Perperikon
Kardzhali, Bulgaria
An ancient rock-cut sanctuary and fortified settlement on a rocky ridge in the Eastern Rhodopes, with carved halls and wide views. Wear sturdy shoes for the uneven rock and avoid the midday heat.
Perperikon lies about 15 km north-east of Kardzhali in the Eastern Rhodopes, on a rocky hill roughly 470 m high. Settlement here goes back to the 5th millennium BC. A temple of Dionysus is thought to have stood here in classical times; in 424 BC Medocus had himself proclaimed king of Thrace at this place. Excavations led by Nikolay Ovcharov from 2000 onwards uncovered a multi-storey palace and a fortress from Roman times, with walls 2.8 m thick.
A pulpit with an eagle relief and Greek inscriptions dates from the 4th and 5th centuries, evidence of Christianisation. The site has been only partly excavated. Allow one to two hours and wear sturdy footwear, as the rock is uneven. In high summer the shadeless hill gets very hot, so mornings, spring or autumn are better.
- Nearest town
- Kardzhali, Bulgaria
- Category
- History & culture
- GPS
- 41.7364, 25.4730
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. Cold, short days in December–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Getting there
- Bulgaria: Vignette needed for motorways. Buy the e-vignette online before you drive on motorways. Motorway limit for cars: 140 km/h.
Sources
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Кирилов КамъкCampsite22 km from Perperikon · 20 pitchesFree
- Wild campCampsite24 km from Perperikon
All campsites in Bulgaria · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Perperikon?
Perperikon is in Kardzhali, Bulgaria, at GPS 41.7364, 25.4730. It is about 74 km from Shiroka Laka.
Can you camp near Perperikon?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Кирилов Камък, about 22 km away; within 25 km there are 2 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
What is there to see near Perperikon?
Places worth a stop nearby: Bachkovo Monastery (57 km), Asen’s Fortress (57 km), Wonderful Bridges (75 km) and Ancient Theatre of Plovdiv (75 km).
When is the best time to visit Perperikon?
The most pleasant months are usually May–June and August–September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July and October. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)