Devin

The Chairete protected area encompasses six natural landslide lakes. The Trigrad Gorge is a 7-kilometer-long protected canyon carved through marble rocks by the Trigradska River north of Trigrad. The Struilitsa–Kaleto–Lakata eco-trail follows the river meanders; its main route is about 4 kilometers long. In Devil’s Throat Cave, the Trigradska forms a 42-meter-high underground waterfall.

The landscape takes different forms: Chairete is known for its six natural landslide lakes, while the Trigrad Gorge was carved through marble rocks by a river. The protected canyon is 7 kilometers long and lies north of Trigrad. In Devil’s Throat Cave, the river landscape continues underground: there, the Trigradska forms a 42-meter-high waterfall.

Another distinctive formation is Nastanska Mogila. The rock formation covers 3 hectares, lies at an altitude of 1,200 meters and ends in a characteristic rock ridge shaped like a trunk. The Stara Gora (Shabanitsa) nature reserve lies in the land of Trigrad at an altitude of 1,700 to 1,800 meters.

The eco-trail starts in the Struilitsa locality and follows the river meanders. There are metal bridges over the river along the route. The main trail is about 4 kilometers long; a shorter side trail leads to the Samodivsko Praskalo waterfall in about 30 minutes. This lets you choose between the main trail and this shorter option when planning your day.

The name Kaleto also points to the area's history: Kavursko Kale, also known as Kaleto, is designated a cultural monument of local significance. Kavursko Kale Fortress existed from the 6th to the 13th century. A medieval settlement stood in the Lakata locality. If you want to include both nature and history in your trip plans, you can explore each of these themes independently.

There are several riding bases in Trigrad that offer horseback riding for amateurs and beginners. Haramiyska Cave, in the land of Trigrad, is a shaft-type cave and an attraction on the boundary between classic and extreme tourism. These activities differ considerably: according to the description, horseback riding is also for beginners and amateurs, while the cave is presented as an experience between two forms of tourism.

The protected area of the Devinska River valley includes an approximately 3-kilometer-long fishing zone for Balkan trout. If you are interested in river landscapes, you can include this area in your itinerary as a separate focus. Devin's historical museum collection also offers a cultural highlight: it preserves around 2,000 exhibits of local and national significance.

The road to Trigrad runs through the gorge. It is a typical single-lane mountain road with two-way traffic. Take this road layout into account when planning your journey. The entrance to Devil’s Throat Cave is accessible via a narrow asphalt road through the gorge; there is a small parking area in front of the entrance.

A tourist route from Shiroka Laka via Devin to Borino runs east to west through Obshtina Devin. For a separate comparison of destinations, you can also visit the pages for Beden, Mihalkovo, Banite, Smolyan, Chepelare, Nedelino and Borino.

How long is the main route of the eco-trail?

The main route of the Struilitsa–Kaleto–Lakata eco-trail is about 4 kilometers long.

How long does the shorter side trail to the waterfall take?

The shorter side trail leads to the Samodivsko Praskalo waterfall in about 30 minutes.

What is the road to Trigrad like?

The road runs through the Trigrad Gorge and is a typical single-lane mountain road with two-way traffic.

How can you get to the entrance of Devil’s Throat Cave?

The entrance is accessible via a narrow asphalt road through the gorge. There is a small parking area in front of the entrance.

For the regional travel overview: Smolyan Province.