Devin

The town of Devin is located in Southern Bulgaria, 45 km away from Smolyan and 220 km away from Sofia. The excellent climate in the region is an essential factor for the development of the balneological and spa tourism. 
Devin is most famous for its mineral springs whose temperatures vary from 16º to 76 ºС. The mineral baths are suitable for active and prophylactic treatment. The water is applied externally for relax, and it also contributes to alleviating the symptoms of many diseases.

In the history of the city is mentioned that attracted by the healing powers of the mineral water, the Thracians settled in the region at the end of the 14th century BC and lived there up until late Antiquity (4th century AD). Many Thracian mounds were discovered near the villages of Borino, Yagodina, and Trigrad. The Ottomans started the invasion of the Rhodopes in 1371. Devin and the region were liberated from the Ottoman rule in 1912.
The remains of the settlement of Diove – ancestor of the modern-day town, were discovered near the left bank of Vacha River. It was later renamed to Dyovlen and kept this name until 1934 when the city was called Devin. 

The picturesque mountain area around Devin is perfect for hiking. The rock phenomenon called the Elephant is 4 km away from Devin. Trigrad Village is located approximately 26 km away from the town. The road to the village passes through the Trigrad Gorge Protected Area. Another cave in the region is Haramiyska Cave – there is a trail leading to it starting from the car park at Devil’s Throat Cave. The beautiful Yagodinska Cave lies 10 km away from Devil’s Throat Cave.

As a famous spa resort, Devin offers modern hotels with luxurious spa centres to its guests. Pamporovo Winter Resort is situated about 34 km away from Devin, while Chepelare – another ski resort - is approximately 40 km away.  Several museums that tell the story of the Rhodope Mountains can be visited in Smolyan and Chepelare. 

A must-see is the village of Shiroka Luka – an architectural and ethnographical reserve, famous for its well-preserved houses, arch bridges, the National School of Folk Arts, as well as being the birthplace of Exarch Stefan – one of the saviours of the Bulgarian Jews.