Smolyan and the Rhodopes – Paradise in the mountains!
There is no one to embrace the Rhodopes at a glance!
The town of Smolyan is a regional, administrative and cultural-educational center in the central part of the Western Rhodopes with a population of about 28 thousand people. The city is located only 15 km south of Pamporovo, 90 km from Plovdiv and 250 km from Sofia. Remarkable is its modern center, whose architecture is in line with local traditions and the surrounding environment. Due to the originality of the region and the beauty of the Rhodopes, Smolyan enjoys great interest from Bulgarian and foreign tourists. Conveniently located near the ski resort of Pamporovo, the town is an attractive center for many fans of winter sports.
Tourists visiting the area of Smolyan municipality for the first time remain captivated by the rich history and ethnography of this region. The area offers a wide variety of natural and cultural attractions, tourist destinations, eco-routes and attractions.
One of the most visited places in the region are the Smolyan lakes and the beautiful nature around them, with the opportunities for walking that it offers.
If there is a destination that is worth visiting in any season of the year, it is certainly the Rhodopes. The mountain stretches over a large area and occupies a large part of Central Southern Bulgaria. It is conditionally divided into Western and Eastern Rhodopes.
The Rhodopes are among the most popular destinations for winter and summer tourism!
The mountain resorts of Pamporovo and Chepelare, as well as the spa resorts of Velingrad and Devin offer very good conditions for rest, both in summer and in winter. The combination of healing mineral water and clean mountain air has attracted people to these lands for millennia. The vast territory of the Rhodopes offers opportunities for various experiences and practicing a wide variety of summer and winter sports. The many natural and historical sights combined with a variety of accommodation options and delicious local cuisine, make the Rhodopes a place that leaves a deep mark and offers unforgettable memories.
Rhodopes cuisine
Rhodopes cuisine contributes to the unique charm of the Rhodopes Region. It has a very specific taste. Although the dishes are offered in many places in the country, authentic patatnik or kiln patato dishes can be tasted only in the Rhodopes villages.
The Rhodopes cheverme /barbeque/ and the Smilyan beans are other popular local dishes. In the Rhodopes village of Smilyan many different dishes prepared with local beans can bean tasted – bean salad, bean soup and breaded beans.
Potatoes are widely used in Rhodopes cuisine. Patatnik is the most popular dish. Do not miss the Rhodopes cheverme and kachamak /cornmeal porridge/. Cheverme is very delicious and is prepared in a very interesting way.
What to see
Planetarium, Smolyan
The canyon of the waterfalls
The canyon of the waterfalls is a really impressive eco trail, located near the outskirts of Smolyan. The eco-trail is of a circular type, which means that you return to where you started from, but pass through different and interesting places. The highest point of the tourist route is at 1800 meters above sea level. During the tour you will pass through several very impressive waterfalls. There are benches and tables for relaxation everywhere. Exceptional beauty comes when you climb to the top. From there you will see the entire surrounding forest and panoramic views of the town of Smolyan. This place is really not to be missed!
The Bride Rock
From the north, west and south the city is surrounded by a kind of rock necklace – guardian. Many legends hover around the Rock of the Bride. According to one of them, a girl from Smolyan was asked for a wife by the local Turkish ruler. She agreed, but asked to take one last look at her hometown before the wedding. She broke free and threw herself off the cliff. Since then, the rock has been called the Bride.
Sky Bar Mania
Sky Bar Mania has a unique panoramic view of Smolyan and the Rhodopes. In it you can enjoy delicious cocktails prepared with great care especially for you! The cosy atmosphere of this cafe makes guests feel relaxed and have a good time.
The Smolyan lakes
In the past, the lakes were about 20 in number, but today there are 7 well-formed, and the others have become swamps. The view is impressive and fascinating and is a wonderful place for an afternoon walk, as well as for a picnic in nature. The fresh air will fill your lungs, recharge your senses and fill your body with new strength for new places and adventures, and they are innumerable in the vicinity of the Rhodope Mountains.
Uhlovitsa Cave
This is one of the most beautiful and impressive caves in Bulgaria. Uhlovitsa is located at 1040 m above sea level. There is a lot of stairs to the entrance of the cave, but it is really worth the walk. A unique view of the vast Rhodope Mountains opens up. Very often, the cave is compared to an underground palace. The cave is on several floors and it is recommended that when you visit it you should wear comfortable clothes and shoes. In the cave you will be accompanied by a guide who will tell you about its history and its bizarre shapes.
Church of St. Visarion of Smolensky
The church is the second largest and most majestic after the church-monument “St. Alexander Nevsky ” in Sofia. The temple is located in the heart of the city and is extremely impressive in size and architecture. The largest of the 11 bells weighs 2 tons. Over time, the temple became a symbol of the town of Smolyan. The energy in it is indescribable so see and touch the higher power of this place!
Tours which include Smolyan and the Rhodopes
Rhodope food tour
If there is something all travellers share about Bulgarian cuisine it is that our food is not simply delicious, but authentic and real. See for yourselves with our traditional food tour.
Bulgarian cuisine is one of the strongest reasons why tourists visit the country. Its deliciousness is due to the gamut of vegetables grown locally, and to the skills of cooks refined throughout centuries, blending European and Asian cuisine traditions.
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