Ethno village “Egreka”.

Ethno village “Egreka” is a magical place located at the foot of the mountain Verila, just above the village of Dren in town of Radomir, Bulgaria. Nestled at 1100 meters above sea level, the settlement covers 6800 square meters and offers a unique opportunity to travel back in time, to the authentic Bulgarian way of life and culture. From the moment visitors arrive, they feel that “Egreka” is not just a place, but a living space full of spirit, history and tradition. The atmosphere of the complex is authentic – it not only shows the culture of the past, but also makes it accessible to modern man.

The main building at Egreka includes a dining hall, seminar room and a cosy hotel area. Above it are four houses designed in the traditional Bulgarian style, with attention to detail and preserving the spirit of the old times. The wooden attics, stone walls and decorative elements of the houses fit harmoniously into the natural environment. Guests often describe the village as a small hamlet that transports you back to an era when life was simpler but also more meaningful. “Egreka is not just a tourist resort – it was created to be experienced, to be touched and felt by all who seek the authenticity of Bulgarian culture.

The settlement is reached by a dirt road that winds through the mountains, and the views along the way are unforgettable. In spring and summer, the meadows are carpeted with colourful carpets and the greenery of the trees creates a sense of peace and unity with nature. This natural beauty is an essential part of the Egreka experience, which combines cultural heritage with the energy of Mount Verila.

The story of Egreka begins with a dream. Nina Despodska, a long-time director of documentaries and TV shows, was the inspiration behind the settlement. She is not only the creator of the complex, but also its heart. Nina has always carried a love for Bulgarian traditions and memories of her childhood, filled with the aromas of home-cooked food, the warmth of folk songs and the magic of traditional holidays.

The beginning of “Egreka” is connected with Nina’s meeting with an animator friend who lives in Canada. During a jazz festival in Bansko, her friend shared how Bulgaria lacks places where people can experience the authentic spirit of a region. This provoked Nina to start researching and applying for measure 311 of the Rural Development Programme. With the support of her family and a team of artists, filmmakers and craftsmen, she started working hard on the project. The main idea is to create a place that combines natural beauty with traditional Bulgarian crafts and customs. The land on which Egreka stands today is a heritage that Nina is using to build something that preserves, but also passes on the Bulgarian spirit to future generations.

What makes Egreka special is the way traditions come alive here. Visitors don’t just look at exhibits, they actively engage in activities that take them back in time. Among the biggest attractions at Egreca are the craft workshops. Pottery, for example, allows guests to feel the clay in their hands, create their own vessel on the potter’s wheel and understand the magic of this ancient craft. The craftsmen in the village work with care and love, passing on their knowledge to anyone who wants to experience the art.

Carving is another craft that captivates visitors. The woodcarver Metodi Mehandzhiyski makes various figures with great care, including fairy-tale characters that delight children. His works are not only aesthetically beautiful, but also carry a message – to be better and to appreciate the work and beauty of handicraft.

One of Egreka’s greatest assets is its traditional cuisine. Visitors can taste authentic Bulgarian dishes prepared according to old recipes passed down through generations. Freshly baked bread, prepared on site, and vegetables picked from the organic garden create a sense of connection with the past and with nature. “Egreka not only shows how life was lived in the past, but also inspires people to return to more natural and sustainable ways of living.

One of the most emotional experiences at Egreka are the authentic Bulgarian weddings that are organized there. They include folk costumes, songs and dances around the bonfires that spread across the mountain. Nina says that these weddings are her favorite event because they bring to life the magic of Bulgarian customs and the strength of community. Visitors to Egreka range in age from children riding a horse for the first time or trying to make a clay pot to adults reminiscing about memories from their youth. The settlement also has a farm where guests can participate in wood cutting, archery and animal care. Particularly important to Nina is educating children in a love of nature and animals. They learn how to care for the horses, groom them and understand the relationship between humans and animals.

“Egreka is also a cultural centre that brings tourists, artists and locals together. The village helps to promote the area around the village of Dren, attracting visitors from Bulgaria and abroad. The Egreka team, which includes filmmakers, TV presenters and artists, works with love and dedication to create experiences that leave a lasting impression on each guest.

Nina often says that “Egreka” is her heart. She believes that through this place she not only preserves traditions, but also inspires people to return to their roots. “Egreka is not just a complex – it is a symbol of the Bulgarian spirit, a place that connects the past, present and future. It is a place that teaches us who we are and what we can preserve for future generations.

The story of “Egreka” is a story of love, dedication and creation. It’s not just a space for tourism – it’s an experience that connects people to their roots and inspires them to move forward with the spirit of tradition and nature in their hearts.