Recommended by "Photo Moments" - favorite destinations in Rhodope Mountains
- Stefan Ivanov
- May 1
- 12 min read
Dear travelers, in this publication I have collected for all of you in one place favorite destinations in one of the most beautiful Bulgarian mountains that I have personally visited, and which bear the special tag of "Photo Moments" - "RECOMMENDED"!
It is known by many names - Slaveevi Gori, Dospat, Rhodope Mountain, Rhodopes.
We start our joint Rhodope journey from the highest peak in the Pamporovo ski resort area and Bukova Mountain in the Western Rhodopes and from one of the symbols of this beloved Bulgarian mountain - the television tower on Snezhanka Peak.
Snezhanka Peak is located in the heart of the Rhodope Mountains. Its almost 1926 meters rank it in 11th place in height in the vast Slavey Mountains.
On Snezhanka, the slender and elegant silhouette of a tall television tower rises. Its name is also Snezhanka. From its peak, a wonderful panorama opens in all directions, so that you can embrace the entire boundless Rhodope Ocean with your heart!
I tell you about this wonderful and emblematic place HERE.
In the southern part of the foot of the peak, there is the starting point of the trail leading to Orpheus Rocks, from which a fantastic view of the Smolyan Lakes opens.
8 kilometers south of Snezhanka Peak in the direction of the town of Smolyan (about 17 minutes by car) is the starting point of the "Bride" eco-trail - an incredible adventure that brings together epic views and leaves inspiring memories.
I tell you about the "Bride" eco-trail HERE.
Beautiful lakes like stars amidst its centuries-old spruce giants, the Rhodope Mountains, and only to the chosen ones does it boast of their beauty. To those who look with their heart, to those who feel with their soul, and to those who love the mountain and the forest!
I will now take you to three of these wonderful lakes! I will tell you about them! And you, open your hearts to the beauty of the Rhodopes and beyond and rush into a fabulous Rhodope journey!
Dear friends, here we are at the beginning of the "Three Smolyan Lakes" eco-trail, which I highly recommend you to walk.
I will tell you about the beauty that will be revealed to you along this eco-trail HERE.
In the area of the town of Smolyan are the exceptionally beautiful Smolyan Lakes. 9 kilometers to the northwest (about 14 minutes by car) near the main road is Lake Lagera, also known as Lagut.
Lake Lagera was built on a dam that was given to the Hunting and Fishing Society by the municipality in 1995. Since its overflow and discharge part cracked and did not allow filling, it once again became a lake with an area of about 7.5 - 12 hectares.
15 kilometers southeast of the town of Smolyan (about 27 minutes by car) on Srednogorets Peak stands a monument dedicated to the Twenty-first Srednogorets Regiment, known as the Rhodope Shipka.
Srednogorets Peak is located near the villages of Polkovnik Serafimovo and Fatovo. The peak is named after the regiment of Colonel Vladimir Serafimov.
I tell you about the events written in golden letters in Bulgarian history and that took place in these places HERE.
I suggest that we embark on another fascinating adventure together, which will take us amidst the wonderfully beautiful Rhodope Mountains, enchanting every traveler with their boundless charm. I will show you around the medieval fortress "Podvis" in the Gradishte area, located on a hill between the Smolyan villages of Gradat (to the north) and Podvis (to the south), better known today as Momchilova Fortress.
And while we enjoy the epic and stunning 360-degree panoramas revealed by this old Bulgarian fortress, I will tell you about the Rhodope ruler Momchil Voivode - the last ruler of the fortress.
I tell you about Momchil Fortress HERE.
Just 18 kilometers northwest of the town of Smolyan (about 26 minutes by car) you will find the place where the Rhodope song was born - a land that has preserved the authentic Rhodope soul, hidden between the beautiful green slopes of the mountain and by the sound of the river, a center of patriotism and knowledge, a place that grants freedom, silence, tranquility and confidence for a better tomorrow - Shiroka Laka!
I tell you about Shiroka Laka HERE.
In Shiroka Laka, be sure to visit the majestic church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary - a symbol of faith, erected in 38 days.
I tell you about the Church of the Assumption HERE.
Exarch Stefan I Bulgarian, who played an important role in saving the Bulgarian Jews, was born in Shiroka Laka.
I tell you about the rescue of the Bulgarian Jews HERE.
Since time immemorial, there has been a wonderful place in the Rhodope Mountains! A wonderful place that has no equal in beauty in the world! A land that combines fantastic views, immense and incredible beauty, true freedom, wonderful air, blue sky - sapphire, dense green forests, beautiful peaks, freshness, silence, bird songs, wild flowers, mysterious paths, wonderful legends, the sound of a bagpipe and a sunny smile! This is the birthplace of Orpheus and his beloved Eurydice.
You will find Gela - the smile of the Rhodope Mountains only about 8 kilometers south of the village of Shiroka Laka.
In the village of Gela, I recommend taking a walk of unparalleled beauty and marveling at the majestic beauties surrounding the village.
I tell you more about the village of Gela HERE.
In the village of Gela, be sure to visit the interesting ruins of an early Byzantine basilica - the highest located in Southeast Europe (1480 meters above sea level).
I tell you more about the early Byzantine basilica in the village of Gela HERE.
Less than 4 kilometers west of the town of Devin is the beginning of the "Struilitsa" eco-trail, near which you can enjoy the wonderful Samodivsko Praskalo, also known as the Struilski Dol waterfall.
Leaf fall, a spectacle of water splashes that shine with all the colors of the rainbow that awaited me under the waterfall! With every light gust of wind, the leaves flew in a dance! The splashes of the waterfall took them in and continued to dance together, while the colors of the sun's rays, reflected in the millions of drops of water, created magic! I realize that I was a living witness to a true Rhodope miracle - magic created by the Creator! So much beauty that you remain speechless!
I tell you about all the feelings that overwhelmed me HERE.
14 kilometers northeast of the Pamporovo ski resort (about 22 minutes by car) is the National Astronomical Observatory "Rozhen".
At the fork in the direction of NAO "Rozhen" you can stop and walk along the vast Rozhen meadows, located at 1430 meters above sea level. In the middle of the meadows rises the highest pylon in Bulgaria, 111 meters high, on which the Bulgarian tricolor flutters.
The Komin Dere eco-trail above Lucky is another perfect idea from me for a walk in the Western Rhodopes, combined with incredible panoramic views. You shouldn't hesitate at all, head to Lucky and take the Komin Dere trail!
The walk along the eco-trail is really easy, very pleasant and suitable for every amateur traveler of any age. And the culmination is the stunning panorama that opens from the farthest point – the rocks above the town of Laki in all directions.
I tell you more about the eco-trail "Komin Dere" HERE.
Near the eco-trail "Komin Dere" there is a temple "Ascension of the Lord" above the village of Borovo, Laki municipality.
I tell you more about the beauty of this place HERE.
38 kilometers north of the Pamporovo ski resort (about 55 minutes by car) is another picturesque village, combining silence, greenery and Rhodope tranquility – Zabardo.
I tell you more about the beauty of this place HERE.
Just before the village is the turnoff to the natural landmark "The Wonderful Bridges of Erkyupria" - an impressive rock phenomenon in the Western Rhodopes!
I tell you more about the beauty of this place HERE.
44 kilometers northeast of the Pamporovo ski resort (about an hour and 4 minutes by car) you will find another lovely Rhodope jewel - Belitsa, Lucky municipality.
Upon entering Belitsa, you will witness this wonderful rock bridge - the natural landmark "Rock Bridge".
The "Belitsa - Cave" eco-trail starts from the village, which I advise you to take. This trail is especially suitable for young travelers, who would certainly have a lot of fun on it.
I tell you more about the "Belitsa - Cave" eco-trail HERE.
The charming Gumbertiyata waterfall is also located near beautiful Belitsa, so visit it and enjoy it.
55 kilometers northeast of the Pamporovo ski resort (about 1 hour and 20 minutes by car) you will find one of the contenders for the highest village in the Balkans – Manastir.
Nearby are 604 steps to freedom - to Svoboda Peak and wonderful views of the ocean from the Rhodope Mountains.
I tell you more about Svoboda Peak HERE.
Near the village of Sitovo, the charming Sitovo Waterfall roars.
Sitovski Waterfall is fed by the waters of the Lilkovska (Dormushevska) River, the main tributary of the Parvenetska (Tamrushka) River.
I tell you about Sitovski Waterfall HERE.
Momini Skali near the villages of Izvor and Hrabrino is a great idea for a walk in the Northern Rhodopes.
The views from this place, both towards the northern slopes of the Rhodope Mountains and towards Hrabrino and the Thracian Plain, are impressive, unique in their beauty and deeply affecting!
I tell you about Momini Skali HERE.
Less than 2 kilometers south of the southernmost quarter of Asenovgrad is the Thracian, ancient, late ancient, medieval and Ottoman fortress "Petrich Kale", known today as Asenov Fortress.
Now it's time for me to show you the fortress! To show you around the ruins. To reveal to you how I saw it on that warm November day, what I experienced when entering the temple, how the wind greeted me by the blooming Bulgarian tricolor and what I felt when I placed my hand on the stone inscription of Asenevtsi - there by the rocks, where in time the last great Rhodope guard towered with dignity.
I tell you about Asen's Fortress (Petrich Fortress, Petrich Kale) - the last great Rhodope guard, HERE.
Just 14 kilometers south of Asen's Fortress (about 19 minutes by car) is the starting point of the tourist trail to Slivodolsko Padalo - one of the beautiful and high Rhodope waterfalls.
I tell you about Slivodolsko Padalo HERE.
The National Spa and Resort Village of Mineralni Bani, also known as Haskovo Mineralni Bani, is a village in Southern Bulgaria, Haskovo Region and the administrative center of the Mineralni Bani Municipality.
The village preserves the remains of an ancient, late ancient and medieval fortress "Toplitsa", also known as "Holy Spirit" and which existed from the 2nd century to the 14th century.
I tell you about the ancient, late ancient and medieval fortress "Toplitsa", also known as "Holy Spirit", HERE.
Just 33 kilometers south of the fortress "Toplitsa" is the village of Beli Plast and the natural landmark "Stone Mushrooms" (Mantarkaya) near Beli Plast - a rock zeolite phenomenon.
The natural phenomenon "Stone Mushrooms", also known as "Rock Mushrooms", is a rock formation (harmonious rock pieces) in the shape of natural mushrooms, sculpted in rhyolite volcanic tuffs.
I tell you about the natural landmark "Stone Mushrooms" (Mantarkaya) HERE.
Only about 13.5 kilometers south of the village of Beli Plast (about 18 minutes by car) is the mysterious ancient fortress city of Perperikon.
Its legendary status has been compared to Petra in Jordan and Machu Picchu in Peru.
Its remarkable history can be traced back 8,000 years.
Reports about it are broadcast on major world media outlets around the world, and extensive publications tell of its notorious epoch-making nature from the pages of prominent periodicals.
Attracted by its unsurpassed charisma, hundreds of thousands of tourists flock here every year to experience its specific authenticity, its mystical mystery, its original charm and its ancient and rich history.
That is why today I invite you, dear friends, to climb the ancient stone steps together, to peek into the huge ceremonial throne room of the Palace-Sanctuary, to pass through the Southern Gate, stepping into the Acropolis, to admire the Small Palace, to examine the powerful defensive fortress wall, to climb to the top of the defensive fortress tower that guards the western gate of the citadel of the mighty medieval fortress, and standing on the wooden ramp, buffeted by the wind, to enjoy the view of the Northern and Southern suburbs, while the immense beauty of the Eastern Rhodopes takes our breath away! It is here that I can get lost for hours, contemplating the rise and fall of various civilizations!
I tell you about the mysterious ancient fortress city of Perperikon HERE.
On the territory of the beloved Rhodopes there are several of the largest and most beautiful dams in Bulgaria!
Just less than 2 kilometers northwest of the town of Batak (less than 4 minutes by car) is the Batak Dam and the Tsigov Chark resort area.
I talk about the Batak Dam HERE.
33 kilometers south of the Batak Dam (less than 54 minutes by car) is the Golyam Beglik Dam.
I tell you about the Golyam Beglik Dam HERE.
12 kilometers south of the Golyam Beglik Dam (less than 19 minutes by car) is the Shiroka Polyana Dam.
I tell you about the Shiroka Polyana Dam HERE.
11 kilometers south of the Shiroka Polyana Dam (less than 18 minutes by car) is a panoramic platform overlooking the Dospat Dam.
I tell you about a panoramic platform overlooking the Dospat Dam HERE.
Between the villages of Dospat and Sarnitsa is located the Dospat Dam.
Did you know that near the village of Dorkovo there is a unique deposit, representing a cluster of bones from over 30 species of animals in one place – Pliocene Park. This is a very interesting paleontological museum, which I invite you to visit together.
I tell you about the Pliocene Park in Dorkovo and the largest paleontological site in the Balkans HERE.
Nearby are the ancient ruins of the Tsepina fortress.
I tell you about the "Tsepina" fortress HERE.
After the "Tsepina" fortress, I suggest you visit the late antique and medieval "Peristera" fortress in the town of Peshtera - a dove-like beauty from antiquity.
I tell you about the Peristera Fortress HERE.
Just 5 kilometers south of Bratsigovo (about 9 minutes by car) you will find the charming, colorful village of Rozovo, near which the Chorbanovo Dam is located.
Continuing along the road, you will find the beautiful and peaceful resort of Rozovski Vriz.
Several tourist routes start from the Rozovski Vriz resort, one of which will take you to Garvanova Skala.
I tell you about Garvanova Skala HERE.
Continuing from the village of Rozovo on the road to the village of Ravnogor, which is 16 kilometers south of Bratsigovo (about 27 minutes by car), you will enjoy wonderful views, ancient forests and fabulous nature.
Several picturesque tourist routes start from Ravnogor, one of which is the trail to Bekovi Rocks.
I talk about Bekovi Skali HERE.
The "Bekovi Skali" route is often combined with the trail to the Red Rock.
I tell you about the Red Rock HERE.
Just 20 kilometers east of Bratsigovo (about 25 minutes by car) is the village of Ustina. In Ustina, take the Ustina Eco-Trail to Ustina Waterfall.
I tell you about the Ustinska eco-trail HERE.
About 30 kilometers west of the town of Pazardzhik (about 30 minutes by car) is the quaint village of Golyamo Belovo.
I tell you about Golyamo Belovo HERE.
From here starts the path to the majestic ruins of the Belovo Basilica, which I highly recommend you visit.
I tell you about the Belovo Basilica HERE.
From here you can continue your wonderful adventure into antiquity towards the ruins of the ancient late antique and medieval fortress city of Levke.
I tell you about the fortress town of Levke HERE.
On the road between the villages of Gornoslav and Oreshets you will find the charming St. George waterfall.
I tell you about the St. George Waterfall HERE.
Just 4.6 kilometers south of the St. George Waterfall (about 7 minutes by car) you will find the Oreshets panoramic platform.
I tell you about the panoramic platform "Oreshets" HERE.
Just 6.5 kilometers south of the panoramic platform "Oreshets" (about 12 minutes by car) you will find a rock bridge near the village of Mostovo.
I tell you about a rock bridge near the village of Mostovo HERE.
Just 3.5 kilometers north of Ribarnik Tunela (about 4 minutes by car) are the charming Bachkovo Waterfalls.
I tell you about Bachkovo Waterfalls HERE.
I hope that the walk through the favorite Rhodope destinations recommended by "Photo Moments" has inspired you!
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