Sarnitsa: Holiday Apartments and Holiday Homes

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 19-kilometre-long reservoir connects Sarnitsa with Dospat. Those wishing to rent a holiday apartment in Sarnitsa can then continue their accommodation search. Tourist facilities are available both in the town and near the Dospat Reservoir.

Water and Landscape

The municipality of Sarnitsa lies at an average elevation of around 1,250 metres. Cool summers and snowy winters support summer and winter tourism there. There are numerous mountain eco-trails in the Sarnitsa area. From Sarnitsa, Dospat can be reached by water over a distance of 18 kilometres.

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 species mentioned include Balkan trout, barbel and chub. The Dospat Reservoir is described as suitable for water sports such as jet skiing, pedal boating and boating.

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. The protected locality “Chibutsi”, a protected area covering 4.8 hectares, is located within the town limits. In the wider regional area, the Natura 2000 bird protection area BG0002063 Western Rhodopes includes representative coniferous forests and 130 bird species.

Near Sarnitsa lies Stenata, also called Okoto of Sarnitsa: a 1,540-metre-high rocky cliff, 4.9 kilometres from Sarnitsa, offering views of Sarnitsa, Dospat, the Dospat Reservoir and Rila. Orlino Camping is also located 5.9 kilometres from Sarnitsa; a final 300-metre-long path leads to a spring and a view of the Dospat Reservoir.

The Kayali Rocks Sanctuary is also located near Sarnitsa. It is an 8-hectare complex of rock formations 10 to 50 metres high in old Scots pine and spruce forests. An asphalt road leads there first, followed by a 4.5-kilometre forest road that can be travelled on foot or by an off-road vehicle.

Culture and History

An ethnographic collection in the Sarnitsa youth centre displays exhibits relating to the traditional life and culture of the local inhabitants. The staff of the community centre supervise a local folklore group.

The Roman Road site is 8.4 kilometres from the centre of Sarnitsa. A section of an ancient route is preserved there; it later became known as the Byzantine Road, was associated with travel 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.

Near Sarnitsa lies Pobit Kamak, a menhir about 4 metres high, carved from the rock in the Azmako meadows near the village of the same name. The site is accessible by car, followed by a roughly 300-metre walking path. Local tradition associates the menhir with Thracian sacred rituals.

Traditional local dishes include patatnik, gel salad, Rhodope pach, Rhodope klin and Rhodope kachamak.

Getting Around

Paved roads connect Sarnitsa with the rest of the country. Another destination in the same area is Yundola.

To the higher-level travel overview: Velingrad.