Bulgaria offers both rugged snow-capped mountains and gentle, rolling hills covered with lush forests. Sparkling rivers tumble down the mountain sides to form picturesque lakes and health-giving mineral springs. The mountains of Bulgaria are home to a huge variety of plants and animals, which thrive in the clear mountain air and unpolluted waters. Rural tourism is a growth area in Bulgaria, spearheaded by the tourist authorities who are keen to promote the benefits of the Bulgarian countryside. Bulgaria hopes to attract tourists to visit rural areas in the same way that they have flocked to the beaches on the Black Sea coast.
The Mountains of Bulgaria
Mountain Holidays in Bulgaria
The mountains of Bulgaria are ideal for numerous outdoor activities, including:
- Horse riding and pony-trekking
- Cycling
- Quad-biking, 4x4 and dirt-biking
- Rambling
- Canoeing and Rafting
- Pot-holing (Bulgaria's roads offer a similar experience)
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Skiing and snow boarding
- Tobogganing and sledging
- Golf holidays (there's a rapid increase in the number of golf courses)
The Pirin Mountains
The Pirin Mountains are home to 176 mountain lakes and about 100 varieties of rare plants, including the Edelweiss and the renowned Baikousheva fir, which is almost 1,300 years old. Amidst these spectacular mountains you will find the beautiful ski resort of Bansko, plus the famous spa resort of Sandanski - reputed to be the birthplace of the gladiator Spartacus. The picturesque old town of Melnik nestles in the mountains, just a short drive from Sandanski, and the nearby village of Rupite has one of the most well-known mineral springs.
The Rila Mountains
The Rila Mountains are home to over 2,000 varieties of plants. The highest peak in the Rila Mountains is Mount Moussala, which reaches 2,925 metres above sea level. Many people will be familiar with the ski resort of Borovets, which is now the subject of a major investment program - the "Super Borovets" project. This huge project is designed to both modernize and extend the winter sports facilities in the region. The Rila Mountains are also the home of Bulgaria's most famous, and most visited monastery, the Rila Monastery.
The Rhodope Mountains
The mild climate and clear air of the beautiful Rhodope mountains encourages a host of plants and animals. The lush vegetation makes these mountains the greenest in the country. The famous ski resort of Pamporovo has been welcoming tourists from all over the globe for many years. Locals tend to visit the smaller and less commercial ski resort of Chepelare. The town of Smolyan, just a short drive from the Greek border, is a popular starting point for walking and cycling holidays in these picturesque mountains. Most visitors to Bulgaria will be familiar with the Devin mineral water, which is one of the most popular bottled waters sold in shops, bars and restaurants throughout the country.
The Stara Planina Mountains
The Stara Planina (otherwise known as the Balkan Mountain range, or more simply The Balkans) is the longest mountain range in Bulgaria and dominates the central region of the country. This 700 kilometre mountain ridge stretches across the entire width of the country. The highest peak in the Stara Planina is Mount Botev, which reaches 2,376 metres above sea level. Amongst the many glories in these mountains are pretty villages like Tryavna and Arbanassi, the scenic Shipka Pass, and the famous and historic town of Veliko Tarnovo. Constructed on the hillside, at the northern edge of the Stara Planina, Veliko Tarnovo must be one of the prettiest towns in the country. Once the capital of Bulgaria, Veliko Tarnovo contains many beautiful buildings, including the Tsaravets castle and a multitude of Bulgarian Revival houses.
The Sredna Gora Mountains
The Sredna Gora Mountains (otherwise known as the Central Range) form the heartland of Bulgaria. Some people might consider this mountain range to be less dramatic than the others, with the highest peak being Mount Bogdan, which reaches 1,604 metres above sea level. However, the Sredna Gora offers cool, shady woods and miles of open fields, which are excellent for rambling holidays. Historically, the low altitude and rich mineral deposits attracted both the Thracians and the Romans. Thracian burial grounds are scattered throughout the mountain range. At the foot of the mountains lies the famous "Valley of the Roses".
The Vitosha Mountains
The Vitosha Mountains dominate the skyline of the Bulgarian capital city, Sofia. The name comes from a Thracian word that means "split in two", and reflects the appearance of the mountain range when viewed from the city. The Vitosha Mountains are the most frequently visited of all the Bulgarian mountain ranges. The highest peak is Cherni Vruh, which reaches 2,286 metres above sea level. The Vitosha Mountains are home to a variety of plants and animals, and offer skiing facilities and a good selection of modern hotels and restaurants.
Further information
Bansko
Bansko is situated in the South of Bulgaria and it is the gateway to the Pirin mountain region. Bansko offers a spectacular combination of picturesque mountains and ancient history. With its combination of cobbled streets and traditional alpine‑style houses, it truly is a delight
...
Borovets
Borovets is the longest‑standing winter resort in Bulgaria, with a history dating from 1896. Borovets is now one of the biggest and most modern winter holiday resorts in Bulgaria. Located amidst mature pine woods 1,390 metres above sea level, it is a perfect place for outdoor activities
...
Melnik
Melnik is the smallest town in Bulgaria, situated close to the spa town of Sandanski in the extreme south‑western part of Bulgaria and close to the Greek border. It is a quaint and historic town, with traditional Bulgarian houses nestling between the mountains and the river. Melnik
...
Pamporovo
Pamporovo is a pretty ski resort which lies in the stunning Rhodopi Mountains. It is set amongst magnificent pine forests and, in addition to being a popular winter ski resort, it is also a popular tourist attraction during summer.
...
Sandanski
Sandanski, a beautiful and lively spa town in South West Bulgaria, is favoured for its warm and sunny climate, picturesque mountain scenery and therapeutic spa waters. Sandanski is named after the Bulgarian revolutionary, Yane Sandanski, but is more famous in the West for being the
...
Sofia
Sofia, the capital city of Bulgaria, is situated at the foot of the Vitosha mountain. It lies in the Sofia Valley, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. Sofia city is well known for its mineral and thermal springs. In fact, Sofia was settled by the Thracians during the 18th
...
Veliko Tarnovo
Veliko Tarnovo, the medieval capital of Bulgaria, is brought to you with more than 7000 years of history. Gaze in admiration at the quaint houses, stacked one above the other on the hillside, and which demonstrate a remarkable and unique architectural style. Wander across the magnificent
...
The Black Sea Coast
The Bulgarian coast (otherwise known as the Bulgarian Riviera) is washed by the calm waters of the Black Sea. There are 380 kilometres of marvellous beaches. The sea is calm and safe, with clear water. Here you will find healthy, clean air, fine golden sand and natural dunes, mineral
...
Golf In Bulgaria
Bulgaria's climate is an essential factor in attracting golf tourism to the country. Often, Mediterranean golf destinations become too hot during the summer, making it a less than pleasant experience. Similarly, there are courses in parts of Spain and Cyprus which can become very
...
Investment In Bulgaria
Bulgarian property is an excellent investment. Wise investors know that a relatively young market like Bulgaria can provide substantial return on investment.
...
Skiing In Bulgaria
Bulgaria is blessed with magnificent mountain scenery and an excellent climate for both summer and winter tourism. In the winter, the mountains are covered with deep, crisp snow which is ideal for skiing, tobogganing and snowboarding. The three most famous ski resorts in Bulgaria
...
Tourist Information
Bulgaria is a small country situated in south‑Eastern Europe. Bulgaria occupies the central part of the Balkan Peninsula on both sides of the Balkan mountain range. To the north, Bulgaria shares a border with Romania. The largest part of this border runs along the River Danube. To
...
Viewing Trips
Many people are happy to buy new or off‑plan properties without visiting them. However, most people who intend to buy a property in Bulgaria (or any other country) want to view the property and the area around it.
...
