Choose one named viewpoint or village approach, keep away from dam infrastructure and check protected-area restrictions.
Stays 
Marie Čcheidzeová · CC BY-SA 4.0Places · Arda valley east of Kardzhali
Studen Kladenets Reservoir
Язовир Студен кладенец
A long Arda reservoir winds between volcanic ridges, wildlife habitats, abandoned villages and dramatic meanders.
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Visiting advice
Photos & short video
Bulgarian food
Local food →Local food
Rhodope klin · kachamak · baklava · herb tea
Yeasted pancakes
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 contributorsSyrup pastry
Baklava
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 CommonsRegional · vegetarian
Patatnik
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 contributorsWhole-roasted lamb · feast
Cheverme
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.%202016%20(1).jpg)
EvelinaRibarova / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0Sweet bread · festive
Kozunak
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 CommonsSalad · vegetarian
Shopska 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.NEARBY
Public transport
долината на Арда източно от Кърджали
© OpenStreetMap contributors · Open Database License · availability depends on local mapping
Map
Directions
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Directions
Buses and trains
First reach Kardzhali or Krumovgrad by train or intercity bus. Confirm the local bus in advance; when it does not match your return time, pre-book a licensed taxi for the last kilometres.
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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
Klearchos Kapoutsis · CC BY 2.0ArdinoDevil's Bridge
Дяволският мост
A graceful Ottoman stone bridge spans a narrow, forested bend of the Arda River.
Read the guide