The Perfect Spring Getaway
A view from Stoikite House
When the Pamporovo snows have melted, the Rhodope Mountains are left with the freshness of Spring. The peacefulness, broken only by the warm breeze in the trees, the birdsong and buzzing insects, is intoxicating. Springtime in the Rhodopes truly is the picture postcard you imagine for your getaway.
Getting Here
Getting here from within Europe or the UK is easy. Cheap Flights are often available to Sofia or Plovdiv. Hiring a car is easy. For as little as €80 plus fuel (now around €1.09/ltr) per week with most major rental companies you are on your way! We would be happy to assist you in obtaining a car for the best price. Just ask us! For something a bit different, you could take a coach. Transfers are available for as low as €7 per person one way. However, we recommend hiring a car so you have the freedom to explore all the region has to offer, but there is plenty to do within walking distance or an inexpensive taxi ride away.
Sofia Airport
Pamporovo is an easy drive (244 kilometres-about 3.5 hours) from Sofia Airport.
Plovdiv Airport
Flying into Plovdiv Airport is great option. You can be in Pamporovo in about 90 minutes (74 kms) by car but because the trip is shorter than from Sofia you may want to take your time exploring the villages along the way.
Leaving the car behind
Smolyan City Centre
The village of Stoikite is an ideal base if you want to leave the car behind. And if you choose this option, we at Stoikite House will make it easy for you. Breakfasts are complimentary and if you would like, we have other food options for purchase. Alternatively, if you have specific requests, we can pick something up for you in the town of Smolyan for just the cost of the items (no service fee). Alternatively, would be our pleasure to make arrangements for (and drive you to, if possible) a traditional Bulgarian meal at a local Stoikite restaurant, if you would like.
There is no need to get into the car as there are plenty of tracks to explore, meandering up, down and around the hills locally. Naturalists will love discovering hundreds of species of plants, birds and insects living in the Rhodopes. Foragers will enjoy the experience of picking their own herbs or mushrooms.
The Villages of the Smolyan Region in the Spring-time
Away from the day to day chaos, Stoikite is a place where you can truly relax and get away. The mountain views are to die for. The fresh air smells sweet and is therapeutic due to its negative ionization as well as the phytoncides produced by the thick coniferous forests. All the while the birdsong echoes off the mountains.
Take a leisurely drive to explore Trigrad and its gorge, cultural Shiroka Laka, the ancient Roman settlement of Gela, therapeutic Devin, the 5th Century B.C. Momchil Fortress near the village of Gradat. These are just a few of the many small, but perfectly formed villages in the Pamporovo region. Why not throw a picnic lunch together and head out to one of many idyllic meadows just off the beautiful country roads as you drive from village to village? Or stop into a cafe or restaurant for a traditional Bulgarian treat and a well-earned drink (may we suggest Hotel Gela).
One thing is for sure, wherever you go and whatever you experience in the Rhodopes during the warmer months, the locals will greet you warmly and with a smile. This is something that we truly love about this magical region and would like you to share it with you. Be our guest! Book here for a memorable stay!
