Kutela is a village in southern Bulgaria. It is located in the municipality of Smolyan, Smolyan Region

Kutela is one of the longest villages in the Rhodopes. Situated in the Prespa part  оф the Western Rhodopes. The houses are built on the southern slopes St. Ivan peak.

The village is 20 km northeast of Smolyan, 25 km east of the popular ski resort Pamporovo. Nearby is one of the highest peaks in the region - Prespa with altitude 2001 m. In the lower part of the village flows river Malka Arda. It is situated at 1200 m altitude, population about 374 inhabitants.

The climate is mountainous, with lower summer temperatures and heavy rainfall. The snow cover stays relatively long.

Its name derives from the rocky hammer with a hollow called "mortar ( Bulgarian - kutel)". It was placed coarse salt, crushed it with mallets, confused it with flour and fed herds.

The combination of fresh mountain air, the exceptional hospitality and warmth of the locals is a great opportunity for rest and relaxation. Village Kutela is traditional Rhodope village where you can experience the distinctive Bulgarian spirit, lifestyle and culture. In the village are reserved and traditional Rhodope crafts such as hand weaving of rugs, tufted rugs, bags, making embroidered slippers and more.

Kutela is the starting point for many hiking routes turistichkesi hut "Prespa",  hut " Svoboda"", National Astronomical Observatory Rozhen, Haidushky meadows area and others.


Source: http://kutela.bg, http://bg.wikipedia.org
Photos: Internet