About Chepelare in BulgariaThe beautiful town of Chepelare is located in the Rhodope mountains, just 10 km north
of Pamporovo ski resort, and is the highest-situated town in Bulgaria, at 1140 m above sea level. Sited on the banks of the Chaya River, it is very picturesque, with steep spruce-cover slopes, green meadows in the spring, and rocky mountain peaks. Sofia lies 230 km away, and Plovdiv, Bulgaria’s second largest city and nearest airport, is just 80 km. The town of Chepelare and its surrounding area is known for its rich culture and history, and is a prominent economic and cultural centre of the Rhodopes.
In summer it makes an ideal place for relaxing, mountain biking, hiking and sight-seeing, but in winter months it becomes a small ski resort in its own right, offering its authentic mountain base as a less-expensive alternative to the much more commercial Pamporovo resort nearby. It is noticeably friendlier and more hospital, offering smart family-run hotels and villas with all the facilities and home comforts for the perfect family holiday.
Despite being noted for having the cleanest air and highest number of sunny days in the country (270 – 300 per year), it still has an abundance of snow, allowing the ski season to run from mid-December to mid-April. The ski slopes are located on the outskirts of the town, with 2 runs, considered to be among the best in the Balkans. Both start at Mechi Chal (Bear Peak); one being suitable for intermediates and the other for advanced skiers. This one, at 5200m, is the longest in Bulgaria. They are both serviced by a chairlift and 2 draglifts. There is also a cross-country track, a biathlon track, ski and snowboard schools, a children’s ski club, ski and sled competitions, and winter carnivals. Ski rentals are available at most hotels, or by the chairlift, and nearby is Bulgaria’s only ski factory, making it a good place to buy inexpensive, quality gear.
Off the slopes there are various activities available, including tennis, volleyball, table tennis, indoor swimming and sauna. The town is taking part in major restoration under the ‘Beautiful Bulgaria Project’. There are many historic churches and monuments of national significance to visit, and a Spaleology (Cave) Museum set inside an actual cave, the only one of its type in Europe. The Chepelare area has many cave and rock formations of interest. Within a 2-hour walk (or short taxi ride) is the Rozhen Observatory, where, through powerful telescopes, almost all of the western Rhodope mountains can be viewed. In the town there is a Tourist Information Centre, and a convenient bus station with hourly buses to Smolyan (via Pamporovo). Buses also stop for Plovdiv and Madan.
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