Chepino Valley

It is situated along the course of the river Chepinska reka near the Batak Mountains in the northwestern part of the Rhodopes.

Due to its geographic location, the valley has a considerably milder climate than that in other parts of Bulgaria.

The slopes that surround the valley are covered with venerable coniferous forests, mainly of spruce.

The second highest peak of the Rhodopes, Golyama Syutkya, is located nearby, and an important city in the valley is Velingrad.

The valley takes its name from the medieval Bulgarian fortress of Tsepina, the capital of the domain of Despot Alexius Slav in the 13th century, which was excavated near the village of Dorkovo.