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.

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