Berovo and the Maleshevo Highlands
Berovo is a small town at around 800 m in the Maleshevo mountains near the Bulgarian border, and it has one of the coldest climates in the country: July averages around 18 C while the Strumica valley pushes past 30. Pine forest, berries and herbs take the place of vineyards and vegetables.
It is the retreat's clean-air escape. In about an hour of driving, roughly 46 km, the landscape changes completely, and a July day becomes genuinely cool again.
The lake two kilometres from town
Berovo Lake, also called Ratevo Lake, is an artificial lake reached through thick pine forest about 2 km from town. Rented houses, picnic areas and small beaches line the shore, and the water is warm enough for swimming in July and August.
Recreational fishing here targets trout, carp, chub and barbel, and several lakeside restaurants will cook what the water produces. Five marked hiking trails start around the lake, some of them bike-friendly.
Trails across the highlands
The Maleshevo area sits at about 1,000 m and is known for forest berries and herbs as much as for its views. A 45 km transversal path crosses the region north to south with about 730 m of height difference, linking the marked local trails.
For guests who have already walked the Belasica, this is the second mountain of the week: different forest, cooler air and a completely different set of plants underfoot.
What to eat, and where it comes from
The region's signature is Berovo cheese with homemade sour cream, best eaten at a mountain pen with fresh roasted bread. In town and at the lake, freshwater trout and carp are the standard order.
The town also has an older religious landmark: the monastery of the Holy Archangel Michael, first built between 1815 and its consecration in 1818.
Why visit
- A swimmable lake 2 km from town through pine forest
- July days around 18 C when the valley is over 30
- Five marked trails around the lake, plus a 45 km transversal
- Berovo cheese with homemade sour cream
- Trout and carp cooked at the lakeside
Good to know
Getting there
Roughly 46 km and about 60 minutes by road from Gabrovo through the Maleshevo foothills, on paved regional roads that wind in the final section.
When to go
June-September for swimming and hiking, May for pine blossom, autumn for colour and empty trails. Winter brings snow and real cold.
Good to combine
A hiking morning, a swim after lunch and the drive home in time for dinner. It is a full but unhurried day.
Frequently asked questions
Can we swim in Berovo Lake?
Is the road from Gabrovo suitable for a normal car?
What should we eat while we are there?
More to explore
Stay at the hacienda
When the valley heat gets serious, we will point you at Berovo. It is the one day trip where a jumper is welcome in summer.