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Nestled amidst Bulgaria’s picturesque landscape is the small town of Melnik. In fact, it is the smallest town in Bulgaria. Despite its status, you will still find plenty of wonderful things to do in Melnik.
This little town beckons with its timeless charm. Visitors will find unique sandstone pyramids, a rich winemaking heritage, natural healing mineral waters, and a tapestry of experiences that blend history, nature, and culture seamlessly.
Located in the southwest part of Bulgaria, Melnik is a treasure trove of adventures waiting to be discovered. From our stay in Melnik, we created this guide to the best things to do in Melnik, Bulgaria.
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Top Things to Do in Melnik Bulgaria
1. Visit The Wine Museum
Melnik is the smallest and one of Bulgaria’s most important endemic wine regions with unique indigenous grapes.
Visiting the Melnik Wine Museum is one of the best things to do in Melnik, especially for wine lovers.
This small museum is located in the center of town. Built underground like a wine cellar, it recounts the history of winemaking in the region.
All the panels and descriptions are in Bulgarian, and unfortunately, none are translated. However, with Google Translate and free Wi-Fi, we were able to follow along.
After viewing the panels and exhibits, there is a tasting of Melnik wines included in the ticket price.
We tasted three different wines from the region: white, rosé and red. While the wines were not particularly remarkable, it was a nice introduction to the wines from the region.
A plate of small toasts with the traditional condiments, red sweet pepper, and the local herb, tsubritsa, was served to accompany the wines.
At the end of the tasting, we were offered a shot of Rakia, the local brandy traditionally served while eating the local Shopska salad.
The entrance fee is 5 BGN (approx $2.80) with wine tasting included. For non-drinkers, the entry fee is 3 BGN (approx. $1.7).
The museum is open every day from 10:00 am to 7:00 pm.
2. Treat Yourself To A Luxury Stay at Zornitza Family Estate
Zornitza Family Estate is not only a winery, it is also a luxury boutique hotel combined with a gourmet restaurant.
The first and only Relais Chateaux in Bulgaria, Zornitza offers great luxury with respect to the surrounding nature.
With a deep reverence for Bulgarian traditions, this is the ideal place for a special occasion or indulgence, Bulgarian style.
We had the opportunity to stay in one of their villa and highly recommend it. You can read our full Zornitza Review here.
Enjoy world-class accommodations and amenities, attentive staff, and delectable terroir cuisine.
In addition to wines, Zornitza Family Estate also grows its own fruits and vegetables, honey, truffles, and more.
Zornitza, near Melnik, is the place to go to create unforgettable moments.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Treat yourself to an amazing stay at Zornitza Family Estates. Enjoy wine-tasting experiences, spa services and fine dining and a luxury escape in nature. Find out more about Zornitza Family Estates.
3. Stop At Kordopulov House
One of the most famous sites in Melnik is the Kordopulov House. This is one of the largest Bulgarian Renaissance houses in Bulgaria, rivaling the Plovdiv Old Town houses.
Located at the end of town, past the wine museum, this imposing mansion was once owned by a wealthy Greek wine merchant.
Built-in 1754 specifically for wine production, one of its defining characteristics is the impressive wine cellar, dug into the rock, with lengthy labyrinths and underground pathways.
This Bulgarian house is also unique due to its mix of Ottoman and Venetian architecture and stunning interior decor.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: From Sofia, you can take a Melnik Tour to visit the region and taste the local wines. With transport provided, you’ll visit the popular sights in this famous architectural town including the Kordopulova House. Enjoy a traditional Bulgarian lunch at a nearby village after a visit to Rozhen monastery. Before heading back to Sofia, you’ll visit Villa Melnik winery and taste the emblematic wines.
4. Enjoy Wine Tasting At Melnik Wineries
One of the most popular things to do in Melnik Bulgaria is to visit the wine region. There are seven wineries where you can sample the local Melnik wine.
The closest to the town of Melnik are Villa Melnik and Zornitza Family Estate. Slightly further away are Zlaten Rozhen Winery, Rupel Winery, and Orbelus, an organic winery.
Closer to the Greek and Macedonia border, about 35km away from Melnik, is Orbelia Winery.
And if you are driving in from Sofia, you will most likely pass by Sintica winery in Sandanski on your way to Melnik.
To make the most of the wineries, we recommend scheduling your visits in advance and planning for no more than three winery visits a day.
The pours are generous, and there is local food offered alongside the wine.
Make sure to sample the Melnik 55, made from the broadleaf Melnik grape, and taste the different indigenous grapes from the region.
READ MORE: 7 Best Melnik Wineries to Visit for Amazing Bulgarian Wine
5. Savor Delicious Bulgarian Foods At Melnik Restaurants
When visiting the beautiful town of Melnik, you will of course want to try Bulgarian food at one of the traditional restaurants.
Mehana Aleksova Kashta
Mehana Aleksova Kashta was one of our favorite Melnik restaurants.
This traditional Bulgarian restaurant was recommended to us by both Rupel and Melnik winery owners. It was described as the best restaurant in Melnik for traditional Bulgarian cuisine.
The open-air seating is unbeatable, with views overlooking the town, and the friendly staff makes for a warm experience.
With daily specials using local produce, you will not want to miss Chef Luiza’s cooking. We highly recommend the traditional bean soup, the Bulgarian salad platter, and the tasty Bulgarian desserts.
The restaurant is open every day from 8:00 am to 12:00 midnight.
Mehana Petra
Mehana Petra is one of the few restaurants located in the upper part of Melnik town. This is a great place to have lunch after visiting the Wine Museum and Kordopulov House.
The food is simple and flavorful, and the friendly owner will probably offer you a glass of homemade wine to go with your meal.
Taste one of the traditional Bulgarian food specialties like Tarator soup or the Shopska salad.
The restaurant is open every day from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Mehana Old Plane
Mehana Old Plane is conveniently located at the bottom of the main street, right at the entrance of Melnik. This traditional Bulgarian restaurant and hotel serves meals outdoors in their beautiful garden, shaded by old trees.
Look for the tasty, grilled meats and Bulgarian salads. The food was fresh and flavorful, a perfect stop to relax in between your visits to the various Melnik attractions.
The restaurant is open every day from 8:00 am to 11:00 pm.
RELATED: 10 Best Restaurants in Bansko for Bulgarian Cuisine
6. Relax and Treat Yourself to the Natural Thermal and Mineral Waters
Beyond wineries, beautiful landscapes, and cultural monuments, Melnik Bulgaria is also known for its thermal water springs and healing waters.
There are three main sites to enjoy the mineral waters around Melnik.
First, Sandanski, located about 20 kilometers from Melnik, in the direction of Sofia, is known for its abundant mineral waters and healing air.
It is a modern balneological center with several spas around town. In Sandaski, outdoor swimming is possible all year round since the water has a naturally warm temperature.
Located 20 km southwest of Melnik near Rupite Village, the natural pools of Rupite can be visited year-round and contain curative mud and algae.
This site is known for its healing mineral water with high sulfur content due to its proximity to an extinct volcano.
The area is also home to the famous Bulgarian prophet Baba Vanga. She is known as the Nostradamus of the Balkans and has been visited by and offered predictions for many Tzars and politicians.
The third area known for its natural mineral water and healing mud is the village of Marikostinovo, located off the highway that links Sofia to Greece.
Mantar Spar Hotel is one of the best options to enjoy a balneology experience in town. It is also conveniently located a few kilometers from Rupel winery, Orbelus, and Zlaten Rozhen wineries.
7. Tour The Rozhen Monastery
Just seven kilometers north past the center of Melnik town, is Rozhen Monastery, the largest monastery in the Pirin Mountains.
This majestic monastery sits in the peaceful natural area of the Melnik Pyramids. It is one of the few well-preserved medieval monasteries in Bulgaria.
As it is still a working monastery, be sure to dress appropriately and remain quiet while visiting.
When we visited the monastery on a Sunday morning, there was a religious ceremony taking place in the main building.
Famous for its 16th-century frescoes and a holy icon of the Virgin Mary housed in the main building, you can also admire the wood carvings and other icons.
RELATED: Bulgarian Food Guide: 15+ Traditional Foods You’ll Fall in Love With
8. Walk To The Melnik Pyramids
The striking natural sandstone pyramids are unique natural rock formations near the town of Melnik Bulgaria. The sculpted rocks, up to 100 meters in height, are said to be eroding, with their shape constantly changing.
The pyramids radiate red and yellow tones, depending on the time of the day, making for gorgeous photos!
Declared a natural landmark in 1960, this site is best visited in the morning or later in the evening when the sun is low, as there is no shade.
When we walked to the pyramids on a Sunday morning, the site was peaceful and quiet. We were surprised by how easily accessible the pyramids were despite the impressive cliffs having no safety rail guards.
The Melnik pyramids are an easy 10-minute walk from the parking lot near the Rozhen Monastery. If you prefer hiking up, you can walk the 7-kilometer trail from downtown Melnik.
9. Visit Melnik Cultural Monuments and Religious Sites
Beyond the Kordopulov House, there are a few other architectural landmarks in the Melnik area where you can learn more about the local history.
Up the hill behind the wine museum is the Bolyar House. This is one of the oldest Byzantine Empire houses in the Balkans, dating from approximately the 12th or 13th century.
The historical museum of Melnik is housed in the Pashov House. The house was built in 1815 by one of the richest governors in the region during Ottoman rule.
There are also a few churches worth visiting. The church of St Anthony the Great is right next to the wine museum on the way to the Bolyar House. It is also called the church of miracles and is the only one in Bulgaria named after Anthony the Great, known as a saint-healer.
Dating back to the late 12th century is the Church of St. Nicholas, a partially preserved medieval Eastern Orthodox church. Built on top of an ancient Thracian sanctuary and a 5th-century basilica, the church features rare frescoes and a bell tower that housed one of the oldest church bells in Europe.
10. Wonder At Skoka Waterfall in Kashina Village
Shoka waterfall, about 20 meters tall, is one of the largest waterfalls in the Pirin Mountains.
Situated near Kashina Village, you will need to drive about 14 km north of Melnik and go just beyond Rozhen Village to reach it.
The road finishes as a gravel road when you get closer to the waterfall site. Then, it is an easy 20-minute hike up to the waterfall.
If you are interested in the natural wonders after hiking the Melnik Pyramids, Skoka waterfall is a great option.
RELATED: 10 Traditional Bulgarian Drinks to Sip Into Culture
Where To Stay – Recommendations For Hotels in Melnik Bulgaria
With many wineries and natural wonders to explore, you’ll want to stay a few days to experience all the things to do in Melnik.
Here are a few hotels we recommend in and around Melnik Bulgaria.
Hotel Rechen Rai, Melnik
Located at the exit of Melnik in the direction of Rozhen, Hotel Rechen Rai is nestled in nature. Enjoy the relaxing gentle stream that passes by the hotel and the beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Hotel Rechen Rai offers spacious apartment-like rooms with large sitting areas to spread out. Superior rooms feature a spa bath or hot tub, while regular rooms are equipped with a private shower.
If you are traveling with children, you will enjoy using the outdoor playground.
Enjoy tasty traditional Bulgarian dishes on the outdoor patio, as well as a tasty breakfast buffet.
Double rooms start at about $30.00 per night.
See more prices, read reviews or to find similar hotels check: Booking.com
Zlaten Rozhen Hotel
While visiting Rozhen monastery and the Melnik Pyramids, you might want to consider staying in Rozhen village overnight.
Zlaten Rozhen is a charming hotel surrounded by trees in a peaceful setting. You can get to the nearby Rozhen monastery by car or by taking a walk in the gorgeous outdoors.
The restaurant offers traditional Bulgarian cuisine including delicious breakfast options. This is a great location for those seeking silence in nature.
Standard double rooms start at $33 per night.
See more prices, read reviews or to find similar hotels check: Booking.com
Hotel Melnik
This cozy hotel is located in the heart of Melnik, above the city center. From the terrace, enjoy sweeping views of the picturesque town and the nearby Melnik Pyramids.
Hotel Melnik is designed in a Bulgarian Renaissance style and offers all the modern amenities you would expect. Access high-speed internet, spacious rooms, air conditioning, and comfortable beds.
The restaurant offers traditional Bulgarian dishes and specialties and a wide selection of local and imported wines.
Double rooms start at about $40.00 per night.
See more prices, read reviews or to find similar hotels check: Booking.com
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How to Get to Melnik, Bulgaria
Melnik region is the warmest and sunniest part of Bulgaria, located in the lower west side of the country. The Macedonian and Greek borders are relatively close by.
Bulgaria’s smallest town is easily accessible from the capital city Sofia, Greece, and the Pirin Mountains.
To make the most out of your stay, we recommend spending a few days in the region.
From Sofia to Melnik
If you are arriving in Bulgaria from Sofia, your best option to get to Melnik is to rent a car. At Sofia airport, there are several rental cars to choose from.
The drive from Sofia takes about 2.5 hours from the airport, driving on the freeway for most of the time.
You also have the possibility of taking the bus from Sofia to Melnik. However, there is no direct route, and you will have to take two buses before reaching Melnik.
For the best car rental rates, we recommend checking DiscoverCars.com which aggregates the best deals across multiple providers.
RELATED: 7 Top Authentic Restaurants in Sofia To Taste Bulgaria
From Bansko to Melnik
If your stay in Bulgaria includes a visit to Bansko, you can rent a car in Bansko and drive to Melnik. However, you have more car rental options in Sofia, and the cars are in better condition.
From Bansko, you also have the option of getting a car transferred to you in Bansko from Sofia for a minimum of 50€. This is an option to consider if you are heading to Sofia after your visit to Melnik.
We were based in Bansko at the time and rented a car for our Melnik winery visits. The drive from Bansko to Melnik is about 1.5 hours with most of the drive on the national road.
Similarly, there are buses from Bansko to Melnik with no direct route. You will be challenged to find local transportation options.
From Thessaloniki, Greece to Melnik Bulgaria
If you are visiting southern Bulgaria, you may want to consider flying into Thessaloniki Airport in Greece.
The drive from Thessaloniki to Melnik is only about 2 hours, which is closer than driving from Sofia. From Thessaloniki airport, you can rent a car and drive comfortably, mostly on highways.
Make sure that the rental car company provides the vignette that is mandatory to travel on Bulgaria highways.
Have you been to Melnik, Bulgaria? What in your opinion is the best thing to do in Melnik? Please let us know in the comments below.
Savor the Adventure!
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Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
This little town looks like it has so much to offer. I would love to do the wine tastingz
My favorite part of travel is experiencing the food prepared by the locals. I have never been to Bulgaria but you know I want to go now.
That’s wonderful Tamin, experiencing the local food is the best way to travel. Glad this article got you intrigued by Bulgaria. Hope you get to visit soon. Cheers.
Never been there but it really looks like a nice place to visit x
What gorgeous photos and an adventure-packed trip! I have a friend from Bulgaria, and she’s shown me pictures that look like the one you shared with the red roofs and the houses set into the hillside. What a fun trip!
Thanks Julie, glad to hear our article corresponds with what you’ve seen from your friend. If you haven’t been, we highly recommend going. Get there before it gets crowded with tourists 🙂 Cheers.
Wow these are some great things to do! I didn’t even know about most of these. Especially the religious sights.