Glavatartsi lies in the Eastern Rhodopes on the shore of the Kardzhali Reservoir and on a hill between two arms of the body of water. The water and the hillside provide two clear points of reference for finding your way around. When planning, you can treat activities on the reservoir, eco-trails through the forest and the village’s cultural traces as different focal points. This lets you shape your time around your interests without having to turn the different options into a fixed route.
Forest paths and activities on the water
Fishing, water sports and relaxation are possible at the Kardzhali Reservoir. The area around Glavatartsi also offers opportunities for cycling and ecotourism. Scenic eco-trails run through deciduous and pine forests beside the reservoir. This brings together different ways to enjoy the outdoors: activities on the water, cycling and walks through the forest. You can consider whether you want your days to focus more on water activities, exercise or a mix of both. The trails and the activities on the reservoir are two distinct focal points that you can take into account separately when planning.
The chapel and the village’s history
A chapel stands on a hill above Glavatartsi. The consecration of the All Saints Chapel, beside a ten-metre-high metal cross, was reported on 3 June 2018. Before visiting, check locally whether the chapel is accessible. The village’s history also reaches back to the mid-20th century: after the Kardzhali Reservoir was built in 1957, residents moved to present-day Glavatartsi and nearby Enchec. The village’s name also has several historical stages. Glavatartsi was renamed from Glavatari in 1934 and received its current name in 1966. Together, these details tell of changes both in the settlement and in its name.
Accommodation between the shore and the hillside
Glavatartsi has many hotels and guest houses. Specific examples include different types of accommodation and locations: Ecopolis Glavatartsi consists of guest villas on the shore of the Kardzhali Reservoir. StefVall Guest House is situated on a hill between two arms of the reservoir. Glavatarski Han combines Bulgarian Revival-era architecture with modern amenities; the complex is described as offering panoramic views of the Kardzhali Reservoir and the Eastern Rhodopes. These details apply to the accommodation named in each case and do not automatically describe every place to stay in the village.
Guest House Brezata is also on the shore. The guest house stands on the remains of an ancient Thracian settlement, where jars dating to the 4th century were found. The archaeological connection adds a historical feature to its location by the water; this does not imply that the finds can be visited. Check Guest House Brezata’s availability before your trip. When comparing the examples mentioned, you can first decide whether you are most interested in a location by the shore, a hillside setting, or the architecture and views described for each place.
Dining in the village
Glavatartsi has family restaurants serving guests. You can combine your stay with a meal in the village, alongside time at the reservoir, on the forest paths or exploring the village’s history.
Discover more destinations: Kardzhali, Padartsi, Staro myasto, Enchets, Gnyazdovo, Stremtsi.
Go to the main travel overview: Kardjali.
