Borovets Travel Guide

Plan your perfect trip with this comprehensive guide to Borovets, a mountain resort in Bulgaria. Learn about cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, food and drink scene, local customs, safety, transportation, and more!


Introduction to Borovets

Borovets is a small mountain resort town located in the beautiful Bulgarian Shopluk region. Nestled in the Rila Mountains, this town is known to be an excellent destination for those who love the great outdoors and those who are looking for a relaxation vacation.

With a rich cultural heritage, Borovets provides visitors a great balance of modern amenities with a sense of traditional Bulgarian charm. The town boasts a robust food and drink scene and offers various accommodations, including hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Borovets.

List of Places to Visit in Borovets

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Rila Monastery - A UNESCO world heritage site is a must-visit place in Borovets. This 10th-century monastery is a prime example of Bulgarian religious and cultural architecture.

  2. Boyana Church - This Orthodox church located in Sofia is another UNESCO world heritage site and provides visitors a glimpse of Bulgarian art in the Middle Ages.

  3. Tsari Mali Grad - The small fortress town located near the city of Belchin provides a fascinating look at Bulgaria’s medieval history.

Natural Attractions of Borovets: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Rila National Park - This magnificent national park offers breathtaking landscapes complete with many hiking trails, waterfalls, and fascinating flora and fauna. Visitors can also go skiing during the winter.

  2. Lakes of Rila Mountain - These glacial lakes are located in the Rila Mountains and offer visitors a stunning view of Bulgaria’s natural beauty. Some popular lakes to visit include Kremenski Lakes and the Seven Rila Lakes.

  3. Chamkoria Adventure Park - This amusement park offers several outdoor activities that include zip lines, rope courses, bungee jumping, and quad biking.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Borovets

  1. Yastrebets Ridge - A great hike for people who enjoy trekking. The Yastrebets Ridge is around 12km long and provides stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

  2. Musala Peak - This hike is a challenging one, but the beautiful scenery is worth it! At 2,925 meters, it’s the highest peak of the Rila Mountains.

  3. Borovets Bike Park - Mountain biking enthusiasts will enjoy the trails in Borovets Bike Park. From beginner to advanced trails, each is sure to provide a thrilling experience.

Best Things to Do in Borovets: Activities and Tours

  1. Ski/Snowboard - Borovets is famous for skiing and snowboarding. With slopes suitable for both amateurs and experts, the resort provides an excellent winter vacation destination.

  2. Horse Riding - Visitors can explore the beautiful meadows, forests, and mountains by going on a horseback ride.

  3. ATV Tours - Various operators provide visitors an ATV ride experience offering them a unique and exciting way to explore the countryside.

Week-Long Itinerary for Borovets

Day Activities
1 Rila Monastery, Boyana Church, and Tsari Mali Grad
2 Hiking at Rila National Park
3 Chamkoria Adventure Park, Quad Biking, and Horse Riding
4 Yastrebets Ridge Trek
5 Ski/Snowboarding
6 Musala Peak Hike
7 ATV Tour and Local Culture tour

Food and Drink Scene of Borovets

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Bansko Kapama - A traditional Bulgarian stew served in a ceramic pot, filled with pork, veal, and vegetables and herbs.

  2. Banitsa - A pastry made from thin layers of dough filled with feta cheese and eggs is a popular breakfast dish.

  3. Kebapche - Grilled ground meat sausage made with pork and beef, seasoned with cumin and other spices.

Local Beverages

  1. Rakia - A Bulgarian brandy made from either grapes or plums, which is traditionally associated with hospitality and friendship in Bulgarian culture.

  2. Menta - A Bulgarian mint-flavored liqueur is perfect for an after-dinner party cocktail.

  3. Bulgarian Wine - Bulgaria is an ancient wine producer, so trying some Bulgarian wine is a must-do.

Where to Stay in Borovets: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Samokov Hotel - The largest hotel in Borovets is a perfect option for big groups or families.

  2. Euphoria Club Hotel & Spa - A five-star ski resort and spa that offers rooms and apartments. The hotel has wellness facilities, including an indoor pool, sauna, and massage treatments.

  3. Yagoda Ski Chalets - If you are looking for peace and privacy, stay at one of the lovely chalets located in the forest, just a ten-minute walk from the town center.

What to Buy in Borovets: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Folk Handicrafts - You can find beautiful handmade gifts in Borovets including pottery, woolen socks, and unique musical instruments like the Kaval.

  2. Rose Oil - Bulgaria is known as the land of roses, and buying rose oil is a great souvenir to bring home.

  3. Rakia - As mentioned before, Rakia is a Bulgarian brandy; buying a bottle of good quality rakia is a great gift for someone special.

Local Culture and Customs of Borovets

Borovets is a charming place that offers visitors unique cultural insights. Respect the Bulgarian custom of removing your shoes when entering someone’s home, and dress conservatively when visiting religious sites.

Best Time to Visit Borovets

Borovets is a year-round destination with something to offer in each season. The winter season, from December to April, is ideal for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts. The summer season, from June to September, is perfect for hiking, biking, and other outdoor activities

Do’s and Don’ts of Borovets

Do:

  1. Respect Local Customs and Traditions.
  2. Enjoy outdoor activities.
  3. Try Bulgarian food and drink.

Don’t:

  1. Litter and damage nature.
  2. Ignore the dress code when visiting religious sites.
  3. Be rude and disrespectful.

Safety and Health

Safety in Borovets

Borovets is a safe place to visit, and violent crime is rare. However, visitors should still take standard safety precautions, such as avoiding unlit areas at night and not leaving valuables visible in vehicles.

Health in Borovets

There are medical centers, clinics, and pharmacies located in Borovets in case of emergencies.

Getting to Borovets: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Borovets

  1. Sofia Airport (SOF) - The airport is the main international airport and located around 70 km from Borovets.

  2. Plovdiv Airport (PDV) - The airport is located around 150 km from Borovets and serves some international and domestic airlines.

Bus Stations Near Borovets

North Bus Station and Central Bus Station in Sofia city are the closest major bus stations to Borovets.

Other Options

You can also rent a car and self-drive or book a transfer from the airport to Borovets.

How to Get Around in Borovets

Borovets is a small town, and most accommodation options are located within walking distance from the town center. The town is perfect for cycling, and renting a bike is a great way to explore Borovets.

Where to Go Next from Borovets: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Sofia

The capital city of Bulgaria has several cultural landmarks, such as the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the National Palace of Culture, and Vitosha Boulevard, one of Sofia’s main shopping streets.

Plovdiv

Plovdiv, located around 150 km from Borovets, is the second-largest city in Bulgaria and boasts of rich cultural heritage, including the Roman-era amphitheater and charming Old Town.

Conclusion

Borovets is a great place to visit for adventure enthusiasts and those looking for relaxation. This town offers a unique blend of nature, culture, and modern facilities. We hope this comprehensive guide has provided everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to this mountain resort town. Enjoy your trip!