Instead of relying on several different transport connections, you can travel in comfort and without needless stops along the route.
Sharenka Cave is about 2.5 km south-west of Madan, in a picturesque Rhodope gorge. It is especially interesting because it has been turned into a museum devoted to ancient mining.
Sharenka Cave – a unique mining museum
Sharenka Cave is the first cave museum in Bulgaria. It presents the history of mining in the area and lets visitors glimpse how people extracted ore in antiquity.
The cave has visitor areas recreating scenes from the life and work of ancient miners. Specially made mannequins and tools help visitors imagine what underground work looked like thousands of years ago.
It is the combination of natural setting, archaeology and history that makes Sharenka different from traditional tourist caves.
Ancient mining in the Rhodopes
The history of the area around Madan is closely tied to mining. The cave preserves traces of ore extraction going back to antiquity.
According to the Bulgarian Tourist Union, mining in this region has a history reaching back to the 8th century BC This is what makes Sharenka interesting not only for cave enthusiasts but also for people interested in archaeology and history.
Today a visit offers a chance to see the rich mining heritage of the Rhodopes in a different way – not just through museum exhibits but in the very underground setting where mining took place.
Where is Sharenka Cave?
The cave lies on the left bank of a deep gorge, about 2.5 km south-west of Madan. It can be reached by an asphalt road, and for walking enthusiasts there is also a mountain path.
Close to the entrance there is a wooden gazebo and a fountain. In the canyon around the cave there is also a waterfall, which adds a natural atmosphere to the visit.
The cave itself is set in marble rock. After a short slope, visitors reach the underground corridor that leads to the inner spaces of the museum.
What to visit around Sharenka Cave?
The Madan area lends itself to combining several tourist sites in one day. If you are arranging a transfer from Sofia Airport to Sharenka Cave, you can include other sights in your route too.
Interesting places include:
- The "Rhodope Crystal" Crystal Hall – one of Madan's emblematic sights. The exhibition was created in 1984 and includes 581 mineral specimens.
- The Spoluka Mine Museum – an underground museum that lets you feel the atmosphere of a real mine working.
- The Museum of Mining and Ore Extraction – a place devoted to the history of mining in the Madan area. The museum was founded in 1957.
- The eco-trails around Madan – the routes in the area pass rock formations, caves, old mines, forests and viewpoints.
- The Rhodope villages and mountain routes – a good option for tourists who want to combine cultural sights with a walk in nature.
Transfer from Sofia Airport to Sharenka Cave with Tsenov Group
The journey from Sofia to Madan is long and passes through mountainous terrain. That is why pre-arranged transport is especially convenient for tourists arriving by air who do not want to lose time waiting and changing transport.
With a transfer from Sofia Airport to Sharenka Cave you can travel directly to the Madan area, without arranging separate bus connections. The service suits individual tourists, families, friends and groups.
If needed, the route can be tailored to your schedule and include additional stops in the Madan area and the Rhodopes.
Important: information about access to the cave has changed over time because of repair and renovation work. In April 2025 BTA reported that the renovated Sharenka was again receiving visitors, while the BTU page still contained a warning about repairs. When planning your visit, it is therefore a good idea to confirm the current opening arrangements in advance.
A comfortable journey to Madan and the Rhodopes
Sharenka Cave is a great choice for tourists looking for something different from the standard natural sights. Here the history of the Rhodopes can be seen in an authentic underground setting, and the visit can easily be combined with the Crystal Hall, the mining museums and other interesting places in the area.
