Among waterfalls and caves – the Devetashko Plateau also offers rural tourism with a sense of place

In the heart of Northern Bulgaria lies the Devetashko Plateau (also Devetaki Plateau). Here, nature seems to have slowed down to reveal its raw beauty- deep canyons and chasms, waterfalls tumbling over limestone cliffs, and breathtaking views. The most famous landmark is the Devetashka Cave. This impressive underground “cathedral” stretches about 2 kilometers, with ceilings reaching up to 60 meters high. Seven natural openings in the roof let sunlight pour in, revealing the magnitude of this hidden world inhabited by 15 species of bats.

Not far from here, the Krushuna Waterfalls captivate with their turquoise cascades, where water rushes down with impressive force. In the Middle Ages, hermit monks lived high above the roaring waters, in cells carved into the rocks.

But the plateau is not only a magnet for photographers and travelers. It preserves living stories - old houses restored with taste and respect for tradition, transformed into cozy guesthouses that create a strong sense of place. There are already more than 55 such accommodations in the region.

We speak with Silvia Avramova, owner of the newest guesthouse in the village of Karpachevo:

“We bought an old house about three years ago. We were simply amazed by the area itself, by the beauty of the stone that is everywhere around us. They used it to build walls, to make these fences. Everything is so solid and well crafted! The yards are huge - that’s what drew us to settle in Karpachevo, which some call the ‘center of the universe.’ We loved the pristine nature and the sense of spaciousness. Northern Bulgaria is somewhat forgotten, but exactly that has allowed the animals and nature to recover.

This environment influenced our design - we wanted a place with an extraordinary atmosphere that brings peace, inspires, and encourages creativity. That’s why we chose natural materials - wood for warmth and coziness, interesting tiles for an artistic accent, and soft, rounded shapes with a southern spirit that unify the whole space.”

The closed and abandoned old school in the center of Karpachevo has now been given a second life. Today it welcomes visitors as a guesthouse with a pool and a restaurant. Each classroom has been transformed into a bedroom, and locals joke, “Whoever didn’t sleep during class - now is the time to catch up!”

And what about another unusual transformation in the village - a former barn turned into a comfortable family hotel with a green roof planted with 12 types of succulents?

And have you heard of the Old Mill of Karpachevo?

The building used to be a watermill in nearby Krushuna. Two brothers dismantled it stone by stone, transported it, and reassembled it in Karpachevo, turning it into a mill. Some years ago, enthusiasts from the local “Devetashko Plateau” association restored it, and now the building is a cultural and educational center, says the association’s chair, Iva Taralezhkova:

“We started with something boldly called the ‘Rural Business Academy,’ where we developed a training program to help local producers and tourism entrepreneurs upgrade their skills and knowledge. We organize various workshops. We’ve held Bulgarian embroidery workshops for tourists. We also host exhibitions - right now you can see the photography exhibition Up Close by Hristofor Tashev, featuring faces of people of different ages. As part of our annual festival JAZZ under the Stars, we offer master classes and music workshops. The acoustics are wonderful, the piano sounds beautiful, and the atmosphere and energy of this place make people feel good,” Iva Taralezhkova concludes.

Photos and video: Veneta Nikolova