The Rhodope Mountains are an excellent destination for any future road trips in Bulgaria. There are several architectural and natural landmarks, quaint towns, stunning vistas, and paths for hiking and bicycling.
Although I have visited the Rhodope Mountains several times, I have yet to see everything there is to see. That’s why I compiled this piece, in which other travel bloggers each describe their personal favourite spot in the mountains.
Keep reading, and tell me which of these locations is most appealing to you.
The Bridge to Hell
It was in the early 1600s that construction began on the gigantic stone bridge known as Devil’s Bridge, located close to the settlement of Ardino. The span of Devil’s Bridge is 56 metres long and its towers are 12 metres high. A parking area is located at the start of the road leading to the bridge. It’s a 35-minute walk to the bridge from there. If you’re feeling very bold, you might also give the automobile a shot. Picnics and photos on the bridge are a popular activity.
Falls of Fotinski
Fotinski waterfalls are a set of three waterfalls in the Rhodope mountains in the town of Fotinovo, and they’re about two hours away from Sofia. The hike up to the waterfalls is not particularly far, but it does involve some steep inclines, so be sure to wear sturdy footwear. Seeing all three up close is possible, and you may also travel to a vantage position from which to do so. An excellent option for a day excursion on the weekend from either Sofia or Plovdiv.
Infernal Ecopath
An idyllic ecotrail named “Devil’s Path” runs along a river not far from the quaint town of Borino. The trail is well-known due to the severe wooden stairs cut into the side of the high, steep cliffs. It’s a pleasant stroll that should take around two hours (but you can stop and come back at any time).
The hike begins close to Borino settlement. Chala village is where you need to be, so follow that route (at the beginning of Borino if you are coming from Yagodina cave). A parking area and trailhead sign are located shortly thereafter.
The Infamous Karadzhov Kamak
Another fascinating natural phenomena is Karadjov Kamak, a massive boulder that has become wedged between two smaller rocks. It’s only about a 40-minute hike from Krastova Gora. To get a fresh view of the stone from underneath, you can use a precariously placed wooden ladder. Without a doubt, it ranks among the most fascinating and unforgettable destinations I’ve ever visited.
Kardzhali Dam’s Horseshoe Bend
Anyone from the United States will be familiar with the Horseshoe bend in Arizona, if only through pictures. Did you realise that a quite similar meander is concealed in Bulgaria? Located in the stunning Kardzhali area. To get there, just pull up Google Maps and enter “Horseshoe bend of Kardjali dam.” Sunset is the best time to see it in my opinion.
Asen’s Stronghold
Located about two kilometres south of Asenovgrad, Asen’s Fortress is a popular tourist destination and one of the best-preserved mediaeval fortifications in Bulgaria. Rhodope The Thracian fortification was built and occupied all the way up until the invasion of the Ottoman Empire in 1410.
Its ruins, along with the nearby church that has been painstakingly conserved, make up one of the finest surviving specimens of the mediaeval European style of architecture and art. One may get a breathtaking view of Asenovgrad and the Rhodope Mountains from the top of the cliffs.
Gluhite Kamani (The Deaf Stones)
This old Thracian sanctuary is remarkable. There are a total of 459 of these rocky nooks. In the Eastern Rhodopes, there is a mysterious spot where the rocks are shaped like ‘bee combs,’ but no one can explain its significance. Many things have been made as to their actual function.
It is widely believed that these structures served as memorials to the dead, with each niche serving as a tomb for the deceased’s ashes. According to a different hypothesis, they were used by the Thracians to present offerings to the Great Mother Goddess. You may also find two graves, rock stairs, and an old water reservoir in addition to the ceremonial niches.
Dere Sheitan
Under the wall of Studen Kladenets Dam is Sheitan Dere, also called The Devil’s Canyon. When seen from above, the natural phenomenon resembles the scenery of another planet through which the Arda River flows. There is frozen lava in the canyon that came from the long-dormant volcano St.Ilia, proving the canyon’s volcanic origin. There were steep cliffs that hung over a canyon filled with deep black water, and they were given the name “Abrasive wells” because of the process by which they were constructed. Sheitan Dere is widely regarded as one of the region’s most picturesque spots.
Fungi of Stone
East of the Bulgarian settlement of Beli Plast, on the highway between Kardzhali and Haskovo, is where you’ll find the stone mushrooms. The rock formations got their name because they resemble natural mushrooms. They stand at a height of around 2.5 metres and are a pinkish colour with green tops. The “mushrooms” are the result of years and years of erosion by water and wind. Natural resource including around 3 ha of land.
Gela, a Local Community
The picturesque Gela Village in the Rhodope Mountains. Its unadulterated enchantment is enough to steal your heart and stay with you forever. Our nomadic nature prevents us from remaining in one spot for too long. When we finally woke up from our coma six days later, we hoped we would never have to leave Gela again. It is one of the few vacation spots where doing nothing at all will still guarantee a wonderful time. It wasn’t that we weren’t interested in seeing the world, but we just weren’t motivated to do so. We were able to brave the elements and enjoy some time on the porch. A deer walks through your garden, and there is nothing but open space and stillness around you.
Mount Orpheus
When you reach Orpheus Peak, you will feel as though you have reached the centre of a vast, green ocean. The Rhodope Mountains, with their rounded peaks, lie on all sides. Getting there is like taking a stroll through a fairy tale on any of the numerous paths that lead there. Your eyes are filled with breathtaking vistas in every direction as you walk through lush forests, lovely meadows, and meandering streams. Furthermore, the Rhodopes are teeming with animals, making chances of encountering them high. I was familiar with the route to Orpheus and secretly hoped that I would become disoriented within the city, as I would then be forced to take the correct route.
The Viewpoint & Tower of Snezhanka
Pamporovo’s tallest landmark, the 156-meter-tall TV of Snezhanka, is also its namesake. A café perched atop it offers a spectacular panorama of the Rhodope Mountains and beyond. If you don’t feel like staying for dinner, there’s no need to do so. There’s a big deck out back where you can relax and take in the sights. They say that on a clear day, you can even see out the Aegean Sea. The tower was really called after the nearby Snezhanka mountain (1928m).
Cave and Stronghold in “Kaleto”
The “Kaleto” cave lies nearby Koshnitsa hamlet in Smolyan’s administrative district. In little more than thirty minutes, you may hike along a beautiful path to this spectacular location. An informational signpost on the highway between the towns of Koshnitsa and Smilyan denotes the trail’s start.
The word “kaleto,” which refers to a stronghold, has its roots in Arabic. After crossing beneath the enormous stone arch of the cave, you will reach the ruins of a mediaeval fort. The hill (1006 m) upon which the fortification “Kaleto” is perched provides stunning views over the surrounding Rhodope Mountains and the nearby settlement of Koshnitsa. According to local archaeologists, the site was formerly a rock temple, and the cave’s natural stone archway was the fort’s natural defended front gate.
Near Dolno Dryanovo is the Gradishte Historical Park.
In the Rhodope Mountains sits the little-known yet fascinating Gradishte Landscape Historical Park. The ancient rock enclosure sits atop a prominent ridge and can be reached only from the northwest. Surrounding the rocky outcrop and canyon is sheer cliffs.
The location is situated 20 kilometres east of Gotse Delchev town, in the Gradishte region, close to the settlement of Dolno Dryanovo. The area is home to many strange rock formations, some of which resemble human faces, turtles, and other animals. The canyon’s depths are home to more bizarrely shaped rocks, a Roman bridge, and a number of stunning waterfalls. A well-kept eco-trail allows for relaxing strolls across the park.
The Town of Ortsevo
The West Rhodope Mountains are home to the tiny village of Ortsevo. There are more people living here than anywhere else on the Balkan Peninsula. Once you get there, falling in love is a very real possibility. Opinions are all that exist. Plus kind, helpful humans. Superb vistas in all directions; particularly southward toward the Pirin peaks and westward toward Rila Mountain and the remainder of the Rhodopes. Please take a few days to rest and refuel. The area may also be explored by bicycle or foot. Possibly you do both!
Mishka Chal
Mechi Chal, also known as Bear’s Peak, is one of my favourite places in the world. For this reason, there is a massive bear statue where visitors may pose for pictures. Mechi Chal’s popularity in the winter is due to its location at the peak of a ski run at the nearby Chepelare resort. Mechi Chal is lovely throughout the year and offers a breathtaking vista.
At an elevation of 1830 metres, at the peak of the mountain, is a cosy guest house that serves as the highest refuge in the area. Try one of the home-cooked dishes if you’re feeling peckish. It is possible to drive to Mechi chal, take a lift to the summit, or walk there.
Perspective From Way Up High (Orlovo Oko)
Visitors to the Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria who are seeking a thrilling experience should not miss the Orlovo Oko (Eagle’s eye) viewpoint. Toward Yagodina’s highest point is where the settlement of Orlovo Ok may be found. It’s a see through point from which you can see all around the mountain range.
You may either hike or use an off-road jeep to get there. Whenever possible, try to do both. From an eagle’s perspective, the sight of the boundless forest and the distant mountains is spectacular. If you plan on travelling to the Rhodope Mountains, you should definitely make a stop at Eagle’s Eye.
Smilyan settlement
Since my first trip to Smilyan, a little town in Rodopia, I have been hopelessly smitten with its inhabitants. Unquestionably, my top three favourite features of this mountainside community are:
nature, breathtaking views, and an abundance of delicious home-cooked specialties; the Museum of Beans and the traditional Beans Festival; the overall aesthetic of the village and its symbol, the clock tower, which stands at over 10 metres tall and features clockwork that is still in working order to this day.
What to do in Rhodope Mountains?
Ski down the slopes from the TV tower in Pamporovo.
Escape to an office in the woods in Chepelare.
Treat your senses to a taste of the Rhodopes’ unique cuisine.
Hike the Canyon of Waterfalls near Smolyan