Smolyan Province lies in southern Bulgaria, in the central part of the Rhodope Mountains. Here, discoveries range from protected karst landscapes and hiking trails to folklore, regional cuisine and winter sports. The variety of themes gives you the freedom to explore nature and culture according to your interests.
Karst, caves and thermal springs
Near Trigrad lies the Chair Lakes protected area, with seven lakes formed by landslides. Trigrad Gorge is also a protected area and includes numerous caves, among them the Devil’s Throat Cave and Haramiya Cave. The lakes, gorge and caves represent different aspects of the Rhodope landscape: here, you can explore geological formation as a theme as well as the shapes and features of a cave world.
Devin offers a different connection with nature. The town is a well-known spa resort with modern hotels and luxurious spa centres; its mineral springs have water temperatures ranging from 16 °C to 76 °C. Devin thus combines a spa and wellness profile with a distinctive hydrothermal feature. The specific offerings at individual hotels and spa centres may change.
Trails for a range of interests
Several well-marked tourist trails of varying lengths pass through Trigrad. The surrounding area also has cycling and horse-riding trails, as well as a riding centre. From Shiroka Laka, several mountain hiking trails lead to the highest parts of the Rhodope Mountains and to natural attractions such as Lednitsa Cave and the Momata rock formation. Check locally to see which trails are open and marked.
The villages of Smilyan, Mogilitsa and Arda are also starting points for more than 20 hiking, cycling and horse-riding routes to scenic destinations. This choice of different ways to travel can help with your planning; check the route details and markings locally.
A short trail is the marked eco-trail from the Smolyan–Pamporovo road, near the arch of the “Sveti Panteleimon” monastery, to the Nevyastata rock formation and Turluka. It is less than one kilometre long. Rest areas, panoramic platforms and information boards about the Rhodope Mountains’ flora and fauna are part of the route. The “Sveta Nedelya” trail in Zlatograd starts at the “Vodenitsa” or “Tepavitsa” watermill and ends at the 865 m-high “Sv. Nedelya” peak. Trail conditions may vary; check locally for information.
Museums, architecture and folklore
In Chepelare, the Rhodope Karst Museum is considered unique in the Balkans. It exhibits minerals and crystals, as well as a leopard’s lower jaw and a reconstructed cave bear skeleton measuring 4.5 m in height. The collection brings together geological exhibits and finds from the animal world.
Shiroka Laka is designated an architectural and folklore reserve and is known for Rhodope houses such as the Zgurovska, Uchikovska and Grigorovska houses. The village is home to the National School of Folklore Arts “Shiroka Laka”, which trains singers, dancers and musicians in Bulgarian folk arts. The international Kukeri festival “Pesponedelnik” takes place there every year on the first Sunday in March. Check the exact date for your travel year.
The “Zlatograd” Ethnographic Area Complex is an open-air museum with an ethnographic museum, craft workshops and an exhibition about water-powered installations. The Momchilova Fortress has a visitor service with guided tours; you can also mint a souvenir coin yourself using a blacksmith’s press. Visitor services may vary seasonally, so it is advisable to check what is available for your dates.
Regional cuisine and seasonal experiences
At the “Pri Vodenitsata” tavern in Zlatograd, visitors can try Zlatograd cuisine specialties: kachamak made from freshly milled flour, patatnik and klin. Check the availability of dishes locally. Since 2003, Smilyan has held the Smilyan Bean Festival every year on the last weekend of November. For this festival, too, check the exact dates for the relevant year.
The Chepelare ski centre has 20 km of ski slopes and routes of varying lengths and difficulty. They are considered suitable for intermediate and beginner skiers, as well as snowboarders. If winter sports are among your travel interests, check the facilities and operating status for the relevant season.
Discover more destinations: Gela, Smolyan, Pamporovo, Devin, Polkovnik Serafimovo, Chepelare, Zlatograd, Borino, Smolyan, Banite, Chepelare, Rudozem, Dospat, Zlatograd, Bosilkovo, Bilyanska, Nedelino, Madan, Mogilitsa, Devin.
Go to the main travel overview: Bulgaria.
