Zabardo provides access to hikes towards the Chernatitsa Ridge and the surrounding meadows and fields. Those wishing to book a hotel in Zabardo can then continue searching for accommodation.
Nature
Near Zabardo, the Wonderful Bridges are located in an old spruce forest at 1,450 m above sea level. They consist of natural rock bridges formed over thousands of years and are freely accessible as a natural attraction. At the Wonderful Bridges, an information centre provides information about the area, cultural and historical information about the municipality of Chepelare, and tourist services.
Culture
The local community centre has an ethnographic exhibition featuring woven carpets, runners and carved panels; these are offered for sale. Zabardo preserves the traditions of Rhodope folk music and traditional costumes. Annual fairs and festivals are also held here. The Zabardovo Ferris wheel has a diameter of 6 m and was restored using wooden parts based on memories and photographs from the early 19th century.
Cuisine
At the turn-off to Zabardo and the Wonderful Bridges, the sculptural composition “Hospitality of the Rhodope Mountains” stands out. Fresh trout and fish specialities from a nearby fishpond are offered in front of this sculpture. Zabardo’s culinary traditions include Kachamak, Patatnik and Klin.
Practical Information
Zabardo has categorised tourist sites offering accommodation and catering facilities. Drivers should exercise particular caution on the narrow, winding road to Zabardo.
History
Near Zabardo stands the Thracian fortress of Zagrad on Chuka Peak, beside the road from Zabardo to the Plovdiv–Smolyan road. Finds of Thracian domestic pottery from the Late Bronze Age and Early Iron Age were discovered at the fortress. A prepared path runs along the inside of the fortress wall, and signposts have been installed at Zagrad Fortress. A section of an ancient Roman road is also still visible near Zabardo. Above Zabardo, parts of the ancient Via Egnatia route have been preserved along the Chernatitsa Ridge.
