Smolyan

This highland town in Bulgaria's central Rhodope Mountains, Smolyan sits along the narrow valley of the Cherna and Byala rivers and holds the distinction of being the highest-elevation provincial capital in the country. Its compact centre has a concentration of cafés, restaurants, and churches, while the popular ski resort of Pamporovo lies close by. Formed in 1960 from the merger of several villages, the town serves as a base for mountain access year-round.

• Population30,689
• Nearest water from center0.2 km
• Nearest mountain from center2.5 km