The Rhodopes are the country's and the Balkan's oldest mountain. They reminds of a sea of overwhelming dark green hills. For thousands of years people have lived here in harmony with nature. The Rhodopes are the ideal place for rest and relaxation. The region offers excellent conditions for all the year round tourism. If you are an admirer of natural beauty, you can choose from the routes in the area for hiking and cave tourism in the upper stream of Arda River Valley.

“Uhlovitsa” Cave

The cave is one of the oldest caves in the region and it is known as one of the underground palaces in the Rhodope mountains. It is located 25 km from the town of Smolyanat and 3 km to the northeast of Mogilitsa village. The cave has very beautiful "dendrite" formations, which look like sea corals. There are 7 incredible lakes at the end of the cave. In the spring they are filled with water. In the summer you can enjoy the magnificent view around the biggest lake, because of the stone spurts of the brilliant summer waterfall. The Uhlovitsa cave is settled at 1 040 meters above the sea level, and the temperature in the cave through the whole year is 10-11 degrees. The road to the cave is one big challenge, but you must take it, because that is the only way to sea the magnificent beauty of the cave. The cave is one of the 100 National tourist sites.

“Nadarska” Cave

The cave is the oldest one in the region, situated 6 km. away from “Uhlovitsa” cave. It is a beautiful cave, which will show its secrets only to visitors with special equipment. “Nadarska” cave is not prepared for public and is unlit. Inside the cave the visitor is wrapped up by the mysterious darkness of the grotto, penetrated only by the flickering beam of the torch in his hand, catching the weird forms of stalagmites and stalactones.

“ Golubovitsa ” Caves – “Garga Dere Adventure Trail”

The complex of two grottos “ Golubovitsa ” and “ Garvanyovitsa ” near Koshnitsa village is interesting for those who look for extreme emotions. Visitors are admitted only with special equipment. You slide down along rope line with a guide , sail by boat , take a ride an alpine trolley, penetrate into wild caves, practice rapel 20 m above the waters of Essenna river.

Passage Cave “Caleto”

It is situated near the village of Koshnitsa and is one of the natural phenomena of the region. It represents a huge rock archway, leading to the peak where remains of the old fortress with the same name are found. Here tourists can go for a high adrenaline experience, trying a flight from the rocky arch into the open space above Arda river valley. The panoramic view opening for you is worth the effort, and all the special safety equipment is supplied on the spot.

“Borikovska” Cave

It is situated near the natural site Burdo. It is one of the longest caves in the region, and is not rich of karst formations. It is known for the findings of cave bear bones, dated back from prehistoric times.