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Padina is a village situated in the Central part of Southern Bulgaria. It is part of Ardino Municipality, Kardzhali region.
There are two more villages in Bulgaria with the same name. They are located in Devnya Municipality, Varna region and Glavinitsa Municipality, Silistra region.
Padina is 49 km south-west from town of Kardzhali, 15 km in the same direction from town of Ardino, 28 km north from town of Zlatograd, 50 km away from town of Smolyan and 120 km south-east from town of Plovdiv.
Its population is approximately 870 people.
The village is set in a mountainous region at the border of the Western and Eastern Rhodopes. It is part of the humid continental and Mediterranean climate zone. It outstands with mild, humid winter and hot, dry summer. The village is located on 650 m above sea level.
Electricity is provided in the village. It needs additional water supply. It is in close proximity to the main road Smolyan-Rudozem-Kardzhali.
There is a town hall, a comprehensive school, a kindergarten, a community centre with library and a dentist.
The region is convenient for growing thermophilic agricultural crops (tobacco, potato, fodder crops, etc). Small areas are suitable for growing beetroot and several vegetables (tomato, pepper, beans, etc). There is a dairy farm in the village. It produces first-classed products such as cheese, yogurt, butter, etc.
At 1001 m St Iliya top rises over the village. Holiday villas nest at its foot. The place characterizes with beautiful nature and splendid panoramic views.
There are eco paths leading to the Devil's Bridge (ancient bridge over Arda River) - 10 km away; Orlovite chuki (ancient Thracian sanctuary) - 1 km away; and Kaleto (ancient fortress) - about 2 km away.
Internet sources: http://bg.wikipedia.org http://www.ardino.bg/
Pictures: www.panoramio.com