Belintash is the name of a spectacular rock in the shape of a 300 meters long plateau at about 1200 m. elevation in Western Rhodope Mountains. There are a few similar rocks in the area and each of them offers spectacular views to the green mountains around. The type of rock itself is very specific and adds to the unique landscape.
Belintash is located about 30 kilometers southeast from Asenovgrad – a small town which is situated as a gateway at the foot of the mountains. This destination is good for a weekend trip from the second biggest Bulgarian city – Plovdiv, situated 20 kilometers north from Asenovgrad, or as a part of a longer hiking trip in the Rhodope Mountains.
Most of the visitors come to see Belintash because of the mysterious prints of human activity that can still be seen on the rock – small niches and steps. It is considered that the rock used to host a sanctuary of god Sabasius – an ancient Thracian god of nature and wine, local version of the Greek Dionisius. Many other stories about UFOs and so on can be heard about this place. The rock is easily accessible, about 20 minutes walk from a small village road.
For hikers there is access to two other formations which are even more spectacular – Hajdushki Kamuk and Karadzov Kamuk. Both are seen from Belintash but require crossing the deep river valley passing near a few nearly abandoned neighbourhoods of old houses. The river itself is dry in summer because of the Karst nature of the region that also forms some interesting cave formations. Longer hikes include day trip to Krastova gora – an Ortodox Christian monastery on the top of a hill, holy place for many pilgrims.
Another interesting day route goes towards Bachkovo Monastery – the second biggest in Bulgaria, listed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, with a great Byzantine style architecture and old frescoes. This route goes through Martsiganitsa Hut and Chervenata Stena Reserve (Red Wall Reserve), the largest biosphere reserve in Rhodope Mountains that protects some rare plant species.
In general, the area of Belintash has a great bunch of nature and religious sights – some popular, some not at all – that can be visited by foot. Accommodation can be arranged in the villages around where small guest houses operate. The access to Belintash is difficult by public transport – there is an ancient Russian minibus that takes people to the town very early every day and brings them back home in the evening.
Check our 3-day program Hiking around Belintash
The Red Wall Reserve sign
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