Beyond Sky Light Retreat
Discover the lifestyle and adventures that await in the Rhodope region


Your gateway to Balkan discoveries
Greek coast (3 hours)
Kavala beaches and seafood
Thessaloniki cultural sites (3.5h)
Ancient Philippi ruins
Mediterranean weekend escapes
Local area (5-20 minutes)
Tourist complexes near the ancient sanctuary Belintash
Martsiganitsa Hotel - Restaurant, pool, local hospitality
Dobrostan Pearl Cave - Famous for cave pearls and sinter lakes
Paragliding site - Village famous for aerial sports
Mountain adventures (1-2 hours)
Pamporovo ski resort (winter sports)
Wonderful Bridges natural formations
Rhodope National Park hiking
Traditional mountain villages
Plovdiv and its region (1 hour)
European Capital of Culture 2019
Roman theater and old town architecture
Wine region tours and tastings
International airport access - 50-min drive
Sofia, Bulgaria (2 hours)
Capital city culture and nightlife
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and historic center
International business connections
Major shopping and dining scene
Black Sea (3 hours)
Sozopol medieval charm
Burgas beaches and festivals
Nessebar UNESCO heritage site
Bulgarian coastal cuisine
What you'll actually do here


Spring activities
Local festivals and traditional celebrations
Craft workshops - martenitsa making
Monastery visits during Easter season
Hiking new trails as snow melts


Summer experiences
Weekly farmers markets in surrounding villages
Outdoor concerts and cultural events in Plovdiv
Swimming in secluded mountain pools
Hosting retreats in cool mountain climate




Autumn adventures
Harvest participation with local families
Food preserving
Photography tours of spectacular foliage
Bird watching, mushroom and wild berries hunting with village guides
Winter comforts
Traditional Bulgarian cooking classes
Artisan craft workshops (pottery, knitting)
Cozy indoor retreat programs
Weekend skiing at Pamporovo resort
Your local support network


Asenovgrad (20-30 min)
Medical: Regional hospital, dental clinics, pharmacies
Shopping: Lidl, Kaufland, local markets, hardware stores
Services: Banks, post office, accountants, lawyers, government offices
Contractors: Builders, electricians, plumbers familiar with international standards




Plovdiv (1 hour)
Local village life
Daily needs: Village shop for basics, bread delivery
Community: Local festivals, church events, neighbourhood cooperation
Services: Cleaning, gardening, maintenance help available
Internet/ Mobile: Full coverage, high-speed available
Healthcare: University hospital, private clinics, specialists
Education: International schools, universities, language centers
Business: Lawyers, accountants, notaries for property matters
Culture: Theaters, museums, galleries, history sites (amphitheatre), international community
Becoming part of the community
Living in the Rhodope mountains means joining a culture that values:
Slow, seasonal rhythms over urban rushing
Fresh, locally-grown food and traditional recipes
Multi-generational community relationships
Respect for nature and ancient spiritual sites
Handmade crafts and time-honored skills
Hospitality that turns neighbors into extended family
Language:
Bulgarian locals appreciate any effort to learn basic phrases. Many younger people speak English. German is also common among older residents.
Integration timeline:
Most international residents report feeling welcomed within months and truly "at home" within 1-2 years.

Why international buyers choose this region
Market Trends
15-20% annual property appreciation in mountain regions
Growing international awareness of Bulgarian potential
EU buyers seeking authentic, unspoiled locations
Eco-tourism boom creating rental opportunities
Government incentives for sustainable development
Infrastructure improvements, increasing accessibility
German/Dutch retirees seeking mountain life
UK investors post-Brexit looking for EU alternatives
Wellness entrepreneurs developing retreat centers
Digital nomads establishing mountain bases
Artists and writers seeking inspiring environments
Small groups pooling resources for community projects
Buyer Profile
Getting around your new area
Practical details:
4WD suggested for mountain roads and winter conditions
Local dealers: Toyota, Dacia, Suzuki popular for reliability
Maintenance: Qualified mechanics in Asenovgrad
Fuel: Petrol stations every 20-30km on main routes
Public Transport
Vehicle recommendations
Airport transfers
Regional buses: Asenovgrad-Plovdiv (hourly), Plovdiv-Sofia (every 30min)
International buses: Direct connections to Greece, Turkey, Serbia
Train service: Plovdiv-Sofia (1.5h), international connections available
Private transfer services: €80-120 Sofia Airport, €40-60 Plovdiv
Rental cars: Recommended for property viewing and ongoing convenience
Local taxi: Available but limited in village areas
Ready to experience the region?
You can do an online exploration of the lifestyle and the community - let us know. Or you can plan an extended visit - we are happy to suggest a 3-5 day itinerary including property viewing plus regional exploration.