Recommended places

Nestled in the heart of the Western Rhodopes, along the picturesque basin of the Cherna River and just 15km south of the renowned Pamporovo ski resort, lies the charming town of Smolyan. Its town center, a blend of local architectural heritage and natural beauty, stands as a hallmark of the area.

We invite you to explore some of Smolyan's notable attractions, such as the iconic Planetarium and the nearby St. Visarion Smolenski Cathedral. Additionally, visitors can immerse themselves in the city's rich cultural scene, which includes the Smolyan Regional History Museum Stoyu Shishkov, the Art Gallery, the Rhodope Drama Theatre "Nikolay Haitov," and the Memorial House-Museum Laslo Nagy. Be sure not to miss out on the opportunity to savor the local delicacies offered in the city's charming taverns.

Perched amid the central Rhodope Mountains, approximately 30km from Smolyan and a mere 10km from the Pamporovo resort, lies the picturesque town of Chepelare. With its lofty altitude of 1232 meters, it ranks as the second highest Bulgarian city after Dospat.

Chepelare boasts a long-standing tradition of ski and snowboard equipment production and holds the distinction of being the birthplace of Bulgaria's only Olympic gold medalist in biathlon, Ekaterina Dafovska (Nagano, 1998), as well as the Men's Parallel Giant Slalom Snowboard champion of 2015, Radoslav Yankov. Visitors to Chepelare can explore the country's sole Museum of Ski, established in 1998, as well as the Speleology and Bulgarian Karst Museum.

Situated in southern Bulgaria, Devin serves as the administrative hub of the Devin Municipality within the Smolyan region, located 33km from the Pamporovo resort.

Renowned for its thermal mineral springs, which range in temperature from 16 to 76 degrees Celsius, Devin beckons travelers with its array of natural wonders, including gorges, caves, rock formations, and protected reserves. Must-see attractions within the Devin municipality include the Trigrad Gorge, the Diavolskoto Gurlo and Yagodina caves, the rock formation known as the "Elephant," as well as eco-trails like Strulitza and the Devil's Trail.

Tucked away in the Rhodope Mountains, just 23km northeast of Smolyan and 16km from Pamporovo, lies the enchanting village of Shiroka Laka. Renowned for its well-preserved architecture, musical heritage, and breathtaking landscapes, Shiroka Laka has earned distinction as both an architectural and natural reserve.

Visitors to Shiroka Laka will be captivated by the village's authentic Rhodopean houses, nestled along the banks of the Shirokolashka River. Notable landmarks include the Zgurovska, Uchikovska, and Grigorovska houses, each offering a glimpse into the village's rich history and traditions.

Perched at an elevation of 1500 meters above sea level in the Central Rhodopes, at the base of the majestic peaks of Golyam Perelik, Orpheus, and Turlata, lies the tranquil village of Gela. Steeped in mythology, it is believed to be the birthplace of the legendary musician Orpheus, who is said to have ventured into the nearby Diavolskoto Gurlo cave in search of his beloved, Evridika.

Each summer, on June 20th (Ilinden), the village hosts a festival at the St. Iliya Chapel, while the National Bagpipe Contest, held during the first weekend of August, draws visitors from far and wide to experience this vibrant cultural event.