Sarnitsa lies between the Veliishko-Videnishki Ridge and Dabrash in the Western Rhodopes. The Dospat River flows past Sarnitsa and empties into the Dospat Reservoir. The reservoir is 19 km long and connects Sarnitsa with Dospat. The municipality of Sarnitsa lies at an average altitude of around 1,250 metres; cool summers and snowy winters support summer and winter tourism.
Nature
Sarnitsa is included in the Natura 2000 site BG0001030 Western Rhodopes, which was designated to protect natural habitats as well as wild flora and fauna. Within the town's territory lies the protected locality of “Chibutsi”, a 4.8-hectare protected area within the urban area. The Natura 2000 bird protection zone BG0002063 Western Rhodopes includes representative coniferous forests and 130 bird species.
There are numerous mountain eco-trails in the Sarnitsa area. Stenata, also known as Okoto of Sarnitsa, is a 1,540-metre-high cliff 4.9 km from Sarnitsa, offering views of Sarnitsa, Dospat, the Dospat Reservoir and Rila. The Kayali Rocks protected area is an 8-hectare complex of rock formations between 10 and 50 metres high, situated amid an old Scots pine and spruce forest. It can be reached via an asphalt road followed by a 4.5 km forest road, which can be travelled on foot or by off-road vehicle.
Water
Shore fishing at the Dospat Reservoir is promoted for carp, trout, perch, crucian carp and rudd. The mouth of the Dospat River is described as suitable for sport fishing; the fish mentioned there include Balkan trout, barbel and chub. The Dospat Reservoir is described as suitable for water sports such as jet skiing, pedal boating and boat trips.
Tourist facilities are available both in the town and near the Dospat Reservoir. From Sarnitsa, Dospat can be reached by water over a distance of 18 km. Orlino Camping is 5.9 km from Sarnitsa; a final 300-metre walk leads to a spring and a view of the Dospat Reservoir.
Culture and History
An ethnographic collection in the Sarnitsa youth centre displays exhibits relating to the traditional life and culture of the local population. The staff of the community centre in Sarnitsa maintain a local folklore group.
The Roman Road site, 8.4 km from the centre of Sarnitsa, preserves a section of an ancient route later known as the Byzantine Road. It was associated with journeys between Thrace and Constantinople and passed through the Sarnitsa area. Visitors can combine the historical remains with a forest hut, wells, barbecue facilities and a children's area.
Traditional local dishes include patatnik, gel salad, Rhodope pach, Rhodope clin and Rhodope kachamak. In the Azmako meadows near the village of Pobit Kamakstands a menhir approximately 4 metres high, carved from the rock. Local tradition associates the site with Thracian sacred rituals. The site is reached first by car and then by an approximately 300-metre walk.
Geographical Location
Paved roads connect Sarnitsa with the rest of the country.
Those wishing to book a hotel in Sarnitsa can then continue their accommodation search. Yundola is also available for comparison with another destination: Yundola.
