Adventure holidays in Bulgaria

Bulgaria is an ideal country for the lovers of adventure holidays.

Some of Europe’s finest highland scenery is found in the Rila, Pirin, Balkan, Sredna Gora and Rhodope mountain ranges of Bulgaria. Bulgaria’s numerous mountain ranges are mainly located in the Southern region of the country. 

Eight Bulgarian mountains reach well over 2000m above sea level and five of the largest rivers in the Balkan region start in the Bulgarian mountains. Nearly one third of the country is covered with mountains, although they are accessible throughout the year and do not present any major difficulties for inexperienced adventure holiday makers.




Adventure holidays in Bulgaria - Hiking 
The main hiking destinations are Rila and Pirin National Parks, Central and Western Rhodope, the Northern part of Vitosha, and Stara Planina. 

Hiking and mountaineering are extremely popular activities for an adventure holiday and they are considered more than just a sport. 
The well developed network of huts and 30,000 km of marked trails make mountaineering in Bulgaria a safe and pleasant experience.

Professionally trained guides from the Mountain Guide Training Centre are available. Numerous lodges, guesthouses and hospitable family hotels are good bases for hiking.

There are bilingual maps, Bed and Breakfast and Guesthouse guidebooks available.


Adventure holidays in Bulgaria - cycling and mountain biking Cycling and mountain biking is an exciting way to spend an adventure holidays.
The vast network of paths and forestry roads in the Bulgarian mountains have given this sport a great deal of scope and freedom.
Many places in Vitosha, Stara Planina, Rhodopes and Rila Mountains offer bikes to rent. The most popular routes connect the high mountain villages. You can choose between easy, difficult and extreme cycle routes.


Adventure holidays in Bulgaria - horseback riding
Horseback Riding has a long tradition in Bulgaria.

The largest horse breeding farm is in Kabiyuk, in the South-East of Bulgaria near the town of Shoumen.

There is a wide range of riding holidays available, from gentle treks through the plains, to week-long expeditions into the mountains.


Most popular in Northern Bulgaria is Sevlievo, Uzana, Arbanasi and Botevgrad. There are also many places in the Rhodopes for horse riding, for example, Trigrd and Arda.

Not far from Sofia in Lozenska and Rila Mountains, there are horseback riding facilities at “Iskar” hunting lodge. 


Adventure holidays in Bulgaria - skimountaineering and snowshoeing 
Skimountaineering and Snowshoeing evokes images of high mountain ranges and steeper, mountainous terrain.

Circular or through tours with a few stopover nights at a guesthouse or mountain lodge is a memorable experience undertaken within the heights of Pirin or Rila mountains.

Snowshoeing, though only recently introduced is also popular. This is an excellent alternative to skiing when the routes are too difficult to ski on. Snowshoeing can be practiced anywhere in the mountains and can be as adventurous as one likes. A


Adventure holidays in Bulgaria are practically limitless.

Rockclimbing is well known and increasing in popularity. Opportunities to practice this sport can be found at Lakatnik, Vratsa and Veliko Tarnovo.

Rafting and kayaking are available in the spring on Strouma, Vit, Yantra, Danube any many other rivers.

Even paragliding is practised in Bistritsa village near Sofia and in the blue skies above the town of Sopot nera Karlovo.

Multi- activity trips add a special touch to your adventure holiday:  many activities are possible in these trips, from abseiling to white water rafting and paragliding in spring and summer, to caving in winter and autumn. These short trips offer a combination of activities of your choice. Adrenalin- high holidays for active people seeking physical and mental challenges are possible in top places, such as Middle Rhodopes, South Pirin, and Rousenski Lom National Park. For those that would like to take it easier and have a special interest in nature and the countryside may prefer specific activities such as bird watching or botany trips.

Visit the hunting reserves of Studen Kladenets, Voden and Kormisosh where you have the opportunity to photograph wildlife in its natural habitat.

Undoubtely Bulgaria is a perfect setting for adventure holidays, particularly in the summer months, with its natural caves, rocks, canyons and waterfalls adding to the unique character of these lands.