Kardzhali

Kardzhali (Bulgarian: Кърджали; Turkish: Kırcaali), is a city in The Rhodopes, Bulgaria.

Understand
The climate is somewhat similar to the Mediterranean countries which isn't surprising since it is only 35 miles from Greece and Turkey. The landscape is one of mountains and forests of oak and pine. The population of Kardzhali is mixed with 55% Turkish and 40% Bulgarian as of 2011. Both languages are spoken.

Get in
You can easily get to Kardzhali. It is recommended that you arrive in Kardzhali by bus, as there are buses from most of the major Bulgarian cities. From Greece you go to Komotini from where a well-developed road leads to Kardzhali.

See
The region around Kardzhali has numerous ancient sites. Make sure to see the ancient city and fortress Perperikon, the temple and tomb at Tatul and the artificial astronomic cave near the village of Illinica.

Do

 * Football: Arda play soccer in First League, the top tier. Their Arena Arda (capacity 12,000) is 1 km northwest of the railway station.



Buy
In the centre are three big supermarkets and many specialist shops. Also the fruit market is worth visiting.

Eat
Be sure to try their Turkish Biurek (Бюрек), which is something like Banitza. Of course there are many good restaurants offering good food. At least you can always go and eat a pizza.

In the dam lake there are also ship restaurants where customers can choose living fish for their meals.

Sleep
There are several hotels in Kardzhali where you can stay at night. It is not expensive and the conditions are good.

Go next

 * Komotini in Greece
 * Plovdiv (Пловдив)
 * Stara Zagora (Стара Загора)

Getting out is as easy as getting in Kardzhali. There are about 15 buses leaving to Sofia, especially in the morning, so getting out is not a thing to worry about.