Exploring beyond Sofia
Menu
  • Bulgaria
    • Ecopaths
    • One place – two seasons
    • Southwest region
      • Blagoevgrad region
      • Kyustendil region
      • Pernik region
      • Sofia region
    • Thracian – Rhodope region
      • Gabrovo region
      • Kardzhali region
      • Lovech region
      • Pazardzhik region
      • Plovdiv region
      • Smolyan region
      • Stara Zagora region
    • Danube region
      • Pleven region
      • Silistra region
      • Vidin region
      • Vratsa region
    • Black Sea region
      • Burgas region
      • Dobrich region
      • Shumen region
      • Varna region
  • Abroad
    • France
      • Lyon
      • Strasbourg
      • Toulouse
    • Germany
    • Iceland
    • Italy
      • Florence
      • Genoа
      • Milan
      • Pisa
      • Siena
      • Turin
      • Venice
      • Verona
    • Netherlands
    • Portugal
      • Azores
      • Cascais
      • Lisbon
      • Porto
      • Sintra
    • Romania
    • Seychelles
    • Spain
      • Barcelona
      • Valencia
    • United Kingdom
      • Aberdeen
      • Edinburgh
  • Guests
  • About me
    • About me
    • Contacts
    • Collaboration
    • Blog life events
  • Български
Exploring beyond Sofia
  • Bulgaria
    • Ecopaths
    • One place – two seasons
    • Southwest region
      • Blagoevgrad region
      • Kyustendil region
      • Pernik region
      • Sofia region
    • Thracian – Rhodope region
      • Gabrovo region
      • Kardzhali region
      • Lovech region
      • Pazardzhik region
      • Plovdiv region
      • Smolyan region
      • Stara Zagora region
    • Danube region
      • Pleven region
      • Silistra region
      • Vidin region
      • Vratsa region
    • Black Sea region
      • Burgas region
      • Dobrich region
      • Shumen region
      • Varna region
  • Abroad
    • France
      • Lyon
      • Strasbourg
      • Toulouse
    • Germany
    • Iceland
    • Italy
      • Florence
      • Genoа
      • Milan
      • Pisa
      • Siena
      • Turin
      • Venice
      • Verona
    • Netherlands
    • Portugal
      • Azores
      • Cascais
      • Lisbon
      • Porto
      • Sintra
    • Romania
    • Seychelles
    • Spain
      • Barcelona
      • Valencia
    • United Kingdom
      • Aberdeen
      • Edinburgh
  • Guests
  • About me
    • About me
    • Contacts
    • Collaboration
    • Blog life events
  • Български
Bulgaria, Smolyan region, Thracian - Rhodope region

Smolyan summer

posted by Dario
Aug 28, 2018 1062 0 1
Share

Mountain refreshment

Who needs to go to the sea when you have a breathtaking mountain like the Rhodopes? It is true that this year I will not visit the Bulgarian Seaside, but this sacrifice is entirely worthwhile, considering what is coming in the near future.

But I have been asking myself lately, “Who needs to go to the sea when we have such unusual beautiful mountains?” Through long selfreflections I listened to my inner voice and went to my favorite Rhodopes to seek the answer to this question. To recharge my soul under the shadow of century-old forests, full of stories and emotions.

So I spent two amazing days in the heart of the Rhodopes and I will tell you about three different places I had the pleasure of shooting with the latest Panasonic camera, LUMIX DC – G9L with Leica DG Vario – Elmarit lens 12-60 mm.

Smolyan Lakes

From early dawn we headed to our first destination, before it gets full of people who visited in order to relax. So we first headed to the Smolyan lakes, or rather to the highest one, because afterwards we realized that we were confused and missed the other lakes.

After wandering through the Rhodope paths, we found ourselves in front of the Misty Lake, one of the eight remaining lakes nowadays (before they were more than 20). It is the highest lake, located at 1,500 meters, and is the deepest – 4.5 meters. I have to confess that it instantly mesmerized us with its beautiful blue-green colours, that fitted incredibly well into the nature surrounding us. He gave a touch of calm, accompanied by the smell of coniferous forests, through which the summer sun’s rays were passing.

We spent a lot of time in this place and on the pictures you will understand that it is worth it, because it is full of magic that everybody needs to feel.

And not to forget here is one of the most photogenic trees I have ever seen, “The Harp of Orpheus” – a true legacy of Bulgarian nature and another proof that nature is the true Creator of everything.

Useful information:
You can leave your car at the parking lot in front of the church “St. Spirit “;
The place is favorable for people of all ages, as well as for a family walk, accompanied by a picnic;

Nearby is the Smolyan Lakes Chalet, where you can stay for a fee: Overnight in a room with three or four beds – 10 levs per bed.
Room with two beds with WC – 15 levs per bed.
Apartment 5 beds – 15 levs per bed.
Apartment 4 beds – 15 levs per bed;
The pond of Orpheus is on the path of the Misty Lake;
Be careful and keep an eye on the small markings (in my case, they were yellow pieces of cloth);
Do not underestimate this place, but visit it because every second you spend here is worth it!;

Uhlovitsa Cave

After a pleasant walk we headed to Uhlovitsa cave, which is located just before the village of Mogilitsa, near the border with Greece. Like every cave, this one has a unique beauty. The pride of Uhlovitsa is the numerous forms of dendrites or, as most are recognized, denote coral shapes. They are diverse in a variety of forms and create a feeling, as if you are at the bottom of the ocean.

The place is really mysterious and beautiful, the whole structure of the cave is built on several floors, as they adhere to the four chasms leading downstairs. The length of the cave is 470 m, most of which is suitable for tourism – 330 meters.

But as the most impressive part of the cave can be announced the big stone, sparkling in white, waterfall which leads to 7 small ponds which are formed every spring during the snow melting period.

Useful information:
The cave is situated 3 km northeast of the village of Mogilitsa, about 30 km southwest of Smolyan and 37 km from Pamporovo;
Work time:
May – September:
9:00 – 17:00
no day off
October – April:
9:00 – 17:00
weekends – Monday and Tuesday;
Groups enter every hour. Last entry – 16 o’clock.

Entrance fees:
4 levs per adult
2 levs for children.
For a group of less than 5 people, a total cost of 20 levs will be charged.
The price of the lecture is included in the price of the ticket and is only in Bulgarian;
At the foot of the hill there is a parking lot, equipped with a café, a gazebo and a souvenir shop;
The climb is steep and takes 30 minutes;

Agushevi konatsi

This is an incredible place located in the southern part of the Rhodope Mountains in the village of Mogilitsa. Agushevi konatsi sounds interesting when you hear it for the first time, but can we really understand what this is? It is an architectural and artistic monument, representing the largest preserved feudal ensemble. It was built in 1840, occupying 3000 square meters, and represents two large living quarters with three internal gardens, separated by high walls from each other. But the impressive figures are that the structure has 221 windows, 86 doors and 24 chimneies.

The owner of this interesting place was a wealthy Bulgarian Mohamedan named Agas Aga, who had three sons. He was keeping the bussines with sheep farming on the Aegean Sea. Three families lived in the manor, as they were able to afford it. But the site served mainly as a summer residence, whether to accommodate guests or even as an inn.

The place is truly unique for the simple reason that so many diverse details can be seen on all elements. From stone pavement to rooms and ceilings. Everything was dazzled to perfection for those times. But one of the most interesting facts about this place is that they owned one of the richest libraries on the Balkan Peninsula, proven to had over 400 volumes of manuscripts, most of which are housed in the city’s library in Plovdiv nowadays.

Useful information:
The entrance fee is 4 levs per adult and 2 levs for children, students and pensioners;
A guide is included in the price, which tells interesting stories that happened behind these walls;
Working hours are from 10:00 to 18:00 (changes possible, depending on the season). The facility is located in the center of Mogilitsa village, which is 30 km away from the town of Smolyan and 37 from Pamporovo;
You can leave your car in front of the tourist center of the village;
The place is very interesting and suitable for a family visit;

I would like to say thank you to Panasonic Bulgaria for providing me with the LUMIX DC – G9L photo camera.

The pictures are in collaboration with Ergyun Musov and Vladimir Mastikov.

Share

Previous

Wanderers in Bucharest

Next

The favorite places of the Bulgarian travel bloggers in Bulgaria 2018

About me

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

Subscribe

Be with me in every adventure!

* indicates required

legenddario

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
Load More… Follow on Instagram
Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

You Might Also Like

Bulgaria, Ecopaths, Sofia region, Southwest region
Apr 17, 2018

Ecopath “Echo from a bell ringing “

Echo through the centuries Spring came at last, and it was time to embark to an ecopath. Walking in fresh air in...

Read More
0 0
Bulgaria, One place - two seasons, Sofia region, Southwest region
Feb 13, 2018

Elinovi adventures

Today we head east from Sofia in search of adventurous emotions. The place I visited is not well known but I hope...

Read More
3 0

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Copyrights © 2020 Exploring beyond Sofia. All Rights Reserved
Back top