Smolyan - the town which will make you dream
After the long and winding road from Plovdiv full of curves, there it is, a charming city waiting for you, ready to make you quickly forget the exhaustion.

That cheerful town will enchant you with its unique combination of old and modern architecture, with the balmy air of blooming lime-trees at the start of summer, with the magic of colours in autumn and the white silence of the winter.
The Ezerovo suburb on the other hand, offers the cosy home atmosphere of rustic life without taking you too far from the city centre of Smolyan, which is only 5 km away. The comfortable family hotels are surrounded by the lovely scenery of the Smolyan Lakes and are just 2-3 km from the lift leading to Snezhanka.

Travelling along the road connecting Plovdiv with the town of Smolyan make sure not to miss "The Miracle Bridges" - some of the most curious natural phenomena of the Rhodopes. They are natural rock arches formed probably thousands of years ago following an earthquake. It ruined an ancient cave, the water carried away the rocks which had fallen and as a result two marble bridges of rare beauty were formed side by side.
You are an admirer of austere and magnificent beauty - in that case the Trigrad and Buinovo Gorges will offer you a breathtaking scenery. And if you like adventures you should by all means go down the abyss of the cave called, not without reason, "The Devil’s Throat".

A lot of myths and legends have been associated with that macabre cave which you will hear performed by our guide in the most emotional way.

On the paths of Orpheus
Have you ever heard the legend about Orpheus ? The mythical singer who used to charm people, birds and wild animals with his music.
He was born here in the Rhodope Mountains which have preserved the memory of him and whose woods have been resounding the sounds of the local bagpipe and the magic voices of the native people.

If you would like to feel the spirit of ancient times, the Rhodopes are the ideal spot for you!
Throughout their thousands of years long history the scenic paths of the mountains have echoed the steps of the Thracians, the Slavs, the Proto-Bulgarians, the Greeks and the Romans.

That explains the great number of legends connected with the Rhodope history. The local people will willingly tell you the legend about the girl named Rhodopa, about Orpheus and Eurydice or Dionysus and his sanctuary.
If you are willing to learn more about the rich history of that region you may visit the Museum of History in Smolyan. Over 150.000 exhibits belonging to various epochs have been preserved here, among them architectural, historical and ethnographic items, photographs, documents, folklore material, etc.

Give yourself up to the temptation of the Rhodope Cuisine
Having visited the Rhodope Mountains you will never forget the local population, their hospitality and lovely dishes, which they are ready to prepare especially for you.
Preparing some of them is a real ritual, which you may join if you wish. The "cheverme", for example, is a show that should not be missed.
The Rhodopes are the Mecca of potatoes and you can find them prepared in various ways here.
The "klynn" Rhodope pie is unusual because of its ingredients used by the Rhodope women. Have you ever tasted "banitza" prepared from rice, milk, butter or leaves of spinach or dock in spring time? If the answer is no, then here you can try it here!