Once you’ve visited the Rhodopes, you will be forever enchanted by the magic charm of that fairy world - century-old forests, carrying the myth for the heroism of glorious haidouks, melodic folk songs and ring of cow bells, crystal brooks and fresh mountain air!The mountain paths in the land of the mythical singer Orpheus are luring you to follow them, so that they can reveal to your eyes the virgin beauty of nature. 'The Miracle Bridges', situated along the valley of Aidarsko dere are just some of the most curious natural phenomena of the Rhodopes.

You will be amazed by the magnificent beauty of Buinovo and Trigrad gorges and attracted by the wonderful and mystic underworld of the caves 'Devil's throat', Yagodinska cave, Snejanka. The boundless green studded with flowers glades surrounding Chairski lakes and the endless forests surrounding the Smolyan lakes will bring you into the world of beautiful wood-nymphs and fairies.

Shiroka Luka

The village is built amphitheatrically in a narrow and steep valley of the Shirokolashka river. Walking along the winding narrow-pebbled streets one suddenly finds oneself taken several centuries back in the Bulgarian Renaissance period. The settlement has existed since the 17th century. Numerous houses preserving the typical Rhodopean architecture, typical speech, songs and customs of local people have given the village of Shiroka Luka the status of an architectural, ethnographic and folklore reserve. Stockbreeding was very popular among the population in the past, and there were also many talented builders. The most impressive building is the Sgurov Konak, which now hosts the Ethnographic Museum. The three vaulted bridges over the Shirokolushka River, preserved since Roman time, give the village a special atmosphere. Another local monument is the Ouspenie Bogorodichno Church (Holy Assumption) built in 1834 for less than 38 days. The church has an impressive external and internal architecture. Next to it stands Shiroka Luka’s old school built in 1835. The village hosts a unique Folklore Music High School. Several private lodgings and small hotels are available, equipped with every necessary accommodation for a delightful vacation. 

Momchilovtzi

Momchilovtzi is another local village, located high in the mountain. The hospitable home owners of will  welcome you cordially, organize some guided tours for you and introduce to the local traditional works such as  – wood-carving and looming or invite you to taste local cuisine. 



Stoykite

Scattered among 5 different hamlets and has preserved the authenticity of a real Rhodopean village and the Bulgarian national traditions and culture, the village of Stoykite attracts thousand of tourists and offers wonderful opportunities for rest and recreation in the atmosphere of the long past times.Located in the skirts of the mountain it also offers marvelous panoramas of the ridge of Chernatitza and the peaks of Murgavetz, Perelik, and Karluk.If you want to come closer to the traditional Bulgarian spirit, to live for a while far from the urban vanity and bustle, to wake up in the morning with the ringing of cow-bells and the cock-a-doodle-do of cocks, then you should go to the Stoykite village. A real open air museum!



Gela

The village of Gela is situated below the highest Rhodope peak - Goliam Perelik (2191 m.). Such a marvelous sight can rarely be found anywhere елсе. Numerous peaks follow one another in a row, surrounded by amazing lawns, spotted with orchidеs, violets and autumn bells. Gela is one of the most ancient settlements in the Rhodopes, also known as the sanctuary of Dionysius and the birthplace of the mythical singer Orpheus.Today the village hosts the ruins of an old monastery and two ancient churches. All kinds of accommodations are available in the village - nice private lodgings and small family hotels. Every year during the first Sunday of August the traditional Illinden Festival (music contest for the best bag pipe player) takes place in Gela. 



Solishta

The small picturesque village is situated below the Perelik Peak, some 4 km away from Shiroka Luka. The ruins of an ancient monastery complex lie near by. From the yard of the church St. Nedelya one can enjoy a breathtaking view of the fortress and the peak Turlata.  The natural site "Chernoka", characterized with its 300-year-old Black pine trees forest is a few minutes away from the village. 
 

Trigrad

The village of Trigrad is situated in the Western Rhodope Mountains 26 km south of the town of Devin , and 40 km west of the town of Smolyan.The numerous remains found in cave dwellings from the Copper-stone Age, as well as from the Thracian period show the old origin of the village. The village is believed to be composed of 3 smaller settlements and that’s why is called Trigrad (three settlements). The Muslim and Christian culture and traditions have become interwoven in the village. Along with the small Church “Tsar Boris The Baptist”, you can see a small mosque.

More than 200 cave dwellings are located in the region of Trigrad over. The abyss cave called Dyavolsko Gurlo (The Devil’s Throat), one of the phenomena of the Trigrad Gorge, is only 1.3 km north of the village. The Yagodinska cave is another unique landmark. It is the longest cave in the Rhodope Mountains, situated 8 km from the village. The picturesque place of Chairite is 19 km to the east. Seven natural landslide lakes, which are here since the Quaternary period, add to the specific charm of the nature in this part of the Rhodopes.