With unique, historic architecture, delicious wines and a striking eroded-cliff backdrop, the diminutive town of Melnik and surrounding area in south-west Bulgaria is a fascinating place to visit.
Melnik is famous for its production of strong wines, which have been made in the town since the 1300s! There are several new wineries as the industry has seen a recent revival. Winston Churchill was particularly fond of wines made from the Broad Leaf Melnik Vine.
Butterflies and moths recorded around the town and surrounding area include Hungarian glider, cardinal, nettle tree butterfly, lattice brown, eastern rock grayling and gatekeeper. Among the birds here are honey buzzard, lesser spotted woodpecker, subalpine warbler and blue rock thrush.
The town also has some unique architecture – one of the oldest houses in the Balkans is found here and is thought to date back to the 13th or 14th century. The medieval Rozhen Monastery is located about 6 kilometres north-east of Melnik amongst spectacular scenery, and is the largest monastery in the Pirin Mountains. Melnik is surrounded by striking eroded rock formations.
Bulgaria’s mountainous south-west and south-east regions are home to one of Europe’s richest butterfly faunas. We search for exciting rarities and endemics that include Frivaldsky’s white-banded grayling and Higgins’ anomalous blue, and expect to enjoy superb views of raptors. Find out more about Butterflies & Birds of Bulgaria
Hotel Bolyarka occupies a convenient location in a quiet area of Melnik, close to the town’s historical museum and the hiking trail to Rohzen Monastery. Rooms have private facilities and are comfortable, spacious and tastefully decorated. There’s a lobby bar and the hotel has its own wine cellar. Find Out More about Bolyarka Hotel
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