Bulgaria may not be amongst the largest countries in the world, but it is amongst the richest in mountains. And this in turn gives us an irreplaceable natural, cultural and historical wealth to explore with each of our travels.

I am starting a new series of articles in which we will look at some of the most attractive, distinctive and beautiful waterfalls on the territories of Rila, Pirin, Stara Planina, Rhodopes and Belasitsa.

For a start, I chose to immerse ourselves together in the magic of the Rhodopes, the mountain with a soul that easily enchants with its boundless tranquillity and beauty, everyone who set foot in its forests. Find out in the following lines which are the five waterfalls you should visit!

Slivodolsko fall

Slivodolsko Padolo waterfall is one of the most impressive and picturesque natural landmarks in the Rhodopes. It is located in the Red Wall Reserve and is extremely beautiful. The waters of the Slivov dol river descend from a height of 49 meters, making it one of the highest waterfalls in the mountain. The fall runs through moss-covered rocks, creating a sense of something magical. The place was declared a natural landmark in 2005.

The best time to visit is in the spring or after heavy rainfall. You will find the location of the waterfall here.
Starting point: After the tunnel in the direction of Bachkovo – Narechenski Bani, a landmark to orient yourself on the right is an old fishpond building.
Route: The trail passes along the picturesque river Slivova, and its length is about 7 km and takes about 2 hours round trip.

Holy Spirit Waterfall

Near the highest village on the Balkan Peninsula – 1500 meters above sea level village of Monastery is the waterfall “Holy Spirit“. Its height is about 15 meters and is located on the river Manastirska. Its location is about 1.5 km. walk from the centre of the village of Manastir. It was declared a natural landmark in 1965, and the area of 0.5 ha around it is protected.

The best time to visit is April – June. You will find the location of the waterfall here.
Starting point: The center of the village, there are signs with the inscription “Waterfall”.
Route: The route here is circular and gives the opportunity to see more beautiful views of the surroundings. The distance is about 3.5 km and takes about 1.30 hours.

Sitovski waterfall

Sitovo waterfall is located 30 km from Plovdiv, right at the junction between the Rhodope villages Sitovo and Lilkovo. They can be reached by a renovated asphalt road. The left side of the road continues to Sitovo, and the right – to Lilkovo. Under the bridge at the fork on which it turns to Lilkovo, the passing river Parvenetska has formed a cascade of waterfalls. The waterfalls have a drop of about 2 meters and form extremely picturesque views.

The waterfall is full of water all year round. You will find the location of the waterfall here.
Starting point: Under the bridge at the fork for the village of Sitovo and the village of Lilkovo.
Route: The waterfall is located under the bridge itself, so there is almost no walking. The only thing to keep in mind is that it is a steep slope to go down to the river itself.

Fotinovo waterfalls

Fotinovo waterfalls is a group of picturesque water cascades, consisting of 3 falls, which are formed thanks to the small full-flowing river of the same name. They flow on narrow and inaccessible rocks, and the largest drop is about 16 m. The waterfalls are located near the village of Fotinovo, which is close to the town of Peshtera and Batak.

The waterfall is full of water all year round. You will find the location of the waterfall here.
Starting point: The center of the village, there are signs with directions to the trail.
Route: The trail here is well built and there are signs, in some places you need to deviate and return. The duration of the whole route is about 8 km for about 3 hours round trip.

Orpheus Waterfall

Orpheus Waterfall is part of the numerous waterfalls along the newly built eco-trail “Canyon of Waterfalls“. It is located near the town of Smolyan, on the road to the village of Mugla. “Orpheus” is the largest waterfall with a drop of 68 meters, and during the spring high tide it impresses with its full force.

The best time to visit is April – June. You will find the location of the waterfall here.
Starting point: On the road from Smolyan towards the village of Mugla, the beginning of the trail is located right at the exit of the town, there are signs.
Route: As the eco-trail passes through the ascent, the displacement here is about 500 meters, and its length is about 8 km and takes about 3 hours round trip.