The Mountains themselves are an extension of the soaring Rila Massiv to the West. This rugged highland spreads over the border between Greece and Bulgaria before descending into the Thracian Valley and the Aegean. The Rhodopes, particularly the southern and arid parts, are inhospitable to agricultural societies and were never settled extensively. The Greek Rhodopes, in particular, are almost entirely uninhabited, and settlements on the Bulgarian side are limited to the valleys and waterways connected to the Thracian Valley.

As a result, for those seeking untamed wilderness in Europe, The Rhodope Mountains offer a unique opportunity. The mountains cover virtually every imaginable biome, from subalpine pine forests to arid scrubland. There are soaring mountain peaks and deep subterranean cave networks. Not to mention, the region is home to Europe’s most extensive migratory bird nesting grounds, making it a premier destination for both natural beauty and the wildlife that inhabits it.