Kardzhali

Кърджали

A town in the eastern Rhodopes set among reservoirs and unusual rock formations, with a strong regional museum. It makes a good base for exploring Perperikon, the Stone Wedding rocks and nearby dams.

Things to do

Perperikon — Explore the vast ancient Thracian rock-cut city and sanctuary carved into a hilltop about 15km northeast of town.
Regional History Museum — Visit one of Bulgaria's largest regional museums, housed in a grand former school building with rich archaeology, ethnography and natural history collections.
Stone Wedding (Kamennata Svatba) — Walk among the eroded volcanic rock pyramids near Zimzelen village, said to resemble a wedding procession turned to stone.
Kardzhali Reservoir — Take a boat trip or drive the shores of the large dam lake ringed by cliffs and forested slopes.
Studen Kladenets Reservoir — Head to this scenic dam and adjoining wildlife reserve to spot vultures, deer and dramatic gorge scenery.
Utroba Cave (Womb Cave) — Visit the striking womb-shaped Thracian sanctuary cave near Nenkovo, aligned so sunlight illuminates its interior.
Church of Sveti Yoan Predtecha — See the ruins of this medieval monastery church, an important early Christian site on the town's outskirts.
Old Bridge at Nenkovo area — Drive out to the Rhodope villages and Roman-era Devil's Bridge (Dyavolski most) near Ardino for arched stone crossings over the Arda.

Food to try

Rodopski klin — A traditional Rhodope pastry filled with rice, herbs and cheese, baked into a spiral in the surrounding mountain villages.
Patatnik — A Rhodope specialty of grated potatoes with onion, mint and cheese baked into a crisp cake.
Cheverme — Whole lamb slowly spit-roasted over embers, a festive Rhodope dish often served at village gatherings.
Smilyanski fasul — Hearty bean stew made with the prized large beans grown in the nearby Smilyan region of the Rhodopes.
Local yogurt and white brine cheese — Sample the region's renowned sheep's milk yogurt and sirene, staples of Rhodope tables and mezze.

Local customs & good to know

Mixed Bulgarian and Turkish heritage — The eastern Rhodopes have a large ethnic Turkish and Muslim population, so you'll hear Turkish spoken and see mosques alongside churches.
Time Perperikon with the light — Visit the exposed hilltop ruins in the morning or late afternoon and bring water, sun protection and sturdy shoes as there is little shade.
Rent a car for the sights — Perperikon, the Stone Wedding and the dams are spread out with limited public transport, so a car makes exploring far easier.
Respect religious sites — Dress modestly and remove shoes when entering mosques, and be mindful during prayer times and Ramadan.

Kardzhali

Things to do

Food to try

Local customs & good to know

Nearby