Arda is the highest river in the Rhodopes. It flows through the most beautiful and fascinating regions, forming a marvelous canyon with a lot of meanders. The steep and inaccessible sloped around the river are dotted with dozens of small villages with unique architecture. The people who live here are Mohammedans and Turks, and their traditions and customs have been preserved for centuries. Arda flows into the Kardzali Dam just below the Bezdiven Peak. There are remains of an ancient fortress and some rock niches in the area, and the top of Bezdiven provides an amazing view.