Enjoy beautiful nature, cool breezes, scenic views, delicious food, and amazing time – either alone or with a loved one.
WALK 1: TO THE WATER AND BACK – INSPIRATION NEAR PARVENETS
Sometimes you don’t need to travel far to feel far away from everything. Just 20 minutes from Plovdiv, Parvenets reminds us that beauty can be found in the familiar—if we look at it with fresh eyes.
The trail to the Dermendere River waterfall is easy, suitable even for children. The landscape is generous, and in the warm months, the waterfall is at its most beautiful. It’s easily accessible, and once we arrive, we sit by the river and forget about time. Sunlight dancing on the water, birds chirping, and cool splashes bring us back to ourselves.
When our eyes are satisfied, our stomachs begin to speak. That’s why our walk wouldn’t be complete without a visit to “Malkiyat Yavor” restaurant. Nestled in lush greenery, it welcomes us warmly. A cold beer fits perfectly here, but the food is what truly draws us. The menu is rich—so rich, it tempts us to try everything. Salads with fresh seasonal vegetables, appetizers... and how could we skip the delicious dishes baked on tiles or sizzling skillets, especially with the irresistible aroma from the grill!
Like hungry cats, we peek at others' tables and agree—we must order the Master’s Sizzling Dish (Sach Maistora). When it’s served, we literally applaud with joy!
How can we even describe this aroma, these tender pieces of meat, the melted cheese over the juicy bites, and the pleasant sizzling sound? Malkiyat Yavor sends us off very satisfied—and reminds us how easy it is to feel good.
WALK 2: IN THE EMBRACE OF TIME – HISARYA AND ITS SECRETS
Diocletianopolis – sounds like an ancient spell, right? Actually, it’s the heart of Hisarya—where every street tells stories of the power of the Roman Empire.
In the 5th–6th century, it was the third largest city in Thrace, after Philippopolis and Beroe. Named after Emperor Diocletian, the city was a favorite retreat for Roman aristocracy—not only for its mineral springs, but also for its architecture, nature, and eternal atmosphere.
We walk on streets built using the Hippodamian grid system—straight, stone-laid, and wise. We stop by the nymphaeum and imagine the magical dance of the water spirits.
Curious and hungry for more experiences, we head to a relaxed lunch. We easily find “National” restaurant, highly recommended by our foodie friends.
It’s a family gem with a lovely garden maintained like a favorite fairytale. The interior is cozy, filled with objects from travels and beautiful details that wordlessly tell stories of places, people, and shared moments. And the food…well, the food is another reason we keep coming back to Hisarya.
In strawberry season, we start with a fresh leaf salad with fruits and cheese. We greedily build on the flavor with a perfectly prepared and seasoned pork chop. But the true star of this lunch is the rabbit roulade – so tender, aromatic, and juicy that we didn’t have time for a photo—only one of the licked-clean plates. Behind the scenes, our "photographer" slowly, almost ceremoniously, enjoys a polenta with mushrooms and milk mousse, claiming it's the best they’ve ever had.
And here comes the final trick for a perfect day in Hisarya: don’t skip dessert at “National”. That’s how lunch melts into the afternoon, time flows like honey, and this restaurant becomes one of our absolute favorites.
WALK 3: WINE, HEIGHTS, AND TIME FOR YOURSELF – USTINA AND VILLA YUSTINA
Sometimes, one afternoon with a glass of wine brings more peace than a whole vacation. And sometimes—that entire experience is gathered in one place. “Villa Yustina” is just such a place.
As Plovdiv locals, we know the Yustina wines well, but if you haven’t tried them yet—do it. Call in advance for a tasting.
We quickly reach the restaurant at the “Yustina Villas” complex, where the chef reveals the secret to great taste: everything on the menu is prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients from local farms. Every dish is created in harmony with the wine.
We settle in comfortably because the day calls for it—a glass of rosé in the moment: coral-pink in color, with endless green gardens, the quaint villas of the complex, and the majesty of the Rhodope Mountains in the background. The taste reveals a silky texture and refreshing lightness, and the soul quietly sings with joy. No one wants to leave this paradise.
The villas offer cozy overnight stays, and if you choose to stay—you’ll discover even more treasures. The village of Ustina is the heir of ancient Bessapara, located on the Roman road between Philippopolis and the Aegean Sea. Above it towers the Ustina Waterfall – a living echo of the mountains.
The next day, we decided to visit the St. George Chapel. The path to the “white swallow” perched above the village is short, but it rewarded us richly. The chapel is painted by local artists and maintained by donations from the faithful. There, we found our spot for prayer, gratitude, and views that marked our souls.
Ah, how lovely it is to disconnect from the noise, to breathe, to taste, to share.
The rest is just... departure. And returning – to ourselves.
Text and photos: Stela Mantareva
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