Out of all nature enthusiasts, hikers seem to have the most fun – gorgeous landscapes, spectacular natural landmarks, a world full of breathtaking views, yet they all seem so out of reach, hundreds of meters above sea level.

Well, we’ve got some great news - you don’t have to be go hiking or mountain climbing to enjoy the beauty of Nature.

Some of Bulgaria’s most stunning scenery is accessible to practically anyone who knows where to look. If you’re an avid traveller who loves nature but isn’t much of a hiker, here is our list of scenic locations you can share with your loved ones, no hiking boots required:

1. The Bekov Rocks Panorama

A lesser-known vantage point in Bulgaria’s Rhodope mountains is the Bekov Rocks Panorama. A cliff stretching high above Vacha Dam, it gives you a spectacular view of the rolling slopes and ridges of the Rhodope Mountains. Research by NASA shows that the air in this area is the cleanest in the Balkans.

The Dam itself is known far and wide for its size and beauty, but there is something indescribably awe-inspiring in seeing it from up high, framed in forest-covered mountains, the sunrays glistening off its dark teal surface. The vantage point is secured with a fence, with benches strewn about so that you may enjoy the unforgettable feeling of being on top of the world for as long as you like.

2. The Eagle’s Eye Viewing Platform

Built on the edge of a cliff 1563 m above sea level, the Eagle Eye viewing platform seemingly takes you to the top of the world. Located in a picturesque part of the Rhodopes, the platform gives you a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding area – breathtaking landscapes as far as the eye can see, a view of the Buynovsko gorge from above, the mountain Rila and Pirin in the distance, and even a glimpse of the mountains of Greece. Standing at the end of this platform, nothing but beauty before you, so high up – you might just understand what it’s like to soar through the skies like an eagle.

3. Wolf Rock, the tallest viewing platform in the Balkans

Located in the Rhodope Mountains, near the famous Devil’s Throat cave, is the tallest viewing platform on the peninsula. The only thing that can take you there is an off-road vehicle – luckily, there is a specialized service that does just that! Standing at 1650 m above sea level, taller than the Eagle’s Eye viewing platform, Wolf Rock offers a 360 degree view of the surrounding landscapes. You’ll see and endless expanse of sky and forest-covered mountains, from Rila, to Pirin and the Rhodopes – even their Greek side! There is also a second, shorter platform, built on a tree growing right on the edge of the cliff, nothing but breathtaking scenery underneath.

4. The Belintash Rock Sanctuary

Belintash is an ancient Thracian religious sanctuary likely used as a solar observatory and for ritualistic purposes. It is the second largest such complex in Bulgaria. The mountain rocks upon which it stands have been carved into shapes resembling the heads of gods and animals. The head of the god Sabazios faces east, towards the rising sun. The nature of this sanctuary is steeped in legend and mystery, and historians have theorized about its significance for centuries.

The view from the top is breathtaking - forest-covered mountain slopes spreading as far as the eye can see, with a clear view of the other two attractions on this excursion, Karadzhov Rock and “Holy Trinity” Cross Forest.

5. The Buzludzha Monument

This famous communist party monument is known for its unusual shape that resembles a UFO. It frequently places high on “abandoned building” lists, and travellers and urban photographers from all over the world flock to see it in person. What few know, however, is that it is built in one of the most beautiful areas in the Rhodope mountains.

The location is the site of an important historical battle during the Russo-Turkish Liberation War. The monument stands at the top of a hill. Rolling mountain slopes and thick forests surround Buzludzha like an evergreen sea of beauty, and the view from above is truly stunning. While entering the monument is prohibited for safety reasons, that hasn’t diminished its appeal - it’s worth the visit for the panorama alone.

6. The panoramic view from Snezhanka Tower

Snezhanka Tower is a television tower located in Pamporovo, one of the most popular skiing resorts in Bulgaria. It sits atop an eponymous mountain peak 2000 m above sea level. Snezhanka is 156 meters high, and the two ring-shaped floors that curl around its top are accessible to visitors via an elevator. The tower offers a 360-degree-view of the area, and some say that if the weather is clear enough, you can see the Aegean Sea from the top.

What makes Snezhanka Tower unique on this list is that there is a café on its second flor, 96 m above ground. The café offers warm drinks and delicious food all-year-round and is perfect to just sit down, relax and enjoy the view.

Snezhanka Tower is near some of Smolyan and Pamporovo’s most popular attractions, including the Cliffs of Orpheus – a place so beautiful, it is said Orpheus himself would often climb up these cliffs to gather inspiration for his songs.

7. Gela Village

This traditional rural village lies deep within the Rhodope Mountains – an area of Bulgaria abundant in centuries-old folk traditions, many of which are observed to this very day. Gela is known for its many legends, but few know of the gorgeous scenery that surrounds the settlement on all sides.

Lush forests and verdant meadows stretch as far as the eye can see, strewn with wildflowers and berries like a scene out of a fairytale. The area is bathed in sunlight 280 days of the year, making it one of the sunniest locations in Bulgaria. The surrounding mountains frame the village like a crown, their peaks stretching high towards the sky. The air in the area is exceptionally clean and is known to ease lung conditions.

Local legend has it that the mythical Orpheus was born here and, standing amidst its breathtaking beauty, you might be inclined to believe that this little piece of Bulgaria could serve as inspiration for the greatest musician of the ancient world.

8. Ovech Fort

Ovech is a Medieval fortress located on a plateau over the town of Provadia, built along the edge of a steep cliff. A wall of sharp 15-20-meter-tall rocks surrounds it on all sides. The 150-meter-long bridge leading up to the fort stands on a knife’s edge cliff, with the town on one side and an endless expanse of woodland on the other. An equally thrilling way to reach the entrance is up the innovative spiral staircase in the town that leads you straight up to Ovech Fort.

9. The Arda River

The river Arda springs from the Rhodope mountains, its waters nourishing the scenic landscapes.

With its stream gracefully twirling around the mountain slopes, Arda is a sight to behold from start to finish. However, one of its most stunning areas is near the village of Madzharovo, where one the river’s elegant meanders takes a 180-degree-turn, curving around the forest almost completely.

Of course any area of the river is worth seeing, and there are several fascinating natural landmarks near it, among which is the Womb Cave and the Devil’s Bridge.

10. Tyulenovo

Bulgaria borders with the Black Sea to the east, and its sandy beaches and turquoise water make it the perfect place for a summer vacation. But it’s not all golden sands on the Black Sea coast – there’s an area that draws travellers in with its rocky shores instead.

The coast just off Tyulenovo Village is unlike any other place in Bulgaria. The sharp cliffs bear striking shapes, some curving like bridges while others jut out from the water in jagged peaks, and some reach as high as 20 meters about the surface of the sea. There are countless water caves hidden in these cliffs, some showing signs of past civillisations. Tyulenovo draws in divers, photographers, history enthusiasts, and those who simply wish to spend time surrounded by beauty.