What can I do in the region?
Certainly, you could enjoy skiing during the winter season at Pamporovo (some 14 km / 9 mi away). The closest ski lift is only 10 km/ 7 mi away from our house, in the village of Stoykite. Most of all, you can relax. However, if you stay longer and you would like to get to know the region, we can offer you several ideas for having an exciting time:
Entertainment in and around Pamporovo resort during the warm season: If you check out the website pamporovo.me you can find comprehensive information about all possible summer activities: horse riding; robe trolls where you can fly over gorges; mountain climbing; caving; many hiking tours etc. As a minimum adventure, you can take a walk to Orpheus’ rocks, 30 minutes away from Snezhanka tower. Once you are there, you will experience the source of inspiration for the mythic hero Orpheus who was born in Rhodope Mountain and his magical music. If you need more trill – try the alpine robe troll that you will find following the Eco trail Nevyastata. More info here and here.
New: Off-road Safari
For adventure fans, we have a new attraction - safari with off-road vehicle. Up to 8 people can take place in the car. They will see the amazing sights of the Rhodopes, or will enjoy the delicious BBQ on beautiful meadows.
The price with BBQ included is 15 BGN/person (minimum 80 BGN). Without BBQ, the price is 10 BGN/person (minimum 50 BGN).


Boat tours
If you love water and want to look the incredible mountain views from different perspective, our boat tours over the waves of Tsankov Kamak dam will give you the chance. The prices are as follows:
With your own transport to the dam and boat tour: | 15.00 BGN per person Min. 40.00 BGN - up to 3 people; Min. 80.00 BGN - more than 3 people |
With your own transport to the dam, boat tour and BBQ: | 20.00 BGN per person Min. 60.00 BGN - up to 3 people; Min. 100.00 BGN - more than 3 people |
With our off-road vehicle to the dam and boat tour: | 20.00 BGN per person Min. 90.00 BGN - up to 3 people; Min. 110.00 BGN - more than 3 people |
With our off-road vehicle to the dam, boat tour and BBQ: | 25.00 BGN per person Min. 100.00 BGN - up to 3 people; Min. 130.00 BGN - more than 3 people |
* Max - 6 people |
Hikes around Solishta:
rom Solishta through Stikal village to Gela. Ask the locals for the dirt road to Stikal. On the way from Stikal to Gela, there is an arbour, where a path starts for Turlata Peak and the ruins of an ancient stronghold. Here you can end your hike and go back to Solishta via the asphalt road. If you follow the cart-way for Gela, you can then go back via the asphalt road, starting from the bus stop in Gela. Tougher hiking enthusiasts can continue through the St. Iliya area and Zaevite neighbourhood on to Shiroka Luka. In late July, there is a bagpipe playing competition near the St. Iliya chapel, where bagpipers from Bulgaria and the world come to test their talent. You will keep remembering that view for a long time every night before you fall asleep. The hike can take between 2 and 6 hours, depending on where you decide to go back to Solishta. If you get to Shiroka Luka through this route, it would be best if someone could wait for you with a car in order to drive you back. Bring fruit, water, and a pack of light food. There is an option of walking the way back, starting from Shiroka Luka village (after someone has driven you there). Until you reach Gela, follow the green marking, starting near the hotel "Shiroka Luka" above the Musical School.

Good ideas, right?
Here are several suggestions for one-day trips with no more than an hour driving in each direction
An hour of driving might sound like a lot if you are on vacation, but it is well worth it because of the opportunities it gives you and the natural wonders you will see in the heart of the Rhodopes. Do not be surprised by the numerous hitchhikers – this is a typical way of getting around in this region, since there is no public transportation. If you are up for a pleasant chat – pick up a local hitchhiker. This is a convenient opportunity to get a glimpse of the locals' colour and to learn a bit more about their life. People who miss urban life could travel west towards the Pamporovo Resort and the town of Smolyan.
An hour of driving might sound like a lot if you are on vacation, but it is well worth it because of the opportunities it gives you and the natural wonders you will see in the heart of the Rhodopes. Do not be surprised by the numerous hitchhikers – this is a typical way of getting around in this region, since there is no public transportation. If you are up for a pleasant chat – pick up a local hitchhiker. This is a convenient opportunity to get a glimpse of the locals' colour and to learn a bit more about their life. People who miss urban life could travel west towards the Pamporovo Resort and the town of Smolyan.

Devin
25 km
Devin is a charming mountain town that has attracted major investors for the past three years, but it never lost its pastoral atmosphere and that sense as if here time passes slowly.
Trigrad
39 km
There is a lot to write about Trigrad, but it would be better to see and experience all of it on your own. The long one-hour journey between Solishta and Trigrad is an experience in itself.
Yagodina
39 km
This charming mountain village has taken its name not from the numerous wild strawberries (“yagoda” means “strawberry” in Bulgarian) which the locals call by the juicy name zonitsi, but from the strawberry red color of the local women’s cheeks and their gentle smiles.