Special interest toursMost towns and cities have a national history and ethnographic museum. Visits to the old museum towns and ancient monasteries provide an excellent opportunity to experience Bulgaria’s rich historical and cultural traditions; some museum towns, such as Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv, offer painting and photography courses.
WintersportsBulgaria is a fast-growing skiing destination and the country’s three major ski resorts have been improved in recent years. Snowfall is consistently heavy from December until April. The ski areas may not be
as extensive as the Alps, but for novice and intermediate skiing, Bulgaria offers excellent conditions. Off-piste skiing is good and cross-country skiing is becoming increasingly popular, with many trails leading through pine forests. (For details of the main ski resorts and facilities, see Winter Resorts in the
Where to Go section.)
WatersportsThe Black Sea coast has over 370km (232 miles) of coastline with sandy beaches. Owing to its low salt content, it is ideal for swimming. A wide range of watersports, including water-skiing, sailing and surfing are available. Whitewater rafting, canoeing and kayaking are possible on the Rivers
Arda,
Ossam,
Stackevska and
Struma during springtime. The quieter waters of the
Danube are particularly suitable for canoeing and kayaking.
HikingThere are over 35,000km (21,749 miles) of waymarked paths in Bulgaria. 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. (See also National Parks in the
Where to Go section.)
Outdoor pursuitsOrganized mountaineering and climbing trips can be arranged by specialized companies 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. Bulgaria has twice hosted the orienteering World Championships and a national orienteering cup takes place annually on the
Shoumensko Plateau. Numerous companies also offer organized caving trips to the country’s numerous caves and spectacular subterranean rock formations (many of which have ancient cave paintings). Horse riding has traditionally been popular in Bulgaria and there is a choice of one- or two-week tours available; possible itineraries include the Danube Valley, the Balkan, Rila and Stara Planina mountains and the Valley of Roses. It is also possible to travel the country by horse and cart. For mountain biking enthusiasts, the Rhodope mountains provide excellent trails, while cycling along the Black Sea coast is a popular family activity.
There are also generally good facilities for tennis and mini-golf in the major resorts.
CruisesLuxury cruises along the Danube sailing through seven countries in two air-conditioned river liners, each accommodating 236 passengers, is available. This interesting tour includes transit to Passau or Vienna, to begin either a two- or three-week cruise to Rousse in eastern Bulgaria, with excursions at all points of call. Afterwards, there is a choice of touring Bulgaria by coach, or staying on the Black Sea Riviera, or at a mountain resort inland. The return trip home is by air.
Health spasBulgaria has many mineral water spas and increasing interest is being shown in spa holidays. There are over 500 springs.
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