Borovets Area

Visit Bulgaria

Situated in South Eastern Europe, Bulgaria has a strategically important location at the crossroads of Europe, Asia and Africa. It occupies the central part of the Balkan Peninsula on both sides of the Balkan Range (the Balkans), from where the name of the peninsula has originated. Bulgaria is bordered by Macedonia to the west, Turkey to the south-east and Greece to the south. The greater part of the northern border with Romania passes along the Danube River, and the eastern border is the Black Sea. The territory of the country is divided into 28 districts (provinces) with a total of 263 municipalities, grouped into 6 planning economic regions. Each region has unique culture and traditions, but they are all combined by the warm Bulgarian hospitality – an irresistible invitation to visit them!

The country itself is one of extraordinary diversity. Word is getting out about how much this country offers including diverse ski property for sale… Beautiful mountains offering reliable winter snow and skiing, and stunning landscape for summer hiking. Endless temperate forest full of fauna lost to most of Europe, such as bears and wolves. Down from the hills and mountains, almost Alpine-like meadows, covered in flowers, often uncultivated, unspoilt… a real treat to the visitor from crowded Western Europe, particularly the UK. All this makes Bulgaria a perfect place for buying property. It’s not surprising that home buyers and holidaymakers are heading in increasing numbers to enjoy this space and beauty.

Borovets Ski Resort

Bulgaria’s premium ski resort Borovets, just 70 km from Sofia and 10 km from Samokov, is the oldest and most famous ski resort in Bulgaria. Its origin dates back to the late 19th century when it was know as Chamkoriya. This is the area where King Ferdinand built the first royal hunting lodge. Today Borovets is the biggest skiing center in terms of length and capacity and a popular year round location for both international and Bulgarian tourists.

    

The real charm of Borovets can be felt during the winter. The winter season lasts from December to April and mountain lovers from all over Europe converge on the resort to partake in the many snow sports on offer. As well as traditional skiing and snowboarding the resort offers cross-country skiing, ski jumps and biathlon, ski-doo, ice-skating and night- skiing. Borovets offers 58km of ski runs with various difficulties and lengths which are bashed daily and maintained to a high standard. The ski runs vary in difficulty and length. A further 25km of cross country ski trails weave their way through the tall pine trees and breathtaking nature of Borovets.

Borovets really comes to life by night. The après-ski & nightlife has something for everyone. The resort is full of bars, cafes and restaurants with a mix of international & local Bulgarian cuisine.

In the summer Borovets is just as marvelous as in the winter, offering clean and fresh air, serene centuries-old pine forests, green meadows sprinkled with fragrant flowers and herbs, blue lakes and majestic snow-capped peaks. For nature-lovers the resort is a favorite vacation spot and starting point of many hiking routes in the Rila Mountains.

Borovets is currently undergoing a lot of investment and improvement as part of the Super Borovets project.

Cultural & Leisure Activities

Rila Monastery
The Rila Monastery is Bulgaria’s largest and most famous monastery. It was founded in 927 AD and is hidden high in the Rila Mountains, with unique architecture. It is regarded as one of Bulgaria’s most important cultural and historic monuments. It is located just 90 minutes from Borovets and is a very enjoyable day trip.

The Seven Rila Lakes
         

The Seven Rila Lakes are the most spectacular and breathtaking lakes in Bulgaria. This is a place, where you can reach your dreams, enjoy the wind and smile at the tiny purple crocuses. Set high in the Rila Mountains, they can be reached either on foot or by jeep-safari. He lakes are found at different altitudes between 2100 and 2500 meters above sea level and appear like large footprints or steps leading up the mountain. Each of the lakes is named according to its shape. The Seven Rila Lakes comprise an extremely wonderful spot within the boundaries of the Rila National Park. Many of its species are native to the area and are listed in the Red Data Book of Flora and Fauna which classifies them as endangered or rare. Basic accommodation is available near the lakes should you wish to spend a night on the mountain. Guides can also be arranged if you would prefer the company of someone familiar with the area.

Bistritsa Palace – King Ferdinand’s Hunting Lodge
You can visit the Bistritsa Palace (Tsarska Bistritsa) which is the former king’s residence in Borovets. The hunting lodge was nationalized after 1945, when Bulgaria became a Communist state. Following the democratic changes of 1989 the palace was somewhat controversially returned to Simeon II (the last monarch of Bulgaria). The palace now hosts the royal family’s collection of hunting trophies and remains open for public viewings. There you can see the original electro generator Siemens built in 1912 and still supplying the palace with electricity. The architecture of the building is also interesting and combines Bulgarian National Revival architecture other European styles.

Sapareva Banya Spa
         

If you fancy a day of luxury, Borovets has many hotels which offer spa and wellness centers with a range of massage and beauty treatment. Alternatively you could visit the town of Sapareva Banya tucked in the Rila Mountains which is a natural spa resort and host to Europe’s hottest mineral water and the only active geyser in the Balkans.

Plovdiv  – culture crossroads and picturesque nature
The city of Plovdiv is definitely worth a visit. The old town area is a maze of cobbled streets and Roman ruins representing open-air museum, situated on the three hills of the Trimontiom. If you are lucky you can even take in a classical concert in one of the most remarkable sights of the town, the Ancient Theater (a well preserved ancient Roman Theater) which is still used for open air performances. Plovdiv is also famous as a centre for artists and today the city has many museums and art galleries.