Podcast in English
Text size
Bulgarian National Radio © 2024 All Rights Reserved

The village of Orehovo – crisp air and autumn beauty in the Western Rhodopes

Located in the western part of the Rhodope Mountains in Chepelare municipality, the picturesque village of Orehovo is among the most preferred Rhodope villages to visit. It is located 60 km southwest of Plovdiv and about 200 km from the Bulgarian capital Sofia.

In recent years, the village has been developing active rural ecotourism, with more than 10 guest houses available for its visitors.


Numerous trails for mountain hikes in this part of the Rhodopes start from the village. They lead to caves, waterfalls, the Wonderful Bridges rock phenomenon, as well as to over 20 chapels in the area. One of them winds its way to the highest peak in this part of the Rhodopes – Mount Golyam Persenk (2191 m.).


The village of Orehovo is notable for its crystal clear air, tranquility and mountain beauty that it offers to its guests.‎


It is believed that the current village is nearly 450 years old – it was first mentioned in sources in 1576. The first Bulgarian school was opened in the village in 1866.

Saint Nedelya Church in Orehovo built in 1882

According to the latest census data from the end of 2021, the village currently has 143 residents.


The main livelihood of local people is cattle breeding, as well as gathering forest fruits, walnuts, as well as beekeeping.



Text and photos: Rositsa Petkova



Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!
Listen to the daily news from Bulgaria presented in "Bulgaria Today" podcast, available in Spotify.

More from category

Spring walk in Sofia

Spring is beautiful in Sofia. The Bulgarian capital is filled with the scent of linden trees, lilacs and tulips, and birds in the parks create real spring concerts. A delight to the senses! The central city area is adorned with..

published on 4/15/24 12:39 PM

Kukeri in the Rhodope Mountains

Lent begins today. Traditionally, in the days before this period of austerity and spiritual reflection begins, Kukeri carnivals are held in many parts of the country . The village of Dedevo in the Rhodopes celebrated Zadushnitsa, or All..

published on 3/18/24 1:34 PM

Happy Granny Marta!

March Day in Bulgaria is one of the most popular holidays for young and old. Martenitsas or Rhodope baynitsas – a symbol of hope for the good things to come By donning the red and white martenitsas, we, the Bulgarians, symbolically..

published on 3/1/24 4:31 PM