Yonchovo is a village in Southern Bulgaria. It is part of Chernoochene Municipality, Kardzhali region.

Yonchovo is located 23 km north-west of the village of Chernoochene, 37 km in the same direction of Kardzhali, 51 km south-west of Haskovo, 60 km south-east of Plovdiv and approximately 207 km in the same direction of the capital Sofia city.

The village of Yonchovo spreads in the Eastern Rhodopes, at an altitude of about 544 m. The relief is mountainous and the climate characterizes with warm summer and cold winter. The village is set on the border between Kardzhali Region and Plovdiv Region a few km away of the main road connecting the two regional centers.

The population of Yonchovo and the heoghbourhood that is part of the village - Yusuflar, is approximately 110 people. 

The village's infrastructure is settled with partly asphalted and lighted streets. There are water and electricity supply systems. The village comprises a mosque. Primary school, kindergarten, a tourist hut, a hotel and a health center with one dentist you will find in the village of Panichkovo /6 km in the west/. A GP you will find in the village of Komuniga /10 km in the south-east/.

TOURISM

There is a small dam in the neighbouring village of Panichkovo suitable for fishing. Every year on the last sunday of June a traditional fair with religious prayers for rain is held here.

In the village of Nochevo /12 km in the north-east/ you can visit rock shrines in Parmak Kaya area with many ritual objects, dating back from Thracians times, as well as Thracian sharpans - facilities representing solid liquid tanks for liquids carved in a rock with grooves between them, which suggests that they served for making wine and during various religious ceremonies in ancient times.

In the village of Zhenda /18 km in the south/, in the Asar Каya area you will find the remains of a Thracian fortress and sanctuary located on a high rock terrace with a magnificent view to the region.

In the village of Pchelarovo /23 km in the south-east/ you can visit a few sites:

• The church of St. Paraskeva, known among local people as "St. Petka". It features an original bell tower with six-wall dome with cross over round columns. Near the church is the old monastery school. In close proximity is the big fountain with a small chapel in front of it. The church is operational and is announced to be a monument of culture. 

• The medieval fortress in Gradishteto area located near the road leading to Haskovo. The fortress is a local monument of culture as well. It is easily accessible and is a pleasant place to visit.

• An ethnographic museum with a bit collection - local costumes, tools, etc.

Sources: Mirela, http://bg.guide-bulgaria.com
Photos: http://www.panoramio.com