This week I am taking you to a fantastic place in the Rhodope Mountains. I have stayed there myself and I strongly recommend it to everyone.

I am talking about the village of Leshten – a beautiful pace in the heart of my favorite Rhodope Mountain.

Leshten looks as if has been taken out of a fairytale.

It is a very old village and one of the most authentic and attractive places for village tourism in Bulgaria. It is situated on the western slope of the Rhodopes, 200km away from the capital Sofia, with a lovely view of the mountain of Pirin.

15 small houses have been restored to preserve the spirit of the Revival period, yet offering all modern amenities. The houses have spacious verandas, beautiful yards, and small taverns, in which guests can prepare their own food, although, you may not wish to cook when you have an excellent restaurant as theirs.

One can never get bored in Leshten. This village is a unique combination of relaxing atmosphere and fun.

There are different activities available depending on the season – hunting, fishing, mountain treks, swimming. You can visit the nearby balneological resort in Ognyanovo and swim in their outdoor and indoor pool. Also nearby are the ethnographic complexes Kovachica, Dolen and Delchevo. One-day trips are organized to the Monastery of Rojen near Melnik and Bansko.

The day will be filled with pleasant events, that's for sure. Now let me tell you more about the place where you will spend the night. As you can see from the pictures below the houses are charming with their architecture and interior design

Each room has an unique appeal. The wooden furniture, the fireplace and the colorful rugs make you feel as if you have suddenly returned back to the 17th century. However, the cable TV and the modern bathrooms will remind you it is 2007.

Most houses have their own tavern as I said. So you can prepare and entertain your own party.

One of the most popular attractions is the round clay house, nicknamed the Flinstones' house. They call it so because it really looks as a duplicate of the house of the famous Stone Age family. Usually rented by couples for a romantic weekend, or a special occasion, the beautiful and cosy little house has become synonymous to a romantic getaway.

Prices are more than reasonable – 30 euros per night, a suite is 50 euros per night, and if you choose the Round Clay House mentioned above a night would cost you 60 euros.

All who have been there fell in love with the place, including myself, and you must know by now – I know the places in Bulgaria, which are worth visiting.

If you want to learn more about Authentic Bulgaria hotels, join us again next week!

By Zornitza Rizova