Church of the Assumption
One of the must-see places in Shiroka Laka. Next to it is the old cell school, founded in 1832.
Around the villa
Shiroka Laka lies in the heart of the Western Rhodopes – between the ski slopes of Pamporovo, the caves near Trigrad and Yagodina and the new road to the sea in Greece. Here are the places we recommend to our guests – with distances from the village.
3-minute walkthe centre of Shiroka Laka
5 kmStoykite – Snezhanka lift (Pamporovo)
20–30 kmmineral pools in Devin and Struilitsa
30 kmthe Devil’s Throat and Yagodina caves
~3 hto the Aegean beaches (Greece)
Shiroka Laka
The village is one of the 100 National Tourist Sites of Bulgaria and a unique architectural, folklore and ethnographic reserve.
Ethnographic museum and the village centre
The locals call the centre “na kupishteto” – with the Ekzarh Stefan community centre and the monuments to Kapitan Petko Voyvoda and Exarch Stefan.
National School of Folk Arts
Founded in 1971. Young talents from all over Bulgaria study folk instruments, singing and dance here – you will often hear bagpipes in the streets.
Pesponedelnik
Shiroka Laka’s kukeri (mummers’) festival – one of the most authentic events in the Rhodopes. The villa books up early for these dates.
Gela village
A small village high on the slope above Shiroka Laka, linked to the legend of Orpheus – with silence, views and trails to Snezhanka peak.
National Bagpipers’ Gathering
Hundreds of bagpipers from all over Bulgaria gather in Gela – one of the most atmospheric events in the Rhodopes. The villa books up early for these dates.
Skiing and winter
Less than 5 km from Shiroka Laka is Pamporovo’s newest and most modern lift – “Stoykite – Snezhanka”.
Pamporovo
Almost all slopes start from Snezhanka peak (from 1,926 down to 1,400 m). The season runs from December to the end of April. In summer there is a bike park and a lift that also carries bikes.
Snezhanka peak and the TV tower
The tower is 156 m tall. A lift takes you up to a café with panoramic views of Rila, Pirin and the Balkan Mountains. Legend says that on a clear day you can even see the Aegean Sea.
The sea is close – Greece
Mountains and sea in one holiday: via the new road through Rudozem you drive from Shiroka Laka straight into Greece – about 2 h 30 min to Xanthi, and about 3 hours of normal driving to the Aegean beaches and to Kavala.
The Aegean beaches
A day at the beach and back at the villa in the evening – for the sauna and a hot tub. A great option for summer and early autumn.
Shopping in Greece
The two small Greek villages right after the border are on the road itself – no detour needed. One of them is Melivoia (locally called Elmali). Shopping there is very good value: there are butchers, bakeries and small shops with local dairies. A great place for barbecue meat and Greek dairy products.
Caves and gorges
The Western Rhodopes are the kingdom of caves – some of the most impressive in Bulgaria are half an hour’s drive away.
Devil’s Throat cave
No. 42 on National Geographic’s list of “The 100 most mystical places in the world”. Inside is the highest underground waterfall in the Balkans – 42 m – and the way out is up 301 almost vertical steps. Anything that falls into the cave river disappears forever.
Yagodina cave
One of the longest caves in Bulgaria – over 8 km of galleries. The road runs through the Buynovo gorge, the longest in the country (about 7 km). It is 6–8°C inside all year round – bring a jacket.
Trigrad gorge
Marble cliffs up to 250 m high on both sides of the Trigradska river, 2 km below the village of Trigrad. A protected area since 1963.
Eagle’s Eye
A viewing platform on Sveti Iliya peak. From Yagodina there are off-road jeep trips to “Eagle’s Eye”, “Vishkata” and “Valchi Kamak” – an experience well worth it.
Golubovitsa cave
One of my favourite attractions: you go in by boat and cross rope bridges, with a guide and equipment. On the way is the village of Smilyan with a wonderful local dairy. Write to me – I will be happy to arrange your visit.
Lednitsata cave
A hiking route from Shiroka Laka (about 6 hours): Zaevite – Sv. Iliya – Lednitsata hut. The cave is one of the five deepest in Bulgaria, with huge icicles in the first hall. Accessible only with specialist equipment.
Mineral springs and spa
After skiing or a hike – warm mineral water in the middle of nature.
Beden baths
Wild mineral pools with water at about 40°C – lovely on cold winter days. A few metres away, by the river, there is also a free wild spring. It is not a modern spa – I recommend it because it is different and fun.
Struilitsa spa complex
Warm mineral pools, saunas and massages near Devin – about 30–40 minutes by car. At weekends and on holidays, book spa treatments in advance.
Persenk thermal aqua park
Thermal pools, saunas and spa treatments. Check the opening hours before you go.
Hikes and eco trails
Trails for everyone – from an easy walk with children to a real adrenaline rush.
Smolyan lakes
A group of small glacial lakes right by the road from Shiroka Laka to Smolyan – Trevistoto, Bistroto and Matnoto. Ideal for a short stop, a picnic and photos.
Struilitsa – Kaleto – Lakata eco trail
An easy trail, suitable for children too – little bridges over the Devinska river, the Kaleto fortress (6th–13th c.) and waterfalls. The highest waterfall in the Rhodopes – Samodivskoto Praskalo – is up a narrow, steep path to the side.
Nevestata eco trail
An easy, shady trail (about 30 min each way) from the arch of St Panteleimon monastery – with gazebos, benches and signs about the plants and animals.
The Devil’s Path
For experienced hikers only: a loop with metal ladders on the rocks and over 800 m of elevation change. Bring water and hiking boots, and don’t set out after rain.
Stars over the Rhodopes
The sky here is dark and clear – perfect for stargazing.
Smolyan Planetarium
The largest planetarium in Bulgaria – you can see the stars even during the day, and under the observatory dome there is a reflector telescope.
Rozhen Observatory
The largest astronomical observatory in Bulgaria. If you can, sign up for a night observation (for groups of 4+, booked in advance; not held from October to April).
Where to eat and shop
Our guests’ most frequent question – here is the answer.
Rodopchani restaurant
The best restaurant in the village – we recommend it to all our guests. A few minutes’ walk from the villa.
Village shops
Shiroka Laka has shops where you will find almost everything for your stay – even ice for your drinks.
NovoMes butcher
If you come from the Tsalapitsa exit, on the way to Shiroka Laka you pass through Stamboliyski. NovoMes has its shop there (20 Tsar Simeon St) – fresh Bulgarian meat. The best place to buy meat for the gas barbecue.
Fruit and vegetables
On the way you will also pass places selling fresh fruit and vegetables.
Ribarskata Hizha fish farm
The Ribarskata Hizha complex – a fish farm with fresh trout, perfect for the gas barbecue at the villa.
If you love grilling, buy the meat on the way – the villa has a gas barbecue. Lavazza coffee for the coffee machine is provided, and the drinking water in the village is excellent.
Your base in the Rhodopes
Out all day, and in the evening – sauna, a hot tub and the fireplace.
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