Best time to visit Bulgaria

Trekking to Orlovo Oko in Bulgaria

Trek to the top of Sveti Ilija in the Rhodope Mountains and enjoy the "Eagle Eye" view!

Best time: March–November

Trekking to Orlovo Oko
Trekking to Orlovo Oko
Orlovo Oko
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One of the most exciting places that you can visit in the area of the village of Yagodina is a panoramic site called Orlovo Oko (Eagle's Eye). It is located on one of the highest peaks in the area of Sveti Ilija. This place wasn't chosen accidentally because the view that opens from it is fantastic. In clear weather, the entire district is visible within a radius of 6.2 miles (10 km). From there, you can see magical views of the Western Rhodope, Rila, and Pirin.

Trekking to Orlovo Oko is a real adventure. The ascent to the top is carried out on foot, which is quite tricky, and on specially prepared jeeps. It passes along gravel and stony roads, which other cars cannot pass. The trekking lasts about 30 minutes. During this time, the altitude difference is over 2,198 feet (670 m) to reach an altitude of 5,128 feet (1,563 m) above sea level. On the road, there are lonely shepherds with their flocks and beautiful natural formations. The views will fascinate the spirit and leave great memories.

The best period for such an experience runs from spring to autumn. But try to avoid rainy and hot days, because the road is awful at this time and can be difficult in the heat.

Practical info

When is a good time to travel to Orlovo Oko?

The recommended time to visit Orlovo Oko in Bulgaria is March through November. Trekkers should avoid hot and rainy days, as the journey could be challenging due to unfavorable road conditions. The weather in Bulgaria during this time of year is perfect for trekking since the days are mostly sunny, and the views from Orlovo Oko are spectacular. Show more

Where can we find Orlovo Oko?

Orlovo Oko is located at the top of Sveti Ilija, one of the highest peaks in the Rhodope Mountains of the Yagodina village in Bulgaria. At an altitude of 5,128 feet (1,563 m) above sea level, Orlovo Oko provides a wide angle view of Western Rhodope, Rila, and Pirin. To reach Orlovo Oko, tourists must trek on specially prepared jeeps on gravel and stony roads. Show more

Is the trek to Orlovo Oko challenging?

The trek to Orlovo Oko is moderately challenging, covering around 2,198 feet (670 m) in altitude from the base to the summit of Sveti Ilija, its location. The journey takes about 30 minutes and is considered a bit difficult because of the rugged trail, particularly the foot trek portion. Along this hike, tourists can observe stunning natural formations and solitary shepherds herding their flocks. Show more

What type of roads dominate the trek to Orlovo Oko, and how long does it take to arrive there?

Jeep access roads with gravel and rough pavement dominate the trek to Orlovo Oko in Bulgaria. Other automobile types are prohibited from entering these roads. The hike takes approximately 30 minutes, including part of it is done on foot. It's advisable to avoid the challenging roads on rainy and hot days. Show more

What type of scenery can we observe from the top of Orlovo Oko?

The panoramic vista from Orlovo Oko provides a clear view of the surrounding district within a span of 6.2 miles (10 km). The scenic view's highlight is the Western Rhodope, Rila, and Pirin Mountains. Tourists can also enjoy the area's abundant wildlife and picturesque landscape. Along the way to the peak, the trek offers magnificent views of natural rock formations, verdant pastures, and quaint towns that retain their original essence up to the present day. Show more

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Last updated: by Eleonora Provozin