Rafting and hiking in the mountains with lakes, river gorges and monasteries? Book a holiday home in Bulgaria!

Not everyone immediately thinks of Bulgaria as a holiday destination for a wide audience. Yet this country is a versatile destination with authentic sights, plenty of beaches along the Black Sea, and an unspoilt mountain landscape! For example, go for wonderful walks along streams and through gorges in the Rhodope Mountains and enjoy a panoramic hike along the lakes of the Rila Mountains. For the ultimate outdoor adventure, go rafting on the Struma River. Tip: rent a holiday home in Bulgaria and take a dip at Sinemorets, where you can swim in the Black Sea on one side of the beach and in the Veleka River on the other!

Discover the old city of Sofia from a holiday home in Bulgaria!

The capital of Bulgaria, Sofia, is well worth a visit despite the many buildings that still recall the communist era. There are plenty of Orthodox churches that reveal a very different side of the city, such as the impressive Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its golden domes. In the surrounding area, you will find even more churches, as well as several parks within walking distance of each other. The Orchid Garden is one of the smallest, but offers a beautiful view of the Nevsky Cathedral! The much larger Borisova Park, with woodland, benches and grassy areas for relaxing, borders a playground and a zoo.

It is interesting to know that the origins of Sofia date back to early Roman times. The city therefore has a very long history that is well worth exploring, for example at the Sofia History Museum. This museum has an impressive collection of artworks spread across multiple rooms and highlights the city’s history, ranging from the Roman and Byzantine Empires to Ottoman rule and modern times.

History and recreation in Nessebar

Another ancient city in Bulgaria that consistently ranks among the country’s must-see places is Nessebar on the Black Sea coast. This town has also lived through several historical periods, which is clearly reflected in its many churches and Roman ruins. The characteristic houses are mostly a mix of stone and wood and are located along cobbled streets made of natural stone. On this peninsula, visitors can not only enjoy the authentic townscape and the seafood restaurants with a view, but also the exciting fun of Aquapark Nessebar! With more than 10 slides, this water park guarantees a fantastic day out for the whole family!

Admire the Seven Rila Lakes from your holiday home in Bulgaria

Although Bulgaria is not widely known as an accessible hiking destination, it offers stunning hiking opportunities! Rila National Park is one of the best-known areas for a hiking adventure at impressive altitude. There is a mountain route that takes you past seven lakes, with breathtaking panoramas along the way over the varied mountain scenery of barren peaks and forested slopes. After a short climb from the Rila Lakes hut, you will mostly hike over flat terrain, allowing you to enjoy the views for a long time. Further along, another challenging climb awaits, rewarded by a beautiful waterfall. The final section offers panoramic views over all seven lakes and a plateau where horses graze. If you are adventurous and reasonably fit, this hike is definitely achievable, as long as you drink enough water and protect yourself well from the sun!

Discover the diverse mix of nature and cultural heritage in the Rhodopes

A beautiful region that showcases a richly forested mountain world with occasional open landscapes is the Rhodopes in southern Bulgaria. Typical features include the green rolling hills along the river and the stone arch bridges scattered across the scenery. The region is especially popular for hiking holidays thanks to the combination of mountains, gorges and rivers on the one hand, and the cultural heritage of monasteries and churches on the other! End your hike in one of the picturesque villages such as Chevermeto and enjoy Bulgarian dishes with Greek and Turkish influences. 

Tip: visit the wine town of Melnik from a holiday home in Bulgaria! This is one of the most authentic villages in the country, located in a deep valley. Along the streets and even against the rocky slopes, you will see many of the characteristic white houses built with natural stone and topped with orange roofs.

Go rafting in the Kresna Gorge

One of the activities in Bulgaria that makes a great addition to mountain hiking is rafting on the Struma River. This wild river flows through the Kresna Gorge, which you can reach from Sofia in just under two hours by car. Rafting on the Struma is considered one of Bulgaria’s most spectacular highlights, with stages reaching up to 12 kilometres. From spring until July, the river reaches its highest water level, making these months the best time to go.

Strandzha: lush forests all the way to the coast

Remarkably green and well worth exploring from a holiday home in Bulgaria on the Black Sea is Strandzha Nature Park. It is a wonderful place for hiking if you want to enjoy shady forests, streams and small waterfalls. One walk that is ideal to do with children is the trail from Kosti, which leads to one of the waterfalls hidden in the forest. Hiking routes also take you along the Black Sea coast, where the Veleka River flows into the sea at a beach. The sea on one side of the long sandy beach and the river with forested slopes on the other is a truly unique sight!

Tip: visit the viewpoint of Veleka’s River Meanders. From here you will have a wide view over the endless cone-shaped mountains.

Rent a holiday home in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is a country that will surprise everyone, especially outdoor lovers! They can fully enjoy rafting and hikes through unspoilt nature, such as the high Rila Mountains with the Seven Lakes. Also explore hiking trails along mountain rivers in the lush Rhodopes or the forested hills with waterfalls near the border with Greece. Do you want to enjoy an affordable holiday, relaxation along the coast and plenty of swimming? Rent a holiday home in Bulgaria and enjoy the beaches and a paradise of water slides in the historic seaside resort of Nessebar!