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Top Things To Do
Ancient spas
Relax in one of Bulgaria's many mineral water spas. The curative properties of the Bulgarian mineral waters have been known and used for centuries. Ancient mineral complexes were built near the mineral springs and there are now plenty of top hotels with spas, especially around the Black Sea coast. Biking tours For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Rhodopi mountains provide excellent trails, while cycling along the Black Sea coast is a popular family activity. Climb every mountain Organised mountaineering and climbing trips can be arranged in the areas of Vratsa, Veliko Tarnovo, Trojan, Maliovitza and Roussenski Lom. The steep rocks of the Pirin, Rhodope, Rila and Stara Planina are popular with expert climbers, and there are numerous caves and spectacular rock formations, many with ancient cave paintings. Go hiking Bulgaria has 35,000km (21,749 miles) of waymarked paths and one- or two-week trips through the wild mountains can be arranged. Guides are provided and accommodation is usually in mountain chalets, guest houses or camps. National parks Get back to nature in Bulgaria's national parks. These include the ancient Bailusheva pine forests and limestone rocks in Pirin National Park, the seven lakes and 10th-century monastery in Rila National Park, and the Raiskoto Praskalo waterfall, the highest in the Balkan peninsula (www.bulgariannationalparks.org). Saddle up Horse riding has traditionally been popular in Bulgaria; possible itineraries include the Danube Valley, the Balkan, Rila and Stara Planina mountains and the Valley of Roses. Sample the folklore Bulgaria's traditional music festivals are an important part of Bulgarian rural life. Pirin Pee festival features the famous Pirin Folk Ensemble, a major group based in Blagoevgrad. Ski the slopes Quaint Bansko (www.banskoski.com) is the newest ski area, set in a historical town at the foot of the Pirin Mountains; Pamporovo (www.pamporovoresort.com), in the Rhodopi range, is Europe's southernmost ski resort; and Borovets (www.borovets-bg.com), in the Rila Mountains, is Bulgaria's oldest and largest mountain resort. Swim in the Black Sea Bulgaria has over 370km (232 miles) of glorious coastline with sandy beaches. Try busy resorts Sunny Beach and Golden Sands, picturesque Albena, historical Nesebar, the cultural and historical city of Varna, or the Mediterranean ambience of port city Bourgas. Valley of the Thracian Kings Stroll amongst the ancient burial mounds in the valley of Kazanluk. As well as the famous Kazanluk tomb there are interesting tombs at the villages of Krun, Muglizh, the Koprinka Dam and many others. See Contact Addresses for further tourist information. |
