One of the most famous and probably the most beautiful meanders is located between the villages of Star Chitak and Ribartsi and is called the "Bend" or the "Horseshoe" of the Kardzhali Dam, due to its U-shaped form created by the river. This meander is the result of the confluence of different tributaries in the dam. On one side, the Arda River flows in, joining several kilometers upstream, while on the other side is the Berkovitsa River. An interesting fact is that on the rocky peninsula opposite, you can find the remains of the “Patmos” fortress.

How to get to “Zavoya”?

On the Ardino–Kardzhali road, take the turn-off for the village of Borovitsa. When you reach the village, you will see a fork. Turn right towards the villages of Star Chitak, Ribartsi, and Suhovo.

Shortly before arriving , you will begin to see the dam. There is a road extension on site where you can park your car. After 2 minutes, one of the most unique sights in Bulgaria will appear in front of you.

Материалът Меандър „Завоя“ на язовир Кърджали е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

To reach the medieval Krivus Fortress from the village of Bashevo, you need to follow a marked trail that starts at the northwest end of the village. This trail leads you through shrubs and forest, and along the way, you can see the remnants of the fortress walls. The return journey follows the same route.

Материалът Крепост Кривус е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

Such niches are found only in the Eastern Rhodopes, in the region of the Arda River. According to scientific research, they were created by the Thracians and date back to the 4th- 5th century BC, likely belonging to the Odrysian tribe.

Various theories exist regarding the rituals conducted at Orlovi skali. The prevailing opinion is that the Thracians used the niches to place burial urns. The discovered charred clay fragments around the rocks suggest that ritual burning took place there. However, Professor Valeria Fol proposes that the trapezoidal holes are the result of one-time ritual activities rather than permanent burial practices.

Orlovi skali, like other similar sites, does not show a pattern in the arrangement of the niches. The Thracian craftsmen seemingly carved them into every suitable smooth surface of the chosen rocks. Similar cult objects can be found near the village of Ardino, as well as in the areas around Krumovgrad, Kardzhali, and the villages of Sarnitsa, Vulche Pole, Yontchevo, Dushkata, and Dolno Cherkovishte.

Entrance Fee:

5 BGN (for adults)

3 BGN (for pupils and students)

Материалът Тракийски скален култов комплекс „Орлови скали“ е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

From Kardzhali, the easiest way to get there is via the Kardzhali – Ardino – Smolyan road, and the Cascade is located 13 km from the town of Ardino. The road is extremely picturesquе, but drive carefully, because there are many bends and in places there are narrowings, but drive carefully as the curves are quite frequent, and there are some narrow sections. After passing Ardino, keep an eye on the right side, as the Cascade is visible from the road. There is a turn-off where you can park your car and walk down to the cascade. Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos from above. To access the facility, you will need to cross a rope bridge, which is another interesting addition to the route. The highest water flow occurs during the spring months when the snow melts, and that’s when the location is at its most picturesque.

Arda River – Interesting Facts

• Length – 272 km (241.3 km within Bulgaria).
• It springs from the karst spring Ardabashi, located at the northern foot of Ardin Peak.
• It flows into the Maritsa River, outside of Bulgaria.
• The Arda River is the third most water-rich river in Bulgaria, after the Maritsa and Struma Rivers.

Материалът Каскадата на Горна Арда е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

How to get to the peak?

The easiest way is by car to the village of Gărbište, where you can park near the mosque. The trail is marked, but the route is long, and the markings can be confusing in some places, so caution is advised. It is of medium difficulty – for beginner hikers, it is strongly recommended to go with an experienced guide or group.

According to legend, during the Ottoman rule in the Rhodopes, the Ottomans received orders on Allah Dağ to halt the massacres and begin converting people to Islam. The village of Burevo is located on the slopes of Mount Aladag, and on clear days, the Aegean Sea can be seen from the summit.

Материалът Връх Алада (Аладаг) е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

It is believed that the Devil's Bridge was built during the 16th century, in the time of the Ottoman Empire, and is associated with legends and mysticism. The bridge is known for its impressive stone arches, which span the river and create a unique landscape. It showcases the craftsmanship of medieval architecture and engineering.

The Legend of the Devil's Bridge.

According to legend, during the Ottoman occupation, a Turkish leader in the region fell in love with a beautiful Bulgarian maiden. To avoid being taken to his harem, she fled to the mountains and reached the bridge over the Arda River with the intention of crossing to the other side. The Turks pursued her, but when they approached the middle of the bridge, terror gripped them, as they saw—right in the middle—the girl's face reflected in the water, surrounded by flames. Frightened, they retreated, allowing the maiden to escape.

Local legends offer a different explanation for the mysterious reflection on the bridge. It is said that the reflection was not of the maiden herself, but rather her shadow. The builder of the bridge, Master Dimitar, promised to leave a mark of the girl to ensure that the bridge would remain strong for centuries. Soon after the bridge’s completion, however, the girl mysteriously passed away. But the mysteries do not end there. Specialists have discovered the engraved seal of King Solomon on one of the key stones in the central arch, leading archaeologists to suggest a possible connection between the bridge and ancient sanctuaries in the Rhodopes.

For centuries, locals have claimed that this very bridge over the Arda River is the most dangerous place in the Rhodope Mountains after sunset. According to legends, the imprint of the Devil’s foot can be clearly seen in nearby rocks. To this day, at certain times, the shadow of a devilish figure can be seen above the water, giving the bridge its name: "Devil's Bridge."

With its stunning beauty and mystical aura, the Devil's Bridge attracts many tourists and photographers who come to admire its extraordinary atmosphere and learn about the legends surrounding it. A trip to the bridge offers a chance to enjoy the serene beauty of the Rhodope Mountains and to immerse oneself in the historical and cultural richness of the region.

Материалът Дяволският мост над р. Арда е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.

Материалът Хотелски комплекс Родопа е публикуван за пръв път на Visit Kardzhali.