Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Smolyan, Bulgarian, Europe

Beautiful Tourist Places to Visit in Smolyan, Bulgarian, Europe

Smolyan is a town and ski resort situated in the Smolyan province of Bulgaria covering an area of 134.59 sq. km. It is basically an industrial town but in recent years it is developing as a tourist destination in the south Bulgaria with ski resort. The Cathedral of Saint Vissarion is the major landmark in Smolyan.

Geography of Smolyan:

Smolyan is located in the extreme south of Bulgaria near the border of Greece between 41°35′ N latitude and 24°42′ E longitude at an elevation of 1000 meters.

The major suburbs of Smolyan are:

Belev dol
Aligovska
Bostina
Chereshovska Reka
Chereshkite

History of Smolyan:

Smolyan was first inhabited in the 2nd-1st millennium BC as of the archaeological evidence. It is believed that, Smolyan derives its name from the Smolyani people, medieval Slavic tribes, inhabited in the region in the seventh century.

In 1960, Smolyan became a town by merging three villages such as Ustovo, Raykovo and Ezerovo.

How to reach Smolyan?

Smolyan is catered by Plovdiv Airport which is located about 88 kms away from the centre of Smolyan and provides flights to Kiev, Belfast, Moscow, Dublin, Rostov-on-Don, Hahn and London.

There are regular buses departing from Plovdiv Airport to neighboring cities and towns including Smolyan. Also there are taxis always available at the airport.

To move within the town, to reach tourist destinations and airport, visitors can use taxi or car or bus in Smolyan.

Food and Shopping in Smolyan:

Smolyan is rich in culture home to the Rhodope Drama Theatre, Regional Historical Museum and Cathedral of Saint Vissarion of Smolyan. The Leon Katz Rhodopi International Theatre Laboratory is the event held during the summer months.

The Bulgarian traditional handicrafts are cheaper in Smolyan compared to the other southern cities. The prominent food corners in Smolyan are listed below:

Rodopchanka
Starata Kushta
Paganranka
Venus
Rodopski Kat

What to do in Smolyan?

Skiing
Snowboarding
Hiking
Walking

Tourist Attractions in Smolyan:

Cathedral of Saint Vissarion:

Inaugurated on 2 July 2006, the Cathedral of Saint Vissarion is an Eastern Orthodox Church located in Smolyan. It is southern Bulgaria’s largest church and Bulgaria’s 3^rd largest church. The church features 11 bells, 382 m² main premise and 17 meters (diameter) dome. It is a must see.

Regional historical museum in Smolyan:

The Regional historical museum in Smolyan describes the complete history of Smolyan. It was founded in 1935.

Pamporovo:

Pamporovo is a popular ski resort situated about 18 km away from Smolyan receiving a large group of tourists during the winter months for its skiing and snowboarding activities. It is the best ski resort for beginners and intermediates.

List of other places of interest in Smolyan includes:

Snezhanka Cave
Golyam Perelik
Devils Bridge
Diavolsko Garlo- The Devil’s Throat
Fun Park Pamporovo
Devil’s Throat Cave
Waterfalls Canyon
Chepelare Ski Center
Fairy Waterfall
Rozhen Observatory

Best time to visit Smolyan:

From December to March is the ideal time to trip Smolyan to enjoy skiing and snowboarding.

Accommodation options in Smolyan:

Smolyan is known for its natural destinations and cultural centers as well as world class hotels and resorts with amazing amenities and services like doctor on call, arrangement of vehicle, conference hall, food on request, AC and 24 hour room service. Other than facilities and services, the hotels in Smolyan serve guests with a variety of traditional and international dishes. The prominent hotels in Smolyan are listed here below: