Simitli combines a landscape surrounded by mountains with hiking destinations, historic churches and Kukeri traditions. The small Simitli Basin is centred on the town of Simitli. It extends up to 7 km from north to south and is an average of 4 km wide. It lies between the Rila, Vlahina and Pirin mountains and the Krupnik Ridge of the Maleshevska Mountains. This gives you different starting points for a trip in the municipality, from nature and outdoor activities to history and local festivals.
Landscapes and trails around Simitli
Komatinski Skali in the area of Brestovo is a protected natural monument. It covers an area of 192.156 decares; the Komatinitsa rock ridge is preserved there as a geological phenomenon. Observe the local protection regulations. A municipal route to Komatinski Skali took participants on an organised hike in 2025 from Troskovo through woodland to a panoramic viewpoint and the chapel of Saint Ivan Rilski Chudotvorets. Cyclists also used the route. As trail conditions can change, check them before setting out.
Another nature destination is the Orlinski Eco Trail near Krasta, close to Rakitna. The municipal project was completed in September 2025; the trail is intended for walks, sport, relaxation and active leisure in nature. Check current access and conditions before visiting. The two trails offer different options for planning: at Komatinski Skali, the route from Troskovo and its panoramic viewpoint are the main features, while the Orlinski Eco Trail is intended for exercise and relaxation.
Churches and historic sites
In Simitli, the Church of the Nativity of the Holy Mother of God was built in 1923 as a memorial church for the soldiers of the 7th Rila Division. It is a three-nave pseudo-basilica. In Brezhani, the Church of Saint Demetrius of Thessaloniki dates from 1847; it has donated icons and was burned down twice. The Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Mechkul is a cultural monument dating from 1892. Its features include wall paintings and an iconostasis attributed to masters of the Bansko School of Icon Painting. The dates place these three churches in chronological order: their buildings date from 1847, 1892 and 1923.
In Brestovo, the monastery complex of Saint Michael the Archangel was built in 1149; only the church remains. It lies in the valley of the Stara Reka near the road to Sukhostrel. Another historic site is the medieval Roman Wall fortress in the Oranovo neighbourhood of the Simitli Basin, near Simitli. Remains of a Roman road and a Thracian-Roman settlement have been identified at Poleto. The road connected Central Europe and the Lower Danube with the Mediterranean. The remains may not be fully accessible.
Kukeri culture and festivals
The digital museum “Simitliya – Ancient Land of the Kukeri” opened in April 2026. It presents masquerade groups from all the settlements in the municipality and includes a virtual 360-degree experience. Check public access and platform availability in advance. Festivals also offer an insight into local traditions: the annual “Simitliya – Ancient Land of the Kukeri” festival takes place in January and features Kukeri groups from across Bulgaria. Exact dates and participation vary. The “Bread, Wine and Song” festival focuses on local products, food and regional cultural heritage; its programme and dates also change from year to year.
Leisure activities and getting around
If you would like to plan activities beyond nature and culture, a rafting centre in the municipality offers rafting and mini-rafting, as well as canyoning, a ropes course, a zipline, paintball, archery and other games. Check the relevant provider and availability before making plans. In Simitli, the mineral bath has separate bathing halls for men and women, 24 private baths, a sauna and hydromassage baths. As facilities may change, ask about current offerings before your visit. The Di-Pool complex, which opened in 2022, has five mineral pools, including an Olympic-size pool; here too, check current operations and services.
Two road connections are relevant for getting around the municipality. The I-1, designated E79 along the international route, runs for 28 km through the municipality and passes through Zheleznitsa, Simitli and Cherniche. Road II-19 connects Simitli with Razlog, Gotse Delchev and the Ilinden border crossing; 22 km of it run within the municipality. These details describe road connections, not the duration of individual journeys. When looking for a holiday rental, you can first decide which nature, culture or leisure activities will be the main focus of your trip.
Discover more destinations: Gorno Osenovo, Petrich, Yakoruda, Razlog, Sandanski, Strumyani, Garmen, Hadjidimovo.
Return to the main travel overview: Blagoevgrad Province.
