Chepelare

  Chepelare

We all have our list of must-see places - some we may reach; others will remain only a dream. The tourist destinations, which Bulgaria offers, are quite attractive and curious to visit. You will be surprised to find out there are still places unknown to you. One of these places is Chepelare - a renowned winter resort. It is located in the central part of Rhodope Mountains, Southern Bulgaria, at about 30 km from the town of Smolyan, 70 km from the city of Plovdiv and only 10 km from Pamporovo resort. With its 1,232 m (4042 feet) altitude, it is the second highest town in Bulgaria after Dospat. It is also known as the "Green heart of Bulgaria". The modern settlement has been founded in the XVIII century, before the Liberation of Bulgaria from the Ottoman dominion. Later, the town developed as an important economic, cultural and educational hub in the Middle Rhodopes, and today it is a main winter sports resort. Chepelare region has an exceptional microclimate. The predominantly coniferous vegetation, which produces phytoncides, the so-called antibiotics of the future has, apart from great healing properties, a peculiar antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and soothing effect as well. Chepelare is a typical mountain town of about 6,000 inhabitants, who are proud to cherish and preserve the gained over decades self-confidence of pioneers in the Rhodopes tourism entrepreneurship. The resort is also famous as Bulgaria’s Winter Olympic Capital. It has decade-long traditions in sports and in manufacturing skiing and snowboarding equipment. It is also the proud birthplace of the only Bulgarian Olympic winter sports champion so far - the biathlete Ekaterina Dafovska, a winner of 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. The people of Chepelare cherish their traditions in sports and tourism, but they also constantly strive to enrich them. Chepelare is the home of the only Sports Museum in Bulgaria. Our guests can relish not only the incredible nature of the place, but also savour its delicious and authentic cuisine! Our mountain town is known for its hospitality, tranquillity and healthy air; it is a place of choice for family-oriented and health tourism alike!