Melnik
Bulgaria · Pirin Macedonia · 437 m
Description
Melnik (Мелник) is the smallest town in Bulgaria, a few hundred people living in white revival houses strung along a dry gorge beneath enormous sandstone pyramids that erosion has cut into fins and towers. The town made its name on wine, and cellars dug straight into the soft rock still age the dark local Broad-leaved Melnik vine. Winston Churchill is said to have ordered it by the barrel. A short walk up the ridge stands the Rozhen Monastery, and the sand pyramids themselves are a protected natural landmark best seen at sunset. Nothing here takes long, the whole town is one street.
Length of stay
Recommended length of stay: 1 to 3 days (optimal 2 days)
Travel season
Best time to visit: April – June or September – October
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Highlights
- Melnik sand pyramids
- Rock-cut wine cellars and tastings
- Rozhen Monastery
- Kordopulov House
- Ridge walk from Melnik to Rozhen
- Ruins of the Bolyar house and the medieval town
- Melnik History Museum
- Village mehanas and Melnik wine with lamb
- Rupite and the Kozhuh volcanic hot springs(Day trip)