The Devil's Bridge
Dyadovtsi, Ardino municipalityThe Devil's Bridge over the Arda is an architectural landmark measuring 11.5 m at its highest…
Get to know the town
Ardino
A town in the heart of the Eastern Rhodopes — 650 m above sea level and 28 km from Kardzhali.
Ardino is a small mountain town surrounded by Rhodope landscapes bearing traces of Thracians, Romans and the Ottoman Empire. The air carries the scent of pine and chimney smoke. Arrive slowly and stay longer than planned.
The municipality includes over fifty villages scattered across the mountain slopes. One of Bulgaria's greenest areas, more than two thirds of its territory is forested, and the Arda cuts through the valley below the town. Its transitional continental climate has Mediterranean influences, with mild winters and pleasantly cool summers.
What to see
The Devil's Bridge (Sheytan Kyupriya)
A stone bridge over the Arda, built in the early 16th century under Sultan Selim I. Its main arch is 11.5 m high; in certain light, its reflection forms a perfect circle in the water. Nature trails start on both sides.
Eagle Rocks Thracian Sanctuary
Trapezoidal niches carved into high vertical cliffs above Ardino, dating to the late Bronze and early Iron Ages. One of the Rhodopes' most striking megalithic sites.
The Refrigerator natural landmark
A rock formation near Dyadovtsi whose cracks release cold air in summer, keeping the place naturally cool. Local people used it as a natural refrigerator.
Beli Brezi
A leisure and tourism complex in a birch forest a few kilometres from town — a favourite for picnics, walks and escaping the heat.
What to taste
Rhodope cuisine is simple and hearty. Patatnik — grated potatoes slowly cooked under a clay lid — is a must. Klin is a hand-rolled pastry with rice and milk. Enjoy them with homemade yoghurt, marinated mushrooms, roast lamb and Rhodope wine from nearby vineyards.
View restaurantsGetting here
- By car: Kardzhali → Ardino is 28 km on road II-59. Sofia is about 300 km away (3 hours 30 minutes).
- By bus: regular services from Kardzhali and direct services from Plovdiv and Sofia.
- Coordinates: 41.5836° N, 25.1400° E
Start here
Plan your stay
Eagle Rocks Thracian Sanctuary
Near ArdinoEagle Rocks lies about 2.5 km southeast of Ardino in the Eastern Rhodopes and is one of…
Alpine Zipline
Devil's Bridge, Ardino municipalityLooking for excitement? Visit the Devil's Bridge and ride the Alpine Zipline over the Arda!