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Exploring beyond Sofia
  • Bulgaria
    • Ecopaths
    • One place – two seasons
    • Southwest region
      • Blagoevgrad region
      • Kyustendil region
      • Pernik region
      • Sofia region
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      • Stara Zagora region
    • Danube region
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      • Vratsa region
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Bulgaria, Ecopaths, Smolyan region, Thracian - Rhodope region

Ecopath “Neviastata”

posted by Dario
Nov 6, 2018 1143 0 0
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Century old panorama

Here I am again in the mountains and not just in any mountain, but in the most beautiful for me – the Rhodopes. It is not just an ordinary mountain, it is much more than that. It has the power and soul of a natural force that can open your eyes and senses to centuries-old secrets which are stored under the strong embrace of the high and lean forests.

Neviastata_ecopath_panorama4

So today I will tell you about one of the best spots to travel in my favorite area for this year – Smolyan. I believe it owns one of the most beautiful ecopaths in Bulgaria. I was so impressed with this place that I visited it several times this year. It just filled me up with the kind of energy that made me start the new week in the big city fully recharged.

Neviastata_ecopath_panorama3

The eco trail is called “Neviastata” and is located between the town of Smolyan and the resort Pamporovo. As introductory information, I can say that it is not one of those long and tiring paths, it is approximately one kilometer long, but that does not matter, because here the end point is important, the panoramic view that opens over the town of Smolyan and the district. Breathtaking, as I like to express myself.

Neviastata_ecopath_start

Neviastata_ecopath
Neviastata_ecopath

Well, I will probably not impress you with my descriptions, but I will certainly impress you with the pictures and make you make this place part of your future plans. “Neviastata” passes through a beautiful and aromatic moss and resin forest that accompanies you to the very “Neviastata” rock. Along the way there are numerous information boards with detailed information on the vegetation and the animal species that can be seen in the area. Throughout the trail there are some wooden tents for relaxing, as well as two panoramic platforms. The marking of the trail is excellent and there are signs with directions.

Neviastata_ecopath_start_sign

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Neviastata_ecopath_sign3
Neviastata_ecopath_sign1

At the end of the ecopath the road is divided into two paths, the left leads to the panoramic site (this is a steeper path) and the right leads to the site from which you can go down with a funicular trolley but for more information and reservation you can refer to the tourist center in Smolyan.

Neviastata_ecopath_directions

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panorama_Neviastata

About the name of the eco trail: During the Turkish rule, a Smolyan girl was asked to merry  the local Turkish ruler. She agreed, but she asked before the wedding to look for the last time over her town of birth. After she got to the rock, she broke away and threw herself.  The rock has been called “Neviastata” since then.

Neviastata_ecopath_panorama5

BONUS: Smolyan fortress “Kaleto”

At the very beginning of the ecopath “Neviastata” there is another path on the left which leads to the Smolyan fortress “Kaleto”. The length of the trail is approximately one kilometer and there are resting benches along it.

The fortress is situated at 1482 m above sea level and dates back to the 6th century. It was abandoned and used again in the Middle Ages XI-XIII A.C. The fortress’s function was controlling as it watched over the Middle Rhodopes movement. Nowadays visitors can see some of the main walls of the fortress, as well as detailed information about the place.

Smolyanska_fortress2

The fortress was built intentionally in such a difficult place for reach back in time, and in some places you can see the great abysses. The panoramic view of this place is excellent and has visibility to all the key roads of this area.

Smolyanska_fortress_view

But for me the best part for tourists is the panoramic gazebo built on the slope of the rock and the panoramic balcony, placed on top that will make you feel the true meaning and magic of Bulgarian nature.

Smolyanska_fortress3

Useful information:
The starting point of the Neviastata eco trail and the Kaleto fortress is from one parking lot, which is in the middle of the road between Smolyan and Pamporovo. (from Pamporovo to the starting point is 8,9 km distance; from Smolyan to the starting point is 8,7 km);
The distance from Sofia to the starting point is 240 km;
For a landmark, you will see a large wall for sports climbing, as well as other facilities for physical activities;
I recommend the place to be visited when it does not rain because in the last meters you have to climb on rocks and can be slippery and dangerous;
Wear comfortable, sporty shoes;
Treat  yourself with a weekend in Smolyan, you will not get it wrong!

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Travel Blogger

Dario Dionisi



If you want to know something more about me – my soul is a traveler, my origin is Italian and my true essence is a faithful friend. I am always open to new ideas and will be very happy if you want to contact me at dario@beyondsofia.com

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Dario • Exploring beyond Sofia
February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake ag February brings the rain, thaws the frozen lake again. 

Yuki-Doro is challenging me who is the better poser. 🧐

#dog #hike # winter
I guess I am starting this year with a true challe I guess I am starting this year with a true challenge - hiking during winter under -15 degrees.

That was the case with the Boyana waterfall. Last year I visited them during the late summer and decided that I want to visit this place during the winter because, to be honest, I have never seen in person a big and full waterfall to be completely frozen.

So, let’s say it was something as a target for me to see it sooner or later. 

But as you can see it was really pleasant conquering this adventure because I had with me the best assistant ever - Mr. little adventurer Yuki-Doro. 

And yes, I won’t lie, I almost lost my hands and one of my legs from the extremely low temperature.

#dog #hike #winter
Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty o Most people are fascinated by the natural beauty of Yuki-Doro and I don’t blame them, to be honest. 

But as it is said - the devilish creations are the sweetest. Well, I can confirm this through my dog. 

SWIPE to the next picture and witness yourself that I have a true monster as a pet, he is twisted and scary, like a loooooot.

#dog #hiking #winter
Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? No, it' Is it a fox? Is it a wolf? Is it Hachiko? 
No, it's Yuki-Doro conquering Cherni vrah peak at the age of 4 months.

Who would think that this little guy would manage to accomplish this so early stage in his life.

Imagine what he would do in the future, Everest here we come! 😂

#hiking #winter #dog
People have said it well that the dog is man's bes People have said it well that the dog is man's best friend.

This weekend was Yuki-Doro's first real adventure-challenge.

We wandered through the winter landscapes of snowy Vitosha.  Based on the amount of snow he ate, yes, he definitely liked the snow, it's good that it is low in calories, otherwise I would have returned to Sofia with a meatball.

Definitely this little one knows how to brighten up the atmosphere and make the trips more interesting.

I look forward to our next adventures.

Do you travel with your pets?

#winter #mountain #dog
Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain • So, let us Winter etudes of Vitosha Mountain •

So, let us be clear here - I cannot stand winter and I really do not like the snow and cold. It is probably inherited from my Italian bloodline, who knows, but anyways.

However, I must confess, I have been multiple times in Vitosha mountain but probably for the first time I visit it for a whole hike to the peak during winter. Won’t lie, I enjoyed a lot the nature scenes I saw during my hike but still I was going to loose my hands no matter I had gloves all the time.

Overall, the experience was pleasant because it is good to remind ourselves what a true winter looks like. We all know that because of the global warming we do not have that heavy winter that we used to have back in the early 2000s. So, to see so much snow and peace at one place was a delight for my senses.

As I always say, it is good to challenge yourself and go out of your comfort zone. Only then you can discover many intriguing things, but most importantly -  to learn so many new things about yourself.

#winter #hiking #nature
Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain Cherni vruh, the highest point of Vitosha mountain 2290 m the peak is the fourth highest mountain summit in Bulgaria.

It presents the best spontaneous getaway if you want to go out in the nature. Also is way to good challenge yourself. I myself did it multiple times and must confess every time I climb it from different points it amazes me with the beauty that this mountain contains.

#Bulgaria #nature #mountain
The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Go The stone river in Vitosha or also known as The Golden Bridges - amazingly beautiful natural phenomenon - the largest stone river in the Vitosha National Park. Massive stones (average size 2-3 meters) flow down from the mountain top to the valley for more than 2 miles long and 150 meters wide.

The stone river is ‘descending’ from elevation 1800 m above sea level to 1410 m at Golden Bridges site.

#Bulgaria #nature #stoneriver
Etudes of Vitosha • Is there anyone who lives i Etudes of Vitosha •

Is there anyone who lives in Sofia and had never visited Vitosha Mountain?

Because clearly this mountain is a pure nature gift for us all!

Vitosha Mountain is the oldest nature park on the Balkan Peninsula. Its gorgeous silhouette is visible from almost all positions in the city and is inseparable part of Sofia’ image.

Vitosha Naturе Park is the most broadly protected territory in Bulgaria, and due to its proximity to Sofia it has turned into a site of education in responsible attitude towards nature.

And don’t forget Sofia is the only European capital with such a big mountain so close to the city center.

So no matter the time and season Vitosha is always a good choice for adventures.

#Bulgaria #mountain #tourism
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