Shiroka Polyana

Shiroka Polyana is a dam situated in the Western Rhodopes mountains in Bulgaria.

The dam is situated 30 km south of Batak, on the road to Dospat. It is located 1500 meters above sea level amidst a forest of old pine trees. Different legends are told about the dam. According to local people the mythical hero Orpheus inhabited the area.

The shape of Shiroka Poliana dam is unique. Viewed from the ring-road it seems that the dam is composed of numerous small dams with separate walls. This illusion is due to the indented relief of the dam bed that consists of several mountain gullies.

Although the banks of the dam are far from the road and comparatively hard of access, it attracts many visitors and sports fishermen because of the abundance of fish, including grey mullet, European perch, and trout.