大咖福利影院

@AshAdu

I've been, as the Rodopes are just outside Plovdiv. And they're very scenic.

But I'm (churlishly) inclined to say that when you've seen one Bulgarian mountain range, you've seen 'em all. :-) And you're living next to the spectacular Pirin range already!

But if you insist, please try to say hello in Plovdiv, if you can. :-) It's 2.5 hours more directly to Plovdiv (maybe with a detour for Velingrad and/or Batak Lake), and then go south to Asenovgrad, towards Pamporovo (Plovdiv's nearest ski resort). Or you can do a cross-country adventure (more winding 3.5 hours) through the mountains along the Greek border (ish), passing Dospat lake, and then north to Pamporovo. Or do all of it in a big loop.

I think there are some fairly preserved Rodopes villages (Gela, Kosovo, etc.) with their distinctive stone architecture (but I don't know if it's native only to Rodopes, or also in Rila/Pirin/Balkan ranges). Some deep gorges, spectacular viewpoints, and several rivers/lakes/caves/waterfalls. Bachkovo is the big monastery attraction (just outside Asenovgrad, 2nd-most visited behind Rila). And if you're there, then Asen's Fortress is definitely worth a look (near Bachkovo).

Some other names are Devil's Bridge, Eagle's Eye Viewpoint, Trigad Gorge, Orpheus Waterfall. Also plenty of good eating (including lots of Smilyanski bean stews).