Bulgaria is situated in the central part of the Balkans. Romania is its neighbour to the north and Serbia and Macedonia to the west. Greece and Turkey are our south neighbours. To east the country reaches the Black Sea. Bulgaria’s territory is 111 000 square kilometres with a population of 8 000 000 people. Thirty percent of the area is covered by mountains – Rila, Pirin, the Rhodops, Stara Planina / Old Mountain /, Vitosha, Strandja etc.

The highest peak on the Balkans is in Rila mountain – Mussala peak / 2925 m /

The country has mild and various climate offering both the “exotic” Black Sea coast in the east part and the fresh and “snowy” mountains, situated in the central and south-west parts.

Bulgaria provides many sport and tourism opportunities throughout the year. Winter is perfect for skiing and snowboarding, summer for windsurfing, kitesurfing, yachting, mountain biking, climbing, trekking and orienteering.

Autumn and spring are the seasons for mountain biking, climbing, trekking and orienteering.

Bulgaria is well known for being a stable economical and political centre of the Balkans. The tourism is developing very rapidly in the last 10 years. In 2007 Bulgaria will become a full member of the European Union (EU).

Bulgarian Mountains

Pirin Mountain

Pirin is the second highest mountain in Bulgaria but it is by far the most beautiful one. It is situated in the south – west part of the country and is part of the Rila – Rhodops massif. It has a total area of 1210 square km and an average height of 1033 m above sea-level. Pirin is a well expressed alpine mountain. Vihren is the highest peak, reaching 2914 m. The mountain has a great variety of animal and plant species. Pirin’s beauty is due to the long lasting glacier activity in the past. It has formed jagged peaks, huge valleys, deep circuses, most of them decorated by crystal clear lakes. In the past the Thracians called Pirin “Orbelos”, which meant “Snow-white” mountain. The Slavs called it Perin – after the ancient god of thunders and thunderstorms, from where the name “Pirin” has originated.

In order to preserve its forms, natural formations, unique ecosystems and rare plant and animal species Pirin Mountain is made a National Park.

Rila Mountain

Rila is the highest mountain on the Balkan Peninsula. It is situated in the west part of the country with total area of 2396 square km. It has four main areas: East, Central, South-west and North-west. The East part is the highest one with Mussala peak – 2925 m. With its “alpine look”, the huge rocky walls of Zlia Zab, Orlovets, Maliovitsa peak and the unbelievably beautiful “7 lakes” region Rila is very impressive and definitely not a place to miss.

In order to preserve its forms, natural formations, unique ecosystems and rare plant and animal species Rila Mountain is made a National Park.

Rhodope Mountains

The Rhodopes are the widest mountain in Bulgaria with a total area of 18 000 square km and an average height of 1098 km above sea-level. The mountain consists of two main massifs: west with higher peaks and east with lower hills. The highest peak is Goliam Perelik (2191m).

The Rhodopes include many mountain ridges, divided by deeply indented river valleys. Here are located many natural wonders, remains of ancient cultures (Perperikon) and historical and architectural monuments (Trigrad, Batak). In the south part of the mountain is located the second biggest winter resort in Bulgaria – Pamporovo.

The Rhodope Mountains resemble a sea of dark green hills merging into one another and unveil wild and untouched corners of beauty combined with an unbelievable variety of plants and wildlife.

Resorts

Bansko

Bansko is a town in Southwestern Bulgaria, located at the foot of Pirin mountain.

The archeological traces of the inhabitants of Bansko in general date to the early periods of Roman Empire. In the Renaissance it was a main cultural and revolutionary center and later a stockbreeding and traveling merchant community. This is the reason why Bansko has many architectural and historical monuments and culture. Nowadays it has become a center of winter and summer tourism. The mountain peaks near the town and the most modern ski facilities has made Bansko the fastest developing winter resort in Western Europe. The numerous lakes, the old pine woods and the alpine peaks make it a perfect place for mountaineering in the summer.

Bansko also has the perfect combination of delicious native kitchen, unique taverns and unforgettable folklore music.

Bansko is one of the most wonderful recesses in Bulgaria, which is worth visiting either in the winter or in the summer.

Borovets

Borovetz is a popular Bulgarian mountain resort, located near the capital city Sofia, on the northern slopes of Rila, at an altitude of 1350m above sea-level.

Today the resort is a modern and luxury ski-center with nice hotels, situated in wide and beautiful pine forests. The excellent ski conditions have made Borovetz twice a host of Alpine skiing World Cup competitions.

Pamporovo

Pamporovo is a popular mountain resort in Southern Bulgaria, one of the most well-known in Southeastern Europe. It is set in the Southern Rhodope Mountains at an altitude of 1620m above sea-level.

Pamporovo is unique with its mild mountain climate, sunny days and deep snow, perfect for skiing and snowboarding.