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Mountains Travel Guide

Mountains

Moussala Peak, Rila Mountains © Bulgarian Tourism Authority
The natural beauty of Bulgaria is specially striking to first time visitors, and in particular it is the dominance of its magnificent mountains, ranging from sharp snow-covered peaks and icy blue lakes to cool forests, bio-reserves and varied flora and fauna that really impresses the traveller. Among the heights are large ski resorts and mineral spas, quaint traditional villages, monasteries, and many opportunities for hiking, cave exploration and ecotourism.

More than half of Bulgaria is hilly or mountainous; the average elevation is about 1,575ft (480m). The Balkan Mountains in the central region cross the country from west to east, while the irregular Rhodope Mountains form the southeastern border with Greece, with the Rila and Pirin Mountains at their western end. Every mountain has its own characteristic appearance and fascinating prospects. The Rila Mountains are the most majestic and boast the country's highest peak, Moussala (9,596ft/2,925m), Bulgaria's most famous monastery, Rila, and the country's oldest ski resort at Borovets. The greenest and prettiest mountain range is the Rhodopes, which is home to Pamporovo, the largest ski resort, as well as plenty of culture and folklore centred on the town of Momchilovtsi, which is the most popular place for ecotourism. Museum villages in the Balkan Range also offer excellent possibilities for ecotourism and are a showcase for the hospitality and warmth of the Bulgarian people. With hundreds of lakes, deep valleys and rugged peaks, the Pirin Mountains are probably the most beautiful and are home to a variety of rare plants protected within the Pirin National Park. The most frequented mountain is Vitosha, with the capital city Sofia at its foot, and is popular for winter holidays and skiing.



Resorts

See our separate guides to the following Mountains holiday resorts: Pamporovo, Borovets, Sandanski and Bansko


Excursions

Momchilovtsi

In the heart of the Rhodope Mountains lies the picturesque village of Momchilovtsi, a popular ethnographic centre that has preserved its original folklore, traditions and crafts. The Centre for Traditional Bulgarian Arts and Crafts provides a unique opportunity for visitors to attend courses to... see full details


Pirin National Park

Situated in the highest reaches of the Pirin Mountains, Pirin National Park encompasses rugged alpine peaks that rise above 8,202ft (2,500m) and more than a hundred glacial lakes spread at their feet. The magnificent landscape is made up of old forests, waterfalls, caves and... see full details


Rila Monastery

The biggest and most famous of Bulgaria's monasteries is situated in the northwestern part of the Rila Mountains and is one of the most significant monuments on the Balkan Peninsula. Rila Monastery was founded by a hermit, St John of Rila, in the... see full details


Are you looking for an unforgettable summer holiday on a picture perfect coastline, attractive accommodation, or an affordable ski holiday? Visit Bulgaria today with www.thomson.co.uk
Intrepid Travel, the world's leading supplier of small group adventures focused on getting off the beaten track, interacting with the locals and having real life experiences throughout Bulgaria.
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