On Route 1, deciduous forests and birdwatching meet Thracian archaeology and old houses in Stambolovo Municipality. The route runs from the Tunkovo Eco Centre to the Golemiat Sipey protected area. Stops along the way include a souslik colony, a Thracian rock tomb near Svetoslav and old houses near Byal Kladenets. The route is 19 kilometres long and takes about five hours.
Routes through nature and history
Route 2 also starts at the Tunkovo Eco Centre and leads to the Vulchi Dol protected area. Along the way are the Thracian megalithic cromlech, two rock tombs near Potochnitsa and a birdwatching point beside the feeding station near Stari Chal. The tour covers 24 kilometres and takes about six hours.
Route 3 also starts in Tunkovo and heads towards Madzharovo. It follows paved roads through deciduous forests, includes the Eastern Rhodopes Nature Conservation Centre and a birdwatching hide, and covers 17 kilometres. The estimated duration is about five hours. The centre and later sections of the route are in the wider Madzharovo area.
The two routes that take about five hours differ in length: Route 3 covers 17 kilometres, while Route 1 covers 19 kilometres. At 24 kilometres and about six hours, Route 2 is the longest and takes the most time of the three. Check local route conditions before setting out.
Arda landscapes and birdlife
The municipality lies in the northeastern part of the Eastern Rhodopes, near Bulgaria’s borders with Greece and Turkey. The Arda flows through the region. Its landscape features rugged, semi-mountainous terrain, more than 80 small reservoirs and fertile farmland along the river. The banks of the Arda are considered suitable for ecotourism, fish farming, recreational fishing and water sports; check local access and providers in advance.
Parts of the municipality lie within the Natura 2000 sites Studen Kladenets, Most Arda and Eastern Rhodopes. The Golemiat Sipey protected area and the Devil’s Bridge and Kovan Kaya natural monuments are also within the municipality. One protected zone in the municipality is associated with 142 bird species, including species listed in Bulgaria’s Red Data Book and species of European importance. Based on an earlier observation, Golemiat Sipey is considered a nesting site for griffon vultures in the Eastern Rhodopes; their presence and nesting status may vary by season.
Thracian sites and regional culture
The Kovan Kaya rock massif near Dolno Cherkovishte contains carved Thracian cult niches and tombs. Groups of Thracian cultural monuments can be found on the Chala Ridge. Pop Martin’s Hole, a rock-cut tomb with more than 200 trapezoidal niches, is also near Dolno Cherkovishte. A nearby peak, St. Ilia, is home to a fortress dating from antiquity and the medieval period.
These sites are part of the municipality’s broader archaeological history. Evidence from several periods has been documented, particularly from the pre-Roman and Roman-Thracian periods, as well as the early Bulgarian period. The archaeological sites include burial mounds, fortresses, rock tombs and sanctuaries.
Founded in 1980, the Ethnographic Museum in Zhalti Bryag is devoted to the culture and everyday life of the Stambolovo area, Thrace and the Rhodopes. Its collections include traditional costumes, carpets, copperware, ceramics, weapons, wood carvings, jewellery, church objects and lacework. Check local visiting arrangements before your visit.
Wine and local insights
Small wineries in the wider Stambolovo area offer tastings. Featured wines include Stambolovo Merlot, the less common varieties Tamyanka and Kehlibar, and Cabernet Franc. Stambolovo Winery is in the village of Stambolovo, directly next to the municipal building; confirm visiting arrangements locally in advance.
At a country house in Tunkovo, local winemaker Bay Ivan offers tastings of locally produced wines paired with regional dishes. Georgi Shishkov welcomes groups of up to ten visitors by prior arrangement. His offerings include vineyard walks, seasonal pruning or grape harvesting, local food and wine tastings. Confirm your visit and participation arrangements in advance.
Getting there and finding your way
The municipality’s road network includes 47 kilometres of third-class roads and 86.40 kilometres of fourth-class roads. Private transport companies operate scheduled services to major Bulgarian cities. A local road reaches the turn-off for the Arda Bridge near Dolno Cherkovishte. Check timetables before travelling, as routes and schedules may change.
Discover more destinations: Stambolovo, Dolno Cherkovishte, Dimitrovgrad, Mineralni Bani, Harmanli, Svilengrad, Haskovo, Madjarovo.
For the main travel overview: Haskovo Province.
