In a small village hidden in the heart of the Devetashko Plateau, life pulses with admirable energy. Karpachevo has become a symbol of how a community, united by a shared purpose, can defy demographic decline and breathe new life into a fading region.

The Devetashko Plateau Association was born here, inspiring neighbouring villages to believe that, together, they can achieve more. The association highlights the area’s natural treasures – the majestic Devetashka Cave and the enchanting Krushuna Waterfalls – to draw visitors to this corner of Bulgaria, still largely untouched by urban development.

Today, enthusiasts from Karpachevo are working alongside representatives from eight other villages across the municipalities of Letnitsa, Lovech, and Sevlievo, with the goal of transforming the region into a premier destination for eco- and rural tourism. Iva Taralezhkova, the association’s chairperson, proudly shares their latest achievements:

"For the past two years, the Devetashko Plateau Association has been working on a fascinating international project funded by the Erasmus+ programme. The project, called Inherit, brought together partners from Cyprus, Slovakia, and Spain to develop a methodology that, through training and collaboration with local tourism entrepreneurs, produced informational materials highlighting the region’s cultural and natural heritage. As part of the project, three routes were created in the Devetashko Plateau area, inviting visitors to explore the region’s natural wonders and heritage.

Each route reveals a different facet of the plateau: 'The Beauty of Karst' showcases the power and poetry of nature through impressive caves, waterfalls, and rock formations; 'Gazing at the Plateau' highlights the most scenic panoramic spots for photography and selfies; and 'Path of Time' introduces hospitable villages where traditional culture and cuisine have been preserved.

The true signature landmark of the plateau is the restored Old Mill in Karpachevo, built from limestone nearly 100 years ago and brought back to life through the association’s initiative. Today, it serves as a venue for cultural events and training sessions, while the village continues to welcome visitors year-round.

"Our association has been active since 2008, and we now have over 120–130 members from all nine villages, as well as from other towns and villages who simply support our work and want to get involved," says Iva Taralezhkova. 

"We frequently hold meetings in the villages and talk to local people, who offer suggestions and take part in our activities. Right now, we’re carrying out a much-needed project to restore 20 village fountains in the area, which is especially important given the current drought and water shortages. The project is funded through the Drop by Drop programme by the Because Foundation, and we also rely on support from the municipalities. The contribution of local residents is invaluable – they themselves identified which fountains were most needed and which had the best water, and they participate enthusiastically because they see their opinions and needs are genuinely taken into account."

In Karpachevo, where around 70 people live permanently, there are now nearly 10 guesthouses offering around 120 beds. During peak periods, the number of tourists far exceeds the local population. The village is at its liveliest during the "Jazz Under the Stars" festival near Garvanitsa Cave, which attracts thousands of visitors each summer, and the locals now affectionately call Karpachevo the "centre of the universe."

"Our main efforts are focused on making the region attractive and promoting it. We run various campaigns and produce materials, including the new routes, and develop new sites for people to visit, so there’s real life and economic development in Karpachevo and the surrounding villages. Gradually, young people are starting to come, which makes us very happy. Over the past five years, around ten children have been born in the area, and that brings us immense joy," concludes Iva Taralezhkova.