Smolyan: Rhodope Landscapes and Cultural History

Smolyan lies in the central Rhodope Mountains and encompasses the highest part of the Perelik section, including Golyam Perelik at 2,191 metres. Hiking trails, waterfalls, and cultural sites offer different ways to shape your stay. If you’re looking for a hotel in Smolyan, first consider whether nature, hiking, or culture is most important to your trip.

Getting there and getting around

Regular bus services connect Smolyan with Sofia, Plovdiv, and Kardzhali. Check current services before setting out, as transport options may change.

The marked and certified Nevyastata Eco Trail starts at St. Panteleimon Chapel and is 750 metres long. Check locally for trail safety conditions and guided activities.

The Canyon of Waterfalls Eco Trail is in the area of the Soskovcheto Reserve and its buffer zone. The canyon has 46 waterfalls; the largest is almost 70 metres high. Nevyastata’s trail length offers a specific point of reference, while the Canyon of Waterfalls stands out for the number and height of its waterfalls. These different features can help you compare the two nature attractions. Check trail conditions and access before setting out.

Natural areas within the wider Smolyan destination

Within the wider Smolyan destination, the Soskovcheto and Amzovo reserves are about 15 minutes from the city of Smolyan. Weather and the season may affect access. Soskovcheto is associated with wild goats and brown bears; sightings are not guaranteed. Observe wildlife responsibly. The bog clubmoss is a protected species in Amzovo.

At the municipal level within the wider Smolyan destination, there are more than 20 marked hiking eco-routes and trails. Municipal-level cycling options within the wider Smolyan destination include sections of the Iron Curtain Route, the Trans-Rhodope Cycling Route, and the Sultan’s Trail, as well as marked local cycling routes and forest roads. Hiking and cycling therefore offer different ways to explore the region. Check trail conditions and markings locally; they may change seasonally.

Culture and programmes

Turluka served as a Thracian sanctuary for more than a millennium. The foundations of a monastery complex and a three-aisled Christian basilica were found there. Visitors interested in sacred sites and religious architecture will find different cultural and historical points of interest in these two discoveries. Within the wider Smolyan destination, the exhibition “The Bagpipe: Ancient and Eternal” in Stoykite showcases bagpipe artistry and traditional bagpipe-making from all Bulgarian folklore regions; check access arrangements in advance.

The Smolyan Planetarium offers sessions in the Star Hall for children, as well as educational, popular, and themed programmes. Programmes in foreign languages are available in Russian, French, German, English, Greek, and Turkish. Check the current programme schedule and the availability of your preferred language before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Polkovnik Serafimovo, Mogilitsa, Bosilkovo, Zlatograd, Gela, Pamporovo, Devin, Bilyanska.

For the wider travel overview: Smolyan Province.