Visit after spring greenery or in autumn; do not enter the river during high water.
Stays
Klearchos Kapoutsis · CC BY 2.0Devil's Bridge
Дяволският мост
A graceful Ottoman stone bridge spans a narrow, forested bend of the Arda River.
Visiting advice
Photos & short video
Local food
Rhodope klin · kachamak · baklava · herb tea
Katmi
Soft, slightly tangy pancakes traditionally cooked on a clay sach and served with sweet or salty fillings.
What's in it Flour, water or milk, yeast, eggs and salt; sometimes yogurt.
Wikimedia Commons contributorsBaklava
Crisp filo and nuts absorb fragrant syrup in a dessert shared across the Balkans and lovingly made in Bulgarian homes.
What's in it Filo, walnuts or pistachios, butter, sugar syrup and lemon; cinnamon is common.
K kapustin / Wikimedia CommonsPatatnik
A fragrant Rhodope potato dish with onion and herbs, crisp outside and soft in the middle.
What's in it Grated potatoes, onion, mint or savory, salt and sometimes cheese.
Wikimedia Commons contributorsCheverme
A whole lamb turned slowly over wood fire for a communal Rhodope celebration.
What's in it Young lamb, salt and sometimes a simple herb or butter baste.
EvelinaRibarova / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Kozunak
A rich, braided Easter bread with a stringy crumb, citrus aroma and sugar crust.
What's in it Flour, eggs, milk, butter, sugar, yeast, lemon zest and optional raisins or nuts.
Viktorija N. Ivanov / Wikimedia CommonsShopska salad
The classic first order: tomatoes, cucumber and peppers under a generous snowy layer of white brined cheese.
What's in it Tomatoes, cucumber, roasted or fresh pepper, onion, parsley and sirene cheese.Public transport
Ардино
© OpenStreetMap contributors · Open Database License · availability depends on local mapping
Directions
Directions
Buses and trains
Buses reach Ardino from Kardzhali; continue by taxi or organised transfer to the bridge.
Nearby places
Nenko Lazarov · CC BY 2.5Gorna KrepostPerperikon
Перперикон
A monumental rock city and sanctuary crowns a ridge above the Eastern Rhodope valleys.
Read the guide
Anton Lefterov · CC BY-SA 3.0Tatul villageTatul sanctuary
Светилището Татул
A compact Thracian rock sanctuary with a distinctive carved tomb overlooks a quiet village landscape.
Read the guide
Vassia Atanassova - Spiritia · Public domainBeli PlastStone Mushrooms
Каменните гъби
Pink and green volcanic pillars shaped like giant mushrooms rise beside a rural road.
Read the guide