Bulgarian autumn – colorful fairytale near Plovdiv

Bulgaria is a country happy to have four distinct seasons. All of them have their charm and beauty. Having a magnificent nature we can enjoy picturesque sceneries all year. Since the Bulgarian autumn is very colorful and impressive, one quickly forgets the sadness over the hot summer days.

Plovdiv is a city where summer continues until the end of September. If you are visiting after that don’t be alarmed. The town itself is beautiful and cozy in this season, but also, being in the central part of Bulgaria it is a perfect starting point for colorful autumn travels. Here are some ideas for a two-day autumn trip (or a weekend trip) an hour away from Plovdiv.

Vrata village, Belintash and Karadzhov kamyk

The village Vrata (Врата) is located in the Rhodope mountains, 46,5km from Plovdiv. Traveling by car you will need around one hour to reach it since part of the trip will be on some serpentines and you won’t be able to travel very quickly.

There are several hotels and guest houses in Vrata where you can enjoy elements of typical Bulgarian architecture, cozy warm rooms, and delicious dishes. But we are here for the beautiful Bulgarian autumn, so let’s go in nature.

Belintash (Белинташ) is only 5,2km away from Vrata. It’s a small plateau bearing traces of human activity. Although it is assumed to be a cult site of the ancient Thracians, its purpose is not yet fully revealed. Reaching the plateau you will find many round holes filled with water, as well as two large “sterns”. And a breathtaking 360 degrees view over the Rhodope mountain and its colors.

Karadzhov kamuk (Караджов камък – камък means stone) is 5,8km away from Vrata and is also believed to be a cult place and a rock sanctuary. The huge stone stuck in the narrow space between two rocks is a very impressive sight.

Borovo village and Krastova gora

Borovo village is situated 57km from Plovdiv again in the Rhodope mountain. There is a hotel with a restaurant and several guesthouses where you can stay. Nature here is breathtaking so we strongly advise you to just spend a day exploring the paths near the chapel Ascension of God.

The forest here is mixed which guarantees you a very colorful Bulgarian autumn.

Krastova gora is only 15 minutes drive away from Borovo and is one of the largest Christian centers in Bulgaria. Here you can visit the small St. Trinity monastery, The Shroud of Holy Mother Church, and the chapels dedicated to the 12 apostles, also a duplicate of the large 99-kilogram metal cross that Tsar Boris ІІІ donated in 1936. Very popular among the pilgrims is the legend that a piece of Christ’s Cross was buried there and the place can provide anyone with healing.

Kosovo village

48,5km is the distance between Plovdiv and this old village. The place will stun you with the architecture of the houses and the beautiful nature (two buildings here – the church Assumption of Mary and House Hadzhiiska were created by the famous Georgi Stanchovski, who also created some of the magnificent revival houses in Old Plovdiv).

There are several options for accommodation and you can spend a day enjoying the marked path starting from House Hadzhiiska. It takes you around the hills near the village. On the way, you will cross small rivers, see three chapels, and get the chance to enjoy the warm colors of the Bulgarian autumn.

To reach all those places where you can enjoy this beautiful season, you will pass Asenovgrad and Bachkovo. If you have the time don’t hesitate to visit both Asen’s fortress and Bachkovo monastery – they are totally worth it!

Author: Free Plovdiv Tour Guide – Adelina Kalapchieva

Also check:

Asenova Krepost (Asen’s fortress)

The Bachkovo Monastery

The 5 best day trips near Plovdiv