This makes the place wonderful for a walk, for an escape from the city. To go with company or to be alone with your thoughts, to get closer to nature, to enjoy the view, to pray.

On May 6, a celebration gets organized at the place, in honor of St. George. A traditional beef soup is also made for health.

When I was pregnant with my daughter, I got to spent a few weeks in Devin and the chapel was my daily morning walking destination. Fortunately, there is a sidewalk along the entire length of the raute and walking is nice. The distance from the end of the town to the chapel is about 2 km.

Grebenets peak

As soon as you enter Devin and from every point of it, you can see Mount Grebenets, which proudly rises like a defender, protecting the city from evil and stormy winds. The view of it is impressive, it is beautiful in every season – lively and green in spring and summer, brightly colored in autumn and soft white in winter. Its height is 1376m. and offers the most incredible panoramic view of Devin and the surrounding mountain ranges.

You can get to the top by car, on an asphalt road to a turnoff - about 8 km and then a dirt road - about 3.5 km. There are also organized tours departing from the city. We often leave the car shortly after the dirt road turnoff and continue uphill on foot. Most of the section is a gentle path through the scenic area, the only steeper part is the climb to the top itself, but it is short. Every step of the way is worth it once you're up there, at the top, among the eagles, and you're captivated by the incredible view. I can stand for hours looking at the vast expanse and nestling in the hollow is a small city shaped like a four-leaf clover. The highest peaks of the Rhodopes could be seen as well - Perelik (2191 m.) and Persenk (2091 m.).

Panoramic stone "Cherven kamak

The Red stone, as locals call it, is another place with a beautiful panoramic view of the city, on its eastern side. Looking in this direction, a large red-hued rock can be seen in the distance. A pleasant eco-path leads to it - "Hrastevo". The route is part of a conservation area that aims to preserve the centuries-old dense black pine forests, with trees over 300 years old. The panoramic platform of the reddish rock is the highest point of the path, there is an observation tower with a height of 5.6m. From it you can see the whole city and the mountain hills surrounding it in a gentle embrace.

Legend says that when the Turks tried to take over the area and Turkify the population, some of the locals fled because they did not want to accept the Ottoman faith. They were caught up there and cut down so that their blood poured over the rock, giving it its red hue.

The place is really wonderful for a half-day, maybe a full-day walk among centuries-old pine forests, fresh air and enchanting landscapes. The place is on a southern slope and in sunny weather it is hot from sunrise to sunset. The eco-path and the rock can be reached in two ways - by stairs on the eastern side, along the Alley of the Tourist or through the road to the "Lisichevo" area, where there is a clearly marked turnoff and a road with crushed asphalt. The entire length of the path is 2.5 km.

Elephant Rock Phenomenon

There are places where nature, like a skilful sculptor, has sculpted exquisite figures that arouse real admiration. There are many such natural sights in Bulgaria and one of them is very close to Devin, only 4 km away. from the city entrance. This rock phenomenon is a bizarre rock figure in the shape of an elephant, formed over millennia under the influence of natural forces. It is believed that the appearance of this shape is due to a ruined ancient cave, the entrance of which was the distance between the trunk and the head of the elephant. And local stories claim that water with healing properties sprang from the cave and people from all over the world came to be cured.

Today, the rock phenomenon "Elephant" sits cheerfully on the banks of the Vača River and greets passers-by with its smile and long trunk. On the opposite bank, on the road side, there is a site built for taking photos and enjoying the stone figure. There is also a relaxation area with benches, a gazebo and a barbecue, and you can also go down to the riverbed by stairs. From there the view is even more impressive and beautiful.

These are my 5 favorite spots in Devin, and if you haven't visited them, I encourage you to do so soon. And if you're wondering where to stay, I wholeheartedly recommend Apartments Kisyovi. They have a wonderful view of the city, and from the places listed above, you can see Mount Grebenets and Red Stone. Also, if you book through their Facook page, you can get 10% discount with code MyTrips-Devin. Valid for bookings until the end of March.

This article would not be the same without the assistance of Victor Carabashof, who kindly provided me with some of his creative photographs. In addition to beautiful shots, Victor has an incredible talent for creating beauties, and you can view them at: ART by Victor Carabashof and ART Nut.

I hope my hometown Devin and my favorite places from it have piqued your interest and you will visit them soon. I promise to tell you about more fabulous spots around the area, loved by the locals, so you can enjoy them too. Until then, why don't you subscribe to the newsletter? This way you will receive every next unforgettable trip directly in your e-mail. You can also follow me on social networks - subscribe to the newsletterThis way you get to receive every new post for an unforgettable trip directly to your mailbox. You could also follew me on social media - Facebook and Instagram, so we could travel together virtually.

Sending hugs you way and see you soon!