Smolyan Travel Guide

Explore Smolyan, a stunning mountain town situated in Rhodope Mountains, Bulgaria. Learn about the best things to do, attractions to visit, local food and drink, where to stay, and more!


Introduction to Smolyan

Situated in Rhodope Mountains in Bulgaria, Smolyan is a hidden gem that not many tourists have discovered yet. With its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and exciting outdoor activities, this quaint mountain town is a must-visit destination for adventure seekers and culture enthusiasts. In this comprehensive travel guide to Smolyan, we’ll cover all the best things to do, places to visit, and local customs to keep in mind while exploring this breathtaking region.

List of Places to Visit in Smolyan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Smolyan is a town with a rich history, making it an ideal destination for history buffs. Here are a few of the culturally significant attractions that you simply cannot miss:

  • Smolyan History Museum: Discover the history of Smolyan and the Rhodope Mountains inside this informative museum. The exhibits showcase artifacts from the ancient Thracian civilization, and later periods of Ottoman and Bulgarian rule. The information inside is available in both Bulgarian and English.
  • Ustovo Ancient Fortress: Located just three kilometers from Smolyan, this ancient site dates back to the 4th-5th century. It was once an important Roman military base and was ruled for a time by the Byzantine Empire. The ruins include a well-preserved fortress wall, towers, and a basilica providing stunning architectural details.
  • Shiroka Laka: Considered the most picturesque Rhodope Mountains village, Shiroka Laka boasts traditional Rhodopean houses with winding cobblestone streets that run among them. Explore the local shops and meet traditional craftspeople to learn valuable insights into their lives and traditions.

Natural Attractions in Smolyan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Smolyan is home to countless beautiful natural wonders, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities. Here, nature lovers can indulge in their love for adventure and witness the most scenic views in Bulgaria. A few key attractions are:

  • Smolyan Lakes - This peaceful chain of two lakes is the perfect spot for a picnic. It is situated in the heart of the Rhodopi mountain range among towering mountains. Visitors can ride horseback, hike, or take a mountain bike to the refreshing lake. The location is a popular spot for photography and picnics.
  • Canyon of Waterfalls - The Canyon of Waterfalls is situated around 7km from Smolyan and is famous for its 20 cascading waterfalls. The length of the path is 14 km filled with trails and suspension bridges. Split an afternoon walking around the cascading Waterfalls and you will feel at one with nature, whether you choose to explore all 20 or only a few.
  • The Soskovcheto reserve: The best place to experience the unique flora and wildlife of the Rhodopi mountains. This verdant valley is home to one of the richest ecological reserves in the world, where visitors can get up close and personal with flora and fauna. Hiking and birdwatching are the main activities visitors can do in this remarkable place.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Smolyan

The Rhodope Mountain range flaunts one of the most scenic and pristine hike and bike trails in Europe. It boasts promising views of rivers, valleys, glacial lakes, and flora and fauna found nowhere else. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes you must try:

  • Perelik Trail - the longest trail in Rhodope Mountains, the Perelik Trail is 12km long, heading from peak to peak from Smolyan Lakes to Perelik peak, the highest peak in the Rhodope range. Conquering the trail gives you views that are unbeatable!
  • Canyon of Waterfalls - The Canyon of Waterfalls Trail is around 7km away from Smolyan. The trail provides an awe-inspiring view of waterfalls, wooden bridges and the surrounding forest full of flowers and birdsong. It’s an easy trail, suitable for everyone, small children, and the elderly alike.
  • Rovana Trail - The trail begins in the nearby town of Chepelare and leads to the Rovana resort, a distance of about 15 km. The quiet and scenic route passes through tranquil forests and stunning mountain vistas. The trail is suitable year-round but it’s also marked as a mountain biking route, giving it an added layer of excitement during summer months.

Best Things to Do in Smolyan: Activities and Tours

In addition to exploring natural and cultural attractions in Smolyan, adventure seekers can indulge in exciting activities and tours that are guaranteed to make your holiday unforgettable. Here are a few ideas to help get you started:

  • Skiing in Pamporovo - Smolyan is the perfect vacation spot during wintertime. Head to the resort town of Pamporovo, located around 25 km away from Smolyan, and enjoy skiing in its several ski areas. Even better, the resort boasts gentle gradients making skiing an option for children and beginners as well.
  • Explore Ekaterino - dubbed the city of ancient churches, you’ll be amazed by its extraordinary frescoes and architecture.
  • Discover a local legend - Visit the Secret Thracian Sanctuary of Belintash. It was considered sacred ground for the Thracians, whose faith they demonstrated through the unique and fanciful rock formations combined with two naturally occurring rock cult formations, bestowed upon Belintash a religious air of mystery.
  • Take an off-road adventure - This tour takes you into the lush Rhodope Mountains visiting local villages, ancient ruins, and giving special attention to revealing the unique flora and fauna present in the area.
  • Wine Tasting - Wine aficionados will have plenty of opportunities to sample fabulous reds and whites produced by the local wineries in this mountainous region. A wine-tasting tour is a great way to experience some of the finest wines Bulgaria has to offer.

Week-Long Itinerary for Smolyan

Smolyan is a stunning destination, and there’s no shortage of activities to fill up a full week of fun and relaxation. Here’s an example itinerary to get you started on planning your trip to Smolyan.

  • Day 1: Arrive in Smolyan and explore sights
  • Day 2: Visit the Smolyan Lakes and hike around the reserve
  • Day 3: Spend the day in Shiroka Laka and its traditional food stalls and historical sites
  • Day 4: Visit the Ustovo Fortress and explore historical sites near Smolyan
  • Day 5: Take an off-road adventure to visit local sites and villages
  • Day 6: Wine tasting tour or hiking to the scenic Pamporovo resort town
  • Day 7: Depart from Smolyan

Food and Drink Scene of Smolyan

The Rhodope Mountain range boasts stunning food and drink options. Bulgarian cuisine is hearty and robust, emphasizing on grilled meats, herbs and spices, and fresh vegetables. Local to Smolyan, expect to see an emphasis on locally foraged mushrooms and cave-aged cheeses. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages to sample:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Smilyan Bean Soup - A warming, hearty soup made with beans, seasoning, and meats, so deliciously filling.
  • Smolyan Pitka - A type of bread the region is known for. It’s made with flour and a sour starter, which gives it a distinct taste.
  • Kapama - Slow-cooked casserole typically made with pork, sauerkraut, carrots, and spices.
  • Patatnik - A delicious mixture of grated potatoes, onions, and a mixture of seasonings. Patatnik is then pan-cooked and served with sour yoghurt and garlic on the side.

Local Beverages

  • Rakiya - an alcoholic spirit, popular throughout the Balkans. Rakiya is often described as being similar to grappa.
  • Mursalitsa - A herbal brandy made with ten varieties of mountain herbs and is palatable, enjoyable and refreshing to your body and mind.

Where to Stay in Smolyan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

For such a small town, Smolyan has a great variety of accommodation options to suit every budget. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious resort or a rustic guesthouse, there’s something for everyone.

Luxury

  • Pearl Lodge
  • Hotel Omaya
  • Lucky Bansko

Mid-Range

  • Planinski Feneri Guesthouse
  • Ethnographic Complex with Houses

Budget

  • Hotel Popskata Kashta
  • Guest House Perla

What to Buy in Smolyan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Smolyan has a variety of local products that make unique souvenirs and gifts.

  • Handicrafts: The Rhodopi Mountains are home to many skilled artisans who produce unique handicrafts and artistic pieces from woolen objects to beautiful pottery serving ware.
  • Herbs and Spices: Locally sourced herbs and spices include savory local blends of mountain oregano, Thyme, and Rosemary. It’s worth stocking up on some to take home!
  • Olive Wood: A unique wood – type, that is crafted into beautiful bowls, kitchen utensils, candle holders for you to take home and enjoy.

Local Culture and Customs of Smolyan

The Rhodopi Mountains are an area steeped in ancient culture and traditions, with customs that date back to Thracian Rule. It goes without saying that visitors should dress respectfully and be sensitive to the local customs.

  • Marriage Traditions: The Rhodopi mountain range is known for its distinctive marriage traditions, with colorful wedding parades showing off the beautiful traditional dresses and headpieces. Think it’s your wedding week? Now you know where to plan a dreamy rural wedding!
  • Celebrations and Festivals: Smolyan has a colorful and vibrant folk heritage, and the town hosts a range of festivals throughout the year celebrating Rhodopean culture. Visitors can witness stunning folk dances, local handicrafts, and hearty cuisine throughout the festivities.
  • Music: One can hear traditional mountain folk instruments such as the kaval (wooden flute), gaida (bagpipe), and tambura played in various local celebrations and festivals.

Best Time to Visit Smolyan

The ideal time to visit Smolyan is during spring and summer when the weather is lovely and mild. From late June to September, you’ll find a perfect time to take advantage of the many outdoor activities. If you are planning on visiting during wintertime, Smolyan is home to an expansive ski area, typically running between December and March.

Do’s and Don’ts of Smolyan

When traveling to a new place, it’s important to be mindful of the local customs and traditions. Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Smolyan:

Do:

  • Dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
  • Try to learn a few basic phrases in Bulgarian, like “hello,” “please,” and “thank you.”
  • Be respectful towards the local culture and traditions.

Don’t:

  • Litter or leave trash in nature.
  • Eat inside churches and religious sites.
  • Take pictures of people without their permission.

Safety and Health

Safety in Smolyan

Smolyan is generally a safe town, though visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and take precautions against theft or pickpocketing in crowded areas. Always lock your valuables in a safe or lockbox inside your lodgings, never put them on display when not in use.

Health in Smolyan

The quality of medical services in Smolyan is good. Visitors to Bulgaria should have up-to-date vaccinations for hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus, and polio. Depending on the activities planned, other vaccinations may also be recommended. As with most destinations, make sure you have travel health insurance before leaving for your trip.

Getting to Smolyan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Smolyan

Smolyan is easily accessible through the nearby airport of Plovdiv. It is well connected to major European hubs like London, Frankfurt, Paris, and Istanbul, making getting to Smolyan less challenging than ever.

Bus Stations Near Smolyan

You can reach Smolyan with ease from many of Bulgaria’s bus transport hubs.

  • Plovdiv Bus Station
  • Sofia Bus Station

Other Options

Smolyan can be easily visited by car by taking the road through the majestic mountains of the Rhodopes. Alternatively, visiting by train can be an enjoyable and unique experience.

How to Get Around in Smolyan

The town of Smolyan is small enough to explore on foot, while local buses can take visitors to nearby villages and attractions. Taxis are also readily available and relatively cheap compared to other European destinations.

Where to Go Next from Smolyan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Smolyan is conveniently located close to other attractive destinations worth exploring. Whether you want to explore more of Bulgaria or other neighboring countries, here are some inspiring ideas:

  • Plovdiv
  • Bansko
  • The Rose Valley
  • Rila Monastery

Conclusion

Smolyan, situated in the magnificent Rhodope Mountains, is a top tourist destination in Europe. It boasts natural beauty, adventure, ancient history,cultural interest, and delectable cuisine sure to please any traveler. With so much to offer, the town is a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of large cities while still allowing for leisurely accessibility. A journey to Smolyan will be unforgettable.