Smolyan – an amazing town combining the ancient spirit of Rhodope people and the live of administrative center of the Rhodope Mountains. Its geographical position and its functions of a center for the surrounding towns and villages make it the heart of the mountain.
Smolyan is located at 260 km South East from Sofia, at 100 km South from Plovdiv and at 11 km South from the summer resort Pamporovo. The summer season here is long with great amounts of snow fall, but at the same time the climate is moderate due to the influence of the White Sea climate.
The summer is cool with many sunny days. Smolyan is the biggest town the Rhodope Mountains and the longest town in Bulgaria. Cherna river, which takes its source from the highest peak in the Rhodope – Golyam Perelik (2191m) – seems to attracts the town and it follows along the river for 18 km. Nestling in the valleys designed by the river , the town is surrounded by evergreen forests and steep stone swaths which make this part of the Rhodope Mountains unique and endow the citizens of Smolyan with amazing view. Wherever you stop your sight, you will see majestic peaks and fantastic rhyolite rock formations – to the East you will see peak Gradishte (1215m), to the South East you will see peak Kraliov Kamak (1132m), to the South West is peak Kaynadina (1608m) , to the West is peak Golyam Perelik (2191m), to the North are the sheer cliffs Nevyastata (1498m) and Sokolica (1701m).
Between them are situated the evergreen forests and flowery meadows which dress the streets of the town itself. Sheltered among the forests, glistering like crystal are shining the Smolyan mountain lakes – each of them having its own appearance and charm. The town has been founded in 1960 and it holds Smolyan itself, Raykovo village and town Ustovo – all of which are situated on the river valley of Cherna river.
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