Batak Dam is among the largest and most beautiful dams in Bulgaria. It is a favorite destination for many tourists looking for a balance between tranquility, entertainment, camping and the opportunity to explore the rich cultural, historical and natural attractions around. In this article we will introduce you to several places around the dam that you should not miss to see when you are around. Here they are:
The "Bottom" area
This is definitely the "wilder" and calmer part of the dam. In fact, there is the main wall of the facility, which is the beginning of the river Matnitsa, passing through the village of Dorkovo and flowing into the Chepinska River. If you are looking for more silence and fewer hotels and restaurants, then your place to camp is the "Bottom". You can reach this part of the dam by walking 10 km. section of asphalt / narrow / road from the village of Dorkovo. Nearby you can see the church with an ossuary in Batak, Paleontological Museum in Dorkovo, as well as Tsepina fortress.
k.k. Tsigov Chark and Golaka Island
Tsigov Chark is the noisiest and most populated part of the dam. Here you will find plenty of hotels, restaurants and entertainment, especially during the summer season. Near the center of the resort is the island of Golaka. You can go to it by renting a boat or even a pedalo. The island is beautiful and large colonies of glaruses and cormorants nest on it. If you continue on the asphalt road after the turnoff for the island you will reach a small dam wall and quieter places for camping.
Holy Sunday Ossuary Church and the town of Batak
Built more than two centuries ago in 1813, the Holy Sunday is surrounded by a wall with which the enslavers are masterfully outwitted. At that time, the dome was not allowed to have a cross and the temple to be taller than a Turk on horseback. And the people of Batacha erected a wall with which they hid the stone church and dug it into the ground. Thus, it received a relatively high height for an Orthodox church. A wise decision of our people from the times when it relies on the only thing that has and can help them at that moment - faith in God!
Town of Rakitovo
There is definitely something to see in the small town. Bardolandia Park and the clock tower in the city are great places to walk and are located only about 7-10 kilometers from Batak Dam. If you like caves, you can visit the incredibly beautiful and pristine cave Lepenicawhich is located above the city. From Rakitovo you can go up to Syutka peak also called the sacred eye of The Rhodopes. So if you are nearby do not forget to walk around Rakitovo and the surrounding area - you will surely like this part of the Rhodopes.
