Leshten

Cityscape: Rustic and eco-friendly

The village of Leshten offers excellent conditions for ecotourism. It is situated in the southern slopes of Rhodopi mountain, 200km from Sofia, with amazing view to Pirin mountain.
Leshten's unique ancient houses are located on the steep sides of the mountains and have all the distinguishing features of the architecture style, typical for this region - made from stone and wood with big terraces, inner courtyards and cozy taverns in the basement. Most guests love the ambience of the village and the feeling of ownership they have here, but some find the whole place a bit sterile and inquire if a place with only few permanent residents can really be called a “village” no matter how many restored homes it has.

Worth seeing

While you are in Leshten make sure you stop at the local Art Gallery just up the hill. This is the gallery of Boris Hristov, a famous Bulgarian poet, writer, photographer, film-maker and his wife where beautiful photos, paintings, wood carvings, sculpture and even Bulgarian classical, jazz and folk music are for sale.

Going out

The local tavern makes excellent food – try the tender, delicious slow roasted in clay pot chicken and the homemade sausage.