In the Mechi Chal area south of Chepelare, visitors can enjoy skiing on slopes with lift service in winter and mountain tourism in summer. The Mechi Chal viewpoint is located at 1,852 meters; the centuries-old spruce “Chepelare Heroes” can be reached on foot or by lift. Chepelare is therefore a destination for travelers who want to rent a vacation apartment.
Winter and Trails
Chepelare’s Health Trail is marked with green wooden signs. One route from Chepelare leads via the Chapel of St. Peter and Paul, the Rozhen National Astronomical Observatory, the Rozhen Meadows, and Progled before returning to Chepelare.
Nature
The Wonderful Bridges, natural rock bridges in an old spruce forest at an altitude of 1,450 meters, are located nearby. In the surrounding area of the Wonderful Bridges, visitors will find railings and carved stone steps.
The Chepelare Tourist Information Center welcomes visitors and introduces them to regional attractions as well as places of interest to tourists. Buses from Bulgaria’s national and municipal road networks pass through the Chepelare bus station. Sports facilities in Chepelare include an outdoor tennis court, a sports field, a mini soccer field with artificial turf, and an indoor basketball and volleyball hall.
Culture
The Museum of Rhodope Karst displays a complete cave bear skeleton, presents the speleology and karst wealth of the Rhodopes and Bulgaria, and is included in Bulgaria’s national museum network. It is described as the only museum of its kind on the Balkan Peninsula. The museum collection was transformed into the Museum of Rhodope Karst in 1980.
Cuisine
Guesthouses, mehanas, and restaurants in Chepelare offer traditional dishes, including patatnik, Rhodope klin, lamb cheverme, kachamak, and Smilyan bean salad.
Other places: Smolyan, Zlatograd, Bosilkovo, Polkovnik Serafimovo, Gela, Mogilitsa, Devin, Pamporovo
