Shiroka Polyana is an artificial lake located in the Rhodope Mountains at an altitude of approximately 1,500 meters, about 30 kilometres south of the town of Batak. The dam is surrounded by coniferous forests, making it a refreshing retreat even during the hottest summer days. Its beautiful location and abundant fish make Shiroka Polyana a popular tourist destination. In the summer, many visitors come to camp along its shores, often resulting in noticeable litter; however, after mid-September, the area tends to quiet down. There is a grocery store near the forestry buildings on the western shore where visitors can also refill their water supplies.
The lake lies in the Western Rhodope region, along the Batak-Dospat road. From the road near the Shiroka Polyana National Forestry (the buildings on the western shore), only a small part of the lake is visible. If you continue south toward Dospat, after about 2.5 kilometres, you will encounter a fork to the left, marked by a sign for PB “Slancheva Polyana” (Sunny Meadow Recreation Base), which will take you around to the southern side of the lake. The road leading to the recreation base is suitable for cars until the lake wall; beyond that point, it becomes damaged in several areas and is not suitable for vehicles, but is perfect for walking or cycling.
The photo was taken in early autumn when the cold morning water creates vapour that blocks the path of the sun, acting as a natural diffuser.
